Plant Library A- Z
LIGHT: Medium, filtered light with no direct light.
WATERING: Water sparingly and allow the topsoil to dry out before watering again. Water even less in Winter.
NUTRIENT: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season. Do not feed during winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Normal room temperature or slightly higher is best for these plants, they don’t tolerate cool conditions. Humidity is also best kept high. Misting may help with this in warmer weather.
SIZE: Can grow to 30 cm in height & 20 cm in width
BOTANIC NAME: Pilea Cadierei
LIGHT: Anthuriums require bright, indirect light, but avoid direct sunlight which can damage their leaves.
WATERING: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the growing season (spring and summer). Water less frequently in the winter, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between watering. Anthuriums are susceptible to root rot, so it’s important not to overwater them.
NUTRIENT: Fertilise with a balanced liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). In the winter, reduce the frequency to once a month.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Anthuriums thrive in temperatures between 20-25°C during the day and 16-18°C at night. They prefer high humidity, so it’s important to mist the leaves regularly or place a humidifier near the plant. Anthuriums can also benefit from being placed on a tray of pebbles with water.
SIZE: Anthuriums can grow up to 60-90 cm (2-3 ft) in height.
BOTANIC NAME: Anthurium ambianum
LIGHT: Prefers very bright light but no direct sunlight.
WATERING: Boston Ferns will continue to grow during Winter so keep the soil thoroughly moist all year round, but not saturated. Below 10 degrees, allow to dry out slightly. Water from the roots.
NUTRIENT: Feed with slow-release fertilizers or any liquid plant food during the growing season only, which is in the warmer months of the year.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Moderate to high humidity with good ventilation. Avoid letting the temperature drop below 10 degrees celsius.
SIZE: Best grown in hanging baskets as fronds can grow from 50 cm upwards and hang towards the ground.
BOTANIC NAME: Bostoniensis
LIGHT This plant prefers medium light or bright filtered light, but no direct sunlight.
WATERING Requires regular deep watering during the warmer months and for the soil to dry out a bit between watering in Winter.
NUTRIENT Apply blood and bone, slow-release granules, or liquid fertilizer during the growth period, which may be all year round.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY Normal room temperature, these plants tolerate cooler conditions rather than warmer ones. Should temperatures rise above 21 degrees Celsius mist with water.
SIZE Plants grow up to 30 cm in height and about 40 cm in width.
BOTANIC NAME Pellea Rotundifolia
LIGHT: These plants prefer medium to low light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
WATERING: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. During the winter months, when growth is slower, reduce the watering frequency.
NUTRIENT: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed the plant monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength. Do not fertilise during the winter months.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Calathea prefers warm, humid conditions. Keep the plant in a room with a temperature between 18 and 24°C. Provide a humid environment, misting the leaves or using a humidifier. Avoid placing the plant near drafts or heat sources.
SIZE: Calathea plants can grow up to 2-3 feet in height and width, depending on the species.
BOTANIC NAME: Calathea spp.
With proper care, your Calathea can be a stunning addition to your indoor garden.
LIGHT: Bright light with some direct sunlight, this will encourage colour in the leaves.
WATERING: From Spring to early Autumn keep the soil just moist, then restrict the water intake during the cooler months so that the soil becomes almost dry.
NUTRIENT: During the growing period use a fertilizer low in nitrogen once a month. Do not feed during winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Normal room temperature of around 18 degrees. If the temperature does get too low it can damage the plant. Humidity can be kept moderate.
SIZE: These are trailing plants and are generally grown in hanging baskets. The stems can grow up to 2 m in length.
BOTANIC NAME: Ceropegia Linearis Subsp. Woodi
LIGHT: These plants thrive in medium light, even artificially lit rooms where other plants may fail. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves.
WATERING: While plants are actively growing keep well-watered but not soaked. Water sparingly during the cooler months of the year.
NUTRIENT: Apply liquid or slow-release fertilizer during the growing season but do not feed during the resting period, which is Winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Normal room temperature, no less than 10 degrees. These plants do better in humid conditions so mist when the weather is hot and dry.
SIZE: When well established these plants reach up to 90 cm in height and about 50 cm in width.
BOTANIC NAME: Aglaonema Commutatum
LIGHT: Cool direct sun will be tolerated and bright light is essential.
