Scientific Name: Pentas Lanceolata

Family: Rubiaceae


Common names: Egyptian Star Cluster, Star flower


Flowering Season: Throughout the year

Colour: Pink, White, Magenta, Red, Lavender, Salmon, Purple


Pentas Lanceolata, native to Northeastern Africa and Egypt are a favourite of home gardeners and landscapers. This tropical plant comes in different varieties; larger specimens are erect shrubs with woody stems while smaller plants are low mounds, considered herbaceous .

This perennial with dark lush green, lance-shaped 3 to 5 inch long hairy deep veined leaves and star shaped small flowers in round clusters may grow upright to about 3 feet height depending on its variety. Flowers can be seen in white, lavender, purple, red and pink in single and double shades. In warm weather, the plant grows fast and stays in bloom constantly.

In cold weather, it can be treated as an annual and replanted every spring. It is an ideal container plant and can also be used as beds, borders or grown indoors in a sunny room.

Propagation and Care

Pentas Lanceolata are easily grown in medium wet and well-drained organically rich, fertile soils in part shade to full sun. Usually the propagation of Pentas is from stem cutting. It may also be grown from seed started indoors approximately 8-10 weeks before last frost date.

Water regularly during the growing season. Keep soil moist and fertilize every two weeks.Pentas are usually highly tolerant of heat, soil conditions and pests, and requires little maintenance. But it may be disturbed by aphids and spider mites.

Whiteflies can be particularly troublesome in indoor plants. This bushy plant blooms year round and yields better blooms in full sun.  Keep the plant bushy and shapely by pinching off the tips of stems and retaining its size to 12 to 18 inches tall.

Scientific Name: Nerium Oleander


Family: Apocynaceae


Common names: Oleander, Kaner

Flowering Season: April-September

Colour: Red, White, Pink, Light Yellow


Oleander is a large fast growing evergreen shrub, native to Asia and the Mediterranean region. This plant with glossy, 4 to 10 inch long narrow dark green leaves and funnel-shaped flower clusters, single or double can reach 3 to 20 feet tall.

There are different varieties with varying heights and flowers in some varieties are delightfully fragrant. This dense plant which flowers abcan be used as borders, hedges, backgrounds and tall screens. Dwarf varieties are suitable for container
gardens.

Propagation and Care

Oleander is an easy growing plant in most conditions, especially in dry warm climates. It grows well in average, medium wet soils in full sun to part shade. The shrub can be trained or pruned to a single or multi stemmed tree.

Propagation is through vegetative cuttings. This species commonly produces many side shoots which can be replanted in their own pots in a standard mix of well drained sand and peat. In the ground, the plant can be spaced 5-9feet apart depending on its variety.

When in growth water often and allow plants to remain moist. When not actively growing, water plants sparingly and allow to dry out between watering. Yellowing of new leaves indicates over watering. Fertilize regularly during the growing period.

Prune the tips of young plants to help stimulate the production of new branches and prune grown plants to control size and shape. Promptly deadhead spent blooms to prevent formation of non-ornamental seed pods. No serious insect or disease problems.

Aphids, mites, bacterial gall and scale may be a problem. Black deformed flowers, splitting branches etc are the symptoms. Infected parts of plant must be cut away and disinfected with a solution of equal mix of bleach and water. Remove and destroy any leaves damaged by leaf spot. Caterpillars may chew on the foliage.

Oleanders have a tendency to become leggy and should be pruned as needed to maintain a nice shape. By removing suckers at the base of the plant, and leaving just a few stems, oleander can be formed into very attractive small trees.

Note : All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. Plant saps can cause allergic skin reactions in some people so always use gloves while tending them. Smoke from burning plant material can also be quite toxic.

Scientific Name: Nelumbo nucifera.

Family: Nymphaeaceae

Common names: Chinese Arrowroot, Lotus Bean, Sacred Lotus

Best Season: March to May (planting)

Colour: White, Pink


Lotus, known as flower of purity is the National Flower of India. This water plant is very easy to grow. Flowers in pink and white, have a large number of petals and large circular thick leaves.

