Herself's Houseplants

Philodendron ( Philodendron )
Capsicum annuum ( pepper )
Dieffenbachia ( dumb cane )
Euphorbia pulcherrima ( Poinsettia )
Spathiphyllum ( Peace lily )
Crassula ( Jade )
Toxicodendron radicans ( Pothos aka Devil’s Ivy )
Schefflera actinophylia ( Umbrella tree )
Saintpaulia sp. ( African violet )
Chlorophytum comosum ( Spider Plant )
Schlumbergera bridgesii ( Christmas Cactus )
Hedera helix ( English Ivy )

See also:
Toxic Tales, Poison Information and Toxicology Facts

You can place a drinking glass or glass jar in another container, clear or not and fill the space between them with cranberries, pretty stones or just about anything small to create a seasonal flower vase.

For the holidays, fill the space with cranberries and put water and red roses in the glass as an example.

I recently attended a talk on flower arranging and here are some things I learned that you might not know:

If you are using green florists foam in an arrangement you should soak it for 24 hours before using it.

Cut sunflowers should be given hot water ( about a hot shower temperature ) and lots of it, they are thirsty flowers.

Cut roses under warm water, and on a diagonal.

Cut tuberose needs sugar water for the flowers to open, use 2 to 3 cups of sugar water in vase.

Christmas trees should also be given hot water ( hot shower temperature ) it loosens up the sap and they will take up more water after the initial cut if it is hot. Your tree should soak up 5 to 8 gallons of water the first day and less thereafter.

Use the flower preservatives that come with your cut flowers as directed. And use an anti-desiccant on your cut flowers for longer life. Both can be obtained online or at your favorite florist.

Candles should be burned a bit before placing out. Never ever place unburned candles ( those with wicks still white ) in a display. Some consider it bad manners, candles should show you are ready for hospitality.

I love unusual plants and this one has the added benefit of being easy to grow. I’ve seen it in hanging pots where it spills over the sides and down about 4′. I’ve seen it in greenhouses, shaded and full sun, I have some in pots out back in full sun.

It is known as a carrion flower. The flower is scented to attract flies, it has a mild, distasteful smell, that is not noticeable after a few days. Unless you’re a fly.

It loves the sun, it loves when you forget to water it, it just doesn’t like the cold. It must be protected from freezing.

In the winter it will need lots of light, all you can give to it, and ease up on the watering or it will rot. It is very prone to root rot, water this plant sparingly.

Stapelia does best planted in sand so the water can rapidly drain and the soil dry.

This plant is native to parts of Africa and there are several sub-species with different sized, colored and shaped flowers.

Propagation:
Snap off a stalk and plant it. It’s that easy.

See also:
Plants of Africa: Stapelia
Floridata: Stapelia

This is the first of the Masdevallia orchids I’ve picked up. It was just sitting in the store and such a cool color of orange we had to bring it home.

Masdevallia orchids, like most orchids, prefer warm days and cool nights. ( 55F nights to 80F days)

Masdevallia orchids want high humidity. The higher the humidity the happier this plant will be. Watch the bulbs at the bottom of the leaves. If you see any wrinkling at all water more and provide more humidity.

These are understory plants meaning that they grow in the shade in the wild. I’ve put ours in a south west window inside, but we have a tinted film on the window to keep the heat down. I recommend east or shaded or filtered west or southern windows. It is very susceptible to sunburn.

Sphagnum moss is the preferred medium for this orchid, especially if you are growing it in a typical home. If you tend to over water your plants, use orchid bark but water daily. Do not let this orchid get dry, neither keep it sitting in water. Or you can put your orchid in regular potting soil. Any of the above will work.

This orchid is especially nice for homes because it remains compact in size.

These plants are native to Mexico and South America.