WATERING: Water plant in the saucer, avoiding the corn. If it gets too wet it will kill the plant. While the plant is growing keep the soil moist but once the flowers appear, less water is required. Continue watering once the plant has stopped flowering until the leaves start turning yellow, then allow the plant to dry off.
NUTRIENT: Apply blood and bone or slow-release fertilizer while the plant is growing, then stop feeding.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Cyclamens prefer a humid atmosphere and double potting can help with this. If mist spraying, avoid misting the flowers. Cool even temperatures are best for these plants, try to keep the temperature between 16-18 degrees and avoid draughts.
SIZE: Will grow to about 20 cm in height.
BOTANIC NAME: Cyclamen Hederifolium
LIGHT: Bright light with no direct sunlight.
WATERING: During the warmer months of the year these plants should be watered regularly and kept moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top of the soil to dry out before rewatering.
NUTRIENT: Fertilize once or twice monthly during the warmer months with half-strength liquid fertilizer high in nitrogen. Organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion or seaweed extracts can also be used. Don’t feed during Winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Keep humidity high particularly in hot weather, double potting may be helpful for this. These plants need fresh air but must be kept out of draughts and away from cooking fumes. Try to keep temperatures at room temperature all year round.
BOTANIC NAME: Scinadapsus Aureus
LIGHT: Bright light with no direct sunlight
WATERING: Keep plants well-watered during the warmer months of the year, but allow them to dry out a fair bit between watering in Winter. Do not let the plants stand in water.
NUTRIENT: Apply half-strength liquid organic fertilizer during the growing period and do not feed during Winter. Slow-release granules may also be used.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Normal room temperature (18 – 20 degrees) during the growth period, cooler during the winter months, but not below 15 degrees. The plants do best when they receive a relatively high humid atmosphere.
SIZE: This plant has the potential to grow to between 3-10 m in height.
BOTANIC NAME: Dracaena Deremenis
LIGHT: Bright, filtered light is required to maintain colourful pattern. No direct sunlight.
WATERING: Water well during the growing season but do not soak. As the leaves start to fall in Autumn reduce water intake and allow the plant to dry out slightly between watering.
NUTRIENT: Use a weak solution of liquid fertilizer during the growing season, do not feed during Winter. A fertilizer high in nitrogen will help intensify the colour in the leaves.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: During the growing period maintain high humidity and temperatures no less than 18 degrees. Do not let the temperature fall below 13 degrees.
SIZE Will depend on the variety.
LIGHT: Bright light with no direct sunlight.
WATERING: Water regularly during the warmer months but keep the soil on the dryer side during Winter especially in cooler regions.
NUTRIENT: During Spring and Summer use half-strength liquid fertilizer. Blood and bone is excellent for these plants. Do not feed during winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Normal room temperature and high humidity will help these plants do their best. Do not let the temperature fall below 13 degrees in Winter.
SIZE: This species grows up to 5 m in width and height.
BOTANIC NAME: Licuala Spinosa
Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is a popular and stunning indoor plant that can add a touch of tropical vibe to any space. Here are some tips on how to take care of your fiddle leaf fig plant:
LIGHT: Fiddle leaf figs need bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause leaf burn. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure all sides receive adequate light.
WATERING: Water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Do not overwater or let the plant sit in water as it can cause root rot. In the winter, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks.
NUTRIENT: Fiddle leaf figs benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season, typically from spring to fall. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer or slow-release granules. Do not fertilize during the winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Fiddle leaf figs prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). They can tolerate lower temperatures but avoid placing the plant near drafts or cold windows. Maintain humidity by misting the leaves or placing a humidifier nearby.
SIZE: Fiddle leaf figs can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors, but they can also be pruned to maintain a desired size.
BOTANIC NAME: Ficus lyrata
With proper care, your fiddle leaf fig plant can thrive and become a beautiful statement piece in your home or office.
LIGHT: Bright filtered light with no direct sunlight.
WATERING: Water freely during the growing season but allow the soil to dry out between watering in Winter.
NUTRIENT: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season but do not feed during winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Normal room temperature or slightly higher is best for these plants, they don’t tolerate cool conditions. Humidity is also best kept high. Misting may help with this in the warmer weather.
SIZE: If grown outside these plants have the potential to grow very large. When confined to pots and indoors the growth is slowed down considerably, they rarely reach more than 2.5 m in height.
