Page numbers in bold indicate tables; those in italic indicate illustrations.
A
Abutilon hybridum (flowering maple), xv, xvii, 2, 2–3, 3
acephate (Orthene), 279
Achimenes species and hybrids (Cupid’s bow, hot water plant, magic flower, orchid pansy), xv, 32, 39, 40, 41, 41
‘Blue Monarch’, 41
‘Charm’, 41
‘Inferno’, 41
‘Scorpio’, 41
Adiatum species (maidenhairs), 184, 185
adoption options, 257–58
adventitious roots, 303
Aechmea fasciata (urn plant, silver vase plant), xv, xvii, 17, 22, 23, 23
‘Purpurea’, 23
‘Variegata’, 23
African violet food, 248, 261–62
African violet (Saintpaulia hybrids), 140, 140–41, 141, 250, 267, 279, 299, 327
Agave species (agave, American aloe, century plant), xvi, 55, 58, 76, 77, 77, 298
parviflora ‘Little Princess’, 77
victoriae-reginae, 77
Aglaonema commutatum (Chinese evergreen), xvii, 156, 156–57, 157
‘Emerald Star’, 156
‘Silver Bay’, 156
airplane plant. See Chlorophytum comosum
air plant. See Tillandsia species
air pollution, 256
Algerian ivy. See Hedera canariensis
Aloe, 62
aristata (lace aloe), 78
barbadensis (aloe, burn plant), 66, 76, 78, 78
variegata (partridge-breasted aloe, tiger aloe), 78
vera (aloe, burn plant), 76, 78
aluminum plant. See Pilea cadierei
amaryllis. See Hippeastrum
amendments, soil, 314–16
American aloe. See Agave
Ananas comosus ‘Variegatus’ (ivory pineapple, variegated pineapple), xv, xvii, 17, 22, 24, 24
anchor philodendron. See Philodendron
angel-wing begonia (Begonia × corallina), 10, 11, 12, 12
angel wings (Caladium), 32, 37, 39, 42, 42
Anthurium hybrids (flamingo flower), xv, xvi, 4, 4–5, 5, 298
Aphelandra squarrosa (zebra plant, saffron spike), xv, 6, 6–7, 7
Aporocactus flagelliformis (rat’s tail cactus), xiv, 60, 65, 67, 67
Arabian jasmine. See Jasmine sambac
Arabian violet (Exacum affine), 100–101
aralia ivy. See Fatshedera lizei
Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island pine, Norfolk pine), xvi, 158, 158–59, 159, 325
areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), 222, 222
arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum), 240, 240–41, 241, 279
Asparagus densiflorus (asparagus ferns), xvi, 185
asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus), xvi, 185
Aspidistra
capitosa ‘ Jade Ribbons’, 160
eliator (aspidistra, cast iron plant, barroom plant), xvi, 160, 160–61, 161
‘Ginga’, 160
‘Okame’, 160
‘Starry Night’, 160
‘Variegata’, 160
Asplenium nidus (bird’s nest fern), xvi, 184, 189, 190, 190
‘Antiquorum’, 190
azadirachtin (neem), 278–79
azalea (Rhododendron), 134, 134–35, 135
B
Bacillus thuringiensis (Gnatrol), 271
balanced household fertilizers, 262
ball cactus. See Parodia
ball fern. See Davallia species
banjo fig. See Ficus lyrata
barroom plant. See Aspidistra eliator
Bayer (imidacloprid), 272, 274, 278
bead plant. See Senecio rowleyanus
Beaucarnea recurvata (ponytail palm, bottle palm, elephant foot), xvi, 53, 162, 162–63, 163
Begonia (begonia), xv
best choices, 11
boweri, 13
masoniana (fancy-leafed), 8–10, 11, 13
rex (fancy-leafed), xv, xvii, 8–10, 11, 11, 13, 13
×corallina (angel-wing), xv, 8, 8–10, 10, 11, 12, 12
‘Bubbles’, 12
‘Cracklin Rosie’, 12
‘Looking Glass’, 12
‘Orococo’, 12
‘Sophie Cecile’, 12
×hiemalis (winter-blooming), 8–10, 11, 14, 14, 33
‘Eliator’ hybrid, 14
‘Reiger’ hybrid, 14
begonia cissus. See Cissus discolor
benefits of houseplants, x–xii
Billbergia nutans (queen’s tears, friendship plant), xv, xvi, 17, 19, 21, 22, 25, 25
bird’s nest fern. See Asplenium nidus
bird’s nest philodendron. See Philodendron
blooming/blooms
flower forms and parts, 296–97
forcing bulbs, 32–37
See also plant name; plant type
“bloom start” fertilizers, 262
blushing bromeliad. See Neoregelia carolinae
blushing philodendron. See Philodendron
bonsai, 320
Boston fern. See Nephrolepis exaltata
botanical names, 249
botanical wonder. See Fatshedera lizei
botrytis, 10
bottle palm (Beaucarnea recurvata), 162–63
