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.
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 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.
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 fed 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 fed. 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 fed 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 fed 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.
the rounded leaves of peperomia rotundifolia (creeping peperomia) are olive green. this low-growing creeping houseplant is suitable for a hanging basket.
peperomia rotundifolia does best if located bright but protected from afternoon sun. a light shaded place such as some morning and/or evening sun will be tolerated.
it can be grown in a good regular potting mix. keep it evenly moist but not wet. sitting in water can cause root rot. the drying of the soil’s surface between the waterings is ok. but it shouldn’t dry completely.
a water soluble fertilizer at half strength can be given monthly in spring/summer and if placed at room temperature in fall/winter every six to eight weeks.
peperomia rotundifolia 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, a fertilizer must not be given.
spraying it over with water from time to time increases humidity and keeps its leaves free from dust.
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the creeping peperomia can easily be propagated with cuttings.
this prayer plant (calathea orbifolia) is native to bolivia. its leaves are rounded and light green colored with dark green stripes.
calathea orbifolia does best if located bright without afternoon sun. some morning or evening sun such as a light shaded place will be tolerated. but too much sun can cause burned leaves.
a regular potting mix can be used. keep it evenly moist but not wet. the roots should not be soaked with standing water. 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 fertilizer can be given monthly and every six to eight weeks in fall/winter. recently bought or repotted plants don’t need to be fed for the first six to eight weeks.
calathea orbifolia welcomes a high humidity and high temperatures the year round. to increase the humidity level it can be placed in a saucer, filled with water, small stones or pepples. but make sure that the pot is not sitting right into the water. spraying it over daily may also be helpful. a winter minimum of 15 °c/59 °f is needed.
calathea orbifolia can be propagated by division.
