文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年10月01日
Scientific Name
Frithia humilis Burgoyne
Common Names
Window Plants, Fairy Elephant’s Feet, Baby Toes
Synonyms
Frithia pulchra var. minor
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Frithia
Description
Frithia humilis (Fairy Elephant’s Feet) is a stemless, dwarf leaf succulent with finger-like, grey-green leaves, windowed at the tips forming rosettes just at the soil surface. The flowers are white with a yellow center, sometimes tipped with light pink. They are generally about 0.8 inch (2 cm) in diameter and are borne singly on very short stalks or are stalkless.
How to Grow and Care
Frithia is a summer grower and relatively easy to cultivate. It need light sporadic watering during its winter resting period and requires moderate sprinkling in summer as it is rot prone if kept too moist when the heat turns off its growth cycle. Gritty, well drained soil, containing a small amount of organic material will keep this species happy.
Frithia can be grown in pots or out of doors in a rockery. Soak the compost fully but allow it to dry out perfectly between waterings. Under-watering can lead to disastrous results, so be generous with water in summer. Nearly all problems occur as a result of overwatering and poor ventilation, especially when weather conditions are dull and cool or very humid. Keep dry in the winter. It does well in full blazing sun, as well as whit some shade in summer. When in growth feed every two or three weeks with a low nitrogen liquid fertilizer.
Frithia humilis Burgoyne
Common Names
Window Plants, Fairy Elephant’s Feet, Baby Toes
Synonyms
Frithia pulchra var. minor
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Frithia
Description
Frithia humilis (Fairy Elephant’s Feet) is a stemless, dwarf leaf succulent with finger-like, grey-green leaves, windowed at the tips forming rosettes just at the soil surface. The flowers are white with a yellow center, sometimes tipped with light pink. They are generally about 0.8 inch (2 cm) in diameter and are borne singly on very short stalks or are stalkless.
How to Grow and Care
Frithia is a summer grower and relatively easy to cultivate. It need light sporadic watering during its winter resting period and requires moderate sprinkling in summer as it is rot prone if kept too moist when the heat turns off its growth cycle. Gritty, well drained soil, containing a small amount of organic material will keep this species happy.
Frithia can be grown in pots or out of doors in a rockery. Soak the compost fully but allow it to dry out perfectly between waterings. Under-watering can lead to disastrous results, so be generous with water in summer. Nearly all problems occur as a result of overwatering and poor ventilation, especially when weather conditions are dull and cool or very humid. Keep dry in the winter. It does well in full blazing sun, as well as whit some shade in summer. When in growth feed every two or three weeks with a low nitrogen liquid fertilizer.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年10月01日
Scientific Name
Euphorbia tirucalli L.
Common Names
Firestick Plants, Sticks on Fire, African Milk Bush, Finger Tree, Indian Tree Spurge, Milk Bush, Milk Hedge, Naked Lady, Pencil Tree, Pencil Euphorbia, Pencil Cactus, Petroleum Plant, Rubber Euphorbia, Rubber Hedge Euphorbia
Synonyms
Arthrothamnus bergii, Arthrothamnus ecklonii, Arthrothamnus tirucalli, Euphorbia geayi, Euphorbia laro, Euphorbia media, Euphorbia media var. bagshawei, Euphorbia rhipsaloides, Euphorbia scoparia, Euphorbia suareziana, Euphorbia tirucalli var. rhipsaloides, Euphorbia viminalis, Tirucalia indica, Tirucalia tirucalli
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Description
Euphorbia tirucalli is a succulent, spineless, hardy green shrub, up to 33 feet (10 m) tall. The branches are cylindrical, smooth and glabrous-green, up to 0.31 inch (8 mm) in diameter, forming brush-like masses. The leaves are small and slender, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and up to 0.16 inch (4 mm) wide. The flowers are yellow, inconspicuous, and carried in clusters at the apex of the short branches or in the angles of branches. Fruits are tripartite capsules, up to 0.47 inch ( 12 mm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care
Euphorbias are very easy to care for. They require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. In fact, more die from too much care and watering than from neglect. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerant wet soil.
Euphorbia tirucalli L.
Common Names
Firestick Plants, Sticks on Fire, African Milk Bush, Finger Tree, Indian Tree Spurge, Milk Bush, Milk Hedge, Naked Lady, Pencil Tree, Pencil Euphorbia, Pencil Cactus, Petroleum Plant, Rubber Euphorbia, Rubber Hedge Euphorbia
Synonyms
Arthrothamnus bergii, Arthrothamnus ecklonii, Arthrothamnus tirucalli, Euphorbia geayi, Euphorbia laro, Euphorbia media, Euphorbia media var. bagshawei, Euphorbia rhipsaloides, Euphorbia scoparia, Euphorbia suareziana, Euphorbia tirucalli var. rhipsaloides, Euphorbia viminalis, Tirucalia indica, Tirucalia tirucalli
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Description
Euphorbia tirucalli is a succulent, spineless, hardy green shrub, up to 33 feet (10 m) tall. The branches are cylindrical, smooth and glabrous-green, up to 0.31 inch (8 mm) in diameter, forming brush-like masses. The leaves are small and slender, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and up to 0.16 inch (4 mm) wide. The flowers are yellow, inconspicuous, and carried in clusters at the apex of the short branches or in the angles of branches. Fruits are tripartite capsules, up to 0.47 inch ( 12 mm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care
Euphorbias are very easy to care for. They require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. In fact, more die from too much care and watering than from neglect. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerant wet soil.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年10月01日
Herbs are plants, even those we might consider weeds, that have useful purposes. They may be used for flavorings, fragrances, pesticides, medicines or dyes. Succulent plants are generally recognized has having fleshy parts, such as leaves, stems or trunks; this fleshiness is a result of water storage in the plant’s tissues. Although there aren’t many plants that are both succulent and herbal, a few genera possess both qualities.
Purslane
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10, is one of those plants that are considered weedy by most gardeners. It has small, green leaves on fleshy red stems and stays low to the ground. It has a slightly sour and lemony flavor and is eaten in a variety of ways. Most people just eat it raw in salads, but it can be sauteed and seasoned in the same way one would cook spinach, and even pickled with garlic and peppercorns. It is also known as Little Hogweed.
Aloe
Aloe may likely be one of the more popular succulent herbs. Aloes form a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves with a slightly frosty blue-green color. Aloe vera is probably the best-known species. It is most often used as a houseplant but can be grown outside in USDA zones 10 through 11. Because it is not frost hardy, some people in zone 9 choose to grow Aloe ferox, which has much the same appearance but is slightly hardier. These Aloes are often used medicinally. The jelly-like substance that exudes from the cut leaves is often applied to minor wounds or burns.
Indian Borage and Cuban Oregano
Indian Borage (Plectranthus aromaticus or Coleus aromaticus) is also called the All Purpose Herb. The leaves are strongly oregano-flavored but not particularly palatable for salads because of their fuzzy leaves. The leaves are commonly used to flavor meats; however, there are also some traditional medicinal uses as well. Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus, also called French or Mexican Oregano) also has similar culinary and medicinal uses and has a similar flavor. There is a pretty variegated variety (Plectranthus amboinicus ‘Variegata’) that has a thin cream edge, making it an attractive garden plant. Both of these herb species are hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11 but are grown as annuals elsewhere.
Other Succulent Herbs
The herb Jewels of Opar (Talinum paniculatum) forms a mound of glossy green leaves and clouds of small pink flowers on wiry stems. The foliage is used medicinally and the tangy leaves are eaten fresh or sauteed. The cultivar Talinum paniculatum ‘Limon’ bears chartreuse leaves, and Talinum paniculatum ‘Variegatum’ has creamy white variegation. All are hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11. Samphire, or Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum), hardy in USDA zones 7 through 11, has feathery blue-green leaves and pale yellow flower clusters. Leaves are eaten fresh or pickled, and they have traditional medicinal uses as well.
Purslane
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10, is one of those plants that are considered weedy by most gardeners. It has small, green leaves on fleshy red stems and stays low to the ground. It has a slightly sour and lemony flavor and is eaten in a variety of ways. Most people just eat it raw in salads, but it can be sauteed and seasoned in the same way one would cook spinach, and even pickled with garlic and peppercorns. It is also known as Little Hogweed.
