Subtropical plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Sempervivums make great groundcover. They require moderate water and generally perform best in full sun although some varieties may tolerate slightly shaded locations. They need good air circulation and free soil drainage to thrive. In terms of target soils, lean, gritty and dry soil is best as a heavier soil may become waterlogged and cause rots.

Sempervivums are frost hardy and will survive a short dip down to at least 0°C (30°F). In fact they tend to thrive in colder climates and the leaves of some varieties actually deepen in color if exposed to the cold and frost. In more vigorous climates however, some protection from excessive winter wet may assist Sempervivums to remain healthier by avoiding too much waterlogging. When growing them in a pot in a cold region, it is better to keep the pot outside as opposed to bringing it in for winter months as this can disrupt their dormancy.

When it comes to fertilizer, Sempervivums are not particularly heavy feeders and can thrive without the addition of fertilizer. The addition of a small quantity of balanced fertilizer however may improve the vigour and density of the plant.

In terms of flowers, Sempervivums flowers are always in shades of pink, white, off-white, yellow, orange and red, with tones of crimson, vinous or a darker pink and rose. These colors further expand when exposed to some periods of cold weather. The flowers of most varieties are much taller than the leaves, growing18 - 24(45 -60cm) tall. The ornamental foliage of Sempervivums lasts throughout the year and provides color, texture and can make a valuable addition to any garden.

Valerian is a medicinal herb that is often used to treat nervous disorders and improve sleep. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and is effective in treating conditions such as nervous unrest and neuralgic pains. Valerian is also helpful in reducing blood pressure and is used to treat menstrual cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, and hypertension.

Valerian is a small shrub that is native to Europe and northern Asia, reaching heights of two to five feet. It has white or off-white flowers that attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Valerian is easy to care for and can thrive in full sun to semi-shade with regular watering and fertile soil. It is somewhat drought resistant, but still requires regular watering, especially if grown in a pot. In colder regions, valerian should be brought indoors or adequately protected with mulch during the winter, as its tubers and roots are sensitive to freezing. Valerian can be propagated through seeds, root cuttings, or cuttings from young growth and can be grown in USDA zones 4 to 10. However, in areas with colder winters, it will need winter protection.

In conclusion, valerian is a versatile and attractive plant that has numerous medicinal benefits. It is easy to care for and can add beauty and therapeutic value to any garden.

Amorphophallus species are herbs with an underground storage organ. This is usually a tuber. One single leaf emerges from the tuber, consisting of a vertical petiole (stalk) and a horizontal leaf-blade. The latter is dissected into few or numerous small leaflets. Once plants are mature an inflorescence may develop. The inflorescence may replace the leaf in one season, or develop alongside it. From winter dormant tubers emerge an umbrella like plant with beautiful speckled stems. Large flowers will emerge from mature plants in the spring. When the spathe opens the female flowers are receptive and must be pollinated that same day. The opening inflorescence emits an attractant scent. In Amorphophallus this scent has diversified considerably. In most species the scent is anything but pleasant, and reminds one of varieties of death, decay, sewage, gas and the like. A few species develop a scent that is actually pleasant to the human nose (e.g. carrot-like, anise, chocolate, fruity, lemon). After successful pollination most parts of the spathe wither and drop off, after which the individual female flowers develop into berries, containing the seeds. These berries are usually red or orange-red, but occasionally blue, white, or yellow-and- white. Amorphophallus thrives in a rich loamy soil in partial shade. Compost should consist of 2 parts loam to 1 part peat moss to 1 part sand. Keep the plant evenly moist all through the growing season. Keep dry during dormancy, keep moist during growing period. Fertilize monthly with a houseplant fertilizer. Water should be gradually withheld starting in October until the leaf withers. Store corms at a temperature above 50 degrees. They can be brought into active growth in late March. If the corms are strong enough, a blossom will soon be produced. The leaf follows soon afterwards. A. bulbifer definitely dislikes low humidity - the leaflets may partially desiccate; this seems to be more pronounced in low light. Also, in low light, the leafes become exceptionally dark green, with nicely contrasting pink margins. Such plants have to be moved to brighter light very gradually. In bright light, the leaves are bright green, with pinkish margins less pronounced. Other species: konjac, titanum, and much more...

Amorphophallus konjac is one of the largest flowers, a perennial exotic Asian plant. It grows a single, elongated center called a corm and a single large leaf that wraps around it. The corm is the part of the plant that is used, as well as its tuber, which is commonly called the konnyaku potato. Amorphophallus konjac acts as a diet aid that has many benefits. Its ability to swell when mixed with water allows it to fill the stomach. It also moves through the digestive system very slowly, making the appetite feel satisfied for a longer period of time. This characteristic of Amorphophallus konjac is beneficial in treating obesity. It is one of the most exotic, bizarre flowers. Can be easily grown in a pot as a house plant. The single leaf dormant in winter, then in spring the plant shoots out a remarkable flower.

The very popular Dracaena fragrans is more commonly known as the Corn Plant. It does well in low light conditions and its wide leaves are long and arc gracefully from the stalk. Flowers are so fragrant, they smell like an explosion in a perfume factory, especially at night.

The plant can be either grown as a low shrub form, by rooting tip cuttings, or a tree form, by rooting mature canes. The Massangeana variety is the most popular, due to its dramatic yellow variegation running down the center of its leaves. The water requirements are low. Dracaenas are one of the plants used in the NASA Clean Air Study and has shown to help remove Formaldehyde.

