Licuala grandis, commonly known as the ruffled fan palm or Vanuatu fan palm, is a short, trunked palm tree with wide, pleated leaves with a vibrant green hue. Licuala grandis grows best in warm, humid conditions and requires bright sunlight and well-draining soil. It thrives outdoors in tropical climates but makes an attractive tall houseplant, too. … Read more
Gerbera daisy is a flowering plant from South Africa in the Aster family, best known for its large, brightly colored blooms. Today’s nursery and seed catalog varieties are hybrids, and they come in four main classes: single flower, semi-double flower, double flower, and spider flower. In warm regions, Gerbera daisies grow as tender perennials that … Read more
English daisy, also commonly known as the common daisy, is a perennial, but it is a biennial in the southern United States and grown as an annual in the northern United States, where plants are usually discarded after one season of bloom. It is known for its unique red, white, and pink rounded blooms with yellow … Read more
Key Points Begonias are a staple of the shade garden, and they provide long-lasting color and interest. This large genus of over 2,000 plants varies in form, with some grown primarily for their foliage (like rex and polka dot begonias), while others are grown for their stunning flower displays. Under the right conditions, begonias flower from pring to … Read more
Nutmeg is usually associated with the aroma that permeates the air during chilly weather. The native habitat of the nutmeg tree, though, is far from the typical North American autumn. It is a tropical evergreen native to the balmy Spice Islands in the South Pacific. With its dark green, glossy, aromatic leaves, and dense, conical crown, … Read more
Gloriosa lily is grown as a perennial in warmer zones, but in colder regions, you can either grow it as an annual or dig up the tubers and store them for the winter to replant in the spring. It does well in various levels of light and a wide range of soils. Like all plants in … Read more
Tribulus terrestris, commonly known as puncture vine, goat’s head, or caltrop weed, is a medicinal plant widely valued for its energizing, hormone-balancing, and revitalizing properties. Known for its thorny, hard fruits that can even puncture shoes or bicycle tires, this hardy plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries across Asia, Europe, and Africa. … Read more
Not every garden gets eight hours of full sun, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on growing your own vegetables. While many crops love long, sunny days, there are plenty of vegetables that thrive in part-shade conditions and still produce bountiful harvests. The key is knowing which vegetables can handle less light and how to … Read more
Butterflies aren’t just drawn to pretty colors, though they do love vibrant purples, bright pinks and sunny yellows. They’re also looking for nectar-rich blooms with easy landing spots, plus plants that support their full life cycle, from egg to caterpillar to gorgeous butterflies. The right combination doesn’t just invite them in—it gives them a reason to stay. … Read more
If you are an orchid newbie, I highly recommend that you read up on the types of orchids and their care before taking the plunge. Growing happy and healthy orchids is not hard, just different. Once you understand the conditions that orchids need, they aren’t much harder to grow than other houseplants. The Orchid: A Misunderstood … Read more