bract troubleshooting, 99
brake fern. See Pteris
breathing on plants, benefits of, 269
bromeliads
containers, 252–53
features, 15–17
brown leaf tips, 256, 256, 257
buds, dropping off, 38
budworms, 105
forcing spring-flowering, 32–37, 36
troubleshooting, 38
warm-natured, 37
burn plant. See Aloe barbadensis; Aloe vera
burro’s tail. See Sedum morganianum
C
cachepots, 252
cacti, 66
caring for, 54–61
cleaning, 250
displaying, 54
fruiting, 57
grafting, 61
history, 53
removing spines from skin, 54
troubleshooting, 64
See also succulents
Caladium hybrids (caladium, angel wings), xvii, 32, 37, 39, 42, 42
‘Florida’, 42
‘Miss Muffet’, 42
calamondin orange (Citrus × citrofortunella mitis), 88, 88–89, 89
Calathea species and hybrids (calathea, peacock plant, zebra plant), xvii, 164, 164–65, 165, 328
‘Corona’, 165
rufibarba, 165
calla lily. See Zantedeschia
cane begonia. See Begonia × corallina
cape primrose. See Streptocarpus × hybridus
Capsicum frutescens (ornamental pepper), 148
carbaryl (Sevin), 273, 277, 279
cartwheel plant. See Neoregelia carolinae
cast iron plant. See Aspidistra eliator
Cattleya species and hybrids (corsage orchid), xv, 116, 121, 124, 125, 125
century plant. See Agave
ceramic containers, 253
Cereus
peruviana monstrosus, 68
‘Ming Thing Blue’, 68
peruviana (Peruvian apple cactus, column cactus, Peruvian torch), xiv, 54, 61, 65, 68, 68
Chamaedorea (parlor palm), xvi, 220
‘Bella’, 220
erumpens, 220
radicalis, 220
seifrizii, 220
Chamaerops humilis (European fan palm, Mediterranean fan palm), xvi, 221, 221
Chinese evergreen. See Aglaonema commutatum
Chinese fan palm (Livistonia chinensis), 221
Chinese jasmine. See Jasminum polyanthum
Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant, airplane plant), xvi, xvii, 166, 166–67, 167, 303
‘Vittatum’, 166
chloroplasts, 284
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera), 64, 75, 75
Christmas cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum), 148–49
Christmas pepper (Solanum pseudocapsicum), 148–49
Christ’s thorn (Euphorbia milii), 96–97
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (areca palm, feather palm, golden cane palm, yellow butterfly palm), xvi, 222, 222
chrysanthemum. See Dendranthema morifolium
cineraria. See Senecio × hybridus
Cissus
antarctica (kangaroo vine), xvi, 168–69
discolor (begonia cissus), xvii, 168–69
rhombifolia (grape ivy), xvi, xvii, 168, 168–69, 169
‘Ellen Danica’, 168
‘Mandiana Compacta’, 168
Citrus × citrofortunella mitis (calamondin orange, miniature orange), xiv, xv, 88, 88–89, 89
See also controlling pests
climbing philodendron. See Philodendron
Clivia (clivia, Kafir lily), 31, 32, 37
cluster cactus (Rebutia), 65, 74
Codiaeum variegatum pictum (croton, Joseph’s coat), xvii, 170, 170–71, 171
‘Petra’, 170
column cactus (Cereus peruviana), 54, 61, 65, 68
Columnea gloriosa hybrids (goldfish plant), xv, 90, 90–91, 91
‘Aladdin’s Lamp’, 90
‘California Gold’, 90
‘Firebird’, 90
‘Light Prince’, 90
composted plant materials, 315
compost tea, 262
containers
choosing, 251, 251–54, 252, 253, 254, 280
controlling pests
horticultural oil treatment, 274
mealybug destroyer, 273
soapy cleanings, 269, 270, 274, 277
traps, 270, 270, 271, 271, 277, 278
See also pesticides
copper, 262
Cordyline terminalis (ti plant, Hawaiian ti, good luck tree), xvi, xvii, 172, 172–73, 173, 328
‘Tricolor’, 172
corking, cactus, 64
corms. See bulbs
corn plant. See Dracaena
corsage orchid. See Cattleya
Crassula
arborescens, 79
argentea, 79
cotyledon, 79
ovata (jade plant), xvi, 76, 79, 79, 278, 279
creeping Charlie. See Plectranthus australis
creeping fig. See Ficus pumila
croton. See Codiaeum variegatum pictum
crown cactus. See Rebutia
crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii), 53, 96, 96–97, 97, 278, 298
Cryptanthus
acaulis (earth star, starfish plant), xvii, 22, 26, 26
‘Areltey’, 26
‘Black Magic’, 26
‘Black Mystic’, 26
