Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results

A beautiful dwarf variety which contains a significant amount of black coloration on the leaf surface. Leaves are ovate, elliptic and almost totally peltate. The upper leaf surface is a dramatic green-black color, and the lower leaf surface is a rich purple. This very unique and exotic plant would make a great addition to the collection of any seasoned plant collector. Place them in filtered sunlight sitting in a moist pebble tray. Allow the soils surface to dry down before watering. Feed only when the plant is actively growing with a liquid balanced plant food. "Black Velvet" is hard to find. These beautiful plants are usually grown in 4" and 6" inch containers.

This cactus genus consists of 40 to 50 species. They are medium-sized or large epiphytes that mostly bloom in late winter or early spring. These frost-tender plants prefer humid, warm conditions in full shade. They prefer atmospheric moisture to wet soil but should not by allowed to dry out entirely. Propagation: Cuttings, seeds.

Dichondra argentea, commonly known as Silver Falls, is native to the Southeastern United States and is prized for its low-growing habit and ornamental foliage. This fast growing groundcover offers a stunning waterfall effect, cascading up to 2 feet of delicate silver-gray foliage. Silver Falls is a vigorous, easy to grow annual (or perennial, semi to fully deciduous in winter) that prefers a full sun to semi-shade spot with moderate water.

In warmer regions, Silver Falls can be grown in containers and hanging baskets as well as in gardens, providing dashes of silvery gray along pathways and besides garden beds. The plant will form a neat mound of foliage and, in full sun, even slightly silver-tinged. In colder regions, Silver Falls can be grown in containers and pots, allowing gardeners the ability to move the plant indoors if needed.

Silver Falls is an incredibly low maintenance plant and can tolerate short periods of drought. Regularly water, but avoid over-watering or you can risk root rot. An occasional trim to keep the foliage neat and tidy is all that is needed. For colorful accents, silver falls can be planted in combination with contrasting plants in mixed containers or beds. USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10.

Ranunculus asiaticus, commonly known as Persian Buttercup, is a tuberous perennial in the Ranunculaceae family native to the eastern Mediterranean region. It forms a low, clumping plant typically 10 to 18 inches tall with finely divided, parsley-like leaves. The flowers are large and densely layered, resembling small roses, and occur in a wide range of colors including white, yellow, orange, red, pink, and bi-color forms. Blooms appear in spring under favorable conditions and are widely used as cut flowers due to their long-lasting form.

This species prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with moderate moisture during active growth. Growth rate is moderate, with plants developing from planted tubers. It is hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11, where it can overwinter in the ground under mild conditions. In colder climates below Zones 7 to 8, it does not survive winter outdoors and is grown as an annual or lifted and stored. Tubers may be damaged at temperatures around 25F. Ranunculus asiaticus performs well in garden beds, borders, and containers.

Cissus discolor, native to Java and Cambodia, is a fast growing, exotic looking, trailing vine, which is sometimes called Tapestry Vine or Rex Begonia Vine. It is not a begonia, but the medium sized lance shaped leaves have the bright colors of Rex Begonia leaves. The leaves are dark green with silver and purple blotches. It makes a gorgeous hanging basket. Thanks to its large, striking leaves and climbing growth, Cissus discolor has become a popular houseplant. The leaves and stems produce a natural secretion, tiny opaque dots, called cystolyths. Grow this Cissus in a hanging basket or let it climb up a trellis.

Justicia pectoralis, also known as Tilo or Piri Piri, is a tropical plant native to Central and South America. It grows best in full sun and requires regular watering to thrive. However, it can also tolerate semi-shade and may not bloom as profusely in these conditions. Tilo has many colored flowers, including pink, off-white, blue, lavender, and purple, which attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds due to their fragrant scent.

To care for Tilo, it is recommended to plant it in well-draining soil in a location with plenty of sun exposure. Water regularly, but be sure to avoid overwatering as Tilo is susceptible to root rot. Fertilize Tilo during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming. Tilo can be grown in USDA Zone 9-11 and can reach a height of 2 feet as a groundcover or up to 5 feet as a shrub.

In colder climates, Justicia pectoralis can be grown in pots or containers and brought indoors when temperatures drop below freezing. Tilo is resistant to pests and can withstand hot summers, but cannot survive freezing temperatures.

Tilo has several medicinal uses, including as an anticoagulant due to the coumarin found in its leaves and stems. Indigenous people in Eastern Colombia and the Amazon basin use the plant in the preparation of hallucinogenic snuffs. This plant is commonly used in herbal remedies in various regions. In Cuba and Panama, it is used as a pectoral and sedative in tea form. In Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Trinidad, it is used as a digestive and as a remedy for cough, chest cold, and flu. In Jamaica, it is used as a remedy when mixed with Cuscuta amtricana and orange and sugar.

These species are leafy succulents, in that they store large amounts of water in their leaves (as opposed to stems as do the cacti) and can withstand long periods of drought. Gooseberry leaves are football shaped and about 3/8 inch long. The unique shapes of the fleshy leaves greatly reduce the surface area exposed to the hot and dry environment, so they lose a bare minimum of the precious water extracted from the soil. The reduced surface area, however, limits the amount of the sun's energy the plants can absorb for photosynthesis. Nature's way of compensating for this limited external surface area is to have a 'window' or slit of transparent tissue in each leaf that allows light to enter and be absorbed by the photosynthetic cells lining the inside. Therefore, light absorption occurs on the outer surface as well as the inner surface. This allows the plant to produce a sufficient amount of food by photosynthesis while conserving its water. The central core of each leaf is composed of clear, non-pigmented water storage cells. See Senecio rowleyanus.

Plant care and Growing: Epimedium prefers light to moderate shade, semi-shade or morning sun, and soil that is not too rich in nutrients or too dry. Established plants can tolerate brief periods of drought, but for ideal growth and flowering, regular watering is recommended. For maximum flowering, fertilizer should be applied in the spring afternew growth has begun to emerge. When re-potting, use fresh organic potting soil, ideally in a pot slightly larger than before, and use easy to remove drainage. To control any excessive growth, pinch out the central growing tips once or twice in the spring. In colder regions, it is necessary to make sure the root ball does not freeze and a container with holes at the base would be preferable. The container then needs to be covered during winter for extra insulation, with straw or similar material.

When grown as an ethnomedical plant, its use is primarily as an aphrodisiac, but the epimedium genus also contains species with a variety of potential health benefits. Epimedium is believed to boost sex drive, treat menopausal symptoms, increase bone density, and has also been used as a treatment for stomach issues, viral infections, and a wide range of pain-related issues.