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RHS Practical House Plant Book - Choose The Best, Display Creatively, Nurture and Care, 175 Plant Profiles (PDFDrive)
RHS Practical House Plant Book - Choose The Best, Display Creatively, Nurture and Care, 175 Plant Profiles (PDFDrive)
PRACTICAL
HOUSE
PLANT
BOOK
CHOOSE THE BEST DISPLAY CREATIVELY
NURTURE & CARE 175 PLANT PROFILES
FRAN BAILEY & ZIA ALLAWAY
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
PRACTICAL
HOUSE
PLANT BOOK
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
PRACTICAL
HOUSE
PLANT
BOOK
FRAN BAILEY
ZIA ALLAWAY
RHS CONSULTANT: CHRISTOPHER YOUNG
CONTENTS
6 Introduction
220 Index
6
INTRODUCTION
RHS PRACTICAL HOUSE PLANT BOOK
As much as we may want to, we can’t all turn our homes into
a full-scale botanical garden. Instead, we need to be a little
more inventive. Poor light? Look for unfussy foliage plants, such
as cast iron plants or snake plants, that can survive in a shadier
spot. No free surface space? Plant up a miniature garden inside
a glass terrarium, or go all-out and create a hanging garden with
macramé planters and kokedama.
THE ART OF
HOUSE PLANT DESIGN
On its own, a plant is just a plant. Add another and it becomes a display.
But what distinguishes a random selection of plants from a piece of
design that can engage the eye and evoke the mood of your living
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
Use size and proportion to create a display. Choosing plants with similar shapes can
Choose same-sized plants for balance and create beautiful, natural patterns, while
symmetry, or use plants of different sizes to contrasting shapes can be used to sculpt
draw the eye and create flow and movement. displays with a sense of drama.
11
Colour can interact with colour to A plant’s texture can have visual as well
great effect. Use that interplay to find as tactile appeal, as it determines how the
soft, harmonious shades or build a foliage interacts with the light. Mix and match
more vibrant, contrasting palette. different textures to add depth to a display.
12
THE RULES OF
HOUSE PLANT DESIGN
How you choose to design your house plant collection depends on
your personal style, imagination, and the space you have available.
With so many variables, the possibilities are almost endless, but for
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
1 2
CARE COMES THINK
BEFORE STYLE NATURAL
A healthy plant is a beautiful plant. Be inspired by nature. Consider
When designing for a particular space, where and how a plant would grow in the
always choose plants that you know will wild, and try to emulate that in your display.
thrive in the light, temperature, and humidity So, if a plant thrives in on a damp, semi-shaded
conditions provided by that space. There forest floor, provide it with a position that
is no point taking the time to arrange the offers a similar environment. If it trails from
perfect display only to watch the plants high branches, place it in a hanging container.
within it begin to wilt and die because If it grows aerial roots without compost, build
they are unhappy in their location. that into your display. Whatever its natural
circumstances, use them as inspiration.
13
3 HARMONY
AND CONTRAST
Strike a balance between harmonious
and contrasting design features. Familiarise
yourself with the four key elements of
design (see pp10–11), and harmonize or
contrast them as needed to achieve the
effect you want. Harmony can create a
balanced, unified appearance, while contrast
will add interest and dynamism to a display.
14
HARMONY OF SCALE
UNDERSTANDING
Choosing and grouping together plants of
uniform or nearly uniform scale results in a classic,
SCALE
highly ordered display. Repetition of scale and
proportion creates a harmonious pattern and
offers a sense of unity and simplicity. Harmony can
become dull if the repetition is overdone, but in
moderation it offers a sense of order and rhythm.
To put it simply, scale refers to the relative
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
WHAT IS SCALE?
Scale describes your plants' sizes in comparison
with one another. It is closely related to proportion,
which describes the size of your plants within an
overall display. Plants of a similar size are harmonious
in scale, while those of different heights contrast in
scale. Scale is relative: any two plants can share the
same contrast of scale, provided that they maintain
the same proportions.
Scale describes
the size of two
objects in relation
to one another
CONTRAST OF SCALE
When plants are in proportion but of different
Fiddle-leaved figs scales, the eye is led from one to the other and
the relationship is less static, and more dynamic,
than thatof a harmonious display. There is a
sense of movement, going from small up to large,
drawing the eye to a focal point in the grouping
but maintaining proportion so that the relationship
isn't broken.
DESIGNING WITH
HARMONY OF SCALE
Harmony can reinforce pattern, so use plants of the
same scale to echo and exaggerate existing patterns
within your living space: the symmetry of a windowsill,
the staggered surface of a flight of stairs. Maintaining
the same scale across a display while varying other
design elements creates a harmonious pattern that
unites your plants.
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
your space to
create equilibrium.”
DESIGNING WITH
DESIGNING WITH SCALE
DESIGNING WITH
SCALE CONTRAST OF SCALE
Grouping plants of different sizes offers a chance
to manipulate the eye and generate a sense of
movement. Perhaps you want to sweep along
What effect do you wish to create in your a windowsill or table, or conjure an impression
space? Do you want a formal pattern of of height, or lead the eye into a particular space.
Use contrast of scale to create a sight-line between
repetition and harmony, or an informal, your plants and draw attention to a focal point
eye-catching arrangement that creates within your grouping.
1 2
1 2
18
HARMONY OF SHAPE
A row of the same plant varieties, or of plants that
have a similar shape, creates a harmonious pattern.
The repetition of shape provides a sense of order
and symmetry. No one plant may dominate, so
the overall effect is of unity and simplicity, with all
plants in the group having a similar visual weight.
UNDERSTANDING
SHAPE
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
WHAT IS SHAPE?
Every house plant is unique, shaped as much by
its environment as by its natural form, and no two
plants will ever share an identical outline. Nevertheless,
certain shapes tend to occur regularly throughout a
range of house plant types. Use these as a starting
point when identifying your plant's outline.
Rosette-
shaped Trailing
CONTRAST OF SHAPE
Using a variety of shapes creates a sense of
movement and draws the attention along the
display. Diverse shapes can be used to create
a sense of adventure and tension, with the visual
weight being carried across the group according
to how the shapes of the different plants interact.
Trailing
mistletoe
cactus
20
DESIGNING WITH
HARMONY OF SHAPE
“ Reposition your Repetition of shape across a symmetrical design
creates a sense of impact and order. Use plants
with strong, clean outlines, such as tall or domed
plants a few times shapes, and limit the display to just one or two plant
varieties to establish a sense of order and control.
until you’re happy that
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
DESIGNING WITH
SHAPE
DESIGNING WITH SHAPE
2
21
DESIGNING WITH
1 These snake plants
and aloes share the
CONTRAST OF SHAPE
same tall, architectural An asymmetrical display built from multiple
shape, creating a strong, shape types can be used to redefine a space.
symmetrical display. Use different plants’ unique visual features
2 Despite contrast of colour, to create a flowing, organic design, but
the matching forms of these keep it controlled; the outline should lead the
begonias unify the display. eye across the display without any obvious,
3 The repeated domes of irregular gaps that could break the flow.
mind-your-own-business 1 The central cluster of mini succulents
plants draw the eye along nestled within the larger trio builds into
the table. a varied but strongly united grouping.
2 The contrasting forms of the tall Swiss
cheese plant and trailing devil’s ivy create a
flowing, asymmetrical design bound together
by the mid-sized plants in the group. 1
3 2
22
HARMONY OF COLOUR
UNDERSTANDING Restricting your palette to different shades of the
COLOUR
same colour creates a sense of order and control.
Limiting an arrangement to such a narrow section
of the colour wheel can also provide an air of calm
and tranquility. Mixing in colours that lie adjacent
on the colour wheel, such as soft blues or gentle
Within Nature there are many different yellows, changes the rhythm but doesn’t unbalance
colours, shades, and tones for you to work the overall equilibrium. The colours still harmonise
and blend with each other, maintaining the simplicity.
with. Colours have emotional properties
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
WHAT IS COLOUR?
Colours in isolation behave differently from colours in
combination, and the colour wheel shows how those
relationships work. In between the primary colours of
UNDERSTANDING COLOUR
red, blue, and yellow lie all the shades they make in
combination (so, for example, green sits between blue
and yellow, which combine to make green). Towards
the centre are progressively lighter tints, while as the
circle progresses outwards, the shades get darker.
CONTRAST OF COLOUR
Using colours from opposite sides of the colour
wheel, such as red and green or yellow and
purple, instantly adds energy to a display. For a
more subtle effect, try working with three colours
evenly spaced around the colour wheel (green,
orange, and purple, for instance); while still
contrasting, the palette is not as high-energy as a
two-colour, directly opposing contrast would be.
2
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
DESIGNING WITH COLOUR
1 3
DESIGNING WITH
DESIGNING WITH HARMONY OF COLOUR
COLOUR For a calm, ordered arrangement, plants need to blend
gently with one another colour-wise. A strict colour
palette of greens is refined, but you may need to vary
other elements to avoid a dull display. Broadening
Colour evokes emotion, so design your your palette to adjacent colours allows a wider range
of moods to be conjured, while retaining serenity and
display according to the mood you want order. Cool hues generally suggest a sense of space.
to create. For a sense of serenity, try
greens and whites; for a vibrant display, 1 A palette of purple flowers and foliage
harmonizes this group of different plants,
incorporate fiery oranges and reds. Cool setting a gentle yet welcoming mood.
colours can also impart a sense of space, 2 This little succulent display creates a
muted range of greens, from the red-green
while warm colours may suggest cosiness. kalanchoe to the white-speckled haworthia.
3 The rattlesnake plant’s variegated green
leaves (left) offer some interest when
paired with the fiddle-leaved fig behind it.
25
DESIGNING
WITH CONTRAST
OF COLOUR
Warm colours can make spaces
appear more intimate. As they
contrast directly with green, they
also add drama to a plant display.
Use them to draw the eye in to your
display, or to create bold, vibrant
relationships between your plants.
HARMONY OF TEXTURE
When similar-textured plants are grouped together,
the quality of light and shadow across their foliage is
consistent, creating a relationship between the plants
despite any other visual differences, such as colour or
size. This relationship unifies the display, creating a
UNDERSTANDING balanced whole and imparting a sense of simplicity.
TEXTURE
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
WHAT IS TEXTURE?
Texture describes a plant’s foliage, and the effect
it creates when interacting with light and shadow.
While it adds a seemingly tactile dimension, texture
should primarily remain a visual design element:
some plants, like the bunny ears cactus, may look soft,
but you would not want to touch those fine spikes.
Velvety, matte
Feathery
“ Texture adds another
Plump,
dimension to your
fleshy
display through the
visual qualities of
Smooth,
glossy
Spiky,
rough the plant’s leaves.”
27
Mind-your-own-business
Donkey’s tail
CONTRAST OF TEXTURE
Strong textural contrasts create drama and interest.
The greater the contrast, the greater the emphasis
on each plant’s individual presence: the clean,
crisp foliage of a glossy-leaved plant versus the
wild, informal appearance of feathered leaves,
for instance, or a succulent’s plump, fleshy leaves
versus the spiky prickles of a cactus.
28
DESIGNING WITH
HARMONY OF TEXTURE
When a group of plants interact with light in the same
way – absorbing or reflecting it, offering similar textural
patterns of light and dark – there is a unity achieved
that brings the composition together as a whole.
A thoughtful combination of similar textures offset
by other contrasting elements creates interest,
“ Light, feathery foliage although too much repetition creates monotony.
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
carries less visual weight 1 Pairing the structurally different, but equally
glossy, fern arum (left) and radiator plant (right)
DESIGNING WITH
DESIGNING WITH TEXTURE
DESIGNING WITH
1 2
3 4
1 2
30
UNDERSTANDING
CONTAINERS
An integral part of any house plant arrangement is the choice of pots.
While neutral containers can offer a unifying backdrop for your plants,
a bold container choice that emphasises one or more design elements
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
can become a focal point in itself, highlighting your plants' best features
and tying them in with the surrounding environment.
SCALE SHAPE
UNDERSTANDING CONTAINERS
Containers that play with scale and proportion can A container's shape can harmonize or contrast
change the relationship between identical plants, with your plant's growing habit. It can echo
while matching containers of the same scale can and accentuate the natural shape of the plant,
unify a group of different plants. or contrast with it to create interest or drama.
31
COLOUR TEXTURE
Colour and pattern on a container can be used The surface of your container can complement the
to highlight features in your plant. Stripes can echo texture of your plant's foliage, or directly contrast
stripes, colour can pick up on colour, highlighting with it, in order to play on the differences and the
what may have been a subtle accent on a plant. sensory interest of the display.
32
“ For an eye-catching
display, hunt out interesting
and unusual containers
in vintage shops.”
DESIGNING WITH HOUSEPLANTS
DESIGNING WITH
CONTAINERS
Be adventurous with your container choice.
Almost anything can be used as a container
or outer sleeve: as well as regular pots and
terrariums, try repurposing old household
items for conversation-starting display.
DESIGNING WITH CONTAINERS
2 3 4
5 6
7 8
34
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
DESIGNING WITH CONTAINERS
DESIGNING FOR
BRIGHT
LIGHT
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
2 3
5 6
38
DESIGNING FOR
LOW LIGHT
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
2 3
4 5
40
DESIGNING FOR
HUMIDITY
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
2 3
5 6
42
DESIGNING FOR
SPACE
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
2 3
5 6
44
DESIGNING FOR
MINDFULNESS
Modern life doesn’t always offer enough opportunities
to enjoy the Great Outdoors, especially for those of
us living in built-up urban environments with little daily
access to parks or woodland. Studies have shown that
DESIGNING FOR
living and working in a plant-filled environment can
noticeably boost mental wellbeing (see below left).
WELLBEING
By adding touches of greenery throughout your home,
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
DESIGNING FOR
THE SENSES
Fragrant house plants add an extra sensory dimension
to any plant design. We often bring bulbs and other
scented plants into our homes during the darkest
months of the year to remind ourselves of the sights
and smells of spring. Position them in a front hallway
for a bright, fragrant welcome, or near a door so that
you will catch a hint of fragrance every time you pass.