The leaves are sometimes, and the flowers always, raised above the water surface. This beautiful and fragrant flower blooms only for one day. Lotus is considered sacred by the Hindus and the Buddhists.

Planting

Lotus can be planted in tanks around 2 1/2 feet deep. Make a mixture of compost, cow dung and sand. Spread a layer of 3 inches thickness at the bottom of the tank.

Sunlight is a must for the lotus plant to flower. So tanks should be placed where there is plenty of sunlight. The best time to plant is from March to May.

Usually tubers or bulbs are used for planting, seeds can also be used to make new seedlings. Tuber should be planted at 2inches depth inside the sand compost mixture in the tank.

Fill the tank with water at a level of 6-8 inches above the tuber. As the plant grows you can fill the tank with more water. You can grow fish in the tank to control pests.

Scientific Name: Jasminum Officinale

Family: Oleaceae

Common names: Poets Jasmine, Common White Jasmine

Flowering Season: April to September

Colour: White


Jasmine or Jessamine, the sweet -scented white flowers belongs to the genus Jasminum. It is an evergreen semi-vining shrub native to tropical areas of southeast Asia, Africa and Australia. This seasonal plant contains about 150 species. Flowers are about 1 inch and plant height is about 6 or 8 feet or 10 to 15 feet if grown as a vine. The oval rich green leaves have five to nine leaflets, each up to 2½ inches long.

Grown all over the world for its fragrance, Jasmine flowers are used to flavour jasmine tea and other herbal or black teas. The flower oil extracted from the two species Jasminum Officinale and Grandiflorum is used in high-grade perfumes and cosmetics, such as creams, oils, soaps, and shampoos.

In Asia, flowers are stringed together to make garlands. The flowers of one of the double varieties are held sacred to Lord Vishnu and are used as votive offerings in Hindu religious ceremonies. Several types of jasmine are used as ornamental plants.

Propagation and Planting

Jasmine is propagated by cuttings of nearly ripe wood in summer. Cuttings are planted in 3-inch pots within 4 weeks, then to 6-inches when pot is becoming filled with roots. The potting soil should consist of 2 parts peat moss or cow dung to 2 parts loam to 1 part sand. Keep the soil moist but well drained for optimum growth. When growth slows in winter, hold back on watering. If planted on the ground, set them at least 8 feet apart to help them bush out.

Jasmine can be grown as a wine or a shrub. Frequent pruning is required to grow it as a shrub of desired size. Pruning also helps keep an abundance of flowers, since flowers are produced on new wood. When grown as a vine, its arching branches have to be supported on a mesh or trellis.

Jasmine can be produced on almost any soil type, with sufficient water supply and intermediate to warm temperatures. It grows in full sun to partial shade. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer. The common jasmine grows at the rate 12 to 24 inches a year.

Seeds don't need stratifying, and can be planted immediately. Full production begins after grafting in the second year. Flowers are picked in the early morning, since they are the most fragrant at daybreak. When in flower a single plant will strongly scent an entire room or patio on a still summer's eve.

Scientific Name: Ixora coccinea

Family: Rubiaceae

Common names: Flame of the Woods, Jungle Flame, Jungle Geranium

Flowering Season: Rainy season

Colour: Red, White, Pink, yellow


Ixora is a common flowering shrub said to be a native of Asia. There are about 400 species of Ixora and its flowers look delightful in gardens. They differ in leaf size, plant height, flower size and flower color. This plant which blooms throughout the year is easy to grow.

The flowers are found in a wide range of colours. Plants are of two types- large; with height around 1 meter and dwarf or miniature plants. Miniature ones have small leaves and are bushy. Ixora flowers last well when picked and put into a vase with water, making an attractive home arrangement.

