ALOE VARIEGATA Liliaceae

Partridge-breast aloe

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.