HOW HOUSE PLANTS HELP
Multiple studies have shown that there are 1 Nelly Isler (left) and brassia orchid blooms
tangible psychological benefits to keeping both provide a burst of scent.
plants in indoor spaces such as homes and 2 Stephanotis is a classic plant choice
offices. After spending time living and working when designing for scent.
alongside plants, those taking part in the studies
3 Thyme bushes release a wonderful
found that, on average:
fragrance when brushed against in passing.
• their mood levels improved 4 Combine scented and non-scented
• they felt less stressed
plants to create a larger display without
an overwhelming amount of fragrance (L–R:
• they felt more productive peace lily, scented hoya, scented cyclamen).
• their attention span improved (in some studies)
5 “Force” grape hyacinth bulbs for scent and
colour during winter (see pp198–99).
45
2 3
1 4 5
46
DESIGNING FOR
AIR PURIFICATION
In addition to boosting our mood, house plants can even
improve our physical health and wellbeing by filtering harmful
pollutants, including formaldehyde and benzene, from the air
inside our homes and offices.
These chemicals, which are found in many everyday products,
including cosmetics, soft furnishings, and detergents, are
released into the atmosphere over time, and may build up
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
Peace lily
DESIGNING FOR WELLBEING
Chinese
evergreen
Spider plant
47
India
rubber
plant
Snake
plants
Jade tree
48
DESIGNING WITH HOUSE PLANTS
DESIGNING FOR WELLBEING
DESERTSCAPE
Grouping your cacti and succulent collection together in a single container
is a great way to show off their different characteristics. The container does
not have to be deep, as cacti have shallow root systems, but make sure it
has adequate drainage; adding a layer of gravel beneath the compost will
help prevent waterlogging if your container has no drainage holes.
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
PLANTS
• Selection of cacti, succulents,
and plants with similar care needs,
such as bunny ears cacti, golden
barrel cacti, and African spears
OTHER MATERIALS
• Shallow decorative container,
DESERTSCAPE
TOOLS
• Small tray, for watering
• Spoon or small trowel
• Dibber
• Protective cactus gloves
• Small paintbrush, for dusting
53
54
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
HOW TO MAINTAIN
TEMPERATURE 10–30°C (50–86°F)
LIGHT Sun/Filtered sun in summer
HUMIDITY Low
CARE Easy
PLANTS
• Decorative mosses and lichen
• Selection of air plants in a
variety of shapes, colours,
and sizes (see pp174–75)
OTHER MATERIALS
AIR PLANT STAND
TOOLS
• Large bowl, for soaking
• Wire cutters
• Hot glue gun (optional)
57
58
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
HOW TO MAINTAIN
TEMPERATURE 15–24°C (60–75°F)
LIGHT Filtered sun
HUMIDITY High
CARE Easy
MACRAMÉ HANGER
Macramé, the art of decoratively knotting cords and rope, can be used
to create a simple hanger in which to display your favourite house plants.
Use wooden beads and cotton cord to create the simple, modern look shown
here, or try a different materials, such as metallic beads or unbleached rope,
to design a unique macramé hanger of your own.
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
PLANT
• Suitable plant in a 15cm (6in) pot,
such as a delta maidenhair fern
OTHER MATERIALS
• 10m (32ft) strong, non-stretch cord
or string, such as cotton cord
• Wooden ring
MACRAMÉ HANGER
• S-hook
• 8 wooden beads (4 small and 4 large)
• Decorative pot sleeve suitable for
a 15cm (6in) plant
TOOLS
• Ruler or tape measure
• Scissors
61
62
loop
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
long tail
short tail
long tail
loop
short tail
loop
short tail
long tail
3 Tightly wrap the long tail around the loop and trailing
cords 5 times, moving further away from the wooden
ring. After 5 turns, thread the remainder of the long tail
4 Pull the short tail so that the loop slides inside the
5 turns. Cut off both ends close to the binding and
tuck inside to complete the knot. This technique is
through the loop hole. known as a “wrapping knot”.
63
HOW TO MAINTAIN
WATERING When the plant needs watering, carefully
remove it (and the pot) from the macramé hanger to
prevent the cord from staining and rotting.
OPEN BOTTLE
TERRARIUM
A terrarium is a semi-enclosed glass container that creates a warm, humid
microclimate for the plants that grow within. For this open bottle terrarium,
choose a selection of foliage plants that showcase a variety of leaf shapes and
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
colours. Pick one large “feature” plant that will stand out from the rest, taking
care not to overcrowd the bottle so that they all have room to grow.
PLANTS
• Selection of humidity-loving
foliage plants (including 1 larger
focal plant), such as small ferns,
OPEN BOTTLE TERRARIUM
OTHER MATERIALS
• Wide, open-topped, heavy glass
bottle or jar
• Fine-grade gravel
• Activated charcoal
• Multipurpose compost
• Decorative pebbles (optional)
EQUIPMENT
• Dibber
• Small watering can with a
rose attachment
65
66
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
HOW TO MAINTAIN
WATERING Use a small watering can fitted with a rose
attachment to water the plants. The grouped plants and
semi-enclosed space create a humid environment that
traps moisture, so take care not to overwater. Only water
the plants when the compost dries out.
WILLOW
CLIMBING FRAME
This simple support for climbing plants is quick and easy to assemble,
and makes an attractive feature even before it is hidden by leafy plant growth.
Once you’ve mastered this basic frame, you can apply the technique to more
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
ambitious climbing projects by training the plant’s stems onto a trellis room
divider or staircase, or fanning them out across a wall.
PLANT
• Climbing plant, such as a
philodendron, hoya, jasmine,
or stephanotis
WILLOW CLIMBING FRAME
OTHER MATERIALS
• Heavy-based pot with drainage holes
• House plant or multipurpose compost
• 7 pliable willow poles, each at least
1m (3ft) in length
• Garden twine
TOOLS
• Secateurs
69
70
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
HOW TO MAINTAIN
WATERING Keep the compost moist from spring to
autumn; reduce in winter, watering when the top of the
compost feels dry. Mist every few days in summer, or
when necessary.
SUCCULENT WREATH
Plant an assortment of small succulent plants into a ring of carpet
moss to create a beautiful and unique decorative wreath that will require
minimal care when kept in the right conditions. Pair a variety of succulents
with several different types of fluffy moss to add interest and character
to your display.
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
PLANTS
• Carpet moss
• Selection of approximately
12 mini succulent plants, each
with a 5cm (2in) pot size, such
as echeverias, sempervivums,
aeoniums, and crassulas
SUCCULENT WREATH
• Reindeer moss
OTHER MATERIALS
• Florist’s wire wreath frame,
30cm (12in) in diameter
• Compost
• Florist’s mossing pins
• Florist’s wire
TOOLS
• Tray, for soaking
• Wire cutters
• Mister spray (optional)
73
74
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
HOW TO MAINTAIN
WATERING Depending on the heat and the humidity
of the room, water the display approximately once a
week by submerging the mossy base in a sink full of
water. Let the wreath fully dry out before soaking it
again. If the air is very dry, mist the plants occasionally.
KOKEDAMA FERN
A type of bonsai, “kokedama” is the practice of suspending the roots of a
plant in a mud ball coated with soft green moss. It is a great way to make
a beautiful, hanging, sculptural object with a live plant. Arranging many
kokedama plants together forms what is known as a “string garden”.
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
PLANTS
• Mature fern, such as a Cretan brake,
asparagus, or staghorn fern
• Sheet of carpet moss
OTHER MATERIALS
• Potting compost
• Akadama (clay–like mineral
used in bonsai)
KOKEDAMA FERN
• Garden twine
TOOLS
• Bucket
• Scissors
• Mister spray
77
78
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
original pot.
79
HOW TO MAINTAIN
TEMPERATURE 13–75°C (55–75°F)
LIGHT Filtered sun/Light shade
HUMIDITY Moderate
CARE Fairly easy
PLANTS
• Variety of different mosses, such
as sphagnum moss to use as a
foundation, bun moss to create
hills and dips, and more decorative
types like reindeer moss or trailing
Spanish moss
MOSS PICTURE FRAME
OTHER MATERIALS
• Repurposed shallow wooden
container, such as a wine crate
or old chitting tray, with a depth
of approximately 10cm (4in)
• Plastic bin liner
• Florist’s mossing pins
• Decorative branches, such as twigs
with lichens growing on them and
small pieces of driftwood
• Florist’s wire
TOOLS
• Stapler or staple gun
• Wire cutters
• Watering can with a rose attachment
or mister spray
81
82
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
HOW TO MAINTAIN
WATERING Lightly water or mist the moss frame every few
days. If dry air or central heating dries the plant out, you can
also completely soak the moss to revive it.
DRY TERRARIUM
Unlike the humidity-loving plants displayed in the bottle terrarium
(see pp64–67), the plants in this display prefer drier, desert-like conditions.
Choose a selection of succulents and cacti that vary in height and shape
to create a more interesting display. This open terrarium does
not self-irrigate, and so must be watered occasionally.
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
PLANTS
• Selection of plants (including
1 larger focal plant), such as
Crassula, Haworthia, and
Echeveria
DRY TERRARIUM
OTHER MATERIALS
• Glass terrarium with an
opening of at least 18cm (7in)
• Gravel or small pebbles
• Activated charcoal
• Cactus compost
• Decorative pebbles
TOOLS
• Small trowel or spoon
• Dibber
• Watering can
85
86
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
HOW TO MAINTAIN
WATERING Only water your display occasionally,
when the compost completely dries out. The
semi-enclosed space of the terrarium will retain
moisture and create humidity, so take care not
to overwater, as this may cause rot.
WOOD-MOUNTED
ORCHID
Mounting an orchid on decorative wood makes a beautiful display and can
be beneficial to your orchid’s health. It mimics how the orchid would grow
naturally and allows for good drainage and ventilation to the roots,
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
PLANTS
• Small orchid, such as a moth orchid
or nobile dendrobium
• Spahgnum and bun mosses
OTHER MATERIALS
WOOD-MOUNTED ORCHID
TOOLS
• Wire cutters
89
90
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
4 Take care not to wrap the wire around the orchid too
tightly, as this could damage it. When the plant feels
comfortably secure, twist the two ends of wire together
and cut away the excess with wire cutters.
HOW TO MAINTAIN
TEMPERATURE 16–27°C (61–80°F)
LIGHT Filtered sun/Light shade
HUMIDITY Moderate/High
CARE Easy
PLANTS
• Selection of trailing plants that
prefer bright, indirect sun, such
as string of pearls, string of hearts,
and mistletoe cacti
• Selection of tall, mid-sized foliage
plants with similar requirements,
LIVING SPACE DIVIDER
OTHER MATERIALS
• Free-standing clothes rail, ideally
with a lower shelf
• String
• S-hooks
• Decorative pot sleeves
of appropriate sizes
• Macrame hangers
• Large pot or bucket
TOOLS
• Scissors
• Watering can
93
94
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
3 Form a small loop with the excess string, and tie it to the
existing knot as tightly and neatly as possible. Trim any
remaining string with scissors.
4 Slip the bottom curve of an S-hook through the loop
and slowly lift the plant, checking that all the knots are
secure. Clip the top curve of the S-hook over the bar of
the clothes rail. Repeat for all the plants you wish to hang.
95
HOW TO MAINTAIN
WATERING Water and mist all plants as required. Remove
plants from macramé hangers when watering them, to prevent
saturating the decorative cord or rope (which could lead to rot
over time).
PROPAGATION SHELF
Rooting plants in water in pretty glass vessels makes a great display on a
shelf or side table. You can make a temporary display while propagating
offcuts to plant up later (see p204), or leave them as they are to create
a permanent “water garden”. This method is very simple, but not suited
to all plants so choose your cuttings carefully.
HOUSE PLANT PROJECTS
PLANTS
• Cuttings from mature, healthy plants,
such as Tradescantia, Philodendron,
Crassula, Pilea, Epiphyllum, Begonia,
and Chlorophytum
OTHER MATERIALS
• Glass bottles or vases of different
PROPAGATION SHELF
TOOLS
• Small pair of pruning shears or scissors
97
HOW TO MAINTAIN
WATERING Top up the bottles and vases
with more water as and when needed.
BROMELIADS
PLANT PROFILES
AMAZONIAN
ZEBRA PLANT
Aechmea chantinii
and nutrients from the air rather than soil, This dramatic plant’s dark green and
silver striped leaves and tall flower spikes
but they do not require exceptionally high appear from late spring to autumn. The
blooms are composed of red, orange,
humidity levels and are quite easy to care and yellow bracts (petal-like modified
for. After blooming, the plants die back, leaves) and small red flowers.
but most bromeliads produce “baby” WATERING Fill the cup-like well in the
centre of the leaf rosette with rainwater or
offsets (see pp206–07) next to the base distilled water; replenish every 4–8 weeks.
Keep the compost moist, but allow it to
of the old leaves, which then grow dry out between waterings in winter. Mist
into new plants. the plant every day or two in hot weather.
FEEDING From spring to late summer,
apply a half-strength balanced liquid
feed every 2 weeks in the leaf well.
PLANTING AND CARE Grow in an
equal mix of orchid compost, perlite, and
coir fibre (or a 50:50 mix of orchid and
multipurpose compost) in a 12.5cm–15cm
(5–6in) pot. Repot young plants in a
container one size larger.