Planting

Miniature types can be grown in pots and the large ones on the ground. Take a mixture of sand, cow dung with equal quantity and fill this mixture in a polythene bag. Plant 6 inch length stems in the mixture. Although it grows in any climate the best time to grow is in the rainy season.

The sap lings can be replanted into pots with 1feet radius filled with a mixture of 2 parts gravel, 1part soil and one part dried cow dung powder. Manure like 100g oilseed extracts (Neem) and 100g Bone meal can be used for 1 feet mixture. When you plant on the ground, dig 8 inch wide holes, put the above said mixture and plant the saplings.

Plants will grow and flower in shade, but most ixoras do best in full sun, acid soil and well drained moist organic mix. Water once every day. Keep adding 2tsp of a mixture of cow dung, bone meal and oilseed extract once every two months for best results. Always use acid forming fertilizers.

Scientific Name: Hydrangea macrophylla

Family: Hydrangeaceae

Common names: French hydrangea, Big leaf, Snowball and Japanese Hydrangea


Flowering Period: Summer

Colour: Blue, Dark Purple, white, Green, Pink


Hydrangea is a shrub with large, medium to dark green, luxuriant foliage with round ball shaped cluster of flowers. These shrubs are easy to grow and flowers well in areas with mild winters. A native of Japan and Korea, the shrub has many varieties and hybrids.

One of the remarkable characteristics is that the same plant can produce both pink and blue flowers depending on the ph factor or the aluminum content of the soil-blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil. The blooms stay long as cut flowers.

Planting

The shrub can be propagated using cuttings which easily grows roots or through dividing from old established plants. It can also be propagated by layering. Remove one inch wide ring of outer bark from the middle section of a stem of a hydrangea plant.

Bend and insert this section of the stem in the soil. Let the upper tip of the stem 6-12 inches remain uncovered with soil. Roots will start growing from the part of the stem under the soil and the plant will be ready to be replanted within 6 months.

Hydrangea's can be replanted on the ground in a mass or even in a large container in a mixture of composted organic leaf matter and soil, 8-10 inches thick. The top of the root should be in level with the surface of the soil and should be watered thoroughly.

It grows well in rich moist but well drained soil. Partial shade to light sun gives the best results. The plants gets established 4-8 weeks after transplanting. After that several light application of a complete fertilizer is good during its growing months.

Prune the stems and flowers heads and as soon as they begin to fade for splendid foliage, but avoid pruning after August when the flower buds begin to form. Pruning in late summer can reduce flowering in the next season.

Scientific Name: Galphimia Glauca


Family: Malpighiaceae

Common names: Golden Thyrallis, Gold Shower, Rain of Gold

Flowering Season: Throughout the year

Colour: Bright yellow


Native to the tropical areas extending from Mexico to Guatemala, Thyrallis makes a great background plant for perennial beds. This evergreen tropical shrub which grow to a height of 4 to 6 feet has a dense amount of foliage and slender stems covered with red hairs.

The short-stalked, ovate to elliptic, glossy 1 to 2 inch leaves are light green in colour and the small 3/4 inch wide yellow flowers are held in clusters at the stem tips. Flowers are followed by three part seed capsule. This plant is excellent for low hedges and can also be used as borders and in pots.

Propagation and Care

Thryallis are easy growing plants and blooms almost all year around. It is easily grown in fertile, medium wet, well drained soil in bright sunlight to part shade. Grows best in bright sunlight and can be trimmed into compact shapes.

The propagation is through seeds and also by stem cuttings taken in summer. Seeds are sown or cuttings can be inserted in sandy soil. Enrich the soil with compost and transplant in ground 4 to 6 feet apart or in pots. Water regularly and fertilizer can be added for best results.

Thryallis does not need specific care and there is no serious insect or disease problems. The plants grow more wild in shady areas. Occasionally remove leggy stems to keep the plant from looking unruly.

The only problem is its vulnerability to cold conditions. But thryallis grows so fast and blooms through out the year, that it is worth using it as an annual in cold conditions and replanted in the garden
in spring after last frost date.

