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.

Poinsettia

Poinsettias are a popular gift and home decoration for the Christmas season. Despite the longstanding myth, the poinsettia is the most widely tested plant and has been proven to be non-toxic.

Special Care - Water thoroughly when soil surface feels dry. Remove excess water from the foil cover. Bright indirect light will prolong their life. Place plant away from hot or cold drafts.

Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where they grow wild. They were first introduced to the United States in 1825.

70 - 80 million poinsettias are sold at Christmas. The most popular color being red.

Purple Passion

The soil should be kept moist. Reduce watering in the winter. Bright light is necessary to maintain deep vivid color. If the plants' leaves are more green than purple, the plant is not getting enough light. Avoid getting water on the leaves when watering as dark patches may result. Dandelionlike yellow flowers often bloom after the plant reaches one year. These flowers have an unpleasant odor and so are best pinched off.

Ferns

Basic requirements of Ferns

Keep the soil moist, not soggy, by letting water drain out the bottom of the pot. Feed once a month during the growing season(spring,summer) with a general purpose fertilizer(20/20/20)

half strength. Re pot only when the plant has outgrown its container. Ferns like to be snug in their pots. Up the humidity level by putting pebbles or river rocks in the bottom of a saucer or dish, adding water and placing the pot on top of the stones.

Top Selling Foliage Plants

Challenges for the Chinese Evergreen
Curled or shriveled leaves and brown edges.
Solutions:
The air is too cool or too dry, or the plant is in a drafty location.
Chinese Evergreens need warm temperatures in the summer and a minimum of 60 degrees in the winter. They also need moist air, Mist leaves regularly. Keep the plant in semi shade to bright indirect light. Keep them well away from direct sunlight.

Challenges for Ferns
Yellowing fronds, brown spots on fronds and brown tips.
Solutions:
The air may be too warm or dry. Ferns' compost must be kept moist-but not waterlogged-at all times. Ferns cannot tolerate high temperatures, so keep them away from heat sources. Good indirect light, preferably from an east or north facing windowsill.

Challenges for Ficuses
Sudden loss of leaves.
Solutions:
The cause depends on the species, but possibilities include over watering, low winter temperature, too little light, too much fertilizer, cold drafts and changing locations. Tree types require placement in bright sun, but others need partial shade.