103
EARTH STAR
Cryptanthus bivittatus AGM
TEMPERATURE 16–27ºC (60–80°F) This dainty bromeliad is grown for TEMPERATURE 16–27ºC (60–80°F)
its wavy, tooth-edged leaves, which
LIGHT Filtered sun/Light shade LIGHT Sun/Filtered sun
form a flat star-shaped rosette. Ideal
HUMIDITY High for decorating a sunny windowsill in HUMIDITY Moderate
CARE Fairly easy a small room, the colourful foliage, CARE Fairly easy
HEIGHT & SPREAD 60 x 60cm (2 x 2ft) which can be red, orange, purple, pink, HEIGHT & SPREAD Up to 25 x 40cm
or green, makes a sparkling feature. (10 x16in)
Set this bromeliad on a stand or in a
hanging basket so that the graceful Prized for its striped, spidery-looking,
WATERING In spring and summer,
flowers can flow down over the edges. burgundy and cream leaves, the zebra
BROMELIADS
The plant’s pink bracts (petal-like use rain or distilled water to keep the
plant makes a dramatic focal point when
modified leaves) and small pink compost moist, but not wet. In winter,
set alongside other small leafy plants
and purple blooms appear from late keep it just moist. Mist the plant regularly that like similar conditions. Small white
spring to summer among a fountain with tepid rain or distilled water. flowers may appear in summer on
of grey-green strappy leaves. FEEDING Apply a half-strength balanced mature plants.
liquid fertilizer every 2–3 months from
WATERING Use rainwater or distilled spring to late summer. WATERING From spring to early autumn,
water to keep the compost moist. In keep the compost moist with rain or
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in a small
winter, allow the top of the compost distilled water. The compost should
10cm (4in) pot in an equal mix of orchid
to dry out between waterings. Mist be just moist in winter. Mist with tepid
compost, perlite, and coir fibre (or a
daily in summer; reduce to every few rainwater or distilled water every few days.
50:50 mix of orchid and multipurpose
days in winter.
compost). Set in sun or filtered sun, and FEEDING Apply a half-strength balanced
FEEDING In early spring, add a repot every 2–3 years in the spring. liquid fertilizer every 2–3 months from
teaspoon of Epsom salts diluted in spring to late summer.
distilled or rain water to encourage
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in an equal
flowering. Apply a half-strength
mix of orchid compost, perlite, and coir
balanced liquid fertilizer every month
fibre (or a 50:50 mix of orchid and
in spring and summer.
multipurpose compost) in a small
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in an equal 10–12.5cm (4–5in) pot. Set in sun or
mix of orchid compost, perlite, and bright filtered light; the plant may lose its
coir fibre (or a 50:50 mix of orchid and variegations in shady conditions. Repot
multipurpose compost) in a 12.5–15cm zebra plants every 2–3 years in spring.
(5–6in) pot. Repot young plants in early
spring in a container one size larger.
105
SCARLET STAR
Guzmania lingulata
FLAMING
TEMPERATURE 18–27°C (65–80°F) SWORD
LIGHT Filtered sun Vriesea splendens AGM
HUMIDITY High
CARE Challenging
TEMPERATURE
HEIGHT & SPREAD 45 x 45cm
18–26°C (64–79°F)
(18 x 18in)
LIGHT Filtered sun
The eye-catching flower spike of HUMIDITY Moderate
this compact bromeliad shoots CARE Fairly easy
up from the glossy green leaves HEIGHT & SPREAD
like a firework. Its small white 60 x 45cm (24 x 18in)
or yellow blooms are
protected by long-lasting This plant’s dark green and reddish
bright orange or red bracts. brown striped leaves and long-lasting
sword-like flowers make a striking
WATERING Allow the compost to dry out partnership. The scarlet bracts envelop
between waterings, and fill the leafy cup small yellow flowers, and can appear
at any time of year. This is a relatively
in the centre of the plant with distilled or
rainwater, replenishing it every 4–7 days.
BLUSHING easy bromeliad for beginners to try.
Mist the leaves, flowers and aerial roots BROMELIAD
daily with distilled or rainwater. Neoregelia carolinae f. tricolor WATERING Top up the central well
formed by the leaves with rainwater or
FEEDING Apply a half-strength balanced
TEMPERATURE 18–27ºC (65–80ºF) distilled water; replish every 2–3 weeks.
fertilizer to the central cup once a month.
LIGHT Filtered sun Water when the top of the compost feels
Pour this out after 4–5 days and replace
HUMIDITY Moderate to high dry; keep it just moist in winter. Mist every
with rain water. When not in flower, mist
CARE Fairly easy few days with rainwater or distilled water.
the leaves once a month with the same
fertilizer, diluted to one-quarter strength. HEIGHT & SPREAD 30 x 60cm FEEDING Dilute a foliar fertilizer to a
(12 x 24in) quarter strength and use to spray the
PLANTING AND CARE Use an equal
leaves monthly from spring to autumn.
mix of orchid compost, perlite, and coir Like a blushing bride, this plant’s leafy
fibre (or a 50:50 mix of multipurpose rosette of green and yellow striped PLANTING AND CARE Plant in a
and orchid compost) in a 10–12.5cm leaves is suffused with red at the centre. 12.5–15cm (5–6in) pot in an equal
(4–5in) pot. Repot young plants each In summer, violet flowers and bright mix of fine composted bark or orchid
spring in fresh compost. red bracts appear. compost, perlite, and coir fibre
(or a 50:50 mix of orchid and
multipurpose compost). Repot
WATERING Fill the central well formed
young plants into containers one
by the leaves with distilled or rainwater;
size larger in early spring.
replenish every 4–6 weeks. Keep the
compost moist, but not wet, and mist
the leaves every few days.
FEEDING Mist leaves monthly
with a half-strength balanced
liquid fertilizer. Overfeeding reduces
the leaf colour.
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in a small
10–12.5cm (4–5in) pot using an equal
mix of orchid compost, perlite, and
coir fibre (or a 50:50 mix of orchid and
multipurpose compost). Repot every
year in fresh compost.
106
NATAL LILY
Clivia miniata AGM
PLANTS
autumn to midwinter, when the compost
should be kept almost dry.
FEEDING Feed with a half-strength
balanced liquid fertilizer once a month
from spring to early autumn.
PLANTING AND CARE In autumn,
plant in a 50:50 mix of soil-based and
BULBOUS PLANTS
SIAM TULIP
Curcuma alismatifolia
DAFFODIL
HYACINTH Narcissus species
Hyacinthus orientalis
TEMPERATURE -15–20°C (5–68°F)
TEMPERATURE -15–20°C (5–68°F) LIGHT Filtered sun
LIGHT Filtered sun HUMIDITY Low
HUMIDITY Low CARE Easy
CARE Fairly easy HEIGHT & SPREAD 40 x 10cm
HEIGHT & SPREAD 25 x 20cm (16 x 4in)
(10 x 8in) WARNING! All parts are toxic
WARNING! All parts are toxic
The most popular daffodil for indoor
The intense perfume and rich colours gardens is the tender, scented
of this classic spring-flowering bulb paperwhite, but other hardy
make it a favourite for indoor displays. Narcissus, such as the perfumed
Plant prepared hyacinth bulbs in Tazetta varieties or popular
autumn to enjoy the spikes of blue, ‘Tête-à-tête’, also flower
purple, white, pink, or red blooms well inside. Plant the bulbs
when they open a few months later. in autumn for spring flowers.
PLANT PROFILES
WATERING After planting the bulbs, WATERING Water bulbs after planting,
water the compost and leave to drain. and keep the compost just moist
Keep just moist throughout winter, and GRAPE HYACINTH through winter. Water every few days
then consistently moist when the shoots Muscari species when the shoots and flowers appear.
and flowers appear.
FEEDING Apply a balanced liquid
FEEDING Apply a liquid seaweed feed TEMPERATURE -15–20°C (5–68°F) fertilizer every 2 weeks after flowering,
every 2 weeks when the leaves are dying LIGHT Filtered sun while the leaves are dying down.
down, if you want to keep the bulbs. HUMIDITY Low
PLANTING AND CARE Add a layer
CARE Fairly easy
BULBOUS PLANTS
PLANTING AND CARE Plant bulbs of gravel to the bottom of a wide pot,
in pots of bulb fibre (or a 2:1 mix of HEIGHT & SPREAD 20 x 10cm (8 x 4in) and top up with bulb fibre (or a 2:1 mix
soil-based compost and sharp grit) in of soil-based compost and sharp grit).
early autumn, with the pointed ends This easy-to-grow bulb is a top choice Plant bulbs, with the pointed ends up
for spring colour, with its dainty little
up and just showing above the surface. and the tips just below the surface. Set in
cones of lightly fragrant blue, purple,
Leave outside on a balcony, or in the or white flowers and grassy foliage. an unheated room on a sunny windowsill.
garden until ready to flower in mid- These bulbs can be forced for early-
spring. To force bulbs, see pp198–99. season displays indoors.
CALLA LILY
Zantedeschia species
ORCHIDS
PLANT PROFILES
TEMPERATURE 12–24°C (55–75°F) TEMPERATURE 10–24°C (50–75°F) drain away. Reduce watering to once
LIGHT Filtered sun LIGHT Filtered sun every 2 weeks in winter. Place on a tray
HUMIDITY High HUMIDITY Moderate of damp pebbles or mist every few days.
CARE Fairly easy CARE Fairly easy FEEDING Apply a half-strength general
HEIGHT & SPREAD Up to 1 x 1m HEIGHT & SPREAD 60 x 60cm (2 x 2ft) liquid fertilizer with every third watering
(3 x 3ft) for miniatures, and 1.2 x 0.75m in spring, then switch to a specialist
(4 x 21⁄2ft) for standards orchid fertilizer throughout summer.
Like colourful spiders crawling along
arching stems, the unusual blooms of PLANTING AND CARE Plant in a
This free-flowering orchid will brighten
this orchid comprise long, thin, yellow up your home from late autumn to 15–20cm (6–8in) opaque pot in specialist
or green petals, with brown or maroon spring, when few other plants are at orchid compost (or a 6:1:1 mix of
stripes or spots, attached to a rounded their best. The stems of large blooms composted bark, perlite, and charcoal).
central lip. The spidery flowers also have emerge from between strap-shaped This ground-dwelling orchid does not
a delicious spicy scent and appear in green leaves, creating an explosion have aerial roots, and does not need a
late spring and summer, while the of colour. The named hybrids are easier clear pot. Stand in filtered sunlight all
pseudobulbs (swellings at the base of than the species, and there are two year, out of direct summer sun. Ideally,
the stems) each produce two or three types to choose from: large “standards” set it on a part shaded patio outdoors
long, strap-shaped green leaves. that can grow up to 1.2m (4ft), and the in summer and early autumn (before the
smaller, more popular, “miniatures”, frosts), when plants need a distinct drop
WATERING Allow the top of the compost which are ideal for a windowsill. between day and night temperatures to
to dry out between waterings in spring
form flower buds. In late autumn, keep in
and summer. Partly submerge the pot
WATERING In spring and summer, a cool room, ideally below 15°C (59°F);
in a tray of rainwater or distilled water for
allow the top of the compost to dry bring into a slightly warmer room to
half an hour, then leave to drain. In winter,
out between waterings, and water flower. Repot every year or two in spring.
the plant needs a rest and should be kept
from above with rainwater or distilled
drier, watering just enough to prevent
water, making sure that any excess can
the pseudobulbs from shrinking. Mist the
leaves daily from spring to late summer,
and stand the pot on a tray of damp
pebbles, or install a room humidifer.
FEEDING Apply a specialist orchid
fertilizer with every other watering from
midspring, when new growth emerges,
to late summer.
PLANTING AND CARE Plant the spider
orchid in a 10–20cm (4–8in) clear pot in
specialist orchid compost (or a 6:1:1 mix
of composted bark, perlite, and charcoal).
Do not cover the aerial roots, which
should be left exposed to the light. Set
in a bright position, out of direct summer
sun and away from draughts, and provide
good ventilation. Cut the flower spike
down to just above the first node (bump
on stem) after blooming. The orchid likes
to be cramped, so only repot when
growth starts to suffer.
Cymbidium hybrid Cymbidium miniature
Named hybrids are the most widely Miniature cymbidiums are compact
available and easy to care for. Choose hybrids, ranging in height from 30 to
from the huge range of flower colours, 60cm (12–24in). Like all cymbidiums,
many with patterned or spotted petals. they need a cool room to flower well.
112
TEMPERATURE 5–24°C (40°–75°F) the base of the plant) from shrivelling. TEMPERATURE 12–27°C (54–80°F)
LIGHT Filtered sun Set on a tray of damp pebbles from early LIGHT Filtered sun/Light shade
HUMIDITY Moderate to high spring to late summer. HUMIDITY High
CARE Challenging CARE Fairly easy
FEEDING Apply a half-strength balanced
HEIGHT & SPREAD 60 x 45cm liquid feed every 2–3 weeks from spring HEIGHT & SPREAD 60 x 60cm (2 x 2ft)
(24 x 18in) to summer. In late summer, change to a
Often labelled as Miltonia (hybrids
half-strength high potash fertilizer for one
Upright cane-like stems of scented of Miltoniopsis), this compact orchid
month, then discontinue feeding until the
flowers appear from autumn to early produces large, fragrant blooms with
following spring. distinctive pansy-like markings on the
spring on this flamboyant orchid.
Those with pink or white flowers are PLANTING AND CARE Plant this orchid face, hence its common name. The
the most popular, but they come in a in a 15–20cm (6–8in) clear pot in specialist flowers can appear in spring or autumn,
wide range of colours. Be prepared to orchid compost (or a 6:1:1 mix of depending on the hybrid.
pamper it, and do not worry if the plant composted bark, perlite, and charcoal).
loses some leaves in winter, as it is a Grow in a bright spot, out of direct WATERING In the summer, apply
semi-deciduous.
summer sun, and away from draughts. rainwater or distilled water every day or
To bloom, this dendrobium needs two from above, giving the plant a good
PLANT PROFILES
WATERING From spring to late a distinct difference between day and soaking, and then leaving it to drain. In
summer, water once or twice a week night temperatures, and it is best grown winter, reduce watering to once every
in the morning using tepid rainwater outside in semi-shade from summer to 2–3 weeks. Set on a tray of damp pebbles
or distilled water (see Brassia watering early autumn (before the frosts). In winter and mist every few days.
method on p110). Reduce watering when blooming, keep it in an unheated
FEEDING Apply a specialist orchid
to every 2 weeks in early autumn to room with a night-time temperature
fertilizer every 2 weeks, but flush the
stimulate flower buds to form; in winter, of about 10°C (50°F) or slightly lower.
plant with plenty of rainwater or distilled
do not water but mist occasionally to Repot every year in spring.
water once a month to prevent a build-up
prevent the pseudobulbs (swellings at
of salts.
