Keep soil wet: Bog or aquatic plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 5)

Equisetum hyemale, commonly referred to as horsetail or scouring rush, is an interesting oriental-looking plant with leafless stems which is perfect for adding a unique touch to outdoor spaces. This small shrub grows between 2-5 ft in height and is great for container gardening, particularly in Japanese-style gardens. It thrives in moist soil and can be grown in full sun to partial shade conditions.

Being a bog or aquatic plant, horsetail requires regular water and doesn't tolerate droughts well. It should never be allowed to dry out within one to two inches of the surface of the soil. It has attractive ornamental foliage that can bring life to a garden and make it look vibrant.

When it comes to plant care, horsetail is easy to maintain. However, keep in mind that its stems and foliage are quite irritating to the skin and can cause allergic reactions, so it's important to wear gloves when handling it. Moreover, it is an invasive species and may spread to areas in the garden that you don't want it to, so these need to be monitored and controlled.

It adapts well in USDA Zones 4-9. In colder climates and regions, horsetail can grow in a pot, as long as you take the necessary precautions to protect it against frost during winter months. Make sure to provide ample protection by moving the pot away from direct sunlight and placing straw or mulch around it.

The leaves have a quilted texture, although the stems, flowers, and leaves which float on the surface are covered in sharp prickles.

The plant is cultivated for its seeds in lowland ponds in India, China, and Japan.

Gunnera manicata is a spectacular, architectural herbaceous plant, commonly known as 'giant rhubarb'. These plants need plenty of space to grow in, as it can be difficult to control their size. In terms of planting these plants, they look best either as a feature plant in a damp, bog garden, or beside a large pond where the reflections of their umbrella-shaped leaves are visible. The fat growth buds clustered in its crown are prone to frost damage. Therefore, it is advisable to provide extra protection by piling a heavy mulch layer of dead leaves and stems over the plant during autumn. Gunnera manicata can be grown in almost any kind of soil, as long as it remains moist.

In terms of sun exposure, Gunnera manicata is tolerant of both full sun and semi-shade environments. It is relatively hardy, and can withstand temperatures as low as -17C (0F) with the help of a thick mulch layer. Furthermore, this plant is also saltwater resistant and can even handle temporary frost spells down to the 30's degree Fahrenheit (F). To keep the plant healthy, it should be watered at regular intervals, prune off old leaves and snip dead branches, as well as being fed with a fertilizer every month. With a bit of extra care, these plants can also survive in cooler climates and can even be kept in containers. When grown in the ideal environment, Gunnera manicata is quite a show-stopper and its large green leaves, ornate blooms, and contrasting red branch tips, attract attention and add to the overall aesthetic. It is also known to attract many birds and butterflies, making it a great addition to any garden.

Gunnera tinctoria is an attractive, ornamental shrub that is native to Chile and Argentina. Growing 5 - 10ft tall, it is an ideal plant for garden beds, especially in frost-prone locations. It is well suited to full sun or semi-shade, and can also be grown in bog or aquatic conditions.

This exotic plant has many uses, both ornamental and edible. Its large foliage and prickly stems provide an interesting texture to the garden, whilst its small flowers give off a delightful scent in midsummer. Its edible young leaf stalks provide an interesting addition to a salad, while they can also be cooked as a vegetable. Furthermore, Gunnera tinctoria is a good source of dietary fiber, calcium and iron.

This robust shrub is strong and resilient, and incredibly easy to care for. It thrives in moist soil and requires regular watering, even during dry periods. With the right care, Gunnera tinctoria can produce an abundant yield of edible fruits, which are small, oval-shaped and purple-black.

In regions with colder climates, such as those in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7-9, Gunnera tinctoria can be grown in a pot to protect it from the cold. To do this, the pot must have adequate drainage and the soil, should be kept moist. Additionally, the plant must be shielded from strong winter frosts.

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides, also known as Senegal tea, is a small shrub native to wet marshy soils and still or very slowly flowing waters of South America. It is probably the only asteraceae species suitable for aquariums and can help to feed on suspended nutrients in the water to prevent algae growth. The shrub typically grows to a height of 2-5 ft and has dark green, spearhead-shaped, serrated leaves which are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. In spring and summer, the small shrub produces numerous white or off-white, ball-shaped flowers with a diameter of 15-20mm at the tips of the stems. It is important to note, however, that Gymnocoronis spilanthoides is considered to be invasive in certain climates and should be planted with caution.

In regards to growing requirements, Gymnocoronis spilanthoides does best in full sun or semi-shade in humid climates and will thrive in areas with wet bog or aquatic soil. It will do quite well in a pot in cold climates. For those looking to grow it in USDA Zones 8-10, the Gymnocoronis spilanthoides should be planted in a location with full sun or light shade to reach optimal growth and flowering. Regular watering and fertilization with a balanced plant food every six weeks is recommended to keep the shrub healthy and blooming throughout the year. To prevent the plant from becoming invasive, it is important to regularly remove any seed heads that may form, as they may spread and become problematic in certain climates.

If you look closely, this native orchid really does look like it is dancing. The tiny, spidery flowers of Habenaria repens seem to hover in motion, giving rise to its charming common name - Water-spider Bog Orchid, also called Floating Orchid.

Habenaria repens is one of the few orchids that can live both on land and in water. It naturally grows in wet ditches, marshes, meadows, and along pond and lake edges, and it can even form floating mats in still water. In warm climates, it may bloom almost year-round, sending up tall flower spikes packed with 10-50 delicate greenish-white blooms. The narrow, spider-like petals and lip are designed to attract pollinators, while the light green sepals blend perfectly into wetland surroundings.

This orchid produces several yellow-green leaves along its stem, with smaller leaves near the flower spike. It prefers consistently moist to wet conditions and slightly acidic soil. In cultivation, it does best in bog gardens, shallow pond margins, alongside carnivorous plants like pitcher plants, or even in containers kept very wet.

Small, subtle, and easy to overlook at first glance, Habenaria repens rewards anyone who stops and looks closely. Once you see that little flower dancing, you will never forget it.

Habenaria repens blooms throughout the year in wet ditches, meadows, marshes and along shorelines.

It can be a terrestrial or truly aquatic orchid species and has been known to form floating mats in stagnant pools. This species produces 3-8 yellow green leaves that emerge from the stem and gradually reduce in size towards the inflorescence. The inflorescence has 10-50 flowers arranged in a densely flowered raceme. The sepals are light green and the petals and lip of each flower are a greenish white and spidery looking.

Heliamphora parva, also known as the Marsh Pitcher Plant, is a small native plant that originates from Venezuela. With showy, ornamental foliage, this plant is perfect for anyone looking for an exotic addition to their garden. Growing up to about two to five feet tall, this plant thrives in full sun or semi-shade, making it an easy and versatile option for just about any garden.

These plants love wet, boggy conditions and prefer to keep the soil moist, although you can also grow them in aquatic conditions if desired. You will also need to provide plenty of fertilizer to help them bloom and create their attractive foliage. The Marsh Pitcher Plant will produce striking white or off-white flowers, and as such makes a great ornamental plant in any garden.

If you are located in a colder climate, you can easily grow your Marsh Pitcher Plant by placing it in a pot and bringing it indoors during the winter months. For best results in cold regions, keep the pot in a warm location and provide plenty of sunlight, as well as regular water.

The Marsh Pitcher Plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11, making them a great choice for gardeners with warmer climates. With the right care and attention, they can be a beautiful addition to any garden, and you can look forward to enjoying their beautiful flowers in no time.

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.