Zanzibar Gem (Z Z Plant)

Zanzibar Gem, or ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) looks like a Zamia, a cycad, but is really in the skunk cabbage family along with philodendrons, pothos, Chinese evergreen, and so many other wonderful houseplants. Give it bright light (no direct sun) and low water. See page 120 of our newest book, What’s Wrong With My Houseplant.

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Clivia miniata

The beautiful clivia, Clivia miniata, makes a gorgeous houseplant even when not in flower. It’s big, 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, at maturity. Cool morning light from an east window filtered by sheer curtains is best. See page 88 in our newest book, What’s Wrong With My Houseplant.    

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Stanhopea Orchids

A beautiful specimen of a Stanhopea orchid was in full bloom in a display garden at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. These plants are grown in baskets because the flower stalk emerges through the bottom of the basket.

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Our Book Signings

We spent the last several days at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, presented a seminar, and signed copies of our books for people. Some of our books sold out! The show is fabulous this year, as always.

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Cymbidium Orchids

We see Cymbidium orchids in full bloom in the floral departments of supermarkets right now. The flowers come in a wide array of colors and the plants are attractive houseplants even when out of flower. Give these orchids a half day of full sun in an east window. See page 169 of our newest book from Timber Press, What’s Wrong With My Houseplant.  

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Croton

Croton, Codiaeum variegatum, is a small shrub with fantastically colorful leaves. As a houseplant it gets to 3 feet tall and wide. It needs very bright filtered light to maintain the foliage color but it won’t tolerate full sun. See page 56 in our newest book from Timber Press, What’s Wrong With My Houseplant.  

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Living Stones, Lithops

Living Stones look more like pebbles than plants, until the surprisingly large flower pops out from between the two fleshy leaves. Give these tiny houseplants a half day of direct sun from an east window. Read all about them on page 227 of our newest book, What’s Wrong With My Houseplant from Timber Press.

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Urn Plant, Aechmea fasciata

Urn Plant is a big Bromeliad houseplant to 2 feet tall and wide. The silver and green foliage is the perfect color balance for the frosty pink and purple flowers. Give it filtered light from an east window. It’s on page 197 of our newest book, What’s Wrong With My Houseplant.  

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Corsage Orchids

Orchids in the Cattleya alliance are called corsage orchids. The photo is Brassocattleya Pink Debutante with fragrant flowers 6 to 8 inches across. The plants get big too. Give them very bright light but no direct sun. See page 166 of our newest book, What’s Wrong With My Houseplant.

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Scale Insects

Cottony cushion scale on a citrus houseplant doesn’t look like an insect because it has no legs or wings and doesn’t move. Nevertheless, it’s a bug and it’s reproducing like wildfire. Treat it with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or rubbing alcohol; these are safe to use inside your home. Page 262 of our book, What’s Wrong With My Houseplant?

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