ORCHIDS
Dendrobium nobile ‘Star Class Akatsuki’ Dendrobium nobile ‘Star Class Apollon’
This brighly coloured orchid produces One of the popular clear white forms
spikes of dazzling fuchsia-pink flowers of nobile dendrobium, it forms tall
with white and yellow centres. spikes of small, long-lasting blooms.
113
NELLY ISLER
× Oncidopsis Nelly Isler gx
This orchid hybrid is prized for its tall PLANTING AND CARE Grow in a
stems of bright red flowers with white 15–20cm (6–8in) clear pot in specialist
spotted lips and a yellow eye. Blooms
orchid compost. Stand out of direct sun,
appear at any time of year, but most
in temperatures of 16–24°C (60–75°F).
flower in autumn, and they have
an intense lemony fragrance. After flowering, trim the stems to just
above the lowest node (bump on stem)
WATERING Using rainwater or distilled to encourage a second flush. Repot
water, apply when the top of the compost every year or two in spring.
is slightly dry (see watering method
BUTTERFLY ORCHID
Oncidium hybrids
This orchid has great allure, and One of the most widely available and
features large showy flowers in a wide easiest orchids to grow, the moth orchid
range of colours, with a distinctive produces long arching stems topped
slipper-like pouch that gives rise to its with large round blooms in a huge range
common name. The blooms generally of colours, some with delicate patterning.
appear for many weeks from winter to The flowers can appear at any time of the
early summer, although some hybrids year. There are also miniature hybrids for
flower at other times too. The long small spaces and all types are happy in
green or mottled leaves form a fan high daytime winter temperatures and
shape, and provide interest while the will grow well in a centrally heated home.
PLANT PROFILES
FLOWERING MAPLE
Abutilon × hybridum
OTHER
WATERING Keep the compost moist
from spring to autumn; in winter, allow
the top of the compost to dry out
PLANT PROFILES
between waterings.
PLANTS
a high-potash feed.
PLANTING AND CARE Grow in an equal
mix of multipurpose and soil-based
composts in a 20–30cm (8–12in) pot. Set
OTHER FLOWERING PLANTS
PERSIAN VIOLET
Exacum affine AGM
Eustoma grandiflorum
LIGHT Filtered sun
those you buy will flower the same year.
HUMIDITY High
CARE Fairly easy
TEMPERATURE 12–24°C (54–75°F) WATERING Keep the compost moist – HEIGHT & SPREAD 60 x 60cm (2 x 2ft)
LIGHT Sun/Filtered sun the flowers fade quickly if the roots are WARNING! All parts are toxic to pets
HUMIDITY Low dry. Mist with tepid water every day or
CARE Fairly easy two, or set on a tray of damp pebbles. This shrub’s main appeal is its large,
HEIGHT & SPREAD 30 x 45cm round, sweetly scented white flowers,
FEEDING Feed every 2 weeks from
(12 x 18in) which appear in summer and autumn
spring to late summer with a half-strength
against a backdrop of glossy, dark green
OTHER FLOWERING PLANTS
AFRICAN DAISY
Gerbera jamesonii
ROSE OF CHINA
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
BUSY LIZZIE
Impatiens ‘New Guinea’ hybrids
Hydrangea macrophylla
WATERING Keep the compost moist
from spring to autumn; allow the top TEMPERATURE 15–25°C (60–77°F)
TEMPERATURE -10–21°C (14–70°F) of the compost to dry out between LIGHT Sun/Filtered sun
LIGHT Filtered sun/Light shade waterings in winter. HUMIDITY Low
HUMIDITY Moderate CARE Easy
CARE Fairly easy FEEDING Apply a high-potash fertilizer
every 2 weeks from spring to autumn. HEIGHT & SPREAD 60 x 60cm
HEIGHT & SPREAD 1 x 1m (3 x 3ft) (2 x 2ft)
WARNING! All parts are toxic PLANTING AND CARE Plant in a
medium-sized 12.5–15cm (5–6in) pot This unusual Mexican houseplant makes
OTHER FLOWERING PLANTS
Although this large shrub will not be in multipurpose compost; these plants an intriguing talking point, with its coral
happy long-term indoors, it will make like cramped conditions so do not and yellow flowers that resemble little
a beautiful house plant for a couple choose an overly large container. Set shrimps, hence the name. The blooms
of years, brightening up a dull interior in a bright position out of direct sunlight, comprise small white flowers wrapped
with its apple-green deciduous leaves, in colourful bracts (modified petal-like
and deadhead the flowers regularly to
and large flowerheads in summer. leaves), and appear throughout the year
prolong the blooming period. Take stem
cuttings in autumn, or sow seed or buy between the spear-shaped leaves.
WATERING Keep the compost moist
new plants each spring.
from spring to autumn; use rainwater
WATERING Ensure the compost is moist
or distilled water for blue varieties.
in spring and summer; in winter, allow the
Keep the compost just moist in winter.
compost to dry out between waterings.
FEEDING In spring and summer,
FEEDING Feed every 2 weeks from
apply a half-strength balanced liquid
mid-spring to early autumn with
fertilizer every 2 weeks.
a balanced liquid fertilizer.
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in a
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in
20–25cm (8–10in) pot in ericaceous
a medium-sized 15–20cm (6–8in)
compost if you have a blue variety,
pot in soil-based compost. Set in
or soil-based compost for other
a bright position, but protect
colours. Place in bright filtered
from the midday sun in summer.
light in a cool room or hallway.
This plant benefits from a hard
Move to a shed or garage over
prune every spring, which keeps
winter; bring indoors again in
it compact and creates a bushier
spring. Prune stems lightly in
habit. Repot every 2–3 years in spring
early spring. After a year or two,
when root-bound.
plant in the garden or in a large
patio pot outside.
121
YELLOW SAGE
Lantana camara
TEMPERATURE 10–25°C
(50–77°F)
LIGHT Sun/Filtered light
HUMIDITY Low
CARE Fairly easy
HEIGHT & SPREAD
Up to 1 x 1m (3 x 3ft) in a pot
GERANIUM POMEGRANATE
Pelargonium species and hybrids Punica granatum
AFRICAN VIOLET
Saintpaulia cultivars
CAPE PRIMROSE
Streptocarpus hybrids
Streptocarpus ‘Targa’
DELTA
MAIDENHAIR FERN
Adiantum raddianum AGM
CROCODILE FERN
Microsorum musifolium ‘Crocodyllus’
furry rhizomes (root-like structures) sword fern, is loved for its fountain
PLANTING AND CARE In a 15–20cm
make an eye-catching feature when of arching, finely divided, green fronds,
(6–8in) pot, plant this fern in an equal
they trail over the sides of a pot. You which look spectacular flowing from
can also show them off in kokedama mix of soil-based and multipurpose a pot on a stand or a hanging basket.
displays (see pp76–79). The rich green composts. Place out of direct sunlight Relatively easy to care for, just maintain
lacy foliage adds to this plant’s charms. in a lightly shaded spot; it may need to a humid atmosphere to prevent the
be moved closer to a window in winter. leaves from turning brown.
WATERING Keep the compost moist Repot every 2 years or when root-bound.
from spring to autumn; allow the top WATERING From spring to autumn, keep
of the compost to dry out between the compost moist but not wet (fronds
waterings in winter. Mist regularly can rot in soggy compost); allow the
or place on a tray of damp pebbles. top of the compost to dry out between
waterings in winter. Mist regularly or
FEEDING Apply a half-strength place on a tray of damp pebbles.
balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks
FEEDING Apply a half-strength balanced
from spring to early autumn.
liquid fertilizer once a month from spring
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in to early autumn.
an equal mix of multipurpose and
PLANTING AND CARE Grow in a
ericaceous composts in a 15–20cm
12.5–15cm (5–6in) pot in a 50:50 mix
(6–8in) pot or a hanging basket.
of multipurpose and soil-based
Do not bury the furry rhizomes.
composts, and place out of direct
Place in an area of high
sunlight in filtered light or part shade.
humidity, such as a
A bathroom with good ventilation is an
bathroom, in light shade
ideal home. Repot into a container one
and a cool spot in summer.
size larger every 2–3 years if the plant
Repot in spring if the plant
becomes root-bound.
becomes root-bound.
129
The arching fronds of this graceful fern This much-loved, dainty fern is best
are composed of tiny button-shaped displayed on its own, where the wiry
leaves that add a light, airy note to stems topped with slim, finger-like
a display of foliage plants. It also makes fronds, have space to expand. Choose
an elegant subject for a small hanging STAGHORN FERN between the plain green fronds of the
basket, and can be used as edging for Platycerium bifurcatum AGM species and variegated forms that
a large pot of taller shade-loving plants. features a white stripe through the
Despite its delicate appearance, the TEMPERATURE 10–24°C (50–75°F) centre of each leaflet.
button fern is easier to care for than
LIGHT Filtered sun
many of its cousins, tolerating drier
HUMIDITY High WATERING Ensure the compost
compost and lower humidity levels.
CARE Challenging is moist, but not wet, from spring to
HEIGHT & SPREAD 30 x 90cm autumn; in winter, allow the top of the
WATERING From spring to autumn,
(12 x 36in) compost to dry out between waterings.
water when the top of the compost
Mist the foliage every day or two.
feels almost dry; reduce watering slightly
in winter. Set on a tray of damp pebbles Impossible to overlook, the spectacular FEEDING Apply a half strength balanced
antler-shaped fronds of the staghorn
or mist the foliage every few days. liquid fertilizer once a month from spring
fern make this demanding plant a
to early autumn.
FEEDING Apply a half-strength balanced popular choice. It actually produces
liquid feed once a month year-round. two types of fronds: those at the base PLANTING AND CARE Plant this fern
are round, flat, and green, and turn in a 12.5–15cm (5–6in) pot in a 2:1:1
PLANTING AND CARE Grow in a 15cm brown with age, so do not worry if mix of soil-based compost, multipurpose
(6in) pot, or one that fits the root ball, this happens; the large, antler-shaped compost, and charcoal. Set out of direct
and plant in ericaceous compost with a fronds grow from these smaller leaves.
sunlight in a shady spot and a humid
handful of perlite for added drainage.
atmosphere, such as a bathroom. Cut
Place your fern in filtered light or a
WATERING Keep the compost moist back brown or tatty fronds at the base
slightly shaded area, out of direct sun –
from spring to early autumn – set the pot and repot every 2 years in spring.
it will not suffer in draughts and is tolerant
in a tray of water for about 15 minutes
of low winter temperatures (not freezing).
if the round leaves have covered the
Repot in fresh compost every year or two,
compost, as soaking these can cause
or when it becomes root-bound.
them to rot. Allow the top of the compost
to dry out between waterings in winter.
Mist the leaves every day in the morning,
and set on a tray of damp pebbles,
or install a room humidifier.
FEEDING From spring to early autumn,
apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly.
PLANTING AND CARE Plant
young ferns in a medium-sized
12.5–15cm (5-6in) pot or
basket of orchid compost,
and keep the plant out
of direct sunlight in a
humid atmosphere, such
as a bathroom. Repot
every 2–3 years in spring.
130
PARLOUR PALM
Chamaedorea elegans AGM
FISHTAIL PALM
Caryota mitis
TEMPERATURE 10–27°C (50–80°F)
LIGHT Light shade
TEMPERATURE 13–24°C HUMIDITY Low to moderate
(55–75°F) CARE Easy
LIGHT Filtered sun HEIGHT & SPREAD 1.2 x 0.6m (4 x 2ft)
HUMIDITY Moderate to high
CARE Fairly easy This popular palm produces an elegant
HEIGHT & SPREAD Up to 2.5 x 1.5m fountain of lush, feathery foliage. Happy
(8 x 5ft) in shade and tolerant of low levels of
humidity, it is a very easy plant to grow
WARNING! All parts are toxic
and also helps to purify the air. Clusters
of tiny yellow flowers sometimes appear
The unusual triangular foliage of this
on mature plants.
palm make it an intriguing house plant.
The fishtail-shaped, serrated leaves look
like they have been torn or nibbled, while WATERING Allow the top of the compost
the stems fan out elegantly. to dry out between waterings in summer;
reduce in winter so that the compost is
WATERING From spring to autumn, almost dry. Mist the leaves regularly.
water when the top of the compost feels
FEEDING Apply a balanced liquid feed
just dry; reduce watering a little in winter.
once a month from spring to autumn.
Stand on a tray of damp pebbles and
mist the foliage every day or two. PLANTING AND CARE Grow your palm
in a large 20–30cm (8–12in) pot in an
FEEDING Apply a balanced liquid
equal mix of soil-based and multipurpose
fertilizer monthly from spring to autumn.
composts. Set in light shade; it will not
PLANTING AND CARE Grow in soil- be happy in deep shade. Cut out any
based compost in a pot that just fits brown fronds at the base; it is normal for
the root ball (it likes to be constricted). fronds to die off from time to time. Repot
Set in filtered light, out of direct summer every 2–3 years when root-bound.
sun. Repot young plants every 2–3 years;
replace the top layer of compost each
spring when mature.
132
ARECA PALM
Dypsis lutescens AGM
plant’s textured trunk, topped with from heaters in winter. Remove dead
arching fronds, certainly looks like one. fronds at the base, and repot every HEIGHT & SPREAD Up to 3 x 2m
While it is, in fact, a cycad (an ancient 3 years in spring if root-bound. (8 x 5ft)
group of slow-growing plants), it would
not look out of place on a tropical Perfect for a shady room, the kentia
beach. Beware the sharp, needle-like palm has tall stems of dark green, glossy
leaves when positioning it. leaves that fan out elegantly to create
a striking feature plant. Relatively easy
to grow, it is a good choice for beginners.
