The orchid group includes several several hundred different genera and thousands of species, but most people are introduced to orchids through the Phalaenopsis genus, which are particularly good orchids for beginners. These are thick-leaved plants with elegant, arching sprays of bloom—the orchids featured in so many design magazines sitting on coffee tables across America. Phalaenopsis orchids […]

Be sure the plant is well-wrapped when you take it outside on your trip home because exposure to low temperatures for even a short time can injure leaves and bracts. Unwrap the plant as soon as possible. Plants need air. How would you feel if you were wrapped up in plastic?!? Poinsettias are native to […]

Your houseplants aren’t immune to life-threatening challenges during the winter, even though they live in a temperature-controlled climate. Indoor plants, whether they are year-round houseplants or plants you brought indoors to over-winter, can be affected by several winter stress factors, including temperatures that fluctuate from daytime heat to evening chill, dry air, and short days […]

Caladiums are tropical perennials that have almost unparalleled foliage and make showy houseplants. They can also be grown outdoors, but unless you live in zones 9 to 10, you should plan to grow them as annuals, or dig up the plants’ tubers at the end of the growing season and store them for winter. Care […]