sinuosus (earth star) ‘Cascade’, 26
Cupid’s bow. See Achimenes
cyclamen mites, 274
Cyclamen persicum hybrids (cyclamen, florists cyclamen, persian violet), xv, 92, 92–93, 93
Cyrtomium falcatum (holly fern, Japanese holly fern), xvi, 189, 191, 191
D
daffodil. See Narcissus
dancing ladies orchid. See Oncidium
Davallia species, xvi, 187, 187, 189, 189, 192, 192
canariensis (deer’s foot fern), 192
fejeensis (rabbit’s foot fern), 192, 192
trichomanoides (squirrel’s foot fern), 192
decorating with plants, xii, 280–84, 281, 282, 283
deer’s foot fern. See Davallia
Dendranthema morifolium (chrysanthemum), xv, 94, 94–95, 95, 279, 298
Dendrobium species and hybrids (den, spray orchid, lei orchid), xv, 116, 122, 124, 126, 126
‘Wonder Nishii’, 126
dens. See Dendrobium
devil’s backbone. See Kalanchoe
devil’s ivy. See Epipremnum aureum (pothos, devil’s ivy)
Dieffenbachia hybrids (dieffenbachia, dumb cane), xvii, 174, 174–75, 175, 298
diseases and disorders, 254–56, 255, 256
dish gardens, 282
displaying plants. See plant name; plant type
disposal of plants, 257–58
disulfoton, 272
Dizygotheca elegantissima (false aralia, finger plant), xvi, 176, 176–77, 177
See also Schefflera
donkey tail. See Sedum morganianum
dormancy, 257
double-watering, 258
Dracaena (dracaena, corn plant, rainbow plant), xvi, xvii, 178–79, 328
deremensis
‘Janet Craig’, 178
‘Warneckei’, 178
fragrans ‘Massangeana’, 178
marginata ‘Tricolor’, xvii, 178, 178–79, 179
drainage, 252, 259, 259–61, 260, 313
dry-climate terrariums, 326
dumb cane (Dieffenbachia hybrid), 174, 174–75, 175
E
earth star. See Cryptanthus acaulis
Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri), 59, 65, 71, 71
Easter lily. See Lilium
Echeveria species and hybrids (echeveria, hen and chicks), xvi, 53, 63, 66, 76, 80, 80
‘Doris Taylor’, 80
‘Painted Lady’, 80
‘Wavy Curls’, 80
Echinopsis hybrids (sea urchin cactus, peanut cactus), xiv, 65, 69, 69
‘Paramount’, 69
elephant foot (Beaucarnea recurvata), 162–63
English ivy. See Hedera helix
Epipremnum aureum (pothos, devil’s ivy), xvi, xvii, 180, 180–81, 181, 256, 298, 319
‘Marble Queen’, 180
‘Neon’, 180
Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), 18, 23
Euphorbia
milii (crown of thorns, Siamese lucky plant, silverthorn, Christ’s thorn), xiv, 53, 96, 96–97, 97, 278, 279, 298
‘Short & Sweet’, 96
pulcherrima (poinsettia), xv, 53, 98, 98–99, 99, 279
Euphorbia pulcherrima (poinsettia), 298
European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis), 221, 221
Exacum affine (Persian violet, German violet, Arabian violet, tiddly-winks), xv, 100, 100–101, 101
F
failure to thrive, 256
false aralia (Dizygotheca elegantissima), 176, 176–77, 177
fancy-leafed begonia. See Begonia masoniana; Begonia rex
fancy-leafed geranium. See Pelargonium × hortorum
fat-headed lizzy. See Fatshedera lizei
Fatshedera lizei (tree ivy, fat-headed lizzy, aralia ivy, botanical wonder), xvii, 182, 182–83, 183, 319
‘Annemeike’, 182
‘Aureamaculata’, 182
Faucaria, xvi
tigrina (tiger’s jaws), 76, 81, 81
feather palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), 222
feeding plants. See fertilizers
ferns
caring for, 184–88, 278, 279, 286
challenging choices, 185
troubleshooting, 188
fertilizer analysis, 261–62
fertilizers, 261–65
African violet food, 248, 261–62
“bloom start,” 262
choosing, 261–263
troubleshooting, 264–65
See also plant name; plant type
fiberglass containers, 253
benjamina (weeping fig, weeping Chinese banyan), xvi, xvii, 196, 198, 198, 325
‘Indigo’, 198
‘Midnlght’, 198
‘Starlight’, 198
elastica (rubber plant, India rubber tree), xvi, 199, 199
‘Burgundy’, 199
‘Cabernet’, 199
‘Decora’, 199
‘Melany’, 199
lyrata (fiddle-leaf fig, banjo fig), xvii, 197, 200, 200
‘Little Fiddle’, 200
pumila (creeping fig), xvi, 201, 201
‘Minima’, 201
‘Snowflake’, 201
repens, 201
fiddle-leaf fig. See Ficus lyrata
finger plant (Dizygotheca elegantissima), 176–77