Scientific Name: Gerbera jamesonii
 
Family: Asteraceae/Compositae (Daisy Family)

Common names: Gerbera, African daisy, Transvaal daisy, Barberton daisy


Flowering Period: All year round

Colour: white, red, cream, orange, pink, purple & yellow


Gerbera flowers comes in vibrant colours adding beauty to your garden. It has around 40 species spreading from Africa across to Madagascar into tropical Asia and South America. Gerbera are plants with a height up to 18 to 24 inch and 4 to 10 inch diameter flowers.

There will be more than ten leaves in a plant, medium green in colour spread out in a circle parallel to the ground. These plants can be planted in gardens, mixed containers and pots. Its cut flowers last long and gives colour and beauty to any room.

There are many hybrids that come in white, cream, yellow, orange-pink, purple or violet. These plants are usually grown in greenhouses and are used for cut flowers. Gerbera flowers all year round.

Planting

Propagation may be achieved through seeds, basal cuttings or through dividing. Basal shoots or cuttings from the parent plant should be taken in summer (March- April). Seeds are sown or cuttings can be inserted in sandy soil until the saplings become an inch tall or the cuttings form roots.

Plants grown from seeds can differ from the parent plant and seeds which do not germinate within about twenty days are likely not to germinate at all.

Replanting is done in April. The saplings (germinated seeds) and the cuttings can be replanted in pots filled with a mixture of sand, dried organic mix, loam. When repotting ensure the crown of the plant is above the level of the soil.

Until the plants settle, they should be kept in shades and sprinkled with water. After that no shading is necessary. The settled plants lasts for 3 to 4 years. After that flowers will lessen and the growth of the plant will get stunted.

For best results the plants need a liberal amount of sun and water. Half day of direct sun and half day of partial shade and remaining slightly moist at all times is ideal. High source of light can give an abundance of flowers. Healthy Gerberas are rarely bothered by pests. Fungus and stem rot is a common problem with over watered plants. Remove old leaves regularly to prevent fungus infections.

Scientific Name: Haemanthus Multiflorus

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Genus: Scadoxus

Common names: Foot ball lily, African Blood Lily, Powder puff Lily


Flowering Period: April to May

Colour: Red, Pink


This lily with its peculiar round shape is also known as powder puff or globe lily. A native of Africa, this plant grows well in all tropical places. It comes in pink and red shades. There is another in white colour known as Haemanthus virasense.

The blooms are big with red/ pink spikes and yellow specks at the ends and lasts for about a week. The leaves are smooth and dark green in colour and fresh ones appear after flowering. The plant grows to a height of 12-18 inches and blooms only once a year.

Planting

Bulbs or saplings can be planted during February / March in pots filled with equal parts of sand, gravel and dried cow dung powder. Its lifecycle completes in two stages. The plant grows in the first stage till November/December.

The fully grown leaves die off in winter and the bulbs remain dormant. With the help of the food stored in these bulbs, the flowers bloom in the second stage. Needs more sun while blooming. Fresh leaves start appearing after the flowering stage.

Manure made of dead leaves gives the best results. There is no need for chemical fertilizers. The dormant bulbs should be lightly watered once in a while. Plants can be propagated by scoring the base of the bulb to promote new bulb-lets and by sowing seeds. Seeds should be sown as soon as it is collected as they does not store well.

Scientific Name: Crossandra infundibuliformis

Family: Acanthaceae

Common names: Firecracker flower

Flowering Season: Throughout the year

Colour: Coral/Apricot, Orange


Native to South India and Srilanka, firecracker is a small evergreen shrub commonly used as a flowering houseplant. This tropical perennial shrub with attractive dark green leaves and bright salmon-orange flower will grow up to 3 to 4 feet tall.