PROBLEMS: A dry atmosphere may encourage red spider mite which may cause browning of fronds. Mealybugs can also be a threat to these plants.
SPECIAL CARE: These palms are affected by draughts so need to be kept in a draught free position. If the plant needs repotting, do it only in spring, every second or third year.
BOTANIC NAME: Caryota Mitis
LIGHT: Bright filtered light with shade from the hot sun.
WATERING: Water well during the growing season but water only enough to keep the soil from drying out in Winter.
NUTRIENT: Use a fertilizer high in nitrogen on a monthly basis. Do not feed in winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: These plants thrive best when they are kept at room temperature, no less than 10 degrees. Moderate humidity is adequate for these plants.
SIZE: Each frond on these plants have the potential to grow up to 40 cm in height. They are about 2.5 cm wide.
BOTANIC NAME: Asparagus Myersii
LIGHT: Best grown with bright light but not direct sunlight.
WATERING: Keep soil moist throughout the year but make sure there is adequate drainage.
NUTRIENT: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the warmer months or slow-release granules. Do not feed in winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Prefers cooler rooms and will not thrive in temperatures over 23 degrees. Will tolerate moderate humidity but when the temperature does get warmer the plant will respond better to higher humidity.
SIZE: If planted outside these plants can grow up to 3-4 m in height but when grown inside and restricted to a pot, they stay much smaller, rarely reaching 1 m.
PROBLEMS: Scale are really the inspect which are a threat to these plants.
SPECIAL CARE: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth regularly to remove dust. If the plant needs it, prune lightly in late Winter to encourage bushy growth. These plants can tolerate being slightly pot bound, but if it does need repotting do it at the same time you are pruning.
BOTANIC NAME: Aucuba Japonica Variegata
LIGHT: These plants prefer filtered sunlight or early morning sun and shade in the afternoon.
WATERING: Keep plants well-watered during the warmer months of the year, but allow them to dry out a fair bit between watering in warmer months.
NUTRIENT: Apply half-strength liquid fertilizer during the growth period and do not feed during Winter. Slow-release granules may also be used but be very careful not to overfeed.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Normal room temperature (18-20 degrees) during the growing period, cooler during the winter months. The plants do best when they receive a relatively high humid atmosphere.
SIZE: This plant can be 30-50 cm in height and anything up to 1 m in width.
PROBLEMS: The premature death of fronds may be caused by a lack of water or temperatures that are too cool. The ferns are generally free from attacks by pests.
SPECIAL CARE: If creeping stems have covered the surface of the pot, repot in early spring.
BOTANIC NAME: Davallia Carnariensis
LIGHT: Medium Light.
WATERING: Keep well-watered during the growth period but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. In Winter water less frequently but do not let the soil dry out completely.
NUTRIENT: Apply complete plant food at the start of the growing season. Do not feed in the Winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Normal room temperature, cooler in Winter, about 10-12 degrees.
SIZE: These plants grow about 30 cm in height and width.
PROBLEMS: These plants are susceptible to mealy bugs. Overwatering can cause rotting.
SPECIAL CARE: Avoid direct sunlight, this will burn the plant. Re-pot in Spring if the roots become pot bound into a wide rather than deep pot as these plants are shallow-rooted.
BOTANIC NAME: Haworthia Reinwardtii
LIGHT: Bright light with no direct sunlight.
WATERING: Water regularly during the warmer months but keep the soil on the dryer side during Winter especially in cooler regions.
NUTRIENT: During Spring and Summer use a half-strength liquid fertilizer. Blood and bone is excellent for these plants. Do not feed during winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Normal room temperature and moderate humidity will help these plants do their best. Do not let the temperature fall below 13 degrees in Winter.
SIZE: The species can grow up to 1.2 m in width and height.
PROBLEMS: If grown outside snail and slugs may be a problem, but when grown inside they are relatively pest-free.
SPECIAL CARE: Once fronds are mature enough, wipe regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust. Old fronds can be removed at the base of the plant when they start turning a yellowish-green. If roots become pot bound re-pot in Spring. Once re-potted immerse the plant in water for half an hour then lift the plant and drain properly.
BOTANIC NAME: Aspelnium Bulbiferum
LIGHT: Young palms need shade but once plants become established, they tolerate semi-shade and brighter light but no direct sun.
WATERING: Needs regular deep watering during the growing season but during Winter water only enough to keep the soil damp.