Fittonia verschaffeltii (nerve plant, silver net leaf), xvii, 202, 202–3, 203, 279
flaming Cathy. See Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
flaming Katy. See Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
flamingo flower (Anthurium hybrids), 4, 4–5, 5, 298
flaming sword (Vriesea splendens), 17, 30, 30
floral wrappings, 260
Florida hybrids, 220
florist’s azalea (Rhododendron), 134–35
florists cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), 92–93
flowering maple (Abutilon hybridum), 2, 2–3, 3
flowers
forcing bulbs, 32–37
forms and parts, 296–97
See also plant name; plant type
fluorescent light, 288, 289, 290, 322
fluoride, 328
foam packing peanuts, 259, 259
foot-candle, 290
forcing bulbs, 32–37
freckle face. See Hypoestes phyllostachya
corymbosa (freesia), xv, 39, 44, 44
friendship plant (Billbergia nutans), 25
fungicides, 255
fungus, 265
G
Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia), xv, 102, 102–3, 103
‘Radicans’, 102
‘Veitchii’ (everblooming), 102
‘White Gem’, 102
geraniums. See Pelargonium
German violet (Exacum affine), 100–101
glochid, 54
gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa), 146, 146–47, 147, 327
Gnatrol (Bacillus thuringiensis), 271
golden cane palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), 222
goldern star (Mammillaria), 65, 72
goldfish plant. See Columnea gloriosa
good luck tree. See Cordyline terminalis
goosefoot plant (Syngonium podophyllum), 240–41
grafting cacti, 61
grape hyacinth. See Muscari
grape ivy. See Cissus rhombifolia
grouping, plant, 282
Guzmania lingulata (scarlet star), xv, xvi, 16, 17, 22, 27, 27
‘Luna’, 27
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii ‘Red Cap’ (red top cactus, ruby ball cactus), xiv, 65, 70, 70
Gynura (velvet plant, purple passion), xiv, 250
aurantiaca, 204–5
gypsum, 316
H
hanging plants, 251
hare’s foot fern. See Polypodium aureum
Hatiora gaertneri (Easter cactus), xv, xvi, 59, 65, 71, 71
Hawaiian rose. See Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Hawaiian ti. See Cordyline terminalis
Haworthia species and hybrids (haworthia), xvi, 54, 76, 82, 82
healing power of plants, ix–x
heartleaf philodendron. See Philodendron
canariensis (Algerian ivy)
‘Floire de Marengo’, 206
helix (English ivy), xvii, 206, 206–7, 207, 282, 298
‘Duck Foot’, 206
‘Golden Ingot’, 206
hen and chicks. See Echeveria
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus, Hawaiian rose), xv, 110, 110–11, 111
‘Dragon’s Breath’, 110
‘The Path’, 110
high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, 291
Hippeastrum hortorum (amaryllis), xv, xvi, 32, 37, 38, 39, 45, 45
‘Appleblossom’, 45
‘Baby Star’, 45
‘Scarlet Baby’, 45
history of houseplants, viii–ix
hitchhikers (insect pests), 270, 291
holiday cactus (Schlumbergera), 75
holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum), 189, 191, 191
horticultural oil treatment, 274
houseleeks (semperivums), 80
Howea, xvi
belmoreana (sentry palm), 223
forsteriana (kentia palm), 223, 223
humidity, 266–67
See also water
humidity tents, 267
hyacinth. See Hyacinthus
Hyacinthus (hyacinth, Dutch hyacinth), 32, 33, 35
orientalis (hyacinth), xv, 39, 46, 46
‘Anna Marie’, 46
‘Delft Blue’, 46
‘Festival’, 46
‘Gipsy Queen’, 46
Hypoestes phyllostachya (polka dot plant, freckle face, measles plant), xvii, 208, 208–9, 209
‘Confetti’, 208
‘Splash’, 208
I
imidacloprid (Bayer), 272, 274, 278
incandescent light, 289
India rubber plant. See Ficus elastica
insecticidal soaps, 269, 277, 278
insecticides. See pesticides
insect pests, 268
cyclamen mites, 274
See also controlling pests
insect traps, 270, 270, 271, 271, 277, 278
interiorscaping, xii, 280–84, 281, 282, 283
iron (micronutrient), 262
isolation of new plants, 268, 291
ivory pineapple (Ananas comosus ‘Variegatus’), 22, 24, 24
ivy, 319
See also Hedera; Plectranthus
J
jade plant. See Crassula ovata
Japanese holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum), 189, 191
