Banana Bonanza
What if you're not fortunate enough to live in a mild climate like California? For areas where the threat of freeze is imminent, the answer is simple--just move the plant. With amazingly shallow roots, the core of ... [... more]
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Gardening Q
A: This is difficult to answer because even botanists can't seem to agree on the difference between the two. But it's worth growing one, regardless of what the label says it is. These flowers, known as angel's ... [... more]
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Fuchsias
There are two kinds of fuchsia: the single has just four petals on the bottom of the flowers, but it has lots and lots of flowers; and the double bloom has a shape more like a ballerina skirt, and it can be more ... [... more]
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Hardy Tropicals
Many of the plants that project the tropical look aren't winter hardy below 15 to 20 degrees (USDA Zone 8) and should be treated as annuals. But many of these plants make excellent houseplants and can be overwintered ... [... more]
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Decorating With Tropicals
Finding the right plant for a particular spot is almost like adding a piece of artwork to a room. Sturdy, slow-growing plants like the raphis palm or pygmy palm, with their interesting foliage and growth pattern, are ... [... more]
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Tropical Tips
1. Gently remove the plant from the pot. Tapping the pot on a hard surface may help to loosen the plant. Divide the plant by hand, carefully tearing the roots apart into two even-sized clumps (figure A). Trim the ... [... more]
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Orchids
Once you've pruned it, you may find that you can actually put the orchid back into its original pot, but only if the roots fit comfortably. If the roots seem really packed in, choose a pot that is one size bigger. ... [... more]
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Tropical Transitions
Inspect plants for any signs of pests or disease before moving them. If you spot pests, apply insecticidal soap to the leaf surfaces, especially the undersides. A week later, inspect again, and apply more soap if ... [... more]
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Strobilanthes
Strobilanthes 'Persian Shield' is an exotic perennial in its comfort zone (hardy in USDA Zone 10 and 11), valued for its vivid purple foliage. In cooler areas, 'Persian Shield' makes a wonderful annual, great for use ... [... more]
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Orchids On Display
Orchids love humidity. Although placing an orchid pot on a tray of wet pebbles is always a good idea, another alternative is to include your orchid in a water fountain . But make sure you have the kind of fountain ... [... more]
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Tropical Delights
You can achieve the tropical look in your garden by using plants directly planted in your garden or by using them in containers. Pots allow you to spread the tropical feel to your patios, decks and porches and to ... [... more]
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Plumerias And More
Plumeria are USDA Zone 10 tropicals that can grow up to 20 feet tall and produce gorgeous flowers in a number of different colors (figure B) and in luscious scents. If you think you recognize these blooming beauties, ... [... more]
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