The lustrous pointed leaves are 3 to 5 inches long and the flowers bear 4 to 6 inch long spikes, have slender corolla tubes about an inch long and a spreading three to five lobed lip. The flower shades range from the more common orange shade to red and yellow. It can be grown in pots or containers and as a hedge plant. It is cultivated in fields

Propagation and Care

Firecracker flower prefers light, organically rich, medium wet, well-drained soils in part shade. It is a shade and water loving plant but can tolerate full sun.

The propagation is through seed or stem cuttings in summer (March). The seeds will germinate after 3-4 weeks and over a period of a couple of months depending on the freshness of the seeds. The planting compost should consist of equal parts of loam and peat moss with sand added for drainage.

It is an insect and disease free plant and blooms throughout the year.It should be kept moist but not overly wet. Fertilize twice a month with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half the strength recommended.Trim the plants regularly to keep a compact form. Plants are vulnerable to cold and frost, can be kept indoors during frost.

Common names: Vandas

Colour: Yellow, orange, scarlet, deep purple


Vandas (Vandaceous Orchid) are becoming popular among orchid growers and most of these are monopodial in habit, with aerial roots appearing along the stem.

They have about 50 species from which the many hybrids are derived from the tropics- Asia and the orient as far down as Australia. The inflorescences appear from the axis of the leaves.

Flowers are long lasting and appear in a cluster along the spike. The wide range of colors which includes some fairly good blues and browns has added greatly to their popularity.

Yellow, orange, scarlet, deep purple and bright fuschia are all part of the vandaceous color palette. They vary in size and some flowers sport exotic markings or can be covered with spots or stripes.

Many Vandas have a powerful fragrance. Many of the orchids in these groups have nicknames like Scorpion Orchids or Spider orchids.

Vandas like warm temperatures with plenty of air movement. Potting should be done in a very open media to allow for rapid drying of roots. They prefer coarse media such as fir bark, charcoal, tree fern fiber, coconut chips or any fast draining material. They will continue to grow anytime of the year if given warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight.

Vandaceous orchids are fast growing and therefore prefer high light levels, high humidity and frequent watering. They may grow to be very large plants, sometimes 10 to 12 feet high.

They normally grow best suspended in wooden baskets and require warm growing conditions with plenty of bright light.

Vandas are often grown outdoors in hanging baskets during the summer months. Vandas are heavy feeders and should be fed a balanced fertilizer often.

Common names: Dancing dolls

Colour: yellow


Oncidiums, commonly, referred to as dancing dolls, are easy to grow and are over 750 species and have thousands of hybrids. These dainty yellow and brown, or white and brown flowers are suitable if used alone or in combination with other orchids.

The blooms resembles a girl, in full ruffled skirts, tiny hands and hats. When they are in a breeze, it looks like they are dancing. The flower spikes can grow over four feet in height and can be covered with hundreds of blooms.

Each bloom will last only a couple of weeks but, with many species, the flower spikes are so long that it could take weeks for all the blooms to open. They come in many shades of colors and have flowers that can be solid in color, spotted or barred.

Oncidiums are not hard to grow, but their culture will vary according to the species. Some of them like to be grown mounted on cork bark instead of planted in a pot. They like plenty of bright light and the roots need to have a dry period between watering.
They require good air movement and humidity between 40% and 60%. Watering should always be done in the morning to ensure total evaporation from the leaves by nightfall.
Be sure to allow the plants to become totally dry between watering.

Common names: Moth Orchid

Colour: white, pink, lavender, yellow


Phalaenopsis or Moth orchid is the most popular orchids which are excellent for beginners. Phalaenopsis orchids are pest free, require little maintenance, and thrive in the low light conditions of the modern home. There are about 50 species in this genera with flowers of various shapes and colors.

This warm growing species demand plenty of heat and moisture. Moth orchids like bright but indirect sunlight. The ideal temperature is about 60 degrees at night and between 75 to 80 degrees during the day. They should be watered thoroughly and not watered again until the media is nearly dry.

The medium should never be allowed to dry out completely. Never let water touch the flowers or stand in the centerfolds of the leaves as doing so may cause rot.