jasmine. See Jasminum
Jasminum (jasmine)
polyanthum (jasmine, chinese jasmine, winter-blooming jasmine), xv, 112, 112–13, 113
sambac (Arabian jasmine), 112
Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum), 148, 148–49, 149, 298
Joseph’s coat. See Codiaeum variegatum pictum
K
kafir lily. See Clivia
Kalanchoe
blossfeldiana hybrids (kalanchoe, flaming Cathy, flaming Katy), xv, 54, 76, 83, 83
diagremontiana (devil’s backbone) ‘mother of thousands’, 83
tomentosa (panda plant, pussy ears), xiv, 83
kangeroo vine. See Cissus antarctica
L
lace aloe. See aloe
lacy-tree philodendron. See Philodendron
lady fingers (Mammillaria), 65, 72
lady plam. See Rhaphis excelsa
lady’s slippers. See Paphiopedilum
leaf-spotting disease, 254
leaves
improving shine, 249
leaf-spotting disease, 254
See also plant name; plant type
light, 284–91
artificial, 289–91
effects of, 284–86
measuring, 290
photoperiod (light time), 289
seasonal changes, 287, 287, 289
See also plant name; plant type
Lilium (Easter lily), 32
longiflorum (Easter lily), xv, 36, 39, 47, 47
lime, 316
Lithops species (living stones, split rocks), xiv, xvi, 64, 65, 76, 84, 84
aucampiae, 84
marmorata, 84
“little” spring-flowering bulbs, 35, 36
living stones. See Lithops
Livistonia chinensis (Chinese fan palm), 221
Lobivia, 69
longevity. See plant name; plant type
M
maidenhairs (Adiatum), 184, 185
Mammillaria species, xiv
bocasana (powder puff, snowball cactus), 57, 65, 72, 72
elongata (golden star, lady fingers), 65, 72
Maranta leuconeura (prayer plant), xvii, 210, 210–11, 211, 279
containers for, 254
‘Erythoroneura’, 210
‘Fascinator’, 210
‘Kerchoveana’, 210
‘Massangeana’, 210
Martha Washington geranium. See Pelargonium × domesticum
measles plant. See Hypoestes phyllostachya
Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops humilis), 221
micronutrient fertilizers, 262
micro-rose (Rosa chinensis), 136–37
milk, for leaf shine, 249
minerals, soil, 316
miniature orange (Citrus × citrofortunella mitis), 88, 88–89, 89
miniature rose (Rosa chinensis), 136, 136–37, 137
misting, 267
Monstera deliciosa (monstera, Swiss cheese plant, split-leaf philodendron), xvii, 212, 212–13, 213, 298
mother-in-law’s tongue. See Sanseveria trifasciata
mother of thousands. See Saxifraga stolonifera
moth orchids. See Phalaenopsis
mounding philodendron. See Philodendron
Muscari (grape hyacinth), 31, 32, 32
armeniacum (muscari, grape hyacinth), xv, 39, 48, 48
‘Christmas Pearl’, 48
‘Valerie Finnis’, 48
N
Narcissus (daffodil, paperwhite narcissus), xv, 32, 32, 34, 39, 40, 49
‘February Gold’, 49
‘Grand Soleil d’Or’, 49
‘Jenny’, 49
jonquilla, 49
neem (azadirachtin), 278–79
Neoregelia carolinae ‘Tricolor’ (blushing bromeliad, cartwheel plant), xvii, 15, 22, 28, 28
‘Compacta’, 28
‘Martin’, 28
Neos (Neoregelia carolinae), 28
Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston fern, sword fern), xvi, 185, 186, 189, 193, 193, 285
‘Bostoniensis’, 193
‘Compacta’, 193
‘Fluffy Ruffles’, 193
nepthytis (Syngonium podophyllum), 240–41
nerve plant (Fittonia verschaffelti), 202, 202–3, 203, 279
nitrogen, 261
nodes. See propagation
Nolina recurvata, 162
Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), 158, 158–59, 159
Norfolk pine (Araucaria heterophylla), 158–59, 325
Notocactus. See Parodia
nutrients. See fertilizers; soil, potting
O
offsets. See propagation
Oncidium species and hybrids (dancing ladies orchid), xv, 116, 120, 124, 127, 127
‘Bobcat’, 127
‘Sharry Baby Sweet Fragrance’, 127
‘Wildcat’, 127
Orchidaceae family, 114, 117, 118, 119
best for beginners, 124, 125–29
caring for, 114–20
containers, 252–53
pollination, 114–15
propagation, 122
repotting, 120–21
shopping for, 123
troubleshooting, 123
orchid pansy. See Achimenes
orchids. See Orchidaceae family
organic fertilizers, 263
ornamental pepper (Capsicum frutescens), 148
Orthene (acephate), 279
outdoor locations, 292–93
