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 feeded 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 feeded 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.
crassula ausensis belongs to the crassulaceae family and is native to namibia. there are different forms of this plant available. in good sunlight the knobby leaves of subspecies titanopsis form red tips.
crassula ausensis does best if located bright and sunny the year round. a light shaded place will be tolerated. during summer it can be grown in the garden. but make sure that rainwater can easily flow out of the pot.
this succulent likes a well drained soil. a regular cactus mix can be used. i’m using a mixture of potting soil, coarse sand and pumice (2:1:1).
from spring to fall crassula ausensis can be deep watered. what’s flowing into the saucer must be removed after a few minutes. wet legs can cause rotten roots. before adding water next allow to dry.
a half diluted cactus fertilizer can be given monthly in spring/summer and if placed at room temperature every six to eight weeks in fall/winter. new bought or recently repotted plants don’t need to be feeded for the first six to eight weeks.
for showing its inflorescence in spring, a cold winter location may be helpful. crassula ausensis can be placed at 5-10 °c (41-50 °f). at this temperature range it has to be kept nearly dry and don’t need to be feeded. if placed at room temperature during winter, give as much light as you can.
crassula ausensis can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
the genus chirita belongs to the gesneriaceae family and contains approx. 150 members. they are related to the african violet. the native to china chirita sinensis is probably the most widely cultivated species. there are a lot of cultivars available, some of them with a silver pattern on green leaves, flowering in white, purple or pink.
chirita sinensis does best if located bright but protected from afternoon sun. a bit of morning or evening sun, such as a light shaded place will be tolerated.
it can be grown in a standart potting soil or in a special mix for african violets. i’m using a mix of potting soil, sand and grit (3:1:1).
keep it evenly moist but not wet. sitting in water can cause rotten roots. the drying of the soil’s surface between the waterings is ok. but it shouldn’t dry in complete.
in spring/summer a water soluble fertilizer at half strength 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 feeded for the first six to eight weeks.
chirita sinensis can be cultivated at room temperature the year round and needs a winter minimum of approx. 15 °c/59 °f. at this temperature range, watering can be reduced, a fertilizer must not be given. but the soil should not dry out completely. a somewhat cooler winter location can have a positive impact on blooming in spring.
chirita sinensis can be grown from seeds or leaf cuttings. the procedure is the same as for african violets.
peperomia columella has small, fleshy leaves and is native to peru. in its natural habitat this succulent species is growing between rocks and cliffs.
peperomia columella grows best if located bright and sunny throughout the year. if placed outside during summer and to avoid rotten roots, make sure that rain water can flow out of the pot’s hole. a light shaded place will be tolerated.
the soil should be well drained, im using a mix of some gritty, sand and humus. a regular cactus mix can also be used.
from spring to fall peperomia columella can be deep watered. what’s running out of the pot should be removed after a few minutes. before watering next allow to dry.
a half diluted cactus fertilizer can be given monthly from spring to fall. fresh bought or recently repotted plants don’t need to be feeded for the first six to eight weeks.
if you can give em enough light, peperomia columella can be cultivated at room temperature throughout the year. if not, it should be placed at approx. +/-10 °c (59 °f). it now has to be kept nearly dry, a fertilizer must not be given.
peperomia columella can be propagated with cuttings.