WATERING From spring to
autumn, allow the top of the
WATERING Water from spring to autumn
compost to dry out a little
when the top of the compost feels
before watering. In winter, the compost
slightly dry; in winter reduce so
should be almost dry. Overwatering,
that the compost is just moist.
or watering the crown (where the
Stand on a tray of damp pebbles or mist
leaves emerge), can cause rot.
every few days.
Mist the leaves in summer.
FEEDING Apply a balanced liquid
FEEDING Feed with a half-strength
fertilizer every 2 weeks from spring
balanced liquid fertilizer once a month
to early autumn.
from spring to autumn.
PLANTING AND CARE Plant this palm
PLANTING AND CARE Grow in a
in a 20–30cm (8–12in) pot in 3:1 mix of
20–30cm (8–12in) pot in an equal mix of
soil-based compost and sharp sand.
soil-based and multipurpose composts.
Stand in light shade and away from
Set it in good light, out of direct summer
draughts. Replace the top of the compost
sun, and away from radiators in winter.
annually in spring, but repot only when
It is a slow-growing plant, and will
the plant is tightly root-bound.
need repotting every 3 years or when
root-bound.
133
TEMPERATURE 10–24°C (50–75°F) TEMPERATURE 10–25°C (50–77°F) so that the top of the compost feels
LIGHT Filtered sun/Light shade LIGHT Light shade/Shade dry between waterings. Mist the
HUMIDITY Moderate HUMIDITY Low to moderate leaves every few days in summer.
CARE Fairly easy CARE Easy FEEDING Apply a balanced liquid
HEIGHT & SPREAD 1.8 x 1.5m (6 x 5ft) HEIGHT & SPREAD Up to 2 x 2m (6 x 6ft) fertilizer 2–3 times during the growing
season from spring to autumn, or
Like one of the classic palms along the If you are looking for a palm with a use a slow-release fertilizer once in
Côte d’Azur, this plant’s textured stem difference, try this unusual plant. Its
early spring.
and fine, feathery fronds have a stylish bamboo-like stems and large fronds,
elegance. Almost as wide as it is tall, it composed of blunt-ended, ribbed leaves, PLANTING AND CARE Grow in pot
needs plenty of space to show off its catch the eye when displayed in a large that just fits the root ball in a 3:1 mix
sculptural silhouette. Mature plants bear room or hallway. Slow-growing and of multipurpose compost and perlite.
cream summer flowers and edible fruits. tolerant of low light conditions, it is one of Stand in light shade; it will tolerate
the easiest palms to grow, making it ideal deeper shade in summer but may
for a beginner. The smaller Rhapis humilis
WATERING Keep the compost moist need moving closer to the window
is another good choice.
from spring to autumn; in winter, allow in winter. Trim off old, brown fronds
the top to dry out between waterings. close to the trunk when they appear.
WATERING Keep the compost moist
Stand on a tray of damp pebbles, and Repot every 2–3 years, but only when
from spring to autumn, but avoid
mist the leaves regularly in warm weather. root-bound.
waterlogging. Reduce in winter
FEEDING Apply a balanced liquid
fertilizer monthly from spring to autumn.
PLANTING AND CARE Grow in a pot
that just fits the root ball, in soil-based
compost. Stand in filtered light or a little
shade, away from draughts. If possible,
move to a cooler room in winter. Replace
the top of the compost each spring;
repot every 2–3 years when root-bound.
134
TRAILING
PLANT PROFILES
AND CLIMBING
PLANTS LIPSTICK PLANT
Aeschynanthus pulcher AGM
TRAILING AND CLIMBING PLANTS
SPIDER PLANT
Chlorophytum comosum
DEVIL’S IVY
Epipremnum aureum AGM
MANDEVILLA
Mandevilla × amoena ‘Alice du Pont’ AGM
HEART-LEAF
Philodendron scandens AGM
CAPE IVY
Senecio macroglossus ‘Variegatus’ AGM
from spring to late summer; reduce from the top of three identical tall pots.
watering in autumn and winter so it is Take care when planting it up with
just moist. partners; it is fast-growing and can
take over if not trimmed regularly. Tiny
FEEDING Apply a half-strength balanced pink-white flowers appear in summer.
liquid fertilizer from spring to autumn. STRING OF PEARLS
Senecio rowleyanus
PLANTING AND CARE Plant Cape ivy WATERING Keep the compost moist
in a 15cm (6in) pot in cactus compost from spring to autumn, and slightly drier
or a 3:1 mix of soil-based compost and TEMPERATURE 10–25°C (50–77°F) in winter. If left to dry out, the leaves will
TRAILING AND CLIMBING PLANTS
sharp sand. Stand in direct sun, moving LIGHT Sun/Filtered sun in summer shrivel and die. Mist every few days.
to bright filtered light in midsummer. HUMIDITY Low
FEEDING Apply a half-strength balanced
Trim the shoot tips in spring if they get CARE Easy liquid fertilizer every month from spring
too long, and tie the stems to their HEIGHT & SPREAD 5 x 90cm (2 x 36in) to autumn.
support regularly. Repot every 2–3 years WARNING! All parts are toxic
or when the plant becomes root-bound. PLANTING AND CARE Plant this trailer
The slender stems of little pea-like in a 10–20cm (4–8in) pot in a 3:1 mix of
leaves flow from this trailing plant’s pot soil-based compost and grit. Display in
like strings of green pearls, making an filtered sun or light shade, out of direct
intriguing feature. It is a good choice sun. Trim the stem tips to maintain bushy
for beginners, since the fleshy “beads” growth. Repot every 1–2 years.
retain moisture and will sail through
periods of neglect. Small white tubular
flowers may also appear in spring.
STEPHANOTIS
Stephanotis floribunda AGM
CALIFORNIA
PITCHER PLANT
Darlingtonia californica AGM
CARNIVOROUS
hooded and feature fang-like
structures that resemble a snake’s
head. Purple-veined flowers appear
PLANT PROFILES
PLANTS
pitchers that emit a honey scent to
attract their prey. This plant is quite
demanding, so ensure you can offer
the exacting conditions it needs.
These fascinating plants make intriguing FEEDING Do not feed this pitcher plant.
house plants. They have developed a PLANTING AND CARE Plant in an equal
mix of sphagnum moss,
range of colourful pitchers or sticky leaves
perlite, and horticultural
and stems to trap and consume insects sand (potting compost
will kill this plant). Set in
and other small creatures, which provide sun during the summer.
When dormant in winter,
them with essential nutrients. Most need place the plant outside
boggy soil to thrive, and some require in a sheltered area
or in a cold, bright,
more specialist care, so check that you unheated room.
You may see
can provide the conditions they need. tiny insects if
you look into the
pitchers. These little
creatures live inside
the plant and eat
other prey that fall
in; the pitcher then
digests their faeces.
143
CAPE SUNDEW
Drosera capensis
NORTH AMERICAN
PITCHER PLANTS
Sarracenia species and hybrids
Known as the parrot pitcher plant, this The purple pitcher plant has short, fat
type will catch crawling insects with pitchers in a deep burgundy colour,
its rosette of decoratively veined red, with dark red or pink flowers in spring.
white, or green horizontal traps. The It is quite hardy and can also be grown
dark spring flowers can vary in colour. outside in the garden or on a patio.
Sarracenia flava
FOLIAGE
PLANT PROFILES
angel wing begonias because of the sun or light shade and keep away from
shape of their leaves. Taller cane
radiators and heaters in winter. Repot One of the many red-leaved Rex
types, such as the polka dot begonia,
when root-bound in spring. begonias, this elegant beauty has
add structure to an indoor display,
and have slightly large flowers. Plants rich, pink-red foliage with near-black
grow from tubers but most are for markings, and red undersides. Stand
sale as young plants. it in filtered sun for the best colours.
FOLIAGE PLANTS
One of the Rex begonias, this popular Known as the polka dot begonia, this Few plants can beat this unusual
variety has green and silver leaves that large cane type is a real show-off, with begonia for leaf texture. While the dark
form a swirling pattern, like a snail’s its large green and white spotty leaves burgundy and bright green markings on
shell. The textured foliage is also and cascading trusses of small cream the heart-shaped foliage catch the eye,
covered with delicate pink hairs. flowers, which appear in summer. Its a closer inspection reveals the rough,
long stems will need staking. sandpaper-like surface.
149
CROTON
Codiaeum variegatum
NEVER-NEVER
PLANT
Ctenanthe burle-marxii
Dracaena fragrans
from spring to autumn, and just moist WATERING Keep the compost moist
in winter. Stand on a tray of damp from spring to autumn, and just moist
pebbles or mist occasionally. TEMPERATURE 15–24°C (60–75°F) in the winter.
LIGHT Filtered sun/Light shade
FEEDING Apply a balanced liquid FEEDING Apply a half-strength balanced
HUMIDITY Low to moderate
fertilizer every month from spring liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks from spring
to autumn. CARE Easy to autumn.
HEIGHT & SPREAD Up to 1.2 x 0.9m
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in soil- (4 x 3ft) PLANTING AND CARE Plant in soil-based
based compost in a pot that fits the WARNING! All parts are toxic for pets compost in a pot that will fit the root ball.
FOLIAGE PLANTS
root ball. Stand in filtered sun or light Prune the stems to limit the plant’s size.
shade; it will survive in gloomier spots A great choice for beginners looking Repot every 3 years or when root-bound.
but may not grow much. Wear gloves for a stalwart with foliage interest, the
when pruning as the sap is toxic. Repot dragon plant produces fountains of
when root-bound every 2–3 years. strappy, variegated leaves, which form
a rosette atop tall, cane-like stems on
mature plants. Choose from green
leaves with a yellow central stripe, or
foliage with green and yellow striped
edges and a dark green centre.
WEEPING FIG
Ficus benjamina
Popular for its broad, glossy, dark green leaves and The large, slightly lobed leaves of this tall, stately plant
easy-going nature, the India rubber plant brings a are shaped like a violin or fiddle, hence the name. They
tree-like shape to a group of smaller plants and tolerates also have distinctive pale veins and the stems sprout
low-light conditions. Rubber plants with variegated leaves from a sturdy, tree-like trunk. The plant is also available
will need more light, but all types are drought-tolerant. in the more compact ‘Bambino’ form.
WATERING Allow the top of the compost to dry out WATERING Allow the top of the compost to dry out
between waterings, and keep it just moist in winter. Mist between waterings from spring to autumn, and keep just
the leaves every few days in summer. moist in winter. Ensure you do not overwater the plant,
as the roots will rot in soggy conditions.
PLANT PROFILES
ETERNAL FLAME
Goeppertia crocata AGM
(syn. Calathea crocata)
VELVET PLANT
Gynura aurantiaca
HEIGHT & SPREAD 60 x 60cm to autumn. speckled with pink, red, or cream
(24 x 24in) spots, although on many varieties they
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in an equal look more like splashes than the round
mix of multipurpose and soil-based polka dots suggested by the name. Try
The silver leaves of this crowd-pleaser
are impossible to overlook, with dark composts in a wide 15–20cm (6–8in) a few varieties in different colours in a
green brushstrokes on the upper pot. Set in filtered light, out of direct sun. terrarium or bottle garden. Small
surface and burgundy markings Pinch out the stem tips to create a bushier magenta flowers appear in summer.
beneath. While not the easiest to care plant, and the yellow flowers, which have
for, the plant’s striking appearance a rather unpleasant smell. Repot every
WATERING Allow the top of the compost
makes it well worth the effort. 2–3 years or when root-bound.
to dry out between waterings from spring
to autumn, and keep just moist in winter.
WATERING Use rainwater or distilled Stand on a tray of damp pebbles, or mist
water to keep the compost moist from the leaves every few days.
spring to autumn, and just moist in the
FEEDING Apply a half-strength balanced
winter. Mist daily with tepid water and
liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks from spring
place on a tray of damp pebbles, or
to autumn.
install a humidifier.
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in soil-
FEEDING Apply a half-strength
based compost in a 12.5–15cm
balanced liquid fertilizer every
(5–6in) pot. Stand in bright,
2 weeks from spring to autumn.
filtered light, ideally in an area
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in a with high humidity, such as a bathroom
2:1 mix of soil-based compost and or kitchen. Pinch out the stem tips to
perlite in a 12.5–15cm (5–6in) pot. create a bushier plant. Repot every
Set in filtered light or some shade, 2–3 years or when the plant becomes
out of direct sun and draughts. Keep root-bound.
warm all year round. Repot every
2–3 years when root-bound.
155
PRAYER PLANT
Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoveana AGM
RADIATOR PLANT
Peperomia caperata
AFRICAN SPEAR
Sansevieria cylindrica
DWARF
UMBRELLA TREE
Schefflera arboricola AGM
A jewel among foliage plants, few The boat lily’s green and purple
can compete with the stromanthe’s sword-shaped leaves make an
striking leaves, splashed with shades eye-catching bouquet. Small, white
of pink, red, green, and cream. It flowers appear throughout the year,
needs space to show off its spreading, nestled between the leaves, but the star
spear-shaped foliage, and is best attraction is the foliage. This compact
displayed in a plain container that plant will thrive in the humidity in a
complements, but does not compete small bathroom or kitchen.
with, its dazzling hues. GOOSEFOOT PLANT
Syngonium podophyllum AGM
WATERING Allow the top of the compost
PLANT PROFILES
WATERING Keep the compost moist to dry out between waterings from spring
from spring to summer, and water less TEMPERATURE 15–29 ºC (60–85ºF) to autumn; keep it just moist in winter.
frequently in winter. Mist daily, and set LIGHT Filtered sun/Light shade Mist every day or two, or set on a tray
on a tray of damp pebbles, or install HUMIDITY Moderate of damp pebbles.
a room humidifier. CARE Fairly easy FEEDING Apply a balanced liquid
FEEDING Apply a half-strength HEIGHT & SPREAD Up to 90 x 60cm fertilizer once a month from spring
balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks (3 x 2ft) to autumn.
from spring to late autumn. WARNING! All parts are toxic
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in a
FOLIAGE PLANTS
PLANTING AND CARE Plant in an equal The arrow-shaped, cream, and green 2:1 mix of soil-based compost and
mix of multipurpose and soil-based variegated foliage of the goosefoot sand or perlite in a 15–20cm (6–8in) pot.
composts in a 12.5–15cm (5–6in) pot – plant will add a jungly note to a foliage Set in a bright spot, out of direct sun
shallow containers are ideal. Stand the display in a bright or lightly shaded it tolerates some shade, but may lose
plant in a bright spot, out of direct sun room. It is usually sold as a compact its purple tones. Repot every 2–3 years.
and draughts, ideally in a kitchen or foliage plant, but, if left to its own
bathroom. Repot every 2–3 years. devices, it will grow tall and may need
tying onto a support if it starts to climb.