overwatering, 329–30
Oxalis (shamrock plant), 32, 37, 40
regnelli (oxalis, shamrock plant), xv, xvi, 39, 50, 50
‘Fanny’, 50
‘Triangularis’, 50
P
painted feather (Vriesea splendens), 30
palms, 214
sensitivity to fluoride, 328
troubleshooting, 218
Pandanus (screw pine, veitch screw pine)
utilis, 226
veitchii, xvi, 226, 226–27, 227
panda plant. See Kalanchoe
paperwhite narcissus. See Narcissus
Paphiopedilum species and hybrids (lady’s slippers, paph), xv, 115, 116, 123, 124, 128, 128
‘Darling Christiane’, 128
‘Laser’, 128
paphs. See Paphiopedilum
parlor palm. See Chamaedorea
Parodia species (ball cactus, silver ball, yellow tower, Tom Thumb cactus), xiv, 65, 73, 73
partridge-breasted aloe. See Aloe
parts of plant, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297
peace lily. See Spathiphyllum
peacock plant. See Calathea
peat moss, 315
pebbles
for display, 54
for pot drainage, 252, 259, 259–61, 260, 313
Pelargonium (geraniums), xvii, 104, 104, 279
domesticum (regal geranium, Martha Washington geranium), 105, 106, 106, 108, 108
‘Elegance’, 108
‘Maiden’, 108
hortorum (zonal geranium, fancy-leafed geranium), 106, 109, 109
‘Prince Rupert’, 109
‘Roger’s Delight’, 109
‘Skies of Italy’, 109
‘Atomic Snowflake’, 107
‘Mrs.Taylor’, 107
‘Old Spice’, 107
troubleshooting, 105
Peperomia (peperomia), 279
argyreia (watermelon peperomia), 228–29
caperata, xvii, 53, 228, 228–29, 229
‘Emerald Ripple’, 228
‘Metallica’, 228
obtusifolia (baby rubber plant), 228–29
odema and, 256
‘Red Luna’, 228
perlite, 316
Persian violet (Cyclamen persicum), 92–93
Persian violet (Exacum affine), 100–101
Peruvian apple cactus (Cereus peruviana), 65, 68, 68
Peruvian torch (Cereus peruviana), 65, 68
pesticides
acephate (Orthene), 279
applying, 278–79
azadirachtin (neem), 278–79
Bacillus thuringiensis (Gnatrol), 271
carbaryl (Sevin), 273, 277, 279
imidacloprid (Bayer), 272, 274, 278
insecticidal soaps, 269, 277, 278
systemic, 272
pests. See insect pests
petiole leaf cuttings, 302, 302–3, 303
Phalaenopsis species and hybrids (moth orchids), xv, 116, 124, 129, 129
Philodendron, xvii, 230–31, 231, 298, 306
bipinnatifidum (lacy-tree philodendron, anchor philodendron), xvii, 231, 232, 232
‘Hope’, 232
‘Xanadu’, 232
erubescens (blushing philodendron, climbing philodendron), xvi, 231, 233, 233, 319
‘Burgundy’, 233
‘Red Emerald’, 233
hybrids (bird’s nest philodendron, mounding philodendron), xvi, 230, 231, 234, 234, 331
‘Autumn’, 234
‘Black Cardinal’, 234
‘Moonlight’, 234
‘Prince of Orange’, 234
pertusum, 212
scandens micans, 235
scandens oxycardium (heartleaf philodendron), xvi, 231, 235, 235
ph levels, raising, 316
Phoenix, xvi
canariensis (Canary Island date palm), 224
roebelinii (Pygmy date palm), 224, 224
photoperiod (light time), 289
photosynthesis, 284
phyllum. See Spathiphyllum
piggy-back plant (Tolmiea menziesii), 242, 242–43, 243, 250, 279, 298
Pilea cadierei (aluminum plant, watermelon pilea), xvii, 236, 236–37, 237, 279
‘Minima’, 236
pink quill. See Tillandsia
planters. See containers
plant parts, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297
Platycerium bifurcatum (staghorn), 185
Plectranthus australis (swedish ivy, creeping charlie), xvi, 130, 130–31, 131, 319
‘Variegata’, 130
poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), 53, 98, 98–99, 99, 279, 298
poisonous plants, 298, 298, 298
polka dot plant. See Hypoestes phyllostachya
Polypodium aureum (polypody fern, hare’s foot fern), xvi, 186, 187, 189, 194, 194
‘Mandaianum’, 194
polypody fern. See Polypodium aureum
ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata), 53, 162, 162–63, 163
potassium, 262
pothos. See Epipremnum aureum
Pothos aureus (pothos, devil’s ivy), 180–81
pots. See containers
potting on. See repotting
potting soil. See soil, potting
potting up, 298
See also repotting
powder puff (Mammillaria), 65, 72, 72
prayer plant. See Maranta leuconeura
