the genus ophiopogon is a member of the asparagaceae family and contains approx. 65 species. the native to japan and korea ophiopogon jaburan has several common names such as aztec or mondo grass, giant or white ilyturf, snake beard. it is available with green or white variegated leaves.
it can grow about 25 cm/10 inches high and shows its flowers in august/september.
ophiopogon jaburan is sometimes sold as an aquatic plant but won’t survive that long if cultivated under these conditions.
achimenes is a member of the gesneriaceae family with about 25 species and a lot of cultivars. the suitable for bright to light shade places plants are commonly known as magic flowers, widow’s tears and some other names.
like the related african violets, the members of the genus achimenes can be propagated with leaf cuttings.
the commonly known as aroid palm, zz palm zamioculcas zamiifolia became popular more and more over the past few years. it’s a member of the araceae family and native to africa.
the zamioculcas can withstand a lot of conditions – if not placed to cold or beeing overwaterd. propagation can be done with leaf cuttings or by division.
the african violet (saintpaulia ionantha) is the most common member of the gesneriaceae family. there are thousands of cultivars available, flowering in nearly every color you want.
saintpaulia neverfloris only shows buds and no open flowers.
the genus aspidistra belongs to the ruscaceae family and contains approx. 80 members, all native to east asia. they are commonly known as cast iron plants. there are also some cultivars, with white/creamish stripped or dotted leaves available. find more info about these plants here: aspidistra care.
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aspidistra elatior
the genus ornithogalum is a member of the scilloideae subfamily within the asparagaceae (formerly cyacinthaceae) and contains approx. 210 members. the sun star (ornithogalum dubium) is native to south africa and available flowering in orange or yellow. ornithogalum dubium care –>
the genus hippeastrum contains approx. 90 members which are commonly known as amaryllis. hippeastrum reticulatum is native from argentina to brazil and available flowering in pink, red or white. the leaves of some cultivars have a creamish stripe along the centre line.
hippeastrum reticulatum is suiatable for sunny to light shaded places. amaryllis care –>
the genus primula belongs to the primulaceae family and contains more than 400 species. primula obconia is commonly known as the poison or german primrose and is available in a wide range of blooming colors. all plant parts are containing the allergen primin, which can cause skin irritation.
the poison primrose (primula obconica) is suitable for bright to light shaded places but has to be protected from afternoon sun. a little bit of morning or evening sun will be tolerated, but too much sunlight can burn its leaves.
a regular potting mix can be used. keep it evenly moist but not wet. sitting in water can cause rot. the drying of the soil’s surface between the waterings is ok. but it shouldn’t dry out in complete.
in spring/summer a half diluted water soluble fertilzer can be given monthly and if placed at >20 °c/68 °f in fall/winter every six to eight weeks. new bought or recently repotted plants don’t need to be fed for the first six to eight weeks.
the poison primrose can either be cultivated at room temperature the year round or be placed at approx. 10-15 °c/50-59 °f during winter. at this temperature range, watering can be reduced and there is no need to feed. but the soil should not dry out completely. a somewhat cooler winter location can have a positive impact on blooming in spring.
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the poison primrose (primula obconica) can be grown from seeds.
the genus episcia belongs to the gesneriaceae family and contains approx. eight members, native to central and south america. they are commonly known as flame violets and are related to the african violet. there are a lot of episcia cupreata cultivars available with red or silver patterned leaves, flowering in orange, red or pink. mature plants are producing runners. they are suitable for hanging baskets.
the flame violet does best if located bright but protected from afternoon sun. a bit of morning/evening sun or a light shaded place will be tolerated.
it can be cultivated in a regular potting soil or a special mix for african violets. i’m using a mixture of potting soil, coarse sand and grit (3:1:1).
keep it evenly moist but not wet. sitting in water can cause rot. the drying of the soil’s surface between the waterings is ok. but it shouldn’t dry completely.
in spring/summer a half diluted water soluble fertilzer can be given monthly and if placed at >20 °c/68 °f in fall/winter every six to eight weeks. new bought or recently repotted plants don’t need to be fed for the first six to eight weeks.
episcia cupreata likes it warm the year round and needs a winter minimum of approx. 15 °c/59 °f. at this temperature range, watering can be reduced and there is no need to feed. but the soil should not dry out completely. a somewhat cooler winter location can have a positive impact on blooming in spring.
episcia cupreata can be grown from seeds, stem or leaf cuttings. the procedure is the same as for the african violet.
euphorbia horrida is native to south africa and commonly known as african milk barrel. it’s a somewhat variable plant with many varieties and forms. there are also cultivars with red spines and flowers available.
this description is based on my experiences with euphorbia horrida var. striata. the cultivation of other forms or varieties can be different.
the african milk barrel does best, if grown on a bright and sunny place throughout the year. a light shaded location will be tolerated. during summer it can be placed in the garden. but make sure that rainwater can easily flow out of the pot. because sitting in water will cause rot.
it grows well in a good drained mineral potting substrate. i’m using a mix of potting soil, seramis (lay granulate), pumice and coarse sand (1:1:1:1).
from spring to fall euphorbia horrida var. striata can be deep watered. what’s flowing out of the pot’s hole must be removed after a few minutes. before adding water next allow to dry.
in spring and summer a half diluted cactus fertilizer can be given monthly. during fall/winter there is no need to feed.
euphorbia horrida var. striata can be cultivated at room temperature the year round and needs a winter minimum of 10 °C/50 °f. the colder it is placed during this season, the less water is needed.
euphorbia horrida can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