FERN ARUM
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
CACTI
PLANT PROFILES
CARE Easy
HEIGHT & SPREAD 30 x 10cm (12 x 4in)
considered to belong in their own distinct
Covered in fine white hairs that resemble
category. Many are perfect for a sunny an old man’s beard, this cactus’ weird
appearance is guaranteed to create
windowsill display or simple hanging basket, a talking point. The tall, unbranched
columnar stems grow in clusters, and
and their ability to store water in their leaves the silvery hairs are most prevalent on
young plants. The cactus’ red, yellow,
and stems, allowing them to survive extended or white flowers rarely appear.
periods of drought, makes them ideal for
WATERING Allow the top 1–2cm (1⁄2–3⁄4in)
beginners. Not all are desert dwellers, and of compost to dry out completely between
waterings. In winter, reduce watering to
a few, including the Christmas cactus (see once or twice during the season.
p165), live naturally on trees in tropical forests FEEDING Apply a fertilizer for cacti once
and require shadier conditions and humidity. a month in spring and summer.
PLANTING AND CARE Wearing protective
gloves, plant in a small 10cm (4in) pot
in cactus compost (or in an equal mix of
soil-based compost, sand, and perlite).
Set in sun, but move to a cool but bright
room (unheated if possible) in winter. Repot
young plants annually in spring, and mature
cacti every 2 years.
163
PINCUSHION
CACTUS
Mammillaria species
GOLDEN BALL
CACTUS
Parodia leninghausii AGM
TEMPERATURE 10–30°C
(50–86°F)
LIGHT Sun/Filtered sun
in summer
HUMIDITY Low
CARE Easy
HEIGHT & SPREAD Up to 45 x
15cm (18 x 6in)
SUCCULENTS
PLANT PROFILES
PINWHEEL
Aeonium haworthii AGM
CARE Easy
round, and velvety. The flowers, if they appear, HEIGHT & SPREAD Up to 60 x 45cm
(24 x 18in)
are often a surprise, their bright colours
This sculptural succulent adds height
providing a vivid contrast to the fleshy leaves. and character to a mixed display on
a windowsill. The branched stems are
Succulents are easy to grow, and because topped with rosettes of grey-green
fleshy leaves, and in late spring, small
their foliage acts as the perfect water-storage pale yellow or pink-tinged flowers rise
unit, they can suffer long periods of neglect. up above the foliage. Look out for
variegated types, too, which feature
Just give them a sunny position and water yellow and pink-edged leaves.
BLACK AEONIUM
Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ AGM
JADE PLANT
Crassula ovata AGM
BARBADOS ALOE
Aloe vera AGM
ECHEVERIA
Echeveria species
TENDER EUPHORBIA
Euphorbia species
that fits the root ball in cactus compost that all changes when its showy flowers
(or a 2:1 mix of soil-based compost and make their appearance. The starry pink
horticultural grit). Set in full sun. Wear blooms, which are said to resemble little
gloves when handling plants – the sap dogs’ faces, shoot out from the centre of
is a skin irritant. Repot every 2–3 years. the rosette on long, branched stems like
tiny fireworks. Group a few together
on a sunny shelf to intensify the effect.
HAWORTHIA
Haworthia attenuata ’Striata’ TEMPERATURE 10–27°C (50–80°F)
LIGHT Sun/Filtered sun
TEMPERATURE 12–26°C (54–79°F) HUMIDITY Low
LIGHT Sun/Filtered sun CARE Easy
HUMIDITY Low HEIGHT & SPREAD 45 x 45cm
CARE Easy (18 x 18in)
HEIGHT & SPREAD Up to 20 x 15cm WARNING! All parts toxic to pets
(8 x 6in)
There are many types of Kalanchoe,
but if you have space for only one, this
The spiky stems of this succulent make should be at the top of your list. The
a striking contrast with more rounded powdery-white leaves have serrated
succulents as part of a windowsill edges that look like they have been cut
display. Some sport white raised stripes with pinking shears, and in summer it
or spotty reddish bumps, which add to bursts into bloom, bearing clusters of
haworthia’s rich texture, while slender small, starry pink flowers on slim stems.
stems of long tubular white flowers may
appear on mature plants in the summer. FLAMING KATY WATERING From spring to summer,
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana AGM
water from the bottom when the top of
WATERING From spring to autumn,
the compost feels dry; keep the compost
allow the top of the compost to dry out
TEMPERATURE 12–26°C (54–80°F) almost dry through autumn and winter.
between waterings. In winter, water
LIGHT Sun/Filtered sun
sparingly, just preventing the compost FEEDING Apply a half-strength balanced
HUMIDITY Low
from completely drying out. liquid fertilizer every month from spring
CARE Easy to late summer.
FEEDING Apply a half-strength balanced HEIGHT & SPREAD 45 x 30cm
liquid fertilizer once a month from spring (18 x 12in) PLANTING AND CARE Plant in 10–20cm
to autumn. WARNING! All parts toxic to pets (4–8in) pot in cactus compost (or a 2:1
mix of soil-based potting compost and
PLANTING AND CARE Grow in a small
Flaming Katy’s heads of bright flowers horticultural grit). Stand in full sun, and in
7.5–10cm (3–4in) pot in cactus compost
appear in spring and summer, creating a room with good ventilation. Repot every
(or a 2:1 mix of soil-based potting
a show of colour against the round, 2–3 years in spring when root-bound.
compost and horticultural grit). Set
fleshy green leaves. The red, pink, or
in full sun or filtered light, on or close
white blooms often last up to 12 weeks,
to a windowsill. Repot every 2–3 years but plants are reluctant to reflower, so
in spring, but only when root-bound. you may need to replace them each year.
PANDA PLANT
Kalanchoe tomentosa AGM
HOUSELEEK
Sempervivum species AGM
DONKEY’S TAIL
Sedum morganianum AGM
AIR PLANTS
flowers by propping up the air plants.
FEEDING Mist with a specialist Tillandsia
PLANT PROFILES
Tillandsia aeranthos
AIR PLANTS
Tillandsia species and hybrids
The thin, spiky foliage of this tiny species One of the most popular air plants, This air plant soon forms a clump of
radiates out from the centre, resembling the pink quill, as it is commonly known, spiky green foliage, and it will also
a sea urchin. Mature plants also bear a has dark green strappy leaves and tolerate a little neglect, quickly reviving
long, slim, red flowerhead, which holds an oval-shaped flowerhead, made after watering. The pink flower spikes
tiny purple blooms that are guaranteed up of pink bracts (petal-like modified resemble shooting stars and terminate
to turn heads. leaves) and small, violet-blue flowers. in a cluster of tubular violet blooms.
Like a spider with curled legs, the long Small and compact, the silver grassy The silver foliage of this must-have
thin foliage of this unusual air plant foliage of this elegant air plant is prone plant sprawls and curls to form a dense
grows from a bulb-like centre, from to drying out, so water it regularly every clump. As it requires less water than
which tubular pink and purple flowers week. The blooms look like rows of tiny most, mist regularly rather than soaking.
emerge in early spring. The foliage also violet and pink lipsticks when they The long-lasting spike of violet blooms
turns red when the buds form. emerge from the narrow flower spike. only appears on mature plants.
CARE AND
CULTIVATION
178
BUYING A NEW
HOUSE PLANT
It’s fun visiting the plant shop or nursery to pick out your favourite
plants, but before you hand over your money, take a look at these
tips to make sure you buy strong, healthy ones that will thrive when
you bring them home. Check out the tool kit, too (see right), and
pick up anything you will need to care for your new purchases.
CARE AND CULTIVATION
Decorative
waterproof pots
and drip trays
for drainage
Dibber
for making
holes in
compost
for seeds
Small and
trowel seedlings
for tiny
pots
Pebbles
Slim-
headed
Mister
trowel
spray
for
larger
plants
Small
sharp
knife
Secateurs Small
for pruning hand fork
Brush for
Soft cloth to
removing
wipe leaves
compost
from cacti
and delicate
plants
180
GET THE
LIGHT RIGHT
Providing your plant with
the amount of light it needs
is essential for its long-term Shade
Shade
CHECK THE
TEMPERATURE “ Keep tropical
plants away from
While most house plants will grow quite happily
in our warm homes, they may suffer in extremely
heat sources and
hot or cold spots. Check your plants’ preferred draughty areas.”
temperatures (see pp100–75) and use the advice
below to find the perfect spot to display them.
CARE AND CULTIVATION
PROVIDE OPTIMUM
TEMPERATURES
Draughty hallways will suit
While many house plants will cope a few woodland plants, such
with a relatively wide temperature as the button fern, and tough
range, always check your plant’s types like devil’s ivy and the
specific needs in the Plant Profile umbrella plant. Other plants,
chapter (see pp100–75). As many including most tropical varieties,
house plants come from tropical should be kept elsewhere, in
areas, few will be able to deal with areas where temperatures
CHECK THE TEMPERATURE
Lipstick
plant
Rex begonias
Most house plants prefer moist compost in spring and summer 6 Avoid getting water on the leaves
when they are in growth, but take care not to water too much; and stems of plants with soft, furry
soggy, waterlogged compost causes disease and can be foliage, or succulents and cacti.
fatal, while a little drought is easily remedied. To prevent wet 7 Check the Plant Profile chaper
compost, keep your plants in pots with drainage holes at the (see pp100–75) to see if your plant
bottom, so that any excess water can drain out, and tip away prefers rainwater or distilled water.
any surplus that is sitting in the plant’s decorative pot (“sleeve”)
or saucer about an hour after watering.
HOW TO WATER YOUR HOUSE PLANTS
HOW TO WATER
To keep your plants in peak
condition, check the specific
advice for each one in the Plant
Profile chapter (see pp100–75)
and use the watering method
(or methods) appropriate to
your plant, as outlined in the
five options on the right.
Misting leaves and aerial roots Watering bromeliads Soaking air plants
Some plants absorb moisture The leaves and bracts (petal-like Air plants are best soaked in a tray
through their leaves and aerial modified leaves) of most bromeliads of rainwater or distilled water for
roots. Examples include orchids, form a cup-like reservoir in the centre an hour once a week. After soaking,
Swiss cheese plants and areca of the plant. Fill this up with rainwater leave to drain, and make sure they
palms. Mist the leaves and roots or distilled water, replenishing it dry fully within 4 hours to prevent
regularly, but also water the every few weeks. Also water the them rotting. Alternatively, mist
compost to keep them healthy. compost so that it is moist. them 2–3 times a week.
186
in good health.
hydrated while
from their sleeves and set
them on the wet matting or
towel, so that moisture can
you’re away be drawn up through the
drainage holes to the roots.
from home.”
187
Misting plants
Increase the humidity
around your plant by
misting the leaves and
aerial roots every day or
HUMIDITY LEVELS two, reducing the frequency
EXPLAINED to once a week in winter
High humidity means that the air for most plants. Check
is saturated with moisture. Tropical the advice for your chosen
plants thrive in this atmosphere, but plants in the Plant Profiles
they may be difficult to care for in chapter (see pp100–75)
homes with central heating (which as some prefer to be
can dry out the air). If you want to misted with rainwater
keep these demanding plants, place or distilled water.
them in a humid kitchen or bathroom,
or invest in a room humidifier.
Moderate humidity is required
by many house plants, including
orchids, ferns, some palms, and
a large number of foliage plants. Grouping plants
Misting them regularly, setting All plants release water
them on a tray of damp pebbles, through a process known
and grouping a few together will as “transpiration”, just like
help to raise the humidity to the we do when we breathe out.
correct level. You can create a tropical
microclimate by grouping
Low humidity is where the
a few plants together, where
atmosphere holds little moisture.
each of them will benefit
Plants from arid regions (such as
from the moisture released
cacti, succulents, and those from
by their neighbours.
Mediterranean areas) are adapted
to these conditions. Most rooms in
centrally heated homes have low
levels of air moisture, although
drought-lovers will not cope well
in humid kitchens or bathrooms.
188
“ Fertilizer
FEEDING provides the
YOUR PLANTS nutrients plants
Put your house plants on a diet of essential nutrients would draw from
and they will reward you with healthy flowers and
the soil if planted
foliage. Like us, however, they can suffer if you feed
them too much or too little. Knowing what to feed your outdoors.”
plants, and how often, will help them stay on track.
CARE AND CULTIVATION
CHOOSING A FERTILIZER
Different plants have different dietary needs, so make sure you
are giving the correct fertilizer at the right dosage. Remember that
overfeeding plants can be as bad, or worse, than underfeeding
them (see p213).
High-potash fertilizer
This fertilizer is rich This bottle
in flower-promoting drip-feeds the
orchid with
potassium (see opposite). a specially
It is usually sold as a formulated
liquid that you dilute fertilizer
before use. Tomato
fertilizers have a high
potash content, and can
be used on flowering
plants as well as those
that produce fruits, such
as the Jerusalem cherry.