Aloe
Aloe may likely be one of the more popular succulent herbs. Aloes form a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves with a slightly frosty blue-green color. Aloe vera is probably the best-known species. It is most often used as a houseplant but can be grown outside in USDA zones 10 through 11. Because it is not frost hardy, some people in zone 9 choose to grow Aloe ferox, which has much the same appearance but is slightly hardier. These Aloes are often used medicinally. The jelly-like substance that exudes from the cut leaves is often applied to minor wounds or burns.
Indian Borage and Cuban Oregano
Indian Borage (Plectranthus aromaticus or Coleus aromaticus) is also called the All Purpose Herb. The leaves are strongly oregano-flavored but not particularly palatable for salads because of their fuzzy leaves. The leaves are commonly used to flavor meats; however, there are also some traditional medicinal uses as well. Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus, also called French or Mexican Oregano) also has similar culinary and medicinal uses and has a similar flavor. There is a pretty variegated variety (Plectranthus amboinicus ‘Variegata’) that has a thin cream edge, making it an attractive garden plant. Both of these herb species are hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11 but are grown as annuals elsewhere.
Other Succulent Herbs
The herb Jewels of Opar (Talinum paniculatum) forms a mound of glossy green leaves and clouds of small pink flowers on wiry stems. The foliage is used medicinally and the tangy leaves are eaten fresh or sauteed. The cultivar Talinum paniculatum ‘Limon’ bears chartreuse leaves, and Talinum paniculatum ‘Variegatum’ has creamy white variegation. All are hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11. Samphire, or Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum), hardy in USDA zones 7 through 11, has feathery blue-green leaves and pale yellow flower clusters. Leaves are eaten fresh or pickled, and they have traditional medicinal uses as well.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年10月01日
Agave plants are native to Mexico, southern and western United States and central and tropical South America. They are succulents with a large rosette of thick, fleshy leaves, each ending generally in a sharp point and with a spiny margin. The stout stem is usually short and the leaves apparently springing from the root. Along with plants from the related genus Yucca, various Agave species are popular ornamental plants.
Each rosette is monocarpic and grows slowly to flower only once. During flowering, a tall stem grows from the center of the leaf rosette and bears a large number of short, tubular flowers. After development of fruit, the original Agave plant dies, but suckers are frequently produced from the base of the stem, which become new plants.
The most beautiful species of Agave include: Agave ‘Blue Glow’, Agave vilmoriniana, Agave filifera, Agave geminiflora, Agave montana, Agave potatorum, Agave attenuata, Agave macroacantha, Agave desmettiana, Agave salmiana var. ferox, Agave victoriae-reginae, Agave bovicornuta, Agave americana, Agave angustifolia and Agave deserti.
Each rosette is monocarpic and grows slowly to flower only once. During flowering, a tall stem grows from the center of the leaf rosette and bears a large number of short, tubular flowers. After development of fruit, the original Agave plant dies, but suckers are frequently produced from the base of the stem, which become new plants.
The most beautiful species of Agave include: Agave ‘Blue Glow’, Agave vilmoriniana, Agave filifera, Agave geminiflora, Agave montana, Agave potatorum, Agave attenuata, Agave macroacantha, Agave desmettiana, Agave salmiana var. ferox, Agave victoriae-reginae, Agave bovicornuta, Agave americana, Agave angustifolia and Agave deserti.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年10月01日
One beautiful spring day a red rose blossomed in a forest. Many kinds of trees and plants grew there. As the rose looked around, a pine tree nearby said, “What a beautiful flower. I wish I was that lovely.” Another tree said, “Dear pine, do not be sad, we can not have everything.” 
The rose turned its head and remarked, “It seems that I am the most beautiful plant in this forest.” A sunflower raised its yellow head and asked, “Why do you say that? In this forest there are many beautiful plants. You are just one of them.” The red rose replied, “I see everyone looking at me and admiring me.” Then the rose looked at a cactus and said, “Look at that ugly plant full of thorns!” The pine tree said, “Red rose, what kind of talk is this? Who can say what beauty is? You have thorns too.”
The proud red rose looked angrily at the pine and said, “I thought you had good taste! You do not know what beauty is at all. You can not compare my thorns to that of the cactus.” “What a proud flower”, thought the trees.
The rose tried to move its roots away from the cactus, but it could not move. As the days passed,the red rose would look at the cactus and say insulting things, like: This plant is useless? How sorry I am to be his neighbor.
The cactus never got upset and he even tried to advise the rose, saying, “God did not create any form of life without a purpose.”
Spring passed, and the weather became very warm. Life became difficult in the forest, as the plants and animals needed water and no rain fell. The red rose began to wilt. One day the rose saw sparrows stick their beaks into the cactus and then fly away, refreshed. This was puzzling, and the red rose asked the pine tree what the birds were doing. The pine tree explained that the birds got water from the cactus. “Does it not hurt when they make holes?” asked the rose.
“Yes, but the cactus does not like to see any birds suffer,” replied the pine.
The rose opened its eyes in wonder and said, “The cactus has water?”
“Yes you can also drink from it. The sparrow can bring water to you if you ask the cactus for help.”
The red rose felt too ashamed of its past words and behavior to ask for water from the cactus, but then it finally did ask the cactus for help. The cactus kindly agreed and the birds filled their beaks with water and watered the rose’s roots. Thus the rose learned a lesson and never judged anyone by their appearance again.
The rose turned its head and remarked, “It seems that I am the most beautiful plant in this forest.” A sunflower raised its yellow head and asked, “Why do you say that? In this forest there are many beautiful plants. You are just one of them.” The red rose replied, “I see everyone looking at me and admiring me.” Then the rose looked at a cactus and said, “Look at that ugly plant full of thorns!” The pine tree said, “Red rose, what kind of talk is this? Who can say what beauty is? You have thorns too.”
The proud red rose looked angrily at the pine and said, “I thought you had good taste! You do not know what beauty is at all. You can not compare my thorns to that of the cactus.” “What a proud flower”, thought the trees.
The rose tried to move its roots away from the cactus, but it could not move. As the days passed,the red rose would look at the cactus and say insulting things, like: This plant is useless? How sorry I am to be his neighbor.
The cactus never got upset and he even tried to advise the rose, saying, “God did not create any form of life without a purpose.”
Spring passed, and the weather became very warm. Life became difficult in the forest, as the plants and animals needed water and no rain fell. The red rose began to wilt. One day the rose saw sparrows stick their beaks into the cactus and then fly away, refreshed. This was puzzling, and the red rose asked the pine tree what the birds were doing. The pine tree explained that the birds got water from the cactus. “Does it not hurt when they make holes?” asked the rose.
“Yes, but the cactus does not like to see any birds suffer,” replied the pine.
The rose opened its eyes in wonder and said, “The cactus has water?”
“Yes you can also drink from it. The sparrow can bring water to you if you ask the cactus for help.”
The red rose felt too ashamed of its past words and behavior to ask for water from the cactus, but then it finally did ask the cactus for help. The cactus kindly agreed and the birds filled their beaks with water and watered the rose’s roots. Thus the rose learned a lesson and never judged anyone by their appearance again.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月30日
Many gardeners cherish succulent plants for their ease of care and beauty. Although most plants of this classification are very simple to grow, a few stand out as being particularly low maintenance choices that are ideal for beginning gardeners as well as experienced enthusiasts with the greenest of thumbs.
1. Aloe
Aloe plants come in a wide variety of species of differing shapes and sizes. The numerous species are easy to grow, and Aloe succulents such as Aloe juvenna, Aloe tenuior, and Aloe andongensis generally only require simple, basic care. Each Aloe forms with varying textures and patterns on the foliage, allowing gardeners to have much greater aesthetic variety in their homes and yards.
Aloe plants grow in the summer months and require little shade and regular watering during the growing season. Gardeners should keep the plants relatively dry during the winter. When kept in the sun in well-drained soil, Aloe succulents thrive. Other types of Aloe succulents include Aloe brevifolia, Aloe aristata, and Aloe ‘Black Gem’.
2. Agave
Agave succulent plants blossom in bright and warm places, such as on patios, decks, and sunny windowsills. Some smaller varieties, such as Agave victoriae-reginae and Agave parviflora, are also capable of flourishing indoors. Most Agave plants consist of rosettes that have thick, rigid succulent leaves and minimal teeth.
When caring for an Agave, a gardener should allow the plant to dry out between watering sessions. Agave plants can handle any type of well-drained soil, and the plants flourish in full sunlight. Although Agaves can survive periods of drought, it is best to provide ample water to encourage vigorous growth, especially if the plants are in the sun all day.
