Haworthia cooperi

The species of the genus Haworthia are closely related to the Aloes. And to the Gasterias. They can be crossed with the species from both genera. These hybrids are called × gasteraloe or × gasterhaworthia.

Haworthia cooperi originates from South Africa and is suitable for all-year-round warm, sunny to semi-shady locations. The substrate should be well-drained and allowed to dry out between waterings.

aspidistra – cast iron plant

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.


aspidistra elatior

Episcia cupreata – Flame Violet

Flame violets are a member of the Gesneriaceae family, and the genus Episcia has about eight members. Native to Central and South America, they’re related to African violets. Episcia cupreata cultivars come in a variety of patterns and colors, such as red or silver leaves and orange, red, or pink flowers. Mature plants make runners and are ideal for hanging baskets.

Episcia Silver Frog
Episcia “Silver Frog”

How to care for Episcia cupreata

The flame violet grows good in bright locations. It can tolerate a bit of morning or evening sunlight such as winter sun or a lightly shaded area.

It can be grown in a standard potting soil or a specialized mix for African violets. I use a mix of potting soil, coarse sand, and grit in a ratio of 3:1:1.

Keep the soil evenly moist, avoiding excess water as it may cause rot. It’s okay for the soil’s surface to dry between waterings, but it should not be completely dry.

In the spring/summer, give a fertilizer that is half diluted with water once a month. Newly-purchased or recently repotted plants do not need to be fed for the first year. During the winter, they don’t require feeding.

Episcia cupreata prefers warm temperatures year-round and requires a winter minimum of around 15°C/59°F. When the temperature is in this range, watering can be decreased, and feeding isn’t necessary. However, the soil should not completely dry out. A slightly cooler winter location can aid in blooming in the spring.

Episcia cupreata

Propagation

Episcia cupreata can be propagated from seed, stem cuttings, or leaf cuttings, and the process is similar to that of African violet propagation.

Euphorbia horrida – African Milk Barrel

Euphorbia horrida is native to South Africa and commonly known as the African milk barrel. It’s a somewhat variable plant with many varieties and forms. There are also cultivars with red spines and flowers available.

Euphorbia horrida Monstrosa
Euphorbia horrida “Monstrosa”

Euphorbia horrida – African milk barrel care

The African milk barrel does best if grown in a bright and sunny place throughout the year. A lightly shaded location will be tolerated. During the summer, it can be placed in the garden, but make sure that rainwater can easily flow out of the pot, as sitting in water will cause rot.

It grows well in a well-drained mineral potting substrate. I’m using a mix of potting soil, clay granulate, pumice, and bird sand in a 1:1:1:1 ratio.

African Milk Barrel

From spring to fall, Euphorbia horrida var. striata can be deeply watered. Excess water flowing out of the pot’s hole must be removed after a few minutes before adding more water. Allow it to dry between waterings.

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 year-round and needs a minimum winter temperature of 10°C/50°F. The colder it is placed during this season, the less water is needed.

Euphorbia horrida propagation

Euphorbia horrida can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Crassula ausensis

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 care

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 leaves

propagation

crassula ausensis can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Chirita sinensis

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

chirita sinensis care

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 leaf

chirita sinensis care propagation

chirita sinensis can be grown from seeds or leaf cuttings. the procedure is the same as for african violets.