When African violets first hit the United States market in the mid-1930s, there weren’t many flower colors or foliage to choose from, but that has changed. My grandma Eldred always had African violets on her east kitchen windowsill and she only had a few colors...
When you purchase phalaenopsis orchids at the store (and now you can find them in almost any store at any time of the year) the flower inflorescences are always staked so they are straight up and down. It makes sense because they are easier to ship and they want to...
As I was watering this week, I realized I have a large number of antique bird planters. The top one below is from my Grandma Eldred and she had an opuntia growing in it on her south kitchen windowsill for as long as I can remember. I inherited it and immediately...
Have you ever wondered what would happen to your plants if something happened to you and were unable to care for them? I guess I hadn’t really thought about it, but I’m having surgery in a few weeks and it makes one think. So I’ve been rearranging...
Though called the flame violet, the episcia is not a violet, but a close relative of the African violet in the gesneriad family. I think this gorgeous plant is quite easy to grow so let’s talk about how to care for your episcia or flame violet. Native Habitat As...
The jewel orchid (also called the tiger orchid and golden lace orchid) is an easy plant to grow. Yes, an orchid that is easy to grow -in potting medium, no less. There are many orchids that are easy to take care of, but orchids have received a reputation as being hard...