3. Crassula
Crassula is a succulent plant that many beginners love to grow. Ranging in size from an inch (2.5 cm) tall to large shrubs, Crassulas require good light and a soil mix that drains well if gardeners want to maintain appealing leaf colors and encourage the plants to flower. Watering the plants regularly during spring and summer is ideal, but Crassula plants generally require less water in the winter months. The plants are drought tolerant, and they require cutting and shaping to avoid becoming disorderly.
Good options for Crassulas include the Crassula arborescens, Crassula ‘Blue Bird’, and Crassula ovata. This succulent is very strong and looks attractive mixed with other plants, making it an excellent low maintenance option for beginners.
4. Adromischus
Native to South Africa, the Adromischus plant is a small succulent shrub with oddly shaped leaves. The leaves feature interesting markings that are inconsistent, offering gardeners aesthetic diversity. The Adromischus cristatus is a very low maintenance succulent that is popular with growers. Other options include Adromischus clavifolius, Adromischus cooperi, and Adromischus leucophyllus.
Care for Adromischus succulent plants entails keeping soil well drained and providing the plants with a dry atmosphere with some shade. They require water mainly in the spring and autumn, and gardeners should allow Adromischus to dry out between watering sessions.
5. Echeveria
Many gardeners choose Echeveria as their favourite succulent because of the popular variations in color and shape. Echeveria shows its most brilliant colors during cooler months, and the plants typically flower during warmer months in shades of orange, red, and pink. Some of the most popular varieties of the plant include Echeveria albicans, Echeveria colorata, Echeveria ‘Dondo’, and Echeveria agavoides.
This succulent can tolerate lengthy dry periods, but it flourishes when it receives adequate water during the growing periods. Porous soil prevents root rot with the Echeveria plant, and ventilation minimizes the risk of pest infestations and disease. Typically, Echeveria plants have better color and shape when they receive more sunlight, although the plant still requires some sun protection during scorching summer weather.
1. Aloe
Aloe plants come in a wide variety of species of differing shapes and sizes. The numerous species are easy to grow, and Aloe succulents such as Aloe juvenna, Aloe tenuior, and Aloe andongensis generally only require simple, basic care. Each Aloe forms with varying textures and patterns on the foliage, allowing gardeners to have much greater aesthetic variety in their homes and yards.
Aloe plants grow in the summer months and require little shade and regular watering during the growing season. Gardeners should keep the plants relatively dry during the winter. When kept in the sun in well-drained soil, Aloe succulents thrive. Other types of Aloe succulents include Aloe brevifolia, Aloe aristata, and Aloe ‘Black Gem’.
2. Agave
Agave succulent plants blossom in bright and warm places, such as on patios, decks, and sunny windowsills. Some smaller varieties, such as Agave victoriae-reginae and Agave parviflora, are also capable of flourishing indoors. Most Agave plants consist of rosettes that have thick, rigid succulent leaves and minimal teeth.
When caring for an Agave, a gardener should allow the plant to dry out between watering sessions. Agave plants can handle any type of well-drained soil, and the plants flourish in full sunlight. Although Agaves can survive periods of drought, it is best to provide ample water to encourage vigorous growth, especially if the plants are in the sun all day.
3. Crassula
Crassula is a succulent plant that many beginners love to grow. Ranging in size from an inch (2.5 cm) tall to large shrubs, Crassulas require good light and a soil mix that drains well if gardeners want to maintain appealing leaf colors and encourage the plants to flower. Watering the plants regularly during spring and summer is ideal, but Crassula plants generally require less water in the winter months. The plants are drought tolerant, and they require cutting and shaping to avoid becoming disorderly.
Good options for Crassulas include the Crassula arborescens, Crassula ‘Blue Bird’, and Crassula ovata. This succulent is very strong and looks attractive mixed with other plants, making it an excellent low maintenance option for beginners.
4. Adromischus
Native to South Africa, the Adromischus plant is a small succulent shrub with oddly shaped leaves. The leaves feature interesting markings that are inconsistent, offering gardeners aesthetic diversity. The Adromischus cristatus is a very low maintenance succulent that is popular with growers. Other options include Adromischus clavifolius, Adromischus cooperi, and Adromischus leucophyllus.
Care for Adromischus succulent plants entails keeping soil well drained and providing the plants with a dry atmosphere with some shade. They require water mainly in the spring and autumn, and gardeners should allow Adromischus to dry out between watering sessions.
5. Echeveria
Many gardeners choose Echeveria as their favourite succulent because of the popular variations in color and shape. Echeveria shows its most brilliant colors during cooler months, and the plants typically flower during warmer months in shades of orange, red, and pink. Some of the most popular varieties of the plant include Echeveria albicans, Echeveria colorata, Echeveria ‘Dondo’, and Echeveria agavoides.
This succulent can tolerate lengthy dry periods, but it flourishes when it receives adequate water during the growing periods. Porous soil prevents root rot with the Echeveria plant, and ventilation minimizes the risk of pest infestations and disease. Typically, Echeveria plants have better color and shape when they receive more sunlight, although the plant still requires some sun protection during scorching summer weather.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月30日
Low-maintenance plants are becoming more and more popular with time, mostly due to the busy life we are living. This is why succulents are one of the most wanted plants at the moment. They are not only easy to care for but are also suitable for growing in containers and are stylish and cool to look at. You can use them in border areas of flower beds, stone and wall beds.
We believe that this is just the start of the era of succulents – with the climate changes and busy lifestyle gardener will turn more and more to low-care, drought-tough plants. Knowing all of these facts, you are surely considering to add these little beauties to your home garden. Choose one of these 10 stylish succulents we are suggesting today as they are all low-maintenance, stylish and simply gorgeous.
1. Golden Sedum (Sedum adolphii)
Sedum adolphii or most commonly known as Golden Sedum will make a great addition to your garden. What makes this species special and one of the best to grow in your home or garden is the fact that they change color. They will turn brighter orange when exposed to sun which is why they are perfect to plant along blue and silver colored flowers. The star shaped flowers will add charm to any garden. Not to mention they are low maintenance and drought tolerant.
2. Hen and Chicks (Echeveria elegans)
Echeveria elegans or Hen and Chicks is a classic succulent that is most commonly present in almost every home and garden. They grow well indoors and out in both cool or hot temperatures. They got the name because of the rosette shape and their ability to produce plenty of “babies”. What makes them one of the most popular succulents is also their ability to thrive on any condition, which means that even poor soil and a tiny container is enough to grow them. They don’t need fertilizer and require very little water.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis, can be grown both outside and inside. Just make sure you place them in full sun. As with any succulent, watering should be minimal during winter while in summer you should soak the soil then let it dry before watering it again. Because of its shallow roots we recommend choosing a wide pot instead of a deep one when replanting. Aloe vera plants are easily propagated. Just remove the offsets which are produced around the base of mature plants when they are a couple inches tall.
4. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
Sedum morganianum or popularly called Burro’s Tail is a beautiful blue colored delicate succulent. When it blooms tiny little red flowers appear. All you need to know if you want to grow this beautiful succulent is that it needs gritty soil, good drainage, sunshine and protection from extreme cold temperatures. This means you can grow it both indoors and in your garden. Only downfall is its delicacy – the leaves will fall off at the slightest touch. Good thing is that you can use the fallen leaves to propagate new plants.
5. Zebra Plant (Haworthia attenuata)
You will easily fall in love with this beautiful succulent. Its beautifully patterned leaves with leathery surface, the small simple white flowers it produces, the fact that it is one of the easiest plants to grow – all these make Haworthia attenuata a favorite plant. This succulent has only two enemies – frost and excess water. If you live in a colder climate keep it inside at least during the winter.
6. Echeveria ‘Lady Aquarius’
Echeverias are among the most popular succulents and Echeveria ‘Lady Aquarius’ is surely the favorite among them. It looks like a ruffly underwater sea anemone forming loose, up to 8 inches (20 cm) rosette. You can grow this beautiful succulent even if you are a beginner gardener as it is tough and resilient. To keep your plant happy and healthy place it in full sun and provide good drainage.
7. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Crassula ovata or commonly known as Jade Plant or Jade Tree is one of the most popular succulents, especially as a house plant. Just like any other succulent they prefer strong light and a well-draining soil. They can tolerate low light and require very little watering. It is very easy to propagate them by simply rooting a cutting of the stem or leaves. Jade Plants’ leaves are rubbery to the touch and quite flexible. If grown in strong light they will get a beautiful red margin.
8. Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Kalanchoe is a succulent praised for its beautiful flowers and Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is the most popular and common species. It can have orange, pink, red, white, or red flowers and some varieties have double flowers. It blooms in winter which makes it even more wanted in every home garden. This attractive plant is low-maintenance like any other succulent and will thrive perfectly in full sun with very little water. Be aware that the frost will hurt it.
9. Queen Victoria Agave (Agave victoriae-reginae)
Agaves are native to the Americas. They are one of the most popular succulents due to their rosette shape, drought resistance and low maintenance in general. The blooming happens once as the plant will die afterwards. Agave victoriae-reginae is probably the favorite among Agave species. It grows to the size of a soccer ball over time.
10. Black Rose (Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’)
Aeoniums are popular succulents because their resemble big, fleshy-petalled daisies and of course they are easy to grow both on your home or in your garden. There are many hybrids and species out there but Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ is surely a show stopper with its magenta-black. In winter bright yellow flowers contrast with the dark foliage. For best results provide full sun and well-drained soil.
We believe that this is just the start of the era of succulents – with the climate changes and busy lifestyle gardener will turn more and more to low-care, drought-tough plants. Knowing all of these facts, you are surely considering to add these little beauties to your home garden. Choose one of these 10 stylish succulents we are suggesting today as they are all low-maintenance, stylish and simply gorgeous.
1. Golden Sedum (Sedum adolphii)
Sedum adolphii or most commonly known as Golden Sedum will make a great addition to your garden. What makes this species special and one of the best to grow in your home or garden is the fact that they change color. They will turn brighter orange when exposed to sun which is why they are perfect to plant along blue and silver colored flowers. The star shaped flowers will add charm to any garden. Not to mention they are low maintenance and drought tolerant.
2. Hen and Chicks (Echeveria elegans)
Echeveria elegans or Hen and Chicks is a classic succulent that is most commonly present in almost every home and garden. They grow well indoors and out in both cool or hot temperatures. They got the name because of the rosette shape and their ability to produce plenty of “babies”. What makes them one of the most popular succulents is also their ability to thrive on any condition, which means that even poor soil and a tiny container is enough to grow them. They don’t need fertilizer and require very little water.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis, can be grown both outside and inside. Just make sure you place them in full sun. As with any succulent, watering should be minimal during winter while in summer you should soak the soil then let it dry before watering it again. Because of its shallow roots we recommend choosing a wide pot instead of a deep one when replanting. Aloe vera plants are easily propagated. Just remove the offsets which are produced around the base of mature plants when they are a couple inches tall.
4. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
Sedum morganianum or popularly called Burro’s Tail is a beautiful blue colored delicate succulent. When it blooms tiny little red flowers appear. All you need to know if you want to grow this beautiful succulent is that it needs gritty soil, good drainage, sunshine and protection from extreme cold temperatures. This means you can grow it both indoors and in your garden. Only downfall is its delicacy – the leaves will fall off at the slightest touch. Good thing is that you can use the fallen leaves to propagate new plants.
5. Zebra Plant (Haworthia attenuata)
You will easily fall in love with this beautiful succulent. Its beautifully patterned leaves with leathery surface, the small simple white flowers it produces, the fact that it is one of the easiest plants to grow – all these make Haworthia attenuata a favorite plant. This succulent has only two enemies – frost and excess water. If you live in a colder climate keep it inside at least during the winter.
6. Echeveria ‘Lady Aquarius’
Echeverias are among the most popular succulents and Echeveria ‘Lady Aquarius’ is surely the favorite among them. It looks like a ruffly underwater sea anemone forming loose, up to 8 inches (20 cm) rosette. You can grow this beautiful succulent even if you are a beginner gardener as it is tough and resilient. To keep your plant happy and healthy place it in full sun and provide good drainage.
7. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Crassula ovata or commonly known as Jade Plant or Jade Tree is one of the most popular succulents, especially as a house plant. Just like any other succulent they prefer strong light and a well-draining soil. They can tolerate low light and require very little watering. It is very easy to propagate them by simply rooting a cutting of the stem or leaves. Jade Plants’ leaves are rubbery to the touch and quite flexible. If grown in strong light they will get a beautiful red margin.
8. Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Kalanchoe is a succulent praised for its beautiful flowers and Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is the most popular and common species. It can have orange, pink, red, white, or red flowers and some varieties have double flowers. It blooms in winter which makes it even more wanted in every home garden. This attractive plant is low-maintenance like any other succulent and will thrive perfectly in full sun with very little water. Be aware that the frost will hurt it.
9. Queen Victoria Agave (Agave victoriae-reginae)
Agaves are native to the Americas. They are one of the most popular succulents due to their rosette shape, drought resistance and low maintenance in general. The blooming happens once as the plant will die afterwards. Agave victoriae-reginae is probably the favorite among Agave species. It grows to the size of a soccer ball over time.
10. Black Rose (Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’)
Aeoniums are popular succulents because their resemble big, fleshy-petalled daisies and of course they are easy to grow both on your home or in your garden. There are many hybrids and species out there but Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ is surely a show stopper with its magenta-black. In winter bright yellow flowers contrast with the dark foliage. For best results provide full sun and well-drained soil.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月30日
Dasylirion is a small genus of 18 semi-succulent species. These truly striking plants are native to the southern United States and Mexico, closely resembling both Yuccas and Agaves. They are found in very arid lands, along dry washes and on rocky hillsides where soils are porous and extremely well drained. In their region of origin no rain may fall for 10 months or more, and these plants have adapted to surviving such extended drought.
Dasylirions produce enormous rosettes of foliage that is narrow, often stiff, and serrated at the edges. Some species are significantly barbed while others are smooth. Leaves may be just the width of a kebob skewer or flat and ribbon like, blue in color and slightly twisted. Over time the plants develop hefty trunks that may be left natural with their cloak of dead dry leaves or pruned clean for a more architectural form.
These plants bloom often but not every year. They are diecious, which means male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. When flowering they send up rigid stalks to the height of a one-story rooftop. The upper half to third is thickly covered pale yellow hooked blossoms that are pollinated by a wide range of day and night flying insects. After flowering the dried stalks are coveted for grouping in decorative urns.
Only a few species of Dasylirion are commonly grown, but these can be remarkably drought, heat and cold tolerant. The most significant in the modern design world is the hemispherical wiry Dasylirion longissimum. Valued for its flat blue leaves, Dasylirion wheeleri is preferred as an outdoor landscape plant for desert gardens with a cast iron constitution. The green desert spoon, Dasylirion acrotriche of Mexico is preferred for its coloring which lends a more lush character to the garden.
All Dasylirion species are growing in popularity as a drought resistant landscape plant well beyond the desert environment. Provided soils are well drained and there is little summer rain they should be widely adaptable. The common name, Desert Spoon, is derived from the leaves which, when plucked from the stalk bear a spoon-shaped base used by Native Americans. They also utilized the fibrous leaves to weave baskets, mats and other useful objects.
Growing Condition and General Care
Dasylirions are slow growing, carefree and durable, drought tolerant plant. However, they grow faster if watered well (don’t water the crown, though they rot easily). In the garden they should be placed in a sunny, well-drained area with additional summer water in dry climates.
These make great specimen plants for xeriscape gardens and blend well in either tropical or arid gardens. Small plants are relatively inexpensive, but larger ones are a fortune. These make excellent potted specimens, and their symmetrical form provides a striking focal point.
They thrive best in full sun, but can be grown with some shade and humidity. Plant in very fast draining soil and provide little or no water in winter. Treat like a succulent. Best where winter temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C), but can take some periods of frost. Plants in containers can be moved inside during longer cold spells.
Propagation
Easy to propagate from seeds or cuttings.
Dasylirions produce enormous rosettes of foliage that is narrow, often stiff, and serrated at the edges. Some species are significantly barbed while others are smooth. Leaves may be just the width of a kebob skewer or flat and ribbon like, blue in color and slightly twisted. Over time the plants develop hefty trunks that may be left natural with their cloak of dead dry leaves or pruned clean for a more architectural form.
These plants bloom often but not every year. They are diecious, which means male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. When flowering they send up rigid stalks to the height of a one-story rooftop. The upper half to third is thickly covered pale yellow hooked blossoms that are pollinated by a wide range of day and night flying insects. After flowering the dried stalks are coveted for grouping in decorative urns.
Only a few species of Dasylirion are commonly grown, but these can be remarkably drought, heat and cold tolerant. The most significant in the modern design world is the hemispherical wiry Dasylirion longissimum. Valued for its flat blue leaves, Dasylirion wheeleri is preferred as an outdoor landscape plant for desert gardens with a cast iron constitution. The green desert spoon, Dasylirion acrotriche of Mexico is preferred for its coloring which lends a more lush character to the garden.
