All aloes grow well at normal
room temperature and are particularly tolerant of dry air. The most popular
dwarf species for indoor cultivation is Aloe
variegata, which is especially easy to grow and usually does better
in the home, even on a windowsill, than in a greenhouse.
The plant produces tight,
spiraling rosettes of smooth-edged, V-shaped green leaves up to 6in/15cm long
and lV2in/4cm wide.
The leaves are marked with
irregular paler bands of color, which give the plant its most frequently used
common name. It is also known as the tiger aloe, pheasant’s wings, and the
kanniedood aloe, which translates as the aloe that cannot be killed—a tribute
to its hardiness.
Coral pink flowers appear
during late winter and early spring on stems up to 12in/30cm long, growing from
the leaf axils. The flowers are at their best after the plant has been given a
winter rest.
FACT FILE
ORIGIN South Africa (Cape Province, Orange Free State);
Namibia. HEIGHT To 12in/30cm.
POTTING MIX Soil-based with added coarse sand.
REPOTTING In spring, move into a pot one size larger or
top-dress plants that are in pots of maximum desired size.
PROPAGATION From offsets taken from around the base of the
plant. Use a mixture of soil and sand to start them off.
KEEPING PLANTS Shade from strong sunlight in summer.
Ananas
bracteatus var. tricolor Bromeliaceae
RED PINEAPPLE
The common edible pineapple, Ananas
comosus, is the best known and commercially the most important member of
this genus. Its spiny- leafed relative A. bracteatus var. tricolor
(which used to be known as var. striatus) is much more ornamental,
however, and is sought as a pot plant for its dramatic foliage and occasional
brown, edible fruits. It forms stiff, pointed rosettes of bronze green leaves
with yellow margins. The swordlike leaves can be 2V2in/6.5cm across and can
grow to more than 3ft/90cm long, so the plant needs plenty of space.
Always wear gloves when
handling it, since the spines are sharp.
When the plant is five or six
years old, a pink fruiting spike that contrasts attractively with the foliage
may be produced. The fruit takes several months to form, usually maturing in
spring.
FACT FILE
ORIGIN Southern Brazil;
Paraguay.
HEIGHT To 3ft/90cm.
POTTING MIX Commercial
bromeliad mix; or equal parts by volume of coarse sand and peat moss plus half
a part of leaf mold.
REPOTTING Move into a pot one
size larger every second spring.
Once the plant has reached the
desired size, top-dress it each spring. PROPAGATION Use the top of the fruiting
spike, which bears a small plant, or good-sized offsets from around the base of
older plants and set them in a mixture of peat moss and coarse sand or perlite.
Warm conditions in filtered sunlight or a propagator are needed to induce them
to root.
KEEPING PLANTS Mature plants
may become top-heavy. Repot them into heavier clay pots as they grow.
PLANT CARE
A bright location, with some
direct sunlight. ® Minimum winter temperature of 64°F/18°C. • Allow the top
two-thirds of the soil to dry out before watering. • Stand the plant on a tray
of moist pebbles or plunge it into moist peat moss to keep humidity high. •
Apply a weak liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks from early spring to late summer.
If plants are kept in direct Leaf tips become brown,
sunbght for short periods only, or the leaves shrivel, if the
the van^ leaves wiUtakc
PLANT CARE
A bright
location, with filtered sunlight. • Maximum temperature of 50°F/10°C during the
winter rest period; otherwise, normal room temperature. • Keep the soil moist
during the spring and summer and on the dry side at other times. • Feed
occasionally with a high- potash fertilizer. Every 2 weeks from early spring to
late summer.
Anthurium
scherzerianum Araceae
FiLAMINGO FLOWER
The flamingo flower, also known
as tailflower, is spectacularly colorful from spring right through to midfall.
Each inflorescence, which can last for almost two months, comprises a large,
waxy, scarlet, paletteshaped spathe from which a narrow, curly, orange spadix
emerges. The pointed dark green leaves, up to 7in/18cm long, are equally
handsome. When the plant is not in flower, the leaves harmonize with those of
other tropical plants suitable for shady spots. Indeed, setting this plant in a
group of other plants can help to support the flower stalks without the need
for unsightly staking. In addition, tropical plants like high humidity and
placing them together raises the humidity.
Anthurium scherzerianum does not grow quickly and may prove difficult for
the beginner. It needs careful monitoring to make sure the conditions are
right, and it must be free from drafts and variations in temperature.
FACT FILE
ORIGIN Guatemala; Costa Rica.
HEIGHT To 9in/23cm.
POTTING MIX Peat-moss-based,
with added sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential.
REPOTTING Move into a pot one
size larger every spring until a pot size of 5-6in/13-15cm is reached, then
top-dress annually. PROPAGATION Divide crowded clumps in spring, making sure
each piece has some roots attached and a growing point. Establish in humid
conditions.
KEEPING PLANTS
When grown in ideal conditions,
this plant should last for many years.
Yellow leaves are a sign that
conditions are too cold and wet or too dry.
PLANT CARE
Strong, indirect sunlight in
winter; some shade in summer.
•
Minimum
winter temperature of 60°F/16°C; an ideal top summer temperature of 70°F/21°C.
•
Keep the
potting mix moist during the active growth period; be more sparing with water
in winter.
Mist leaves
daily during summer. • Feed with a weak liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks while
growth is evident.
Yellow leaves are a sign that conditions are too cold
and wet or too dry.
Anthurium andreanu
has large waxy spathes, which shine as though they have been
varnished. Its deep green, heart-shaped leaves, provide a brilliantly colorful
focal point in a group of foliage plants.
ALSO RECOMMENDED
Although
not easy to find, there are cultivars with darker red, pink, white, and spotted
spathes. Anthurium scherzerianum ‘Rothschildeanum’ has a red spathe
spotted with white and a yellow spadix, while A. s. ‘Wardii’ has a dark
red spathe, with a long red spadix and unusual red stems as well.
Inflorescences
may need staking; attach them to thin canes with soft twine or plastic-covered
wire.
Mealybugs
and red spider mites occasionally attack this plant. Aphids may also be
present; check regularly for their telltale sticky secretions.
Remove dust
from the leaves by spraying with clean water rather than wiping, which may
damage their delicate surface.
The leaves
can be prone to a leaf spot fungus. If dry brown spots appear on the leaves,
spray with diluted fungicide and make sure the plants are well fed.
