Shade - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Hoya carnosa Compacta, also known as Hindu Rope, is a groundcover and low-growing shrub plant native to South East Asia through Australia. It features ornamental foliage with interesting curled leaves. Each leaf is dappled with red, crimson and vinous colors. The beautiful blooms of Hindu Rope are fragrant and attract butterflies, Hummingbirds and other pollinators. The lower portion of the stem tends to take on an interesting rope-like shape hence the common name. It is quite a slow-growing plant, but with the right kind of care, it can turn out to be a showstopper in any garden.

Hindu Rope can grow in full or partial shade. They prefer moderate watering and are quite tolerant of salt, making them a greatly suitable choice in seaside plantings. In USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 they are evergreen and need extra focus on fertilizer, potting mix and plenty of sunshine. If the Hindu Rope is grown in cooler climates with snow and frost, the plant should be in a pot and moved indoors during cold season. The soil should be well-aerated and light with a neutral pH and with plenty of organic material. During the growing season, use a balanced liquid fertilizer for best results. Pruning is not required, but in case you want to keep the plant compact, you can prune after flowering. Make sure to sterilize your pruning tool beforehand to avoid the spread of disease.

Most Philodendrons are native to the jungles of tropical America, and as such, prefer the medium light intensity they would have on the jungle floor. They will tolerate low light, but if there is too little light, the new leaves will develop smaller, and farther apart on the stem. On the other hand, direct sunlight will burn the foliage, and stunt the growth of the plant.

Keep the soil evenly moist, but allow it to dry out between waterings. Propagation is by stem cuttings, or air layering, or by offsets, depending on the type of philodendron grown.

Begonias have long been popular greenhouse plants in temperate countries and are also used in some gardens, especially those with slightly cooler temperatures. Many hybrids have been developed, some grown primarily for their ornamental foliage, others for their attractive flowers. Among the latter group, which come mostly from tropical American species, are B. x semperflorens, which has small pink or white flowers, both double and single, and B. popenoei, on which the panicles of white flowers rise upright above the leaves. Among the foliage Begonias, B. rex is one of the best known, along with B. x erythrophylla, which has dark green leaves that are purple and red underneath, and B. heracleifolia, with striking green-and-bronze star-shaped leaves. All Begonias prefer moist but well-drained soil and shady conditions, though some will grow in filtered shade. Propagation is by stem or root cuttings or by division of rhizomes. Begonia escargot: Large whorled leaves in chocolate, champagne, silver and pewter tones. Needs high humidity and very even temperatures so that a large terrarium would make the perfect home.

Called pikake in Hawaii, this is the plant used to flavor the jasmine tea and making perfumes. Perfect houseplant, takes both sun or shade, Jasminum Sambac is a beautiful fragrant everbloomer for your home and garden.

The Belle of India is a vining shrub, pretty fast growing, that requires constant pruning to keep compact shape. If you let it go - the plant will grow as a large vine. Leaves are light green, sometimes yellowish-pale-green, not the best looking part of the plant; the flowers are! Flowers are double (smaller size than Grand Duke) and heavily scented. Blooms profusely provided full sun. The most reliable bloomer of all sambacs. Will tolerate some shade with less blooming.

See Video about Sambac varieties

Read more about Jasminum Sambac varieties and see more pictures: Jasminum Sambac Page.

This special cactus grows in tropical rainforests and has large wide meaty leaves. The flower is huge, white, fragrant, and nocturnal. Blooms at night hours, hence the name. One of the most exotic indoor plants. The plant is common around Veracruz, Mexico, a coastal area that borders the Gulf of Mexico. In this area, the weather is extremely humid, and the temperatures vary quite broadly, from 60 to 120 F, with a rainy season that lasts from May to October.

Queen of the Night is a very popular and yet mysterious plant. The flowers open once a year after sunset for one night. However the flowering period can last a month or two during the warm season. So each flower lasts only one night, but there will be more flowers to come! In the Nature, Queen of the Night grows on trees in the jungles of Central and South America. It is very easy to grow as an indoor plant in colder climates. In tropical and subtropical areas, grown outside in hanging baskets.

If grown from cutting, it may take 2-3 years until the plant starts blooming.

Propagation Methods: by dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets); leaf cuttings, herbaceous stem cuttings.

Synonyms: Epiphyllum latifrons, Phyllocactus acuminatus, Epiphyllum acuminatum, Epiphyllum grande, Phyllocactus latifrons, Cereus latifrons, Phyllocactus oxypetalus, Cereus oxypetalus, Phyllocactus grandis.

Leaves dissected and appear like the foliage of a carrot; small aerial plantlets form on the midribs of the mother plant's foliage.

For those that love jungly plants. Their enormous wrinkly leaves have an almost cardboard like texture and grow to about 2ft. Used in places that have good natural light and lots of space and could benefit from a little bit of drama... In the wild it is epiphytic or epilithic (meaning that it grows without soil either on trees, or in the rocks. Do not plant too deeply, keep moist but not soaked. Beware of slugs and snails, eliminate them with bait or pick them up at night. Wash the foliage regularly to control mites. Mulch abundantly, and fertilize monthly.

The true species produces white berries while the hybrid plant produces red berries.

Alpinia zerumbet is called a "shell ginger" or "shell flower" most commonly, because its individual pink flowers, especially when in bud, resemble sea shells.

Alpinia zerumbet is similar to Alpinia malaccensis and Alpinia nutans

This is a large evergreen shrub with a height ranging from 5-10 feet and is a native to East Asia. It can be used for creating bonsai and displays ornamental foliage that is usually a mix of yellow, green and white. This unusual colored foliage gives this plant its ornamental appeal. The plant requires regular water but is tolerant of drought or when the soil starts to dry out and requires moderate water overall. It is shade and semi-shade tolerant. It is also salt tolerant and even can survive in seaside locations.

When it comes to caring for this particular plant, it is important to note it is a relatively low maintenance plant. This plant grows best in USDA hardiness zone 6-10. When planting in a pot in cold regions, it is best to bring the pot indoors when freezing weather is expected. This is the best way to ensure protection from weather damage and the lower temperatures.

This gorgeous dendrobium is an eye-catching epiphyte with several branches of showy blooms. It is a hybrid between Dendrobium nobile and Dendrobium sonia, combining the best qualities from both parents.

Dendrobium Phalaenopsis 'Stripe Thailand' produces magnificent bunches of star-shaped pink flowers, with an attractive striped pattern. These blooms are incredibly eye-catching and will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden or balcony.

Dendrobium 'Stripe Thailand' needs little care, it likes moderate watering, in well-drained soil, in semi-shade position, in a bright but indirect light condition. In cold regions, the plant must be grown in a pot and brought indoors during the winter season.

For optimal growth, water your Dendrobium 'Stripe Thailand' regularly, but make sure that the soil is slightly dry before watering again, excess moisture should be avoided. Fertilization should be done every two weeks during growing period. If planted in a pot, always use fertilizer for epiphytic plants orchids.

Dendrobium x Phalaenopsis 'Stripe Thailand' is suitable for USDA Zone 9-11, and it will do well in warm climates with a temperature range of 50-85°F.

This hybrid is an easy to care for and beautiful addition to any garden, with its striking blooms and low-growing size. With minimal maintenance and care, your Dendrobium 'Stripe Thailand' will surely provide a stunning show in any garden or container and will be a delightful addition to your garden.