Lonicera quinquelocularis, also known as Translucent Honeysuckle, is a large shrub native to the Himalayas. It typically grows to a height of 5-10 feet tall and features white or off-white flowers which are fragrant and attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. It thrives with full sun, but will also tolerate semi-shade, with moderate water needs. It is a deciduous plant that produces yellow or orange blooms in the summer.

Lonicera quinquelocularis requires a well-draining soil and will not tolerate overly moist conditions. For the best results, it should be planted in full sun and watered moderately to establish a healthy root system. Adding a layer of mulch will also help the soil retain moisture and discourage weed growth.

With proper care, Lonicera quinquelocularis can thrive and is hardy in the USDA Zones 4-8.In cold regions, Lonicera quinquelocularis can be grown in a pot and should be brought in over the winter.

With its fragrant flowers, the plant it will provide a beautiful addition to any landscape.

Kigelia pinnata (Sausage tree) is native to Tropical West Africa, Ethiopia and Madagascar and thrives in the humid tropics. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 and prefers full sun to semi-shade and moderate water. Kigelia is a deciduous plant, a big tree up to 50Ft with a spreading crown. The fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as bats and sunbirds. When they fall after a single night they are followed by sausage-like fruit that may be as long as two feet, weighing several kilograms, quite dramatic in overall effect.

This plant is also well known for its ethnomedical use, especially in Africa, where the bark, leaves, and fruit are used to treat various diseases.

When growing Sausage tree in a pot in a cold region, it is important to protect it if temperatures drop to below freezing. Make sure the pot drains well and keep it in a sheltered position with some protection from the cold. Pruning needs to be done regularly to maintain a manageable size and shape.

Very slow growing, star magnolia is usually seen in home landscapes as a medium sized shrub. In autumn the leaves turn yellow to bronze before falling. It is striking in late winter or early spring when it appears smothered in brilliant white flowers as it blooms before the leaves appear. Star magnolia likes deep, organic, acid soil. Propagation: It is fairly easy to root cuttings taken after the flower buds have formed in early to mid summer. Treat with rooting hormone to insure success. Seeds may be used, but they need special handling and are slow to germinate.

See Article about Tropical Magnolias.

See also Plants with scents as heady as incense: Enchanted Magnolias - Joy in your life...

Hippeastrum sp. (Amaryllis) is a plant that is commonly grown in containers in colder regions, as it can be easily brought indoors when the weather turns cold and kept in a cool place until spring. It can be grown in full sun or semi-shade, but requires moderate watering and does not tolerate soggy soil. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, blue, lavender, purple, red, yellow, and orange, and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

The Amaryllis is a tender bulb that requires warm temperatures (70 to 75 F) for 9 to 10 months to promote flowering and vegetative growth, followed by 2 to 3 months of cool dry storage or cool growing conditions to promote reflowering. Amaryllis bulbs are easy to bring to bloom and are popular worldwide, coming in many beautiful varieties in shades of red, white, pink, salmon, and orange, as well as striped and multicolored varieties. Planting period for Amaryllis is from October until the end of April, with a flowering period from late December until the end of June, lasting 7-10 weeks.

When planting the Amaryllis bulb, the base and roots should be placed in lukewarm water for a few hours before planting up to its neck in potting mix, being careful not to damage the roots. Bulbs should be planted 8 weeks before the desired bloom time. After flowering, the stem of the Amaryllis should be cut back to the top of the bulb when it starts to sag, and the bulb should be stored in a cool, dark place, such as the crisper of a refrigerator for a minimum of 6 weeks before planting again.

These small acid fruits are liked by children as well as by adults. A small spreading tree, with drooping branches grows readily and quickly on poor ground. Even moderately saline soils are tolerated. The tree will thrive without any special care. All parts of the plant have medicinal uses. Jujube is widely cultivated China and India. The Chinese have been growing and eating jujubes for more than four thousand years and have more jujube trees than any other type of fruit tree.

The Jujube tree (Ziziphus jujuba), also known as the "Tree of Happiness," is renowned for its remarkable resilience. Its sweet, crisp fruits have been cherished for over 4,000 years, not only as a nutritious treat but also for their medicinal properties, such as stress relief and immunity-boosting benefits. The thornless Taiwan variety is especially beloved for its refreshing, apple-like taste and ease of care.

The name Ziziphus originates from the Persian zizfum or Arabic zizouf, but it is also associated with the Christ's Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi), a species believed to have provided the thorns for the biblical crown of thorns. This connection gives the tree profound spiritual and cultural significance across various traditions. In fact, the Jujube tree's symbolism extends to Indian legends, where it is said to be blessed with a boon: no matter how badly it is cut, it will never die, and even a single root will allow it to spring up again. Revered in India, the tree is offered to Siva and is known as the "Tree which removes sorrow," symbolizing endurance and healing.

Some horticulturists also link the name Ziziphus to the Greek myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned to roll a boulder uphill for eternity. Just as the boulder endlessly rolls back down, the Jujube tree continually regrows, no matter how much it is cut or damaged. This metaphorical connection highlights the tree's unyielding spirit and symbolizes perseverance, renewal, and vitality. Thriving in poor, dry soils with minimal care, the Jujube tree truly earns its place as the "Tree of Happiness" in gardens and communities around the world.

Cold hardy, mature plants withstand hard freeze.

Read more about Jujube tree.