Slow-release
granular fertilizer
Large or woody plants,
such as trees, shrubs,
and perennial climbers,
may benefit from an
all-purpose granular
fertilizer. Apply undiluted Specialist house plant fertilizer
as granules or in tablet Manufacturers have developed fertilizers
form (shown left) to the that have been carefully formulated for plants
compost once a year, with specific needs, such as orchids, cacti,
usually in early spring. and carnivorous plants. They are usually sold
Watering breaks down in simple-to-use solutions; some, for instance,
the granules, which then come in small bottles that can be inserted
release their nutrients. into the compost, where they drip-feed
nutrients to the plant over time (see above).
190
CHOOSING COMPOST
FOR YOUR PLANTS
Use this guide to choose the best type of compost for your plant,
and any additional materials you may need when potting it up.
Always use fresh compost when repotting (see pp192–93); do not
reuse old compost from other plants, as this will lack nutrients and
could also harbour hidden diseases or pests.
CARE AND CULTIVATION
WHAT IS COMPOST?
“Compost” (or, more accurately, “growing media”)
is the term commonly used to describe the soil-like
material that potted plants are grown in. There are
many different types, made up of a combination of
soil (or “loam”), decomposed organic matter (similar
to the compost you may make at home in a compost
bin), aggregates such as sand and grit, and fertilizers.
Some also contain peat, but because its extraction
threatens the sustainability of natural peat bogs,
CHOOSING COMPOST FOR YOUR PLANTS
POTS AND
REPOTTING
Choosing the right pot will help you to keep your
house plants healthy. A good container should offer
plenty of drainage, and will need to be replaced
every few years as the plant grows, to avoid its roots
becoming congested and “root-bound”.
CARE AND CULTIVATION
2
TOOLS Choose a new pot that is wide
• Watering can (fitted with a and deep enough to fit the root
rose attachment if necessary) ball, with some space around the
edges and at the top to allow for
watering. Water the plant well about
half an hour before repotting it.
193
“ A root-bound
plant will have
tightly packed roots
that are growing
through its pot’s
drainage holes.”
3 Add a layer of compost to the bottom of the new pot. Remove
the plant from its original container. Gently tease out the roots
that are tightly packed around the edges or at the bottom, and set
the plant on the compost, checking that the top is sitting 1cm (1⁄2in)
below the rim. This allows space for water to collect at the top
before filtering into the compost.
WHY PRUNE?
WHAT TO PRUNE
1 Dead, broken or cracked stems
Keep a large plant compact Remove dead or diseased parts 5 Overly long stems that create
Removing or reducing long stems Cut out areas of the plant that look a lopsided shape
will help keep a plant’s size in check, dead or diseased, and disinfect tools
but pruning too frequently can after use. Also remove stems that 6 Tips of stems, to encourage
actually stimulate growth, so cut are rubbing against each other, bushy growth
it back just once or twice a year. which may cause abrasions.
7 Leading stem(s) at the top
of the plant, to prevent it from
growing too tall
BEFORE
HOW TO PRUNE
While you can cut back unhealthy
growth at any time of year, most WHAT YOU WILL NEED
plants are best pruned during early
spring, before they start a period PLANTS
of rapid growth; check the Plant • Misshapen or large plant that
Profiles chapter to confirm your has outgrown its space
plant's pruning needs (pp100–75).
Always check the plant before you TOOLS
begin so that you know which stems • Sharp, clean secateurs
you will need to remove. • Household disinfectant
AFTER
HOW TO MAKE AN
ORCHID REFLOWER
Orchids are usually bought while flowering, and can bloom for many weeks
if well cared for. When their flowers do eventually fade and die, encourage
them to bloom again after a period of rest by following these simple steps.
BLOOMING HEALTH
CARE AND CULTIVATION
PLANT TOOLS
• Mature orchid with • Secateurs
fading flowers • Soft cloth
HOW TO MAKE AN ORCHID REFLOWER
• Watering can
OTHER MATERIALS
• Mister spray or tray
• Pot one size larger than
of damp pebbles
the original with
drainage holes in the • Suitable fertilizer
bottom (optional)
• Compost to suit the
plant (see Plant Profiles,
pp110–15)
HOW TO GROW
BULBS INDOORS
Plant bulbs in autumn for beautiful floral house plant displays
in winter and early spring. In cooler countries, tender bulbs,
such as amaryllis, should be grown indoors, while hardy outdoor
types can be “forced” to flower earlier inside by growing them
in a cool spot, then moving them to a warmer room to bloom.
CARE AND CULTIVATION
GROWING
TENDER BULBS
Amaryllis bulbs (available from late
autumn to midwinter) are tender
and will die in frosty conditions
outside, but they can be planted
indoors where, with a little care, they
will grow into beautiful house plants.
HOW TO GROW BULBS INDOORS
PLANTS
• Amaryllis bulb 1 Soak the bulb for a few hours. Set
the bulb on a layer of bulb fibre,
then fill in around it with more fibre,
2 Water well and leave to drain.
Stand the pot in a bright, warm
place. Water sparingly until shoots
OTHER MATERIALS leaving up to two-thirds of the bulb appear; then keep the compost
• Pot with drainage holes, slightly showing above the surface. consistently moist.
wider and about one and a half
times as deep as the bulb
• Bulb fibre (specially formulated
compost for growing bulbs) or
3 Turn the pot every day so that
stems grow evenly. Move to a
cooler room where flower buds will
multipurpose compost appear 6–8 weeks after planting, and
stake the tall stems, if necessary. After
TOOLS blooming, feed the plant weekly
• Watering can with a balanced liquid fertilizer until
the leaves die down. Keep in a cool,
bright position, and do not feed
or water when dormant, from late
summer to mid-autumn.
199
GROWING
HARDY BULBS
Outdoor bulbs are often “forced”
to bloom earlier indoors than they
would normally develop outside
in the cold. Suitable bulbs include
scented hyacinths (shown here) and
grape hyacinths; daffodils and lilies
of the valley require slightly different
forcing methods (see below). Some
bulbs, including hyacinths and
paperwhite daffodils, will be labelled
“prepared”. These have been chilled
to imitate a winter season, which they
1 2
need to go through before flowering, Place a layer of bulb fibre in a pot. Fill in around the bulbs with fibre so
and will bloom in winter, rather than Water the fibre and leave to drain. the tips are just above the surface.
spring. Other bulbs do not require this Wearing gloves (the bulbs can cause Leave a 1cm (1⁄2in) gap between the
treatment to flower earlier indoors, skin irritation), space the bulbs evenly fibre and top of the pot. Place the pot
but may not bloom until late winter. on the fibre, making sure the pointed in a black plastic bag and set in a cool
ends face up. dark place.
TOOLS
• Gloves
• Black plastic bag
• Watering can with a rose attachment
PROPAGATE FROM
STEM CUTTINGS
HOW TO One of the easiest ways to make new plants,
this method is suitable for most soft-stemmed
Filling your home with the plants you love WHAT YOU WILL NEED
CARE AND CULTIVATION
The water method will work for most house plants, although
woodier-stemmed plants may take longer to root. (p204)
5 Insert up to 3 cuttings
per pot, or plant 6 in a
small seed tray. Settle the
compost around the stems
by watering lightly with a
watering can fitted with
a rose attachment.
PROPAGATE FROM
LEAF CUTTINGS
It may seem unlikely that a leaf can
produce roots, but many plants will
perform this trick. Begonias, like
the Rex begonia shown here, are the
most frequently used for leaf cuttings,
but you can also try Cape primroses, the
snake plant, and succulents, such as
Kalanchoe and Echeveria. These other
CARE AND CULTIVATION
PLANT
• Mature plant with large healthy leaves
OTHER MATERIALS
• Cuttings compost
• Perlite
HOW TO PROPAGATE PLANTS
TOOLS
• Sharp knife or secateurs
• Cutting board
• 12cm (5in) plastic pots
or small seed tray
• Clear polythene bags and
rubber bands 1 Select a healthy
mature plant with
plenty of large leaves.
• Small watering can with
Water it well about
a rose attachment
30 minutes before
• Small pots
taking your cuttings.
• Spoon
• Multipurpose compost
2 Select a large
leaf and, using a
sharp knife, remove
it at the base of the
leaf stem. Place on a
clean cutting board.
203
PROPAGATE WITH
WATER
Quick and easy to do, this is a great propagation
method for beginners. It is also fun for children,
as they can watch the roots developing on the
cut stems day by day. A large number of house
plants can be increased in this way, especially
those with soft, pliable stems, such as the African
violet (used here), devil’s ivy, and species of
Peperomia and Pilea.
CARE AND CULTIVATION
PLANT TOOLS
• Mature healthy plant • Scissors, sharp clean
1
knife, or secateurs Choose a healthy non-flowering stem and
OTHER MATERIALS • Glass or jar remove it at the base with a knife, scissors or
• Multipurpose • Small pots with secateurs. Cut the stem below a node (bump
compost drainage holes on the stem) if there is one.
HOW TO PROPAGATE PLANTS
PLANT TOOLS
• Mature healthy plant • Watering can
with shoots growing • Sharp, clean knife
around the sides • Plastic pots that match
the size of the root balls
OTHER MATERIALS
• Multipurpose compost
PLANT
• Mature, flowering bromeliad with
offsets growing around the base
OTHER MATERIALS
HOW TO PROPAGATE PLANTS
TOOLS
• Sharp clean knife
2
• Soft clean brush Carefully remove the plant from
• 10cm (4in) plastic pots its pot. With a sharp knife, cut
• Short stick for staking off the offset close to the parent.
• Small watering can with Try not to damage the parent plant;
a rose attachment it can be repotted if it has not died
back, as it may yet go on to produce
more offsets.
PROPAGATE FROM
SEED
Raising plants from seed is easier
than you may think, but be prepared
to pamper the seedlings for a couple
of months while they are developing
into mature plants, as any periods of
drought could kill them. Annual plants
(which grow, flower, and die in the same
year) are good choices for beginners,
1 Almost fill a seed tray with
2 Cover the seeds with vermiculite
CARE AND CULTIVATION
and include the Persian violet, busy damp seed compost. Press or a very thin layer of sieved
lizzies, and coleus (shown here). the upturned lid of the seed tray seed compost. Label, pop on the
Buy fresh seeds every year for on top to create a flat surface lid, and set in a bright area out of
the best results. and to remove any air gaps. Sow direct sun; the seeds need light
seeds evenly on the surface. to germinate.
PLANT
• Packet of house plant seeds
OTHER MATERIALS
HOW TO PROPAGATE PLANTS
TOOLS
• Small seed tray with clear plastic lid
• Sieve, for compost (optional)
• Plant labels
• Small spoon
• Module seed tray
or small plastic pots
• Watering can fitted with
a rose attachment
• Larger pots
• Multipurpose compost
WHAT’S WRONG
CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
Once you’ve identified the
most likely cause of your plant’s
do nothing; the
feed at the exact natural shedding leaves of all plants
recommended of leaves turn yellow and fall
overfeeding
frequency and from time to time
quantity (see p213)
physical damage
CURLED
HOLES IN move to a more LEAVES check leaves
LEAVES due to people or pest damage for insect pests
protected area
pets brushing past (see pp216–19)
211
water more
dry patches: frequently to keep repot the plant into
underwatering the compost moist a container one or
(see p213) root-bound two sizes larger so
SPOTS ON roots can absorb
LEAVES WILTED water more easily
pale spots: use rainwater LEAVES
misting with or distilled water AND
hard water to mist the plant STEMS move to a cooler
high temperatures/ area, and increase
too much sun watering (see p213)
check leaves for
disease or diseases and pests
pest damage (see pp214–19)
check the leaves and
pest damage roots for insect pests
(see pp216–19)
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
environmental wait a few days;
change due to the plant should
repotting or soon recover PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
SUDDEN new position
LEAF FALL
FURRY identify the disease
inspect roots GROWTH fungal diseases (pp214–15) and
pest damage for insect pests ON LEAVES treat as suggested
(see pp216–19) AND STEMS
DEALING WITH
CARE-BASED PROBLEMS
Most house plant health issues are simply the result of incorrect
care, and in most cases they are easily fixed. Once you have
identified the most likely cause of the problems (see pp214–15),
use this guide to find the best ways to bring it back to health.
CARE AND CULTIVATION
OVERWATERING
THE PROBLEM The symptoms of
underwatering (above) can also be
a sign of overwatering, as the roots
begin to rot due to the excess moisture,
preventing them from taking up water.
Overwatering can also cause fungal
diseases (see pp214–15) and spots
on the foliage, caused by a condition
called “oedema”, where water-soaked
Move plants from cold windowsills patches on the leaves rupture and Pale or yellow
during the winter months. turn corky. leaves are often
the first signs
THE SOLUTION Pour away excess of nutrient
water in the plant’s decorative deficiency
waterproof pot or saucer, and repot
TOO WARM if its root ball is in a container with
no drainage holes. Then leave the
THE PROBLEM High temperatures plant to dry out on a draining board OVERFEEDING
can make the compost dry out, or tray filled with dry gravel.
dehydrating your plant, and may also THE PROBLEM Overfeeding can
reduce the humidity levels in the air. Oedema is cause similar symptoms to underfeeding
Symptoms can include brown leaf tips, caused by (above), since an excess of fertilizer can
over-watering
curled leaves, wilting, falling flower draw nutrients out of a plant’s cells in
and results
buds, or no flowers. in corky a process known as “reverse osmosis”.
patches It can also cause brown leaf tips.
THE SOLUTION Keep plants away on leaves
from hot, direct sunlight in summer, THE SOLUTION Flush the compost
and open windows or turn on the air through with plenty of plain water;
conditioning to lower temperatures. use rainwater or distilled water if that
Also water more frequently when is what your plant prefers (see the
temperatures rise to keep the compost Plant Profile chapter on pp100–75).
moist (but not too wet – see right), and Make sure that the plant pot has
move plants away from heaters and drainage holes so excess water and
radiators in winter. nutrients can escape easily.