Phalaenopsis plants are very easy to grow and have beautiful flowers of vivid colours including white, pink, lavender and yellow. The blooms open along a long flower spike that is sometimes two feet in length. They do not have a smell and may produce up to 15 or more flowers per spike.

The flowers measure up to four inches, are long lasting with individual blooms, may remain open for six weeks or longer. The long arching sprays of flowers are thought to resemble a flight of pale moths in moonlight earning the plant the common name of Moth Orchid.

The most popular colors are the soft whites with yellow or red lips, and the glowing pinks and blushes. The other shades of this orchid are deep red, vibrant orange and spotted and striped.

Potting of Phalaenopsis is done in late spring or early summer after blooming has completed. The plants must be potted in quick draining mixes, such as fir bark, tree fern fiber, chunky sphagnum peat, charcoal, perlite or combinations of these.

Root rot will occur if plants are allowed to sit in an old, soggy medium. Young plants should grow fast enough to need repotting yearly and should be potted in a finer grade medium to allow good root contact. Mature plants are potted in a coarser medium may stay in the same pots for years, provided that medium is changed when needed.

To repot, remove all old medium from the roots, trim off rotted roots, and spread the remaining roots over a handful of medium in a pot. Fill the rest of the pot with medium, working through the roots, so that the junction of the upper roots and the stem is slightly below the medium.

Be careful not to leave large air pockets in pots. Use a stick to push the medium in between the roots. Keep plants in shade and wait for one to three days before watering.

To extend the blooming season, count out 3 nodes (only the fleshy green nodes) from the base of the spike and cut the spike one inch above the third node. If the plant is healthy and it's not too late in the blooming season, this process will wake up one or two of the nodes and it may produce a new spray of fresh blooms.

Frequently when a spike is cut, a secondary spike will develop on the old stalk below the original flower head, thus extending the blooming season.

Common names: Pansy Orchid

Colour: Red, white, pink, yellow


Miltonia's are sometimes called the Pansy Orchid because their flat-faced, open flowers resemble pansies in shape and markings. They are named in honour of Earl Fitzwilliam and Viscount Milton. Growers have divided the Pansy orchids into two groups, Miltonia and Miltoniopsis.

Miltonias are warm-growing orchids which come from Brazil and Miltoniopsis, come from Columbia, are moderate temperature growers from the foothills. These charming irresistible plants bloom profusely. The richly colored, fragrant flowers are borne on slender arching stems and can reach to sizes of 2-3 inches in width.

Flowers vary in colors - Red, white, pink with different colored markings and yellow. Although they may last for up to a month, their bloom time is as short as that of a cut flower.  Miltonias may be a little difficult to grow, but if necessary temperature and lighting requirements are provided, they can be grown in the home or greenhouse.

Miltonia's like an open compost that does not hold excessive amounts of water. It prefers tree-fern fibre mixed with perlite and bark composts. The day temperature for Miltoniopsis type is 85°F, while the night temperature is 50 to 60°F. For Miltonias, day temperature is 70 to 85°F and night temperatures 55to 65°F.

Miltonia grow throughout the entire year and must be kept evenly moist. Depending upon the temperature, Miltonias should be watered twice a week. Water carefully and do not allow water to stand in the leaves or soft rot may occur. Miltonia enjoy moist air, requiring a minimum of 55 to 65% humidity.

An increase in humidity is needed to reduce the stress on the plants when the temperature and lighting intensity increases. Miltonias must be fertilized on a regular basis. Fertilize approximately twice per month when new growth is developing. They should be fed regularly with half-strength nitrogenous fertilizer.

The leaves on the miltonia plant should be light green. If the leaves are dark green, increase lighting. If the leaves turn yellowish green or reddish, increase shading. Repot the miltonias at least once every 2 years or when the potting medium begins to decay.
Common pests associated with Miltonias are scale, spider mites and aphids. X-Clude, an encapsulated pyrethrum time-release insecticide, and Neem Oil are the most efficient methods of pest control.