Philodendron

Philodendrons have been used as house plants since

Victorian times and their popularity has increased in recent years.The conditions they need for healthy growth are those which they enjoyed in their ancestral home within the American tropical forests - no direct sunlight and moist surroundings when the air is warm. There are two basic types of Philodendron. The first group, the climbers, are well suited to the average room, as long as you provide firm support for the stems. The Sweetheart Plant is the smallest and it is also the easiest to look after. with its ability to withstand both neglect and poor conditions.

Most of the second group, the non-climbers, are capable of growing into immense plants with large, deeply-lobed leaves. They are more suitable for public buildings than for the average home.

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is a good choice if it can be kept out of direct sunlight in a room which is reasonably warm in winter There must be no cold draughts and the pot should be stood on a pebble tray. The glossy leaves grow directly out of the compost. Will bloom periodically. Keep compost moist at all times. Mist leaves very frequently. Re pot when plant becomes root bound. Divide plants at re potting time.

China Doll

A houseplant of the 80's, it was introduced to Europe from Taiwan at the beginning of the decade, and its popularity as a specimen indoor tree has increased. This plant has large compound leaves bearing shiny, deeply-veined leaflets with long tapering points. China dolls will tolerate dry air.