Regular water - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Napoleona is an interesting group of trees and shrubs found in the understorey of tropical rainforests. Esteemed for the exquisite, vividly colored, saucer shaped flowers that grow from leaf axils, or directly from trunk and stem. They are mostly grown as greenhouse specimens by collectors, but can be used as landscaping ornamentals where conditions are suited.

Pinanga disticha is a charming little palm native to peninsular Thailand and Malaysia and also found in Singapore and Sumatra. It is a dwarf collectible growing to a height of about 4 ft. Often found in the moist areas and beside streams in deep shade of down to 30-40% light infiltration from the canopy. Very thin stemmed small palm, forms a thick clump. Leaves are mottled, and undivided or divided once. Mature fruits are red. Grows best in filtered light in a moist position. Cold Hardiness Zone: 10b. Pinnate, broad leaf. Young plants might have mottled leaves.

Note: the following latin synonyms for Cabelluda - Eugenia cabelluda, Eugenia tomentosa, Myrciaria glomerata, Paramyrciaria glomerata - may be taxonomically incorrect, although in some sources excepted. Refer to pictures for better identification of this plant.

Cabelluda is a large shrub or small tree, 10-20 feet in height, with multiple thin trunks, very handsome and of value as an ornamental plant. The young stems and leaves are pubescent. Small white flowers are perfect and occur in axillary clusters. Fruits are about 1 inch in diameter, round, yellow when fully ripe, pubescent, with one or two seeds. Cabelluda fruits are delicious. They resemble large gooseberries in appearance and are sweet and aromatic, with a flavor similar to apricot. These are eaten fresh, and can also be used for juices and jams. The fruits are very nutritive and rich in vitamins. Fruiting occurs in 2-3 years, when the plant is hardly 3-4 feet tall.

Cabelluda grows best in moist, fertile soils, and fruits well in full sun as well as partial shade. As a tropical tree, it is fairly cold tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as upper 20's for a short period. Soft young leaves and twigs may get some cold damage, however even if severely damaged, in Spring the plant readily grows back from the roots.

Cabelluda is rare in plant collections, however it is popular in cultivation around Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where its fruit ripen in October-November.

It was an early introduction elsewhere in the tropical world, where it soon escaped the confines of gardens and became a weed. L. camara is a prickly shrub, about 3-6 ft in height, with ovate rough leaves and almost continuous displays of blooms that appear as clusters made up of tiny florets. Orange or red-orange are the commonest colors, but there are cultivars with larger white, pink, or lemon-yellow flowers. People like having Lantana in a garden because of the pungent smell of the leaves, and appreciate the reliable display of bright flowers. In Thailand, several colors are sometimes grafted onto a single trunk and the result trained into a standard. Lantana always prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is by air-layering or from woody cuttings.

Costus malortieanus has wonderful velvety foliage and a nice dark green color. The flowers are also quite attractive. Costus malortieanus grows to about 5 ft tall in part shade to nearly full sun. This is the easiest of all the spiral gingers to grow, as it seems to be able to handle a wide range of soil and sunlight.

Prosopis juliflora, also known as Velvet mesquite, is a large tree native to South America. It is a fast-growing tree, capable of reaching a height of more than 20 feet, and it has become widely naturalized in many places throughout the world.

This plant prefers full sun to semi-shade and needs regular watering, although it can survive on lower amounts of water in times of drought. It is a great plant for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, and does well in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.

When planting mesquite, be sure to use a large container or pot. In regions with cold climates, insulating the root ball in winter with organic mulch or a plastic wrap may be necessary. In colder climates, it's usually best to plant the container-grown Prosopis juliflora in spring or early summer and to keep it on a patio or other protected area over winter.

Regular watering is necessary for mesquite to thrive, but it should be kept in mind that too much water can be detrimental. During hot summer months, Prosopis juliflora can handle up to two inches of water per week, while during cooler times of the year, it should be watered less frequently.

When pruning Prosopis juliflora, it is important to use sharp tools in order to avoid damaging the bark and making the tree more prone to disease. It is also important to never prune more than a third of the tree's foliage at any one time.

Prosopis juliflora is a showy and interesting addition to any landscape, and with the right care and attention, it can thrive for many years. Its attractive foliage and its ability to attract butterflies and hummingirds make it a great choice for anyone looking for a beautiful plant to add some life to their outdoor spaces.

The sweet fragrance of gardenias on a versatile, dwarf size shrub. Great in containers, raised beds and in the foreground of borders. Single flowers are star-like with five petals atop foliage spring and fall. Evergreen. Full to partial sun. Slow-growing to only 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. Easily kept under 12" in height. Single white flower is 1.5-2" across. A dense, bushy, branching habit with small to moderate sized, shiny green leaves make this a great choice for windowsill culture. Read more about gardenias.

Caladium bicolor is a tuberous tropical perennial from South America, especially Brazil, valued for its dramatic foliage. It produces large heart- or lance-shaped leaves that emerge directly from the underground tuber on slender petioles. The leaves display vivid patterns in combinations of green, white, pink, and red, making it a striking choice for shaded gardens or indoor displays. While it can bloom under favorable conditions, its floral display is insignificant compared to the ornamental value of its foliage. The flowers of Caladium are modest white spadices, typical of plants in the .

Grow in rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and provide warm, humid conditions with bright indirect light. Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist, but reduce watering during dormancy. In temperate climates, lift tubers in autumn and store them dry at 55-60F until replanting in spring. Ideal for USDA Zones 10 -11, Caladium bicolor also thrives in containers, bringing bold color and tropical flair to shaded spaces.

An evergreen shrub with year round interest, bright foliage color in spring, attractive flowers, and the additional feature of being suitable for containers. The growth habit is neat and compact and there's rarely any need for pruning. It's also an extremely suitable subject for this locality, preferring a slightly humid climate. Pieris require the same growing conditions as many rhododendrons. A fertile, humus-rich, lime-free or peaty soil that is moist but well-drained is ideal.

Nautilocalyx adenosiphon is a small shrub native to Central and South America. It grows 2-5 ft in height and is characterized by its fuzzy foliage with tiny white hairs and serrated, red-edged leaves. It prefers either shade or semi-shade and will grow in the USDA Zones 9-11 with regular water. Nautilocalyx adenosiphon blooms in the summer and winter months with beautiful, off-white flowers.

Growing this plant in cooler climates can be done with some tweaking. For example, in colder regions, it can be grown in a pot that can be brought indoors during winter months. When growing in containers, it's important to use a soil mix that provides adequate drainage and regular fertilizing. When it comes to water, Nautilocalyx adenosiphon needs a moderate amount, so check the soil regularly to make sure it's neither too dry nor too soggy.

Due to its attractive and lush foliage, Nautilocalyx adenosiphon is quite easy to care for and can make a great addition to any garden. For best results, it should be planted in well-drained soil, in areas that receive plenty of indirect sunlight. If grown as a container plant, it should be fertilized regularly to ensure fast and healthy growth. With proper care, Nautilocalyx adenosiphon will reward you with its beautiful off-white, bell-shaped flowers and lush foliage.