Ornamental foliage - Plant Encyclopedia Results

In Mexico, it is known as Ahuehueta, meaning "old man of the water". This deciduous tree of wetlands has broad, spreading crown with strong, horizontal branches and delicate, weeping branchlets. The leaves are 0.24 to 0.48 inch (6-12 mm) long. The roots of trees growing in standing water often send up conical projections ("knees"). Before the leaves drop, they turn spectacular bright orange to rusty brown. Usually occurs on moist soils along streams, or on low, poorly drained sites. It is drought tolerant when established.

Waffle plant, Red Flame Ivy. Colorful, fun plant for container culture and indoor plant collection. Silvery leaves with bright purple underneath. Takes both shade or light sun. Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings. Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens, for terrariums.

Sansevieria kirkii is a short, small, and sturdy perennial shrub with a clumping habit, native to East Africa and particularly Tanzania and Kenya. It typically grows up to 2-5 ft tall, with rigid, succulent, and spiky leaves that have a mottled pattern of light green and dark green, giving it a pineapple-like appearance. These attractive leaves add a sculptural form and dramatic interest as an ornamental foliage in most gardens.

To ensure optimal growth results, the Sansevieria kirkii should be planted in USDA Zone 9-11 in a sunny location, about 2-3 ft apart since it has a fast growth rate and will spread and clump over time. It can also be used to create minor obstructions as barriers around pathways. While this plant prefers full sun, it can take some partial shade but will require more frequent watering. Moderate amounts of water should usually suffice since it is a drought-tolerant plant and able to survive long periods of low soil moisture levels. Fertilizing is usually not needed, but can be beneficial to the plant's growth if the soil lacks adequate nutrients.

Like other plants, Sansevieria kirkii is susceptible to specific pests and diseases. Mealybugs, aphids, and other pests may live on the underside of the foliage, and dietary deficiencies of calcium, iron, and magnesium may also affect its health. To protect the plant from root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and free from standing water.

This plant is unique from its perennial cousins in that it has white and off-white fragrant blooms which appear during springtime and bloom throughout the season. These blooms are larger and bright white clusters on a stalk in the center of the plant.

Though it is easy to propagate, Sansevieria kirkii will do well in a pot in areas with colder temperatures. To protect the soil from extreme cold, you should mulch the pot, and in late autumn, repot it in a pot itself in a potting mixture that provides good drainage. During colder weather, provide bright and filtered light, and misting may help invigorate foliage and encourage blooming. It should be repotted every 3-4 years and fed with a balanced fertilizer in the Spring and Summer months.

This plant has mesmerizing and unique foliage which makes it a focal point in any plant collection, big or small. The chocolate chip plant (Manfreda undulata) is a visually interesting species of succulent which makes an attractive addition to the flowerbed. The chocolate chip manfreda resembles a low-growing rosette with frilly leaves. The dark green foliage is dotted with attractive chocolate brown spots. The resemblance to chocolate chips gives this variety its name.

Manfreda plants are closely related to the agave family, which explains why this variety of manfreda is sometimes called the chocolate chip false agave. Like many varieties of manfreda, chocolate chip doesn't die after blooming as do agave plants. The buds form on tall stalks in late spring, followed by fascinating wiry type blossoms. The bloom spike can reach 4-6 ft tall with interesting burgundy brown flowers.

The chocolate chip plant has a low-growing profile, only reaching heights of about 4 inches tall. Its elegantly arched, spineless leaves bear resemblance to a starfish. The long succulent leaves give the plant a diameter of 15 inches or more. Prefers a well-drained, drier soil. For container gardening, use a pot which offers plenty of vertical root space. A minimum of 12 inches deep is recommended. Plant in a sunny location; however, they do prefer a bit of afternoon shade in hot climates. Once established, chocolate chip plants are drought resistant. Supplementing water during dry spells keeps succulent leaves firm.

Chocolate chip is root hardy to USDA zone 8 but may lose its leaves during the winter. It does well as a container plant and can be brought inside when grown in colder climates. Reduce watering of potted manfreda during winter dormancy to prevent the roots from rotting.

Enjoy this unique-looking succulent for its incredibly wavy leaves and intense spotting. Long, silvery blue-green leaves are succulent, but not as rigid as Agave. Near-black spotting is present on both on the fronts and backsides of the leaves, and contrasts beautifully with the lighter colored leaves. A very fine white margin lines the edges of the leaves with a serrated edge.

The generic name honors 14th-century Italian botanist and medical writer Manfredus de Monte Imperiale.

Sarracenia sp. (Pitcher Plant) is a versatile and beautiful native plant to Eastern North America. As its scientific name implies, this plant is a carnivorous species, whose pitcher shaped leaves trap insects for it's nourishment in nature. Growing up to 2 feet (61 cm) in height with ornamental foliage, the Pitcher Plant comes in a variety of colors, including green with purple tints, off-white, red, crimson, vinous, and yellow-orange.

Being a hardy species, the Sarracenia sp. (Pitcher Plant) thrives in full sun or semi-shade conditions, as well as bog or aquatic areas with moist and peaty soil. It is suitable for any USDA Zone between 9 - 11. During the active growing period, the soil must be kept moist, while cool and humid conditions should be used in the winter.

In regards to the propagation of the Pitcher Plant, it can be either done through seed or by dividing the plant in the spring season. As a groundcover or a low-growing shrub, this specimen can also be used to beautify your garden beds or a potted environment. In colder regions, planting in pots will ensure sufficient protection during frosty weathers. To ensure the full potential of the Plant, be sure to keep the soil moist and provide enough sunlight for its growth.

Overall, the Sarracenia sp. (Pitcher Plant) is an attractive garden plant, known for its plentiful and colorful flowers. Furthermore, it is a flood-tolerant species, so these plants can still thrive in damp environments. Its varied color spectrum and adaptability make this specimen a great asset to any garden, and its carnivorous quality ensures that the population of pests remain under control.

Koellikeria erinoides is native to Costa Rica, generally grown in USDA Zones 9-11. It is a dense, very low-growing shrub which generally reaches between two to five feet when mature.

The plant loves to be in a spot with semi-shade, and requires regular water as long as the soil is well-draining. It finds it ideal in loose, slightly rocky soils.

In blooming season, Koellikeria erinoides bears small clusters of pink or white, off-white flowers. It's divided into several stalks, and the flowers are even tinier, but the color combination is striking and meaningful. They add an intriguing twist to any landscape layout.

The foliage of Koellikeria erinoides is ornamental as well, and its abundant green leaves are spotted with silver. It is evergreen, keeping a bright aspect all year round. This particular shrub serves very well as an edging in gardens, a foliage accent in a large landscape layout, or simply for accentuating colors of other plants growing nearby.

For those growing in colder areas, Koellikeria erinoides can be successfully cultivated in a pot and brought indoors during winter. It requires a well-draining potting mix, bright light but indirect sun, and regular watering, especially during warm weather. Fertilizing should be done in springtime. Pruning and removing dead foliage throughout the year is also a good practice to ensure the healthy growth of the Koellikeria erinoides.

Ruellia portellae is very similar to Ruellia makoyana. R. makoyana is a little more compact and has slightly brighter carmine flowers than R. portellae.

Macodes is one of a few genera of the orchid family known as Jewel Orchids.

These terrestrial orchids grows in the rainforest floor of Southeast Asia with high humidity and low light.

Grown for the beauty of its leaves, it makes an ideal basket or terrarium plant.