All Dasylirion species are growing in popularity as a drought resistant landscape plant well beyond the desert environment. Provided soils are well drained and there is little summer rain they should be widely adaptable. The common name, Desert Spoon, is derived from the leaves which, when plucked from the stalk bear a spoon-shaped base used by Native Americans. They also utilized the fibrous leaves to weave baskets, mats and other useful objects.
Growing Condition and General Care
Dasylirions are slow growing, carefree and durable, drought tolerant plant. However, they grow faster if watered well (don’t water the crown, though they rot easily). In the garden they should be placed in a sunny, well-drained area with additional summer water in dry climates.
These make great specimen plants for xeriscape gardens and blend well in either tropical or arid gardens. Small plants are relatively inexpensive, but larger ones are a fortune. These make excellent potted specimens, and their symmetrical form provides a striking focal point.
They thrive best in full sun, but can be grown with some shade and humidity. Plant in very fast draining soil and provide little or no water in winter. Treat like a succulent. Best where winter temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C), but can take some periods of frost. Plants in containers can be moved inside during longer cold spells.
Propagation
Easy to propagate from seeds or cuttings.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月30日
Grown as landscaping plants in mild winter climates, columnar cacti can reach impressive sizes not possible when they’re grown in containers. When cacti outgrow their allotted space or are reaching toward pathways, they need trimming. This might seem like a formidable task, since stem diameters can be large and some cacti have sizable spines along their ridges. Try to tackle pruning jobs before the stems get too large. With the proper equipment and planning, you can remove the unwanted growth.
Preparing to Prune
1. Mix a container of 10 percent bleach solution by combining 1 part household bleach with 10 parts water. Select a container tall enough that you can immerse the cutting edges of your pruning tools in it.
2. Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, closed-toe shoes and gloves. Add safety goggles if your face will come anywhere near the cactus during the pruning process.
3. Study your cactus plant to determine a plan of action. Identify the outermost branches you wish to prune, and decide on the order of pruning so that you have easy access to the stems with the pruning tools. Then move to inner branches. Remove long, heavy branches that would be hard to handle in sections, taking manageable cuttings from the top down.
4. Select the proper tool for the size of stem you’re working on. A serrated knife works well for smaller diameter cuttings and angled-blade pruning saws are best for larger diameter stems. Use a long-handled saw for hard-to-reach stems.
5. Dip the blades of saws or knives in the bleach, soaking all surfaces.
Making the Cuts
1. Grasp the stem in the middle of the intended cut location with cooking tongs if the stem is small in diameter. Put a piece of rope in the middle if the stem is larger. Continue to hold the stem with the tongs or rope while you make a clean slanting cut through the stem angled at 45 degrees. Get another person to hold the stem of big branches while you make the cut.
2. Remove the cutting and lay it on a clean tarp or piece of cardboard if you are going to propagate it. Place the cuttings in a garbage can or sturdy box for transport if you aren’t keeping the cuttings.
3. Check the cut on the mother plant if you are only removing one cutting. Remove any torn or jagged areas and make sure the slanted cut is smooth and will easily shed water to prevent rot on the parent plant.
4. Continue to make cuts on the stem if it is a large branch, supporting each cut section with the tongs or rope as you go. Lay each piece of cactus on the clean surface or put it in the garbage can. Make sure you can tell the bottom from the top of each cutting if you plan to root the cuttings. Use a permanent marker and put an X at the bottom edge of each cut.
5. Discard the cuttings, give them away, or make more plants by rooting the cuttings.
Preparing to Prune
1. Mix a container of 10 percent bleach solution by combining 1 part household bleach with 10 parts water. Select a container tall enough that you can immerse the cutting edges of your pruning tools in it.
2. Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, closed-toe shoes and gloves. Add safety goggles if your face will come anywhere near the cactus during the pruning process.
3. Study your cactus plant to determine a plan of action. Identify the outermost branches you wish to prune, and decide on the order of pruning so that you have easy access to the stems with the pruning tools. Then move to inner branches. Remove long, heavy branches that would be hard to handle in sections, taking manageable cuttings from the top down.
4. Select the proper tool for the size of stem you’re working on. A serrated knife works well for smaller diameter cuttings and angled-blade pruning saws are best for larger diameter stems. Use a long-handled saw for hard-to-reach stems.
5. Dip the blades of saws or knives in the bleach, soaking all surfaces.
Making the Cuts
1. Grasp the stem in the middle of the intended cut location with cooking tongs if the stem is small in diameter. Put a piece of rope in the middle if the stem is larger. Continue to hold the stem with the tongs or rope while you make a clean slanting cut through the stem angled at 45 degrees. Get another person to hold the stem of big branches while you make the cut.
2. Remove the cutting and lay it on a clean tarp or piece of cardboard if you are going to propagate it. Place the cuttings in a garbage can or sturdy box for transport if you aren’t keeping the cuttings.
3. Check the cut on the mother plant if you are only removing one cutting. Remove any torn or jagged areas and make sure the slanted cut is smooth and will easily shed water to prevent rot on the parent plant.
4. Continue to make cuts on the stem if it is a large branch, supporting each cut section with the tongs or rope as you go. Lay each piece of cactus on the clean surface or put it in the garbage can. Make sure you can tell the bottom from the top of each cutting if you plan to root the cuttings. Use a permanent marker and put an X at the bottom edge of each cut.
5. Discard the cuttings, give them away, or make more plants by rooting the cuttings.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月30日
Abominable Mystery
The search for the first flower has been a prime driving force for botanists interested in the evolution of seed plants.
The question as to how the first flowers appeared has been famously referred to as the “abominable mystery” by Charles Darwin.
Flowering plants are believed to have evolved around 140 million years ago. This is a time so deep in prehistory that it is difficult for the human mind to conceive.
Remarkably, a lineage of plants that has existed since then still exists.
And when the age of molecular sciences came about, a relatively unknown plant was about to make headlines in the scientific world, and earn a prominent place in the evolutionary history of plants.
This plant is none other than Amborella trichopoda.
Primitiveness of Amborella
Amborella is a rare understory shrub or small tree found only on the island of New Caledonia.
Amborella trichopoda is the only species in the genus, and is the only member of the family Amborellaceae.
It was known for some time already, that Amborella wood has a peculiar character – it lacks the vessels characteristic of most flowering plants.
This lack of vessels is a trait that is more typically associated with conifers, and is therefore thought to be a primitive trait in the evolution of plants in general.
There are a few lineages of flowering plants which also lack vessels and these lineages are also considered to be very old plant lineages.
However, it was only at the advent of the molecular age that Amborella was finally assigned it’s rightful place at or near the base of all flowering plant lineages.
Amborella thus represents a line of flowering plants that diverged very early (about 130 million years ago) from all the other known species of flowering plants.
Imaginarium
Knowing the history of Amborella and standing beside a live specimen is a strange experience.
One gets the sense of how a prehistorical landscape with Amborella might have looked like.
In a time before flowering plants dominated the earth, humble Amborella-like shrubs must have eked out a meagre existence in the understoreys of a conifer-dominated forest.
And the descendants within the Amborella lineage have persisted long after the demise of the dinosaurs, to witness now the dominion of the most advanced of flowers.
Such is the drama of a very-likely-to-be spurious imagined botanical ancestry of Amborella.
But the real story that has led to Amborella’s presence in our world, in our time, is lost in a long broken line of ancestors, with no fossils yet to link any dots.
Charles Darwin’s “abominable mystery” is still just as abominable now, as it was a century ago.
Standing before Amborella, I ask of her ancestry. She smiles and remains silent.
The search for the first flower has been a prime driving force for botanists interested in the evolution of seed plants.
The question as to how the first flowers appeared has been famously referred to as the “abominable mystery” by Charles Darwin.
Flowering plants are believed to have evolved around 140 million years ago. This is a time so deep in prehistory that it is difficult for the human mind to conceive.
Remarkably, a lineage of plants that has existed since then still exists.
And when the age of molecular sciences came about, a relatively unknown plant was about to make headlines in the scientific world, and earn a prominent place in the evolutionary history of plants.
This plant is none other than Amborella trichopoda.
Primitiveness of Amborella
Amborella is a rare understory shrub or small tree found only on the island of New Caledonia.
Amborella trichopoda is the only species in the genus, and is the only member of the family Amborellaceae.