214
DEALING WITH
COMMON
DISEASES
Even with the best care, plants can still succumb to
disease. If this happens, isolate the plant to prevent FUNGAL LEAF SPOT
the problem from spreading, identify the ailment,
CARE AND CULTIVATION
STEM AND
CROWN ROT
DEALING WITH
COMMON PESTS
They may be small but, given the chance, many pests can quickly
ruin your precious house plants. By checking regularly for pests,
you can take action to remove them before they infest your plants,
which will make control more difficult.
CARE AND CULTIVATION
SCALE INSECTS
THE PROBLEM Scales or shell-like
bumps up to 1cm (1⁄2in) in length appear
DEALING WITH COMMON PESTS
WHITEFLY
“ Watch out for grubs and nymphs THE PROBLEM These white, winged,
sap-sucking insects are easy to see, even
– these can often be just as bad, though they are just under 2mm (1⁄16in)
in length. Clouds of flies rise up when
if not worse, as the adult pest.” disturbed, and you may also spot
the white, scale-like nymphs on the
undersides of leaves. Whitefly causes
distorted leaves and buds, and stunted
growth. Both adults and nymphs excrete
honeydew, which can lead to black sooty
mould (see p215).
CATERPILLARS THE SOLUTION Hang sticky sheets near
plants to trap the adults or spray the flies
THE PROBLEM Not many house plants with a dilute soap-based solution, which
are affected by these pests; the most prevents them from flying and disrupts
common indoors is the Tortrix moth breeding. Also try standing affected plants
caterpillar, which binds leaves together outside in summer where beneficial
with fine webbing (below), causing them insects will help to control them, or use
to dry up and turn brown, then a pesticide.
fall off. Other caterpillars eat holes
in the leaves, and you will see them
usually lurking under the foliage.
THE SOLUTION Pick off caterpillars,
or press the affected leaves together The root-eating
to kill the insects and pupae. For grubs (right)
heavier infestations, use a pesticide cause more
that controls caterpillars; ventilate the damage than
the adult
room when applying it. vine weevils
VINE WEEVILS
THE PROBLEM The adult black weevils
are about 9mm (1⁄2in) long and easy to
spot. They nibble leaves, making notches
along the margins, but do little serious
damage. The white, C-shaped, legless
grubs with brown heads (about the same
size as the adults) are the real problem
because they eat the roots, causing plants
to collapse and die.
THE SOLUTION Shake plants to dislodge
the adults or trap them with sticky barriers
around the outer pots. Try to catch the
slow-moving weevils before they lay
eggs in spring and summer. If you see
the grubs, try hosing the roots outside
to remove them, then repot in fresh
compost, or apply the nematode
Steinernema kraussei in autumn.
220
INDEX
A B cape primrose 125, 203 crown rot 215
Abutilon × hybridum 116 bamboo palm 133 cape sundew 143 Cryptanthus bivittatus AGM 104
Adiantum raddianum 126 Barbados aloe 168 capillary matting 186 C. zonatus 104
Aechmea chantinii 102 Beaucarnea recurvata AGM carnivorous plants 40, 142–45, Ctenanthe burle-marxii 149
A. fasciata AGM 103 130 185, 191 Curcuma alismatifolia 107
Aeonium haworthii 166 Begonia 148, 202–203 Caryota mitis 131 curled leaves 210
RHS PRACTICAL HOUSE PLANT BOOK
A. ‘Zwartkop’ AGM 167 benzene 46, 47 cast iron plant 147 Cycas revoluta 132
aerial roots, misting 185 Billbergia nutans 104 caterpillars 219 Cymbidium species and hybrid
Aeschynanthus pulcher 134 bird of paradise 124 Cephalocereus senilis 162 111
African daisy 119 bird’s nest fern 127 Cereus forbesii 163
African spear 158 black aeonium 167 Ceropegia linearis subsp. D
African violet 123 blackfly 216 woodii 135 daffodils 108, 199
Agave americana AGM 167 blushing bromeliad 105 Chamaedorea elegans 131 damping off 214
A. Victoria-reginae 167 boat lily 160 Chihuahua flower 170 Darlingtonia californica 142
Aglaonema commutatum 146 Boston fern 128 China doll plant 158 date palm, miniature 133
air plants 40, 174–75, 185 Bougainvillea × buttiana 135 Chinese evergreen 146 deadheading 194
air plant stand 56–59 Brassia species 111 Chlorophytum comosum 135 delta maidenhair fern 126
air purification, designing for Brazilian coleus 157 Christmas cactus 165 Dendrobium nobile hybrids
46–47 bromeliads 102–105, 185 Cissus rhombifolia AGM 136 112
Alocasia × amazonica AGM brown leaf tips 210 climbing plants 38, 42, 134–41 Desertscape 52–55
147 Brugmansia × candida 117 willow climbing frame devil’s ivy 136
Aloe aristata 168 bulb eelworms 217 68–71 devil’s tongue 164
INDEX
A. vera AGM 168 bulbous plants 106–109 Clivia miniata AGM 106 Dieffenbachia seguine 150
aluminium plant 157 bulbs, growing indoors Codiaeum variegatum 149 Dionaea muscipula 143
amaryllis 107, 198 198–99 coleus 159 diseases 178, 194, 210–19
Amazonian elephant’s ear 147 bunny ears cactus 165 colour 11, 22–25, 31, 38 Disocactus flagelliformis AGM
Amazonian zebra plant 102 busy lizzie 120 compost: choosing 190–91 163
American aloe 167 butterfly orchid 113 moisture levels 185 dividers, living space 92–95
Ananas comosus var. butterwort 144 waterlogged 192, 212 dividing plants, propagating
variegatus 103 button fern 129 containers 30–35, 192–93 by 200, 205
angel’s trumpet 117 buying house plants 178 contrast: of colour 23, 25 donkey’s tail 173
Anthurium andraeanum AGM and harmony 13 downy mildew 214
117 C of scale 15, 16 Dracaena fragrans 150
Aphelandra squarrosa 147 cacti 162–65, 191 of shape 19, 21 D. marginata 150
aphids 216, 218 Desertscape project 52–55 of texture 27, 28 dragon plant 150
areca palm 132 watering 184, 185, 186 Convallaria majalis AGM 107 drainage 178, 184, 192, 212
Asparagus densiflorus 127 California pitcher plant 142 Crassula ovata 168 Drosera capensis 143
Aspidistra elatior AGM 147 calla lily 109 Creeping fig 137 dry terrarium 84–87
Asplenium nidus AGM 127 cambria orchid 115 Cretan brake fern 129 dumb cane 150
cape ivy 140 crocodile fern 128 dwarf umbrella tree 159
cape jasmine 118 croton 149 Dypsis lutescens 132
221
Nepenthes hybrids 143 Pellaea rotundifolia AGM 129 Q shape 10, 18–21, 30, 194–95
Nephrolepis exaltata AGM Peperomia argyreia 156 Queen Victoria century plant shrimp plant 120
128 P. caperata 156 167 Siam tulip 107
never-never-plant 149 Pericallis Senetti Series 122 silver-inch plant 141
nitrogen (N) 188 perlite 191 R silver jade plant 168
nobile dendrobium 112 Persian violet 118 rabbit’s foot fern 128 silver vase plant 103
North American pitcher plants Peruvian apple cactus 163 Radermachera sinica AGM 158 size 10, 14–15
144–45 pests 178, 210–19 radiator plant 156 slipper orchid 114
nutrients 188 Phalaenopsis hybrids 114–15 rattlesnake plant 153 slugs and snails 218
RHS PRACTICAL HOUSE PLANT BOOK
Philodendron scandens 139 red passion flower snake plants 159, 203
O P. xanadu 156 reddish leaves 210 Solanum pseudocapsicum 124
offsets, propagating from 200, Phoenix roebelenii AGM 133 repotting 192–93 Soleirolia soleirolii 140
206–207 phosphorus (P) 188 Rhapis excelsa 133 Solenostemon scutellarioides
old man cactus 162 picture frame, moss 80–83 Rhododendron simsii 123 hybrids 159
Oncidium hybrids 113 Pilea cadierei AGM 157 root aphids 218 sooty mould 215
Oncidopsis Nelly Isler gx 113 P. peperomioides AGM 157 root-bound plants 178, 192 space, designing for 42–43
open bottle terrarium 64–67 pincushion cactus 164 root rot 215 Spathiphyllum wallisii 124
Opuntia microdasys AGM Pinguicula Mexican hybrids rose of China 119 sphagnum moss 191
165 144 rose grape 121 spider mites 218
orchid cactus 163 pinwheel 166 rot 185, 215 spider orchid 111
orchids 110–15, 191 pitcher plants: California rust 215 spider plant 135, 206, 207
how to make orchids pitcher plant 142 spineless yucca 161
reflower 196–97 North American pitcher S spots on leaves 211
wood-mounted orchid 88–91 plants 144–45 sago palm 132 staghorn ferm 129
Oxalis triangularis 109 Platycerium bifurcatum AGM Saintpaulia cultivars 123 stem cuttings, propagating
INDEX
T X ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
tail flower 117 Xanadu philodendron 156 Fran Bailey would like to give a big thank you to Amy
temperature 182–83, 212, 213 Slack and Philippa Nash at DK for their encouragement
tender euphorbia 170 Y and support; to Nigel Wright and Rob Streeter whose
terrariums 32, 42 yellow leaves 210 vision and expertise really brought the projects to life; and
dry terrarium 84–87 yellow sage 121 to Katie Mitchell (@bymekatie) for her macramé expertise.
open bottle terrarium 64–67 Yucca elephantipes AGM 161
texture 11, 26–29, 31
Zia Allaway would like to thank the whole team at
thrips 216 Z DK for their dedication to the detail in producing this
thunder flies 216 Zamioculcas zamiifolia 161
book, with particular thanks to editor Amy Slack for
Tillandsia 174–75 Zantedeschia species 109
her support with the words and her infinite patience,
tool kit 179 zebra plant (bromeliad) 104
and to Christine Keilty, Mandy Earey, and Philippa
Tradescantia spathacea 160 zebra plant (foliage plant) 147
Nash for their beautiful designs. Thanks also to
T. zebrina 141
photographer Rob Streeter and stylists Nigel Wright
trailing plants 134–41
and Janice Browne of XAB Design for the stunning
images, and to Managing Editor, Stephanie Farrow
V for commissioning her and scrutinizing each page
vanda orchid 115
to ensure the quality was never compromised. And
variegated pineapple 103
thanks to Christopher Young of the Royal Horticultural
variegated snake plant 159
Society for his editorial input and fact checks. Last
velvet plant 154
but not least, a huge thank you to her husband Brian
Venus fly trap 143
North and son Callum Allaway North for their patience
vermiculite 191
and support while she was writing this book.
vine weevils 219
DK would like to thank Julie Aylett, Kathy Sanger,
viruses 178, 215
Sue Unwin, and Irene Morris at Aylett Nurseries
Vriesea splendens AGM 105
for their endless advice and assistance in sourcing
Vuylstekeara Cambria gx
plants; Jamie Song, John Bassam, and Jo for the
‘Plush’ 115
hire of their homes; Jan Browne at XAB Design for
behind-the-scenes help with co-ordinating photoshoots;
W Rosamund Cox and Emma Pinckard for editorial
water: propagating with
assistance; and Vanessa Bird for indexing.
96–99 200, 204
watering 184–87, 213 DK would also like to thank the following for their
waterlogging 192, 212 kind permission to reproduce their photographs:
watermelon pepper 156 (Key: a-above; b-below/bottom; c-centre; f-far;
weeping fig 151 l-left; r-right; t-top)
wellbeing, designing for 44–49
GAP Photos: 33tc, Martin Hughes-Jones 33tr, Dianna
whitefly 219
Jazwinski 45br, Lynn Keddie 21bl, Howard Rice 36br,
wick systems 186
Friedrich Strauss 17tr, 17bl, 29tl, 29ftl, 33bl, 37bl,
willow climbing frame 68–71
Visions 20br.
wilting 178, 192, 211
All other images © Dorling Kindersley
wood-mounted orchid 88–91
For further information see: www.dkimages.com
wreath, succulent 72–75
224
which is packed to the rafters with lush greenery. DTP designer Rajdeep Singh
Producer, pre-production Robert Dunn
Senior producer Stephanie McConnell
Zia Allaway is an author, journalist, and qualified
Managing editor Stephanie Farrow
horticulturist who has written and edited a range
Managing art editor Christine Keilty
of gardening books for the RHS and DK, including
Art director Maxine Pedliham
the RHS Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers, RHS
Publisher Mary-Clare Jerram
How to Grow Plants in Pots, and Indoor Edible Garden.
Zia also writes a monthly column on garden design Photographer Rob Streeter
for Homes and Gardens magazine and is a contributor Photographic art director Nigel Wright
to the Garden Design Journal. She runs a consultancy
service from her home in Hertfordshire and offers ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
practical workshops for beginners. House plant consultant Christopher Young
Editor Simon Maughan
Christopher Young is the horticultural team leader of Publisher Rae Spencer-Jones
the Glasshouse at RHS Wisley, the Royal Horticultural Head of editorial Chris Young
Society’s flagship garden in Surrey. He is a passionate First published in Great Britain in 2018 by
plantsman with a particular interest in exotics and Dorling Kindersley Limited
ferns, and is also a member of the RHS Tender 80 Strand, London, WC2R 0RL
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or
charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any
good gardening. Its charitable work includes providing form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
expert advice and information, training the next generation recording, or otherwise), without the prior written
of gardeners, creating hands-on opportunities for children permission of the copyright owner.
to grow plants and conducting research into plants, pests
A CIP catalogue record for this book
and environmental issues affecting gardeners.
is available from the British Library.
For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk ISBN: 978-0-2413-1759-4
or call 020 3176 5800.
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