by Lisa Steinkopf | Apr 6, 2022 | African violets, BLOG, gesneriads, Houseplant Flowers, Houseplant Profile
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... 
by Lisa Steinkopf | Mar 30, 2022 | BLOG, Houseplant Flowers, Houseplant Profile, orchids
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... 
by Lisa Steinkopf | Mar 2, 2022 | BLOG, gesneriads, Houseplant Care, Houseplant Flowers, Houseplant Profile
Though the episcia has the common name of flame violet, it is not a violet. It is a close relative of the African violet in the Gesneriad family. This gorgeous plant is quite easy to grow so let’s talk about how to care for the episcia or flame violet. Pink... 
by Lisa Steinkopf | Feb 14, 2022 | BLOG, Cactus and Succulents, Houseplant Care, Houseplant Flowers, Houseplant Help, Houseplant Profile
It’s Valentine’s Day and what better way to celebrate than with a heart-shaped plant? I love heart-shaped anything-my engagement ring is a heart, heart-shaped stones, dishes, and more. One of my favorite heart-shaped plants, though, is the sweetheart hoya... 
by Lisa Steinkopf | Feb 9, 2022 | BLOG, Cactus and Succulents, Houseplant Care, Houseplant Profile
What is the point behind a plant resembling a bunch of dead sticks? The Euphorbia platyclada is a plant that fools its predators by appearing as if it’s already dead. Pretty smart, right? So how do you care for this extremely weird plant? My Euphorbia... 
by Lisa Steinkopf | Jan 5, 2022 | BLOG, Foliage Houseplants, Houseplant Care, Houseplant Profile
Did you know there is a “houseplant of the year”? Well, if you don’t, no worries because it is the first year. And it’s about time. Every year The National Garden Bureau chooses one annual, one perennial, one bulb crop, one edible, and one...