It was known for some time already, that Amborella wood has a peculiar character – it lacks the vessels characteristic of most flowering plants.
This lack of vessels is a trait that is more typically associated with conifers, and is therefore thought to be a primitive trait in the evolution of plants in general.
There are a few lineages of flowering plants which also lack vessels and these lineages are also considered to be very old plant lineages.
However, it was only at the advent of the molecular age that Amborella was finally assigned it’s rightful place at or near the base of all flowering plant lineages.
Amborella thus represents a line of flowering plants that diverged very early (about 130 million years ago) from all the other known species of flowering plants.
Imaginarium
Knowing the history of Amborella and standing beside a live specimen is a strange experience.
One gets the sense of how a prehistorical landscape with Amborella might have looked like.
In a time before flowering plants dominated the earth, humble Amborella-like shrubs must have eked out a meagre existence in the understoreys of a conifer-dominated forest.
And the descendants within the Amborella lineage have persisted long after the demise of the dinosaurs, to witness now the dominion of the most advanced of flowers.
Such is the drama of a very-likely-to-be spurious imagined botanical ancestry of Amborella.
But the real story that has led to Amborella’s presence in our world, in our time, is lost in a long broken line of ancestors, with no fossils yet to link any dots.
Charles Darwin’s “abominable mystery” is still just as abominable now, as it was a century ago.
Standing before Amborella, I ask of her ancestry. She smiles and remains silent.
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0
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月30日
There are currently 235,000 known species of flowering plants in the world, and more are discovered every year. More than 60 percent of these grow in the warm, wet climate of tropical rainforests. Some tropical flowers go to extremes in size, odor and survival strategies. Most of these couldn’t survive in a suburban garden, and you probably wouldn’t want them to. 
There are, however, some uncommon flowers that you can safely harbor in your garden or on your window sill. In this article, we’ll examine 10 very unusual flowers.
1. Snake’s Head (Fritillaria meleagris)
A species of flowering plant in the family Liliaceae. Its other common names include Chess Flower, Frog Cup, Guinea Hen Flower, Leper Lily (because its shape resembled the bell once carried by lepers), Lazarus Bell, Checkered Lily or, in northern Europe, simply Fritillary.
2. Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba)
This unusual flowering plant is native of tropical regions of Asia and Africa and belongs to the family Colchicaceae. Flame Lily usually grows as tuberous climbing plant and produces unusual red or yellow flowers with wavy edges. It is the national flower of Zimbabwe.
3. Corpse Lily (Rafflesia arnoldii)
This remarkable flower is the largest flower in the world. It is rare and hard to find in its habitat which are the rain forests of Bengkulu, Sumatra Island and Indonesia. Flowers emit bad smell and can be as wide as 3.3 feet (1 m) wide and weigh up to 24 lbs (11 kg).
4. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Bird of Paradise also known as Crane Flower is another unusual flower from South Africa. The plant belongs to the family Strelitziaceae and produced unusually colorful and beautiful flowers that resemble a bird.
5. Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera)
Bee Orchid comes from the Mediterranean regions and belongs to the Orchid family. This perennial plant produces between one and ten flowers on each spike every summer.
6. Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
A species of flowering plant in the Poppy family, native to Siberia, northern China, Korea and Japan. It is valued in gardens and in floristry for its heart-shaped pink flowers (that are poisonous). It is also known as Lady-in-a-Bath.
7. Maypop Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)
A fast growing perennial vine with climbing or trailing stems with large, intricate flowers with prominent styles and stamens. A member of the passionflower genus Passiflora. it is a common wildflower in the southern United States. Also known as Purple Passionflower, True Passionflower, Wild Apricot, and Wild Passion Vine.
8. Sea Poison Tree (Barringtonia asiatica)
A species of Barringtonia, common along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. They have a sickly sweet smell that attracts bats and moths at night. It is grown along streets for decorative and shade purposes in some parts of India.
9. Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior)
A species of herbaceous perennial plant. It is an exceptionally red, waxy flower found throughout gardens in Costa Rica. The showy flowers are used in decorative arrangements while the flower buds are an important ingredient in the Nyonya dish Laksa. In North Sumatra, the flower buds are used for a dish called Arsik Ikan. mas.
10. Huernia oculata
This flowering plant belongs to the family Apocynaceae. The plant produces small succulent stems that can be used to propagate the plant. The plant is fairly easy to grow in well drained soil and dry climate.
There are, however, some uncommon flowers that you can safely harbor in your garden or on your window sill. In this article, we’ll examine 10 very unusual flowers.
1. Snake’s Head (Fritillaria meleagris)
A species of flowering plant in the family Liliaceae. Its other common names include Chess Flower, Frog Cup, Guinea Hen Flower, Leper Lily (because its shape resembled the bell once carried by lepers), Lazarus Bell, Checkered Lily or, in northern Europe, simply Fritillary.
2. Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba)
This unusual flowering plant is native of tropical regions of Asia and Africa and belongs to the family Colchicaceae. Flame Lily usually grows as tuberous climbing plant and produces unusual red or yellow flowers with wavy edges. It is the national flower of Zimbabwe.
3. Corpse Lily (Rafflesia arnoldii)
This remarkable flower is the largest flower in the world. It is rare and hard to find in its habitat which are the rain forests of Bengkulu, Sumatra Island and Indonesia. Flowers emit bad smell and can be as wide as 3.3 feet (1 m) wide and weigh up to 24 lbs (11 kg).
4. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Bird of Paradise also known as Crane Flower is another unusual flower from South Africa. The plant belongs to the family Strelitziaceae and produced unusually colorful and beautiful flowers that resemble a bird.
5. Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera)
Bee Orchid comes from the Mediterranean regions and belongs to the Orchid family. This perennial plant produces between one and ten flowers on each spike every summer.
6. Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
A species of flowering plant in the Poppy family, native to Siberia, northern China, Korea and Japan. It is valued in gardens and in floristry for its heart-shaped pink flowers (that are poisonous). It is also known as Lady-in-a-Bath.
7. Maypop Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)
A fast growing perennial vine with climbing or trailing stems with large, intricate flowers with prominent styles and stamens. A member of the passionflower genus Passiflora. it is a common wildflower in the southern United States. Also known as Purple Passionflower, True Passionflower, Wild Apricot, and Wild Passion Vine.
8. Sea Poison Tree (Barringtonia asiatica)
A species of Barringtonia, common along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. They have a sickly sweet smell that attracts bats and moths at night. It is grown along streets for decorative and shade purposes in some parts of India.
9. Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior)
A species of herbaceous perennial plant. It is an exceptionally red, waxy flower found throughout gardens in Costa Rica. The showy flowers are used in decorative arrangements while the flower buds are an important ingredient in the Nyonya dish Laksa. In North Sumatra, the flower buds are used for a dish called Arsik Ikan. mas.
10. Huernia oculata
This flowering plant belongs to the family Apocynaceae. The plant produces small succulent stems that can be used to propagate the plant. The plant is fairly easy to grow in well drained soil and dry climate.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月30日
Flowering plants, or Angiosperms (described taxonomically as the division Magnoliophyta) are the largest grouping within the plant kingdom (Kingdom Plantae or Viridiplantae) in terms of the numbers of described species. Approximately 260,000 species of flowering plant have been named so far, constituting nearly 90% of all known species of plants. Even so, taxonomists describe many new species annually, and estimates of total angiosperm diversity reach as high as 400,000 species. There are about 450 families of flowering plants, displaying extremely diverse life histories and ecological adaptations. In addition to dominating plant biodiversity, angiosperms are the dominant photosynthetic organisms (primary producers) in most terrestrial ecosystems (an important exception to this rule are the boreal forests, which are often dominated by conifers). All important food plants are angiosperms.
Natural History
Angiosperms are also the youngest of the plant divisions, having arisen relatively late in the history of terrestrial plant life. The first land plants are about 450 million years old, but the earliest definitive angiosperm fossils are only about 130 million years old, placing their known origins within the Early Cretaceous period. However, indirect evidence leads some scientists to estimate that angiosperms may have originated as early as 250 million years ago, that is, at the end of the Permian period.
By about 100 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period, angiosperms experienced a rapid diversification in form. The factors driving this diversification have long been of interest to evolutionary biologists. Many scientists hypothesize that specialized mutualistic relationships with animal pollinators played an important role in the development of angiosperm diversity (and perhaps insect diversity as well).
