Plant Spotlight
Growing Tapeworm Plant as a Houseplant
Is tapeworm plant your next houseplant? Yes! From their vibrant green leaves and small white flowers, to the eye-catching branching patterns of thin stems resembling tiny worms – tapeworm plants bring a special charm into any space. With only basic care requirements for success in your home, these interesting houseplants will add plenty of character with minimal effort. The unique shrub known as the centipede plant, tapeworm plant, or ribbonbush is a sight to behold. It features small flat leaves and stems with an arching shape. Muehlenbeckia platyclada adds an air of mystery wherever it takes root. For a truly inviting home, tapeworm plants are the perfect way to add lushness and elegance. From the graceful foliage that adds texture and contrast in any space to use them as living walls or curtains for privacy – these flowering vines offer much more than just beauty alone!… Read Full Post
Growing Geogenanthus ciliatus
One too many nights of restlessness introduced me to Geogenanthus ciliatus. Here I am, minding my own business while I crawl the internet looking at plants. With black, glossy leaves I was immediately intrigued. I squelched my desire to buy one online, but became determined to locate this plant. Geogenanthus ciliatus is a mouthful of a plant. I simply call it the “geo plant.” You might think the “geo plant” as having rigid, geometric edges but that is not so. Geogenanthus ciliatus is prized for its distinctive, luxurious leaves. They start brilliant green with a broad purple stripe, and then the leaves turn a dark, shiny purple as they mature. It’s almost dark. If your environment is suitable, it forms a beautiful ground cover, but it is best kept as a terrarium or potted plant due to its complex needs.… Read Full Post
Flowers with Spots
It is almost embarrassing to admit that for years I have been against flowers with spots. Too gaudy perhaps? Too in your face? Almost like a gimmick for plants? I don’t know if any of these were the reason or not, but after many years on the market I am now the proud owner of a petunia with spots and it is gorgeous! Petunia Surprise ‘Sparkle Red’ by Dummen Orange How to use flowers with spots in containers I actually think containers are the VERY best way to use flowers with spots. These little gems need to be up close to fully be appreciated. I’ve planted my petunia Surprise ‘Sparkle Red’ at the edge of a container near our front door.… Read Full Post
Are Calathea plants toxic to pets?
Calathea, also known as the Prayer Plant, is a common houseplant with gorgeous foliage. For many of us adding this to our homes, it is important to ask the question: are calathea plants toxic to pets? Calathea plants earn the name prayer plant because when the sun shines on its leaves it opens very wide, and when the sun sets, they close up like folded hands. Calathea is a genus of nearly 300 plant species native to tropical America in the Marantaceae (arrowroot) family. I am one of those people who will be fighting the new genus name, Goeppertia, for a long time. I will forever call my rattlesnake plant Calathea lancifolia instead of Goeppertia insignis. Because of its attractive leaves and relaxing properties, it is one of the most popular plants.… Read Full Post
Are ZZ Plants Toxic for Cats?
Zamioculas zamiifolia, also known as the ZZ Plant, is a dream plant for every plant lover and is often preferred by homeowners because of its low maintenance. It can grow in almost every condition and won’t require too much of your time to take care of. Despite its low maintenance, it is the most beautiful looking plant which often features in Instagram posts about beautiful indoor house plants. Nonetheless, it may leave you asking, “Are ZZ Plants Toxic for Cats?” ZZ Plants have a maximum height of 3 feet, which is another reason why homeowners prefer this plant as an indoor plant. The fresh green-colored leaves are enough to make the interior of any office, apartment, or house a much more lively place.… Read Full Post
Are Pothos plants toxic to cats?
Pothos, Plants, Cats-What you need to know! Pothos plant, also famous by the names of golden pothos, devil’s ivy taro vine and ivy arum, are quite toxic to cats. The leaves and stems of pothos contain calcium oxalate crystals. Such minerals are dangerous for cats if they take a bite of the plant. These crystals penetrate the soft tissues in the mouth, throat, and the stomachs of the cats. Pothos plants and cats are, thus, a poisonous combination. The danger of Pothos plants compels the pet owners to be extra cautious with cats when they are around different kinds of plants. Even though cats recover in a short time after getting proper treatment, the effect of the virus is quite detrimental to their health.… Read Full Post
How To Water Phalaenopsis Orchids
Phalaenopsis Orchids are believed to be the most popular kind of orchids. People commonly refer to the them as the “Moth Orchids”. Taking good care of them is very important, same as knowing the dos and don’ts when dealing with them. They are not your typical houseplants you water in whatever way you feel like. For Phalaenopsis orchids, you have to be deliberate when watering them. You can’t afford to overwater them. Underwatering your orchid is a manageable situation unlike overwatering which is more dangerous to the health of the plant because it is not able to absorb the water. Overwatering is believed to be the number one reason most Phalaenopsis orchids get into trouble. These orchids, being epiphytic plants, naturally cling to trees in their natural tropical environment.… Read Full Post
Hippeastrum reticulatum var. striatifolium
I thought I was sitting down to write about dividing Hippeastrum reticulatum var. striatifolium bulbs, but upon further investigation I am finding that I’ve never written about this plant! This summer blooming bulb features a white stripe along the leaves and beautiful pink flowers. Also called netted-veined amaryllis, it is a flowering perennial herbaceous bulbous plant, in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to South America. In my experience Hippeastrum reticulatum var. striatifolium does well in low light with minimal watering. The bright white stripe along the midrib is quite striking and adds interest throughout the year. I am growing it as a houseplant (zone 5!) but it will also do well in the landscape in warmer climates. The trumpet shaped flowers of this amaryllis are a special treat during the months of September and October.… Read Full Post
What’s that purple flower vine?
On our recent trip to Florida I was literally stopped in my tracks by this purple flower vine in Winter Garden. I’ve been familiar with Petrea volubilis, or Queen’s Wreath Vine, but I’ve never seen it like this. Driving down Plant Street in Winter Garden, there is always something beautiful to see. This town does a great job of maintaining and growing their green space for residents and tourists to enjoy. But this. This was too much for me! The purple flowers were dripping off of the trellis. Petrea volubilis is sometimes called “Florida Wisteria” and it is easy to see why. Wow. I can’t tell you how many people I heard talking about this plant. How often do plants get this kind of attention?… Read Full PostFarfugium as a houseplant
I’ve had a love affair with Farfugium for a long time. When we moved from Florida to Iowa I brought one along to try the lovely farfugium as a houseplant. The good news is that it is flourishing! The big, bold leaves of farfugium, also known as Leopard Plant, are the main attraction. It is a member of Daisy family, so while it does send up spikes of yellow flowers, to me these seem out of place with the large tropical leaves. I’ve even heard farfugium referred to as Tractor Seat Plant, and I can certainly see that in the broad leaf shape. I first referenced Farfugium on here back in 2015 in my New and Underused Plants post. Back then it was really hard to find.… Read Full PostFollow Me
About Me
My name is Keri and I am as comfortable speaking to a group about color in the garden as I am covered in dirt.
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