African Violet Diseases & Insect Pests
African violets are easily the most popular flowering houseplants in America. Their popularity arises from the fact that they are easy to grow and can bloom for 10 to 12 months of the year. They...
Category: Flowering
Hellebore
Hellebores (Helleborus species) are perennials in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, along with clematis (Clematis spp.), columbine (Aquilegia spp.), and anemone (Anemone spp.). There are 20...
Indoor Plants – Soil Mixes
It is important to have a quality soil mix for healthy plant growth. A high-quality container mix has the following general requirements: Dense enough to support the plant. Good nutrient-holding...
Growing Begonias Indoors
Begonias (Begonia species) belong to a huge family that includes over 1000 species worldwide. Except for the hardy begonia, which will survive winters in South Carolina, begonias don’t tolerate cold...
Indoor Plants – Watering
The main cause of death of potted plants is over-watering. Roots need both water and oxygen, and when surrounded by water, they cannot take up oxygen. These roots may rot and eventually the whole...
Amaryllis
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) are perennial bulbs known for their large, showy flowers. They are most often sold in the fall for forcing to bloom indoors in late fall and winter, especially in time for...
Wood Hyacinth
I’m always looking for blue flowering plants to add to my garden. Blue is an elusive flower color, so Wood Hyacinths (Hyacinthoides hispanica) are one of my favorite spring flowering bulbs to add...
Moving Houseplants Indoors & Outdoors
Moving Plants Indoors in Winter Temperatures of 50 °F or lower can damage many tropical plants. It is a good idea to move houseplants inside when outside and inside temperatures are about the same....
Florist Cyclamen
The genus Cyclamen contains about 23 species, which are all native to the Mediterranean region. Florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) was introduced in Western Europe in the early 17th...
Calibrachoa
For vibrant color from spring to frost, plant Calibrachoa. In hanging baskets or pots, they trail over the sides and act as a “spiller” in combination plantings. Calibrachoas are native to South...
South Carolina Native Magnolias
At the beginning of the week, I noticed our native magnolias flowering profusely. First, the evergreen southern magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora), which line the entrance to the South Carolina...
Peace Lily
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum species) are attractive indoor foliage plants that produce showy white flowers. They are not true lilies but a member of the Araceae family, which also includes...