Plant Index
- Aeschynanthus
- Alternanthera
- Ceropegia
- Chirita( see Primulina)
- Cissus
- Codonanthe
- Columnea
- Davallia
- Euphorbia
- Ficus
- Hedera
- Hoya
- Kalanchoe
- Kohleria
- Ledebouria
- Nematanthus
- Oxalis
- Pellionia
- Peperomia
- Petrocosmea
- Philodendron
- Pilea
- Primulina
- Streptocarpella
- Streptocarpus
- Streptocarpus Crystal Series
- Syngonium
- Viola
Tropical Plant Catalog
Aeschynanthus
Commonly known as the “Lipstick Plant” : This is a group of trailing gesneriads, with leathery leaves and terminal clusters of mostly reddish flowers. They need a period of cool temperatures (10°C or 50°F) in the winter to achieve consistent flowering.
Ceropegia
A group of easily grown succulent vines. The leaves trail down in long chains. The unusual flowers are mahogany and gray in color. Water normally in the summer, but keep on the dry side in winter. Give it as much light as possible.
Cissus
These popular trailing and vining plants are some of the easiest house plants to grow. They are tolerant of a wide variety of conditions and are especially good for low light areas.
Codonanthe
A small-leaved, trailing gesneriad, perfect for hanging baskets. Flowers are small and trumpet-shaped.
Columnea
Columnea are a group of epiphytic plants from Central and South America. They prefer a loose, well drained soil and should be allowed to dry slightly between watering. Give them bright light but avoid hot sun.
Davallia
Common name: “Rabbits’ Foot Fern”. A family of easy-to-grow ferns known for their thick, fuzzy rhizomes which creep over the edge of the pot.
Ficus
The ornamental fig family has been popular since Victorian times. The family includes the common Rubber Plant and Ficus benjamina or "weeping fig".
Hedera
Varieties of Hedera helix (English Ivy) are underrated as houseplants. Ivies come with many different leaf shapes and sizes and there are some beautiful variegated varieties. They are also one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. They can form long trailing stems or be kept compact with regular pruning. Ivies are rated as one of the top 10 indoor plants for removing air pollution. Ivies are classified as follows: V = Variegated ivies with multicolored leaves of green, gray, white or yellow. B F = Birds Foot Ivies. The leaves have narrow lobes and usually the terminal lobe is longer than the others. F = Fans. The leaves are broad and fan-shaped. C = Curlies. The leaves are ruffled or rippled. H = Heart Shaped. Leaves are heart or shield-shaped. I = Ivy. Typical five-lobed, ivy-shaped. O = Oddities. Plants with unusual stems or leaves. M = Miniatures. Leaves are less than 1 inch in size.
Hoya
Vigorous climbing or trailing plants with succulent leaves and waxy, star-shaped flowers. These plants like to be pot-bound. Let them dry out slightly between waterings and use a porous, well draining soil.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe are succulent plants, many of which are grown for their flowers. The 2 varieties we offer are appreciated for their interesting foliage. They are happy in a bright window with some morning sun. Water normally in the summer and keep on the dry side in the winter.
Kohleria
Members of the Gesneriad family, this large genus of plants are from Central and South America. All grow from and produce scaly rhizomes. They will go through a period of dormancy after flowering. They prefer a sunny south or west window. New For 2012. Varieties to be added later.
Nematanthus
A group of trailing gesneriads with interesting pouch-shaped flowers. Sometimes called the “guppy” plant because the flowers resemble guppies.
Oxalis
A group of plants commonly called “shamrocks” because each leaf is divided into 3 or 4 segments. At night the flowers close up and the leaves fold down.
Pellionia
Native to Asia. This group of plants are grown for their beautiful foliage. They can be grown in hanging baskets, or as a ground cover under larger plants. They prefer warm conditions and do not tolerate drafts. However, they are very adaptable to different light conditions, preferring low to medium light.
Peperomia
A diverse group of easy to care for plants, many of which produce unusual spiky “rat tail” shaped flowers. Allow to dry out slightly between waterings.
Petrocosmea
This is a small genus of rosette plants from southern China. Many varieties form perfect circles of overlapping leaves. They prefer cooler temperatures than many other tropicals. They will flower but are often grown for their interesting growth habit. New For 2012. Varieities to be added later.
Philodendron
These are among the easiest of all tropical plants to grow. Many varieties produce aerial roots and will climb any available support.
Pilea
A large family of plants with attractive foliage, but many are difficult to grow as they require high humidity. Pilea peperomioides is one of the easiest of this genus to grow.
Primulina
Plants in this group were formerly called Chirita and have recently been reclassified as Primulina.Most are from China and northern Vietnam and grow as a rosette. Many have attractive variegated leaves. Flowers are bell shaped and held high above the foliage. Excellent plants for a fluorescent light garden. Allow them to dry out slightly between watering.
Streptocarpella
This is an easy to grow “stemmed” member of the Streptocarpus genus. This group forms a shrubby, branched growth with the small flowers held high over the foliage on slender stems.
Streptocarpus
These gesneriads from South Africa are known for their colorful flowers. The leaves are strap-like and rounded at the tips. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and come as singles, semi-doubles and doubles. The flowers also come in many sizes. Often the varieties with small flowers are more floriferous than those with large flowers. Streptocarpus are excellent growers under fluorescent lights. Grow them in a light, porous soil and let them dry out between waterings. Grow in Azalea pots, which are shorter than regular pots.
Streptocarpus Crystal Series
The Crystal Series are an everblooming streptocarpus variety that will flower in the winter if they are kept in a sunny window. The leaves of the Crystal Series are more narrow than those of most other streptocarpus. This variety tend to be smaller in size than most other streptocarpus - with the exception of "Crystal Ice", which is of average size.
Syngonium
Syngonium podophyllum varieties are known as the “Goosefoot” or “Arrowhead” plant. They are easy to grow vining and climbing plants, with attractively patterned, heart-shaped leaves. Tolerant of low light.