NUTRIENT: During the growing season apply monthly a balanced liquid fertilizer.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Normal room temperature with moderate to high humidity.
FLOWERS: These plants produce curved flower stalks, which hang down below the fronds. These flowers are whitish in colour and are followed by fruits that eventually ripen to reddish or dark red colour.
PROBLEMS: Watch for scale or mealybugs particularly around the roots system. If grown in the right environment pest shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
SPECIAL CARE: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth when they become dusty but avoid leaf shine preparations. If roots become pot bound re-pot only in Spring.
BOTANIC NAME: Howea Forsteriana
LIGHT: Bright light no direct sunlight.
WATERING: Keep well-watered during the growth period but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering in Winter.
NUTRIENT: Apply complete plant food during Spring and Summer, do not feed in the cooler months.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Normal room temperatures, cooler in Winter. These plants will tolerate cooler temperatures than most palms. Humidity is best kept high particularly when the weather is hot and dry.
FLOWERS: These plants may produce a spray of pink flowers.
SIZE: Lady palms can grow up to 1.5 m in width and height.
PROBLEMS: Poor conditions may be the result of draughts, hot direct sun, or inadequate or irregular watering. Roots may rot in heavy, poorly drained soil. Mealybugs and scale are pests which may be a problem.
SPECIAL CARE: Wipe fronds clean with a damp cloth to keep them free of dust. This is a slow-growing palm so it should not need to be re-potted for a couple of years, if it does need re-potting do it in Spring when the weather is warming up. Trimming off older, dry brown leaves is the only pruning necessary.
BOTANIC NAME: Rhapis Excelsa
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
LIGHT: The Swiss Cheese Plant thrives in bright, indirect light, but it can also tolerate lower light conditions. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so it's best to avoid it.
WATERING: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure not to let the plant sit in standing water.
NUTRIENT: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilise the plant once a month with a balanced liquid fertiliser. In winter, reduce or stop feeding. Organic fertilisers such as fish emulsion or seaweed extracts are good options.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: The Swiss Cheese Plant thrives in warm, humid conditions. Keep the temperature between 18-29°C and humidity around 60%. Mist the plant regularly or place a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity.
PRUNING: This plant can grow quite large, so regular pruning can help keep it under control. Trim back any brown or yellowing leaves, and remove any vines that have become too long or leggy.
BOTANIC NAME: Monstera deliciosa
LIGHT: Bright light with no direct sunlight.
WATERING: Needs deep regular watering during the growing period but during winter it is advisable to let the top half of the soil dry out almost completely.
NUTRIENT: Fertilize during growing period with half-strength liquid fertilizer. Avoid feeding during the cooler months.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Grows best with a temperature of about 20 degrees but slightly lower temperatures will be tolerated. As this natively a tropical plant it prefers moderate to high humidity.
PROBLEMS: Brown fonds on young plants could indicate insufficient water when the frond was forming. Large brown areas on fronds could be due to sudden exposure to the hot sun. Scale and the red spider could be problem pests for these plants.
SPECIAL CARE: Wipe down fronds to remove dust and allow the plant to breathe properly. Pruning should be restricted to the removal of any dry brown fronds.
BOTANIC NAME: Chamaedorea Elegans
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) is a beautiful and popular indoor plant known for its lush green leaves and charming white blooms. If you're looking to care for one of these lovely plants, here are some tips to keep in mind:
LIGHT: Peace lilies thrive in medium to low light conditions, but avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. If the leaves start to turn yellow or brown, it may indicate that the plant is receiving too much light.
WATERING: Water peace lilies when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure to allow the soil to dry out somewhat before watering again. Peace lilies prefer slightly moist soil but do not like standing in water.
NUTRIENT: Fertilise peace lilies once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Refrain from feeding during winter or when the plant is not actively growing.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Peace lilies prefer temperatures between 15-26°C and moderate to high humidity levels. They will benefit from occasional misting and can be placed in a bathroom or near a humidifier.
SIZE: Peace lilies typically grow up to 40-60 cm in height, but can grow larger if provided with ample space.
BOTANIC NAME: Spathiphyllum wallisii.
Phalaenopsis Orchid
LIGHT: Bright, indirect light is ideal for Phalaenopsis orchids. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight as it can burn their leaves.