Physiological Characteristics and Behavior
Angiosperms are anatomically distinguished from other plant groups by several developmental and anatomical features. They produce flowers, which are very short branches bearing a series of closely spaced leaves modified to facilitate pollination (sepals and petals) or to bear the organs involved in sexual reproduction (stamens and pistils). Developing seeds are completely enclosed in an ovary derived from a portion of the pistil (the word angiosperm is of Greek derivation, meaning covered seed). Ovary tissues mature to form a fruit that is generally involved in protecting the seed and facilitating its dispersal (only angiosperms bear true fruits). Seeds at some point in their development contain a distinctive tissue, the triploid endosperm, which serves as a nutritional reserve for the developing embryo.
Angiosperms That May Interest You
Angiosperms comprise such a large group, it is difficult to single out a mere few of the most intriguing, but here are some of the most important and diverse (and delicious!) flowering plant families.
The composite or daisy family (Asteraceae) has about 24,000 named species, and may be the largest plant family. The orchid family (Orchidaceae) rivals the Daisy family in diversity, with about 17,000 species named. The Grass family (Poaceae), with over 10,000 species, includes three of the four most productive human-food plants: Rice (Oryza), Eheat (Triticum) and Maize (Zea). The fourth, the Potato (Solanum tuberosum), is a member of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae). The bean (or legume) family (Fabaceae, also known as Papilionaceae) includes about 19,000 species, many of which are important in human food because their symbiotic association with certain nitrogen-fixing bacteria leads to unusually high protein content.
Natural History
Angiosperms are also the youngest of the plant divisions, having arisen relatively late in the history of terrestrial plant life. The first land plants are about 450 million years old, but the earliest definitive angiosperm fossils are only about 130 million years old, placing their known origins within the Early Cretaceous period. However, indirect evidence leads some scientists to estimate that angiosperms may have originated as early as 250 million years ago, that is, at the end of the Permian period.
By about 100 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period, angiosperms experienced a rapid diversification in form. The factors driving this diversification have long been of interest to evolutionary biologists. Many scientists hypothesize that specialized mutualistic relationships with animal pollinators played an important role in the development of angiosperm diversity (and perhaps insect diversity as well).
Physiological Characteristics and Behavior
Angiosperms are anatomically distinguished from other plant groups by several developmental and anatomical features. They produce flowers, which are very short branches bearing a series of closely spaced leaves modified to facilitate pollination (sepals and petals) or to bear the organs involved in sexual reproduction (stamens and pistils). Developing seeds are completely enclosed in an ovary derived from a portion of the pistil (the word angiosperm is of Greek derivation, meaning covered seed). Ovary tissues mature to form a fruit that is generally involved in protecting the seed and facilitating its dispersal (only angiosperms bear true fruits). Seeds at some point in their development contain a distinctive tissue, the triploid endosperm, which serves as a nutritional reserve for the developing embryo.
Angiosperms That May Interest You
Angiosperms comprise such a large group, it is difficult to single out a mere few of the most intriguing, but here are some of the most important and diverse (and delicious!) flowering plant families.
The composite or daisy family (Asteraceae) has about 24,000 named species, and may be the largest plant family. The orchid family (Orchidaceae) rivals the Daisy family in diversity, with about 17,000 species named. The Grass family (Poaceae), with over 10,000 species, includes three of the four most productive human-food plants: Rice (Oryza), Eheat (Triticum) and Maize (Zea). The fourth, the Potato (Solanum tuberosum), is a member of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae). The bean (or legume) family (Fabaceae, also known as Papilionaceae) includes about 19,000 species, many of which are important in human food because their symbiotic association with certain nitrogen-fixing bacteria leads to unusually high protein content.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月30日
Fuchsia are immensely popular outdoor plants throughout the English-speaking world. They were first imported from subtropical regions in South American and New Zealand into the United Kingdom in the late 18th century, and have subsequently been the focus of extensive hybridizing.
Today, there are Fuchsia available in a wide range of colors, with the bell-like flowers blooming in white, pink, red, purple or various combinations. They’ve also been bred as single, double, or semi-double flowers. And finally, they can be used in any number of situations, as trained standards, trailing baskets, or pots of colorful blooms. Long thought of as outdoor plants, indoor Fuchsia are often thrown away after their bloom is finished. In reality, they can be overwintered, and a new set of leaves and blooms will emerge next spring for another display.
Growing Conditions
Light: Fuchsia appreciate bright light, but should not be subjected to full sun unless you can keep the roots adequately moist and cool. Many people use Fuchsia as shade plants, which is fine, but as long as they get enough water, they can handle more light than many people assume.
Water: During the growing season, keep the soil continuously moist. Plants dislike hot, dry roots—this will kill them. So make sure the roots are cool and moist at all times. After the bloom is done, cut watering back in preparation for over-wintering the plant.
Temperature: Fuchsia thrive at around 70˚F (21˚C) and dislike being hot for too long. During the overwintering period, reduce temperature to 50˚F (10˚C) or 60˚F (15˚C).
Soil: A rich, fast-draining mix is ideal.
Fertilizer: Fertilize abundantly during the growing season. They are heavy feeders, and many container growers feed their plants with a weak liquid fertilizer at every watering (weekly) during the growing season. Controlled-release pellets are also an excellent option.
Repotting
Repot your Fuchsia in the spring annually. These plants require a rich supply of organic material to flower and perform their best, so even if you’re not stepping the plant up to a larger pot, you should repot it into a fresh pot with new soil. Add some controlled-release fertilizer pellets at repotting time to increase vigor.
Propagation
Fuchsia will propagate readily from leaf-tip cuttings. For best results, use a rooting hormone. After taking cuttings, leave the plants in a bright place with high humidity and keep the soil continuously moist, but not soaked. New growth should emerge within a few weeks. Do not repot cuttings until they are established.
Grower’s Tips
Fuchsia make excellent houseplants, in part because they are well adapted to growing in shadier conditions. In general, the more heat and light a Fuchsia is subjected to, the more careful you’ll have to be about watering. In some cases, you might be watering every day. To prevent fungal problems and pests, be careful not to let your Fuchsia leaves touch the dirt. Even then, whiteflies can be a problem for Fuchsia and should be treated at the first sign of an infestation (look for white webs on the undersides of leaves). When treating for whitefly, make sure to spray the undersides of leaves thoroughly to disrupt their life cycle. To overwinter your Fuchsia, let the leaves drop off in spring, reduce watering, and move it to a cool and dark room. New growth should appear in the spring.
Today, there are Fuchsia available in a wide range of colors, with the bell-like flowers blooming in white, pink, red, purple or various combinations. They’ve also been bred as single, double, or semi-double flowers. And finally, they can be used in any number of situations, as trained standards, trailing baskets, or pots of colorful blooms. Long thought of as outdoor plants, indoor Fuchsia are often thrown away after their bloom is finished. In reality, they can be overwintered, and a new set of leaves and blooms will emerge next spring for another display.
Growing Conditions
Light: Fuchsia appreciate bright light, but should not be subjected to full sun unless you can keep the roots adequately moist and cool. Many people use Fuchsia as shade plants, which is fine, but as long as they get enough water, they can handle more light than many people assume.
Water: During the growing season, keep the soil continuously moist. Plants dislike hot, dry roots—this will kill them. So make sure the roots are cool and moist at all times. After the bloom is done, cut watering back in preparation for over-wintering the plant.
Temperature: Fuchsia thrive at around 70˚F (21˚C) and dislike being hot for too long. During the overwintering period, reduce temperature to 50˚F (10˚C) or 60˚F (15˚C).
Soil: A rich, fast-draining mix is ideal.
Fertilizer: Fertilize abundantly during the growing season. They are heavy feeders, and many container growers feed their plants with a weak liquid fertilizer at every watering (weekly) during the growing season. Controlled-release pellets are also an excellent option.
Repotting
Repot your Fuchsia in the spring annually. These plants require a rich supply of organic material to flower and perform their best, so even if you’re not stepping the plant up to a larger pot, you should repot it into a fresh pot with new soil. Add some controlled-release fertilizer pellets at repotting time to increase vigor.
Propagation
Fuchsia will propagate readily from leaf-tip cuttings. For best results, use a rooting hormone. After taking cuttings, leave the plants in a bright place with high humidity and keep the soil continuously moist, but not soaked. New growth should emerge within a few weeks. Do not repot cuttings until they are established.