primrose. See Primula
Primula (primrose), xv, 33, 132–33
acaulis, 132–33
obconica, 132–33
‘Libre’, 132
propagation, 298–308
botanical process of, 298–99
of cacti and succulents, 61, 62
of orchids, 122
petiole leaf cuttings, 302, 302–3, 303
scheduling, 309
seeds, 307–8
simple layering, 303, 303–4, 304
stem cuttings, 299–302, 300, 301
tissue cultures, 307
See also plant name; plant type
Pteris species (brake fern, ribbon fern, table fern), xvi, 189, 195
cretica (brake fern), 195
‘Albo-lineata’, 195
‘Cristata’, 195
ensiformis (ribbon fern, Victoria fern), 195
purple passion. See Gynura
pussy ears. See Kalanchoe tomentosa
Q
queen’s tears (Billbergia nutans), 17, 19, 21, 22, 25, 25
R
rabbit’s foot fern. See Davallia
rainbow plant. See Dracaena
rat’s tail cactus. See Aporocactus flagelliformis
Rebutia species (crown cactus, cluster cactus, red crown), xiv, 65, 66, 74, 74
minuscula, 74
red top cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii), 65, 70, 70
regal geranium. See Pelargonium × domesticum
rehydration, 328–29
reiger hybrid begonia. See Begonia × hiemalis
removing old leaves, 265
repotting, 309–13
drainage and, 252, 259, 259–61, 313
gauging need for, 309–10
of large plants, 312
mediums for rooting, 300
root rot and, 255
step-by-step, 311, 311–13, 312, 313
See also plant name; plant type
rex begonia. See Begonia rex
Rhaphis excelsa (lady palm), xvi, 225, 225
‘Koban’, 225
‘Zuikonishki’, 225
Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri, 71
Rhododendron hybrids (azalea, florist’s azalea), xv, 134, 134–35, 135
ribbon fern. See Pteris
rock phosphate, 316
rooting powder, 300
See also propagation
See also plant name; plant type
Rosa chinensis hybrids (rose, miniature rose, micro-rose), xv, 136, 136–37, 137
rosemary. See Rosmarinus officinalis
rose (Rosa chinensis), 136–37
Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), xvi, xvii, 138, 138–39, 139, 320, 321
‘Blue Boy’, 138
‘Lockwood’, 138
‘Santa Barbara’, 138
roving sailor. See Saxifraga stolonifera
rubber plant. See Ficus elastica
ruby ball cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii), 65, 70, 70
S
saffron spike (Aphelandra squarrosa), 6, 6–7, 7
Saintpaulia hybrids (African violet), xiv, xv, 140, 140–41, 141, 250, 267, 279, 299, 327
sand, 315–16
Sanseveria trifasciata (mother-in-law’s tongue, snake plant), xvi, xvii, 76, 85, 85
‘Golden Hahnii’, 85
‘Laurentii’, 85
‘Silver Hahnii’, 85
Saxifraga stolonifera (strawberry begonia, roving sailor, mother of thousands), xv, xvii, 142, 142–43, 143
‘Tricolor’, 142
scarlet star. See Guzmania lingulata
scented geranium. See Pelargonium
Schefflera species (schefflera, umbrella tree), xvi, xvii, 238, 238–39, 239, 279, 304
actinophylla (umbrella tree)
‘Amate’, 238
arboricola (dwarf schefflera)
‘Green Gold’, 238
elegantissima (false aralia), 238
See also Dizygotheca elegantissima
Schlumbergera hybrids (Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, holiday cactus), xv, xvi, 65, 75, 75
Scindapus aureus, 180
screw pine. See Pandanus
sea urchin cactus. See Echinopsis
Sedum morganianum (donkey tail, burro’s tail), xvi, 76, 86, 86
‘Burrito’, 86
seeds, 307–8
semi-succulents, 53
semperivums (houseleeks), 80
Senecio
rowleyanus (string of pearls, bead plant), xiv, 76, 87, 87
×hybridus (cineraria), xv, 33, 144, 144–45, 145
‘Jester’, 144
Sevin (carbaryl), 273, 277, 279
shamrock. See Oxalis
Siamese lucky plant (Euphorbia milii), 96–97
silver net leaf (Fittonia verschaffelti), 202–3
silverthorn (Euphorbia milii), 96–97
silver vase (Aechmea fasciata), 23
simple layering, 303, 303–4, 304
simple staking, 318, 318–19, 319
Sinningia speciosa hybrids (gloxinia), xv, 146, 146–47, 147
sky plant. See Tillandsia species
snake plant. See Sanseveria trifasciata
snowball (Mammillaria), 65, 72
soap-oil spray, 275
soaps. See cleaning plants; controlling pests
See also plant name; plant type