WATERING: Watering frequency may vary depending on the potting medium and environmental conditions, but in general, water your orchid once a week. Allow the potting mix to dry out slightly between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to let the potting mix dry out a bit between watering.
NUTRIENT: Fertilise your Phalaenopsis orchid once a month using a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser during the growing season. Reduce or stop feeding during the winter months.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Phalaenopsis orchids thrive in warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C during the day and a drop in temperature to 15°C at night. They also require high humidity of around 50-70%. To increase humidity, you can place a tray of water near the orchid or use a humidifier.
SIZE: Phalaenopsis orchids can grow up to 2 feet tall.
BOTANIC NAME: Phalaenopsis sp.
Philodendron Xanadu, also known as the "Winterbourn" or "Golden Goddess," is a popular houseplant for its tropical appearance and easy-care requirements.
LIGHT: Loves bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so avoid placing it in a spot with direct sun exposure.
WATERING: Water your plant regularly during the warmer months of the year, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before rewatering. In the winter, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out a bit more between watering.
NUTRIENT: Fertilise your Philodendron Xanadu once a month with a half-strength liquid fertiliser that's high in nitrogen during the growing season. You can also use organic fertilisers, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extracts. Don't feed your plant during the winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Philodendron Xanadu prefers high humidity, particularly in hot weather. and benefits from double-potting (a pot within a pot) so that its easier to manage.
SIZE: This plant can reach a height of 3-4 feet indoors.
BOTANIC NAME: Philodendron Xanadu.
LIGHT: Medium to bright light.
WATERING: Needs deep watering during the growing period but allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again. Water less during winter.
NUTRIENT: Fertilize during growing period with half-strength liquid fertilizer. Avoid feeding during the cooler months.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Grows best with temperatures of around 18 degrees but slightly lower temperatures will be tolerated. Moderate to high humidity is best for this plant.
PROBLEMS: If leaves start to fall this may be the result of overwatering or sudden change in temperature and humidity. It is normal for old leaves to fall off. Red spider mites, thrip, mealybugs, and scale insects may be a threat to these plants. If the plant grows too big to be kept indoors it is best to discard it as the large root system in the garden may be a problem.
SPECIAL CARE: Wipe down fronds to remove dust and allow the plant to breathe properly. Cutting off the top of the rubber plant will help the plant to branch lower but the sap will weep from the wound. This can be sealed with a dusting of powdered charcoal. Repot in Spring if the roots become pot bound.
BOTANIC NAME: Ficus Elastica
Mother-in-law's tongue, also known as snake plant or Sansevieria, is a popular and hardy indoor plant that is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance houseplant. Here are some care tips to keep your mother-in-law's tongue healthy and happy:
LIGHT: Mother-in-law's tongue can tolerate a wide range of light levels, from low to bright, but it prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning or evening.
WATERING: This plant is very drought-tolerant and can survive for long periods without water. Water it thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. It's better to underwater than overwater, as the plant is susceptible to root rot.
NUTRIENT: Mother-in-law's tongue is a slow-growing plant and does not require a lot of fertiliser. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer).
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Mother-in-law's tongue prefers average room temperatures 16-24°C and can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter. It doesn't need high humidity, but it can benefit from occasional misting or being placed near a humidifier.
SIZE: Depending on the variety, mother-in-law's tongue can grow up to 4-5 feet tall.
BOTANIC NAME: Sansevieria Trifasciata
With these simple care tips, your mother-in-law's tongue will thrive and add a touch of green to your home or office.
Zanzibar gem (Zammioculcas zamiifolia) is a beautiful and popular houseplant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips to help you keep your Zanzibar gem thriving:
LIGHT: Zanzibar gem thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
WATERING: Allow the soil to dry out between watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Zanzibar gem is drought tolerant and can go long periods without water.
NUTRIENTS: Zanzibar gem doesn't need frequent fertilisation. You can fertilise once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength. Do not fertilise in the winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: Zanzibar gem prefers temperatures between 18-24°C and can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C. It prefers high humidity levels, but it can also tolerate lower humidity. You can increase humidity levels by misting the plant or placing it on a pebble tray.
SIZE: Zanzibar gem can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it a great choice for smaller spaces.
BOTANIC NAME: Zammioculcas zamiifolia
With these tips, you can enjoy the lush green foliage of your Zanzibar gem for years to come.