Balloon cactus, Parodia magnifica, is an interesting houseplant for a south facing window but, unlike many cacti, it doesn’t prosper in full sun. It needs a full day of sunlight filtered through sheer curtains.
Read more →Lipstick plant, Aeschynanthus radicans, is a perfect flowering houseplant for hanging baskets. Give it bright filtered light (no direct sun), warm temperatures, and ample water. It’s on page 99 of our newest book, What’s Wrong With My Houseplant?, from Timber Press.
Read more →This variegated weeping fig, Ficus benjamina, with its sparkling ivory foliage and crisp green patches is a beautiful variation of a beloved houseplant. It makes a very interesting living Christmas tree!
Read more →The flowers of Guzmania bromeliads come in a wide array of colors from flaming scarlet to red, pink, orange, lavender, and yellow. Excellent houseplants, give them bright filtered light but no direct sun.
Read more →Moth orchids, Phalaenopsis species and hybrids, are surprisingly abundant and inexpensive these days. Available everywhere in supermarkets and big box stores they thrive in the low light and warmth of our homes as nearly perfect houseplants.
Read more →Blushing bromeliads, Neoregelia species and hybrids, are elegant houseplants that flourish with a half day of direct sun from an east window. The leaves in the heart of the plant develop brilliant color when the plant flowers.
Read more →Ladyslipper orchids, Paphiopedilum species and hybrids, are another group of orchids that are excellent houseplants. They want low light and warm nights, just what our homes have to offer. Not available in big box stores, find them online from specialty orchid houses.
Read more →Spring bulbs, like these irises, can be forced into bloom inside the house in winter. They make beautiful temporary houseplants for a few weeks but have to go back outside when weather permits.
Read more →Dendrobium orchids are often found these days in floral departments of supermarkets and big box stores. They make wonderful houseplants for a south window in very bright light filtered by sheer curtains.
Read more →Goldfish plant has several other common names (candy-corn plant, guppy plant, dolphin plant). The name refers to three different species all of which have flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow and grow very well in hanging baskets.
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