Solanum pseudocapsicum (Jerusalem cherry, Christmas cherry, Christmas pepper), xiv, 148, 148–49, 149, 298
spath. See Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllum species (spath, phyllum, peace lily), xvi, 150, 150–51, 151, 254
‘Lynise’, 150
‘Sensation’, 150
‘Supreme’, 150
spider plant. See Chlorophytum comosum
spleenworts, 190
split-leaf philodendron (Monstera deliciosa), 212–13
split rocks. See Lithops
sporolation, 187–88
spray orchids. See Dendrobium
spring-flowering bulbs, 32, 32–37, 36
squirrel’s foot fern. See Davallia
staghorn (Platycerium bifurcatum), 185
staking (training), 317–21
simple staking, 318, 318–19, 319
starfish plant. See Cryptanthus acaulis
stem cuttings, 299–302, 300, 301
strawberry begonia. See Saxifraga stolonifera
Streptocarpu × hybridus (streptocarpus, cape primrose), 152, 152–53, 153
‘Bristol’s Blue Bonnet’, 152
‘Dibley’s Falling Stars’, 152
string of pearls. See Senecio rowleyanus
displaying, 54
history, 53
troubleshooting, 64
See also cacti
sunburn, cactus, 64
support cages, temporary, 318, 318
Swedish ivy. See Plectranthus australis
Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), 212, 212–13, 213, 298
sword fern. See Nephrolepis exaltata
Syngonium podophyllum (arrowhead plant, nepthytis, goose-foot plant), xvii, 240, 240–41, 241, 279, 298
systemic pesticides, 272
T
table fern. See Pteris
temperature. See plant name; plant type
terra-cotta clay pots, 252–53
dry-climate, 325
overheating in, 325
step-by-step planting, 323, 323–25, 324
Ward, N. B., 322
watering, 324–25
Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera), 75
thousand mothers (Tolmiea menziesii), 242–43
Tiddly-winks (Exacum affine), 100–101
tiger aloe. See Aloe variegata
tiger’s jaws. See Faucaria felina; Faucaria tigrina
Tillandsia species (pink quill, air plant, sky plant), xv, xvi, 17, 20, 22, 29
ionantha, 29
Spanish moss, 29
usneoides, 29
time-release fertilizers, 263
ti plant. See Cordyline terminalis
tissue cultures, 307
Tolmiea menziesii (piggy-back plant, youth-on-age, thousand mothers), xvi, 242, 242–43, 243, 250, 279, 298
toxic compounds. See pesticides; poisonous plants
Tradescantia albiflora (wandering Jew), xv, xvii, 244, 244–45, 245
‘Quicksilver’, 244
training. See staking (training)
traps, insect, 270, 270, 271, 271, 277, 278
tree ivy. See Fatshedera lizei
Trichocerus, 69
troubleshooting. See plant name; plant type
tubers. See bulbs
tulip. See Tulipa
Tulipa species and hybrids (tulip), xv, 31, 32, 33, 39, 51, 51
batalinii, 51
humilisi, 51
Triumph, 51
U
urn plant (Aechmea fasciata), 17, 23, 23
V
varigated pineapple (Ananas comosus), 17, 22, 24, 24
veitch screw pine. See Pandanus
velvet plant. See Gynura
vermiculite, 316
Victorian fern. See Pteris ensiformis
Vriesea splendens and hybrids (flaming sword, painted feather, zebra bromeliad), xv, xvii, 17, 22, 30, 30
W
wandering Jew. See Trandescantia albiflora; Zebrina pendula
water, 326–30
best for plants, 328
recommended amounts, 326–27, 329–30
rehydrating, 328–29
in terrariums, 324–25
tips on applying, 329
top and bottom watering, 327, 327–28
See also plant name; plant type
waterlogged plants, rescuing, 329–30
watermelon pilea. See Pilea cadierei
weeping Chinese banyan. See Ficus benjamina
weeping fig. See Ficus benjamina
weeping of water droplets, 256
wind, 330
winter-blooming begonia. See Begonia × hiemalis
winter-blooming jasmine. See Jasminum polyanthum
See also terrariums
wrappings, floral, 260
Y
yellow butterfly palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), 222
youth-on-age (Tolmiea menziesii), 242–43
Z
Zantedeschia (calla lily, arum lily), xv, xvi, 32, 39, 52, 52
rehmanii, 52
zebra bromeliad (Vriesea splendens), 30
zebra plant. See Calathea
zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa), 6, 6–7, 7
Zebrina pendula (wandering Jew, inch plant, wandering sailor), xv, xvii, 244, 244–45, 245
‘Quicksilver’, 244
zonal geranium. See Pelargonium × hortorum