Grower’s Tips
Fuchsia make excellent houseplants, in part because they are well adapted to growing in shadier conditions. In general, the more heat and light a Fuchsia is subjected to, the more careful you’ll have to be about watering. In some cases, you might be watering every day. To prevent fungal problems and pests, be careful not to let your Fuchsia leaves touch the dirt. Even then, whiteflies can be a problem for Fuchsia and should be treated at the first sign of an infestation (look for white webs on the undersides of leaves). When treating for whitefly, make sure to spray the undersides of leaves thoroughly to disrupt their life cycle. To overwinter your Fuchsia, let the leaves drop off in spring, reduce watering, and move it to a cool and dark room. New growth should appear in the spring.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月30日
The genus Saintpaulia, also known as African Violets are one of the world’s most popular houseplants, and for good reason. These compact, low-growing plants flower several times a year, and they are available in a multitude of leaf forms and colors. Don’t be put off by their reputation for difficulty: providing you follow a few simple rules, African Violets should thrive indoors. With a little experience, it’s possible to keep them in flower nearly all year round and grow them to the size of dinner plates.
Growing Conditions
Light: Bright, but not direct sunlight. They are commonly grown under fluorescent lights placed 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) above the leaves.
Water: Keep soil moist with warm water and strive for high humidity. Do not allow water to contact the leaves to prevent damage, other than light misting. Water from below, or push the water spout into the soil when watering. Don’t allow the plant to sit in water.
Temperature: Do not allow to fall below about 60ºF (15ºC). They thrive at 70ºF (21ºC).
Soil: A well-drained potting mix is essential. Poor drainage can cause root rot, in which the plant becomes waterlogged and its leaves begin to fall, so make sure that the plant is never allowed to be exposed to standing water for an extended period of time.
Fertilizer: Feed with a African Violet fertilizer every other week.
Repotting
African Violets do better when they are slightly underpotted. Repot only when necessary into a pot that is one size up. To repot these plants, simply grab the plant as a whole, lift it, and replace it into a larger container, making sure not to damage their root systems in the process. Common signs that a plant is stressed out and needs to be repotted include falling leaves and overcrowding, as well as roots that protrude from the surface of the soil. Keep an eye out and repot if you think it’ll help.
Propagation
African Violets can be propagated from leaf cuttings or from offsets. Adult plants occasionally produce small plantlets or shoots from the side. Remove these and pot up independently. Removing them also encourages better blooms on the parent plant.
Grower’s Tips
African Violets will thrive in bright, warm and humid conditions. Keep water from touching their leaves or it will leave brown spots. Remove dead flowers and leaves as soon as you seen them to encourage a healthier plant. Regularly check the soil and plant to make sure there is no accumulation of dead leaves. This will encourage rot. Growing these houseplants is really a matter of balance; you have to make sure that the different factors that go into their cultivation all are weighted against each other. They should be kept in moist enough conditions that they don’t dry out, yet still exposed to a fresh breeze to avoid letting them get too stuffy, and exposed to sunlight without damaging their leaf tips. Don’t be discouraged if your African Violets suffer some damage — it’s all part of the process.
Growing Conditions
Light: Bright, but not direct sunlight. They are commonly grown under fluorescent lights placed 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) above the leaves.
Water: Keep soil moist with warm water and strive for high humidity. Do not allow water to contact the leaves to prevent damage, other than light misting. Water from below, or push the water spout into the soil when watering. Don’t allow the plant to sit in water.
Temperature: Do not allow to fall below about 60ºF (15ºC). They thrive at 70ºF (21ºC).
Soil: A well-drained potting mix is essential. Poor drainage can cause root rot, in which the plant becomes waterlogged and its leaves begin to fall, so make sure that the plant is never allowed to be exposed to standing water for an extended period of time.
Fertilizer: Feed with a African Violet fertilizer every other week.
Repotting
African Violets do better when they are slightly underpotted. Repot only when necessary into a pot that is one size up. To repot these plants, simply grab the plant as a whole, lift it, and replace it into a larger container, making sure not to damage their root systems in the process. Common signs that a plant is stressed out and needs to be repotted include falling leaves and overcrowding, as well as roots that protrude from the surface of the soil. Keep an eye out and repot if you think it’ll help.
Propagation
African Violets can be propagated from leaf cuttings or from offsets. Adult plants occasionally produce small plantlets or shoots from the side. Remove these and pot up independently. Removing them also encourages better blooms on the parent plant.
Grower’s Tips
African Violets will thrive in bright, warm and humid conditions. Keep water from touching their leaves or it will leave brown spots. Remove dead flowers and leaves as soon as you seen them to encourage a healthier plant. Regularly check the soil and plant to make sure there is no accumulation of dead leaves. This will encourage rot. Growing these houseplants is really a matter of balance; you have to make sure that the different factors that go into their cultivation all are weighted against each other. They should be kept in moist enough conditions that they don’t dry out, yet still exposed to a fresh breeze to avoid letting them get too stuffy, and exposed to sunlight without damaging their leaf tips. Don’t be discouraged if your African Violets suffer some damage — it’s all part of the process.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月30日
Plumeria plants, which are also known as Lei Flowers and Frangipani, are actually small trees that are native to tropical regions. The flowers of these beautiful plants are used in making traditional Hawaiian leis. They are highly fragrant and bloom freely from spring throughout fall in multiple colors like white, yellow, pink, and red. These flowers stand out nicely amid the large-leaved foliage, which may be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the type.
Although you don’t have to live in the tropics to grow Plumeria in the home garden, you should be aware of its growing requirements beforehand.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Often grown in the garden as an ornamental shrub or small tree, Plumeria plants need to be grown in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. They also need at least six hours of full sun.
While the plants are fairly tolerant of both salt and windy conditions, they’re not tolerant of cold and must be protected. Therefore, they should be container grown in colder regions. In areas that may be warm most of the time but still fairly prone to cold winters, the plant can be dug up and overwintered indoors. Alternatively, you can sink container grown Plumerias in the ground, bringing them indoors once the temperatures begin to drop in fall. Once warmer temps return in spring, you can return the plants back outdoors.
When growing Plumeria plants in pots, use a coarse, well-draining potting mix—cactus mix or perlite and sand should be fine.
Plumeria care, for the most part, is minimal. While Plumerias don’t like wet feet, they should be watered deeply when irrigated and then allowed to dry out some before watering again. They also need to be fertilized about every two to three weeks throughout their active growing season. Reduce watering in mid fall and stop completely once the plants enter dormancy in winter. Resume regular watering as new growth appears in spring. A high phosphate (phosphorus) fertilizer, like 10-30-10, will help encourage blooms. Giving them too much nitrogen will only result in more foliage growth and less flowering.
Pruning
Plumerias may be pruned as needed (up to 12 inches from ground) in late winter or early spring (prior to new growth); however, any drastic or hard pruning done may reduce flowering.
Propagation
These plants can also be propagated by seeds or cuttings in spring, with cuttings being the easiest and most preferred method. Insert cuttings about 2 inches in potting mix and water thoroughly.
Although you don’t have to live in the tropics to grow Plumeria in the home garden, you should be aware of its growing requirements beforehand.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Often grown in the garden as an ornamental shrub or small tree, Plumeria plants need to be grown in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. They also need at least six hours of full sun.
While the plants are fairly tolerant of both salt and windy conditions, they’re not tolerant of cold and must be protected. Therefore, they should be container grown in colder regions. In areas that may be warm most of the time but still fairly prone to cold winters, the plant can be dug up and overwintered indoors. Alternatively, you can sink container grown Plumerias in the ground, bringing them indoors once the temperatures begin to drop in fall. Once warmer temps return in spring, you can return the plants back outdoors.
When growing Plumeria plants in pots, use a coarse, well-draining potting mix—cactus mix or perlite and sand should be fine.
Plumeria care, for the most part, is minimal. While Plumerias don’t like wet feet, they should be watered deeply when irrigated and then allowed to dry out some before watering again. They also need to be fertilized about every two to three weeks throughout their active growing season. Reduce watering in mid fall and stop completely once the plants enter dormancy in winter. Resume regular watering as new growth appears in spring. A high phosphate (phosphorus) fertilizer, like 10-30-10, will help encourage blooms. Giving them too much nitrogen will only result in more foliage growth and less flowering.
Pruning
Plumerias may be pruned as needed (up to 12 inches from ground) in late winter or early spring (prior to new growth); however, any drastic or hard pruning done may reduce flowering.
Propagation
These plants can also be propagated by seeds or cuttings in spring, with cuttings being the easiest and most preferred method. Insert cuttings about 2 inches in potting mix and water thoroughly.
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