Houseplants – Flowering: Begonia and Bromeliad

Common Names:  Begonia

Description:  This is an extremely large and diverse group of plants.  Some Begonias are enjoyed for their beautiful foliage, while others are loved for their vibrant flowers.

Temperature:  65 degrees.

Light:  Bright light.

Water:  Allow the top of the soil to dry out between waterings.  Empty saucers immediately.

Humidity:  High level.

Pinching and Pruning:  Pinch back new plants to prefvent leggy growth.

Fertilizer:  Every two weeks throughout the year.

Soil Contents:  African violet mix.

Propagation:  Seeds, stems, cuttings and division.

Pests and Diseases:  Botrytis Grey Mold.

Care Rating:  Moderate

Bromeliad

Common Names:  Bromeliad.

Description:  An Exotically beautiful group of plants whose thousands of species include the pineapple.

Temperature:  70 to 75 degrees.

Light:  Partial sun or bright light.

Water:  Allow the top of the soil to dry out between waterings.  Keep the cups of the epiphytics filled with water and change the water once a month.

Humidity:  High level.

Pinching and Pruning:  Remove yellow and brown leaves.

Fertilizer:  Once a month during srping and summer.

Soil Contents:  Epiphytic soil mix or one part clean, washed sand, one part fir bank, and one part sphagnum moss.

Propagation:  Plant the pups or offsets in a light soil.

Pests and Diseases:  Mealybugs, Scale, and Root Rot.

Care Rating:  Moderate

Houseplants – Flowering

Common Names:  Flowering maple, Parlor maple, Chinese bellflower.

Description:  Abutilon was once among the most fashionable houseplants of the Victorian era.  This member of the Hollyhock family has regained its popular status in recent years.  The bushy plant features maple-shaped leaves and plenty of striking flowers resembling small hollyhocks.

Temperature:  70 degrees days; 60 degrees nights

Light:  Partial sun.

Water:  During spring and summer months, keep soil evenly moist.  In the fall through winter months, allow the top of the soil to dry out between waterings.

Humidity:  Normal

Pinching and Pruning:  Groom often, Prune tips of branches heavily during fall and winter.

Fertilizer:  Once a month.

Soil Contents:  Common indoor all-purpose mix.

Propagation:  Seeds and cuttings root bestin spring.

Pests and Diseases:  Mealybugs, Scale, Spider Mites and White Flies.

Care:  Moderate