Alocasia odora

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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It grows in light shade to partial sun, in a well-drained, fuzzy soil. Where cold winter temperatures occur, it is best to plant these in a container that can be moved indoors; they are only cold-hardy to Zone 7-11, so Zone 8 and below should take extra caution, as this plant cannot tolerate frost.

A tall, woody perennial, Alocasia odora typically grows up to 5-10 feet tall in its native Tropical Asia. With its large, striking leaves and small, off-white/white fragrant flowers, it has become a popular ornamental choice for gardens. The foliage has an intense shine, and striking color contrast with the veining and patterning.

Alocasia odora prefers partial shade and regular water. It will tolerate bog or aquatic garden conditions and flood-like conditions. It requires a soupy soil or a soil that allows for good drainage.

In order to ensure a healthy, robust growth, it is important to evenly water the plant regularly, ideally using a moisture meter to determine the proper moisture level. It is also recommended to place the plant in spots where it will receive plenty of indirect sunlight and to fertilize it bi-weekly.

However, in cold regions, it is essential to be aware of the fact that Alocasia odora is only cold-hardy to temperatures at least as low as 30°F for a short time. To prevent any cold damage, it is best to move the plant indoors and it might be good to keep it in a pot rather than planting it in the ground.

Overall, Alocasia odora adds a unique texture and delicate beauty to any garden or home. With its large, architectural leaves and fragrant blooms, it is no wonder that this plant has become a much sought-after ornamental for any garden.

Alocasia 'Tiny Dancer' is unlike any other.This hybrid (scientific name: Alocasia brisbanensisxlocasia odora), created in 2013 is known for its long green petioles with small cupped leaves in a unique teardrop shape. While the plant grows upright, its petioles tend to fan out, curving in different directions like they are dancing.

Alocasia reginae

The Shell Alocasia is a small shrub native to Borneo, up to 2-5 feet in height with a dramatic arching formation of large foliage. This plant thrives in semi-shade to bright indirect light and grows best with regular watering throughout the growing season. The individual white off-white flowers are insignificant, but the Ornamental foliage is this plant's greatest trait. Grown in USDA Zone: 9-11, Alocasia reginae is an easy to care for tropical houseplant that can handle a little neglect but come to life with more attentive care.

For those who live in cooler climates, this plant can be grown in a pot. Provide the plant with bright indirect light and keep moist soil, using regular watering. Although Alocasia reginae enjoys humid air and warm temperatures, it tolerates lower temperatures as long as temperatures remain above freezing.

Maintain a regular watering schedule for optimal growth. Due to its tropical natives, this plant does appreciate moist soil but never waterlogged or soggy. To avoid waterlogging, water in moderation and let it get dry between waterings. Make sure to select a pot with holes in the bottom. Overwatering the plant can cause Alocasia reginae to develop root rot or yellow leaves. To avoid this, keep the soil evenly moist and water on the soil surface.

Fertilize the plant regularly during the growing season in spring and summer. For optimal growth, use a liquid fertilizer to provide all the essential nutrients the plant needs. Feed the plant a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks at half strength. Avoid fertilizing in the colder months.

Finally, make sure the environment is humid by misting the plant occasionally or by placing a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot. Protect the plant from drafts and humidity during the colder months of the season. With proper care and love, Alocasia reginae won't fail to bring its joy and beauty to your home.

Aloe sp.

They range in size from little one inch miniatures to massive plant colonies consisting of hundreds of 2 foot diameter plants. Although most Aloes have some medicinal or commercial value, the most commonly known is the Aloe barbadensis... better known as Aloe vera. All Aloes are semitropical succulent plants, and may only be grown outdoors in areas where there is no chance of freezing (USDA zones 10-11). However, they make excellent house plants when they are given sufficient light. Potted Aloes benefit from spending the summer outdoors. Older specimens may even bloom, producing a tall stock covered with bright colored coral flowers. Aloe flower nectar is a favorite of hummingbirds! The medicinal properties of Aloe vera have been known, and recorded since biblical times. It has been used for a variety of ailments, and as an ointment for burns, cuts, and rashes, as well as an ingredient in various beauty preparations. The sap of the Aloe is a thick, mucilaginous gel. It is this gel which is used medicinally. Because Aloe plants consist of 95% water, they are extremely frost tender. If they are grown outdoors in warm climates, they should be planted in full sun, or light shade. The soil should be moderately fertile, and fast draining. Established plants will survive a drought quite well, but for the benefit of the plant, water should be provided. During the winter months, the plant will become somewhat dormant, and utilize very little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal. Allow the soil to become completely dry before giving the plant a cup or two of water. During the summer months, the soil should be completely soaked, but then be allowed to dry again before re-watering. Aloes have a shallow, spreading root system, so when it is time to repot choose a wide planter, rather than a deep one. You may also use a packaged 'cacti mix' soil. Aloes are propagated by removing the offsets which are produced around the base of mature plants, when they are a couple inches tall (or larger). They may also be grown from seed.

Species and varieties:

Aloe africana

Aloe albiflora

Aloe amudatensis

Aloe arborescens

Aloe aristata

Aloe bakeri

Aloe barberae

Aloe bellatula

Aloe branddraaiensis

Aloe brevifolia

Aloe buhrii

Aloe cameronii

Aloe camperi

Aloe ciliaris

Aloe cremnophila

Aloe dichotoma

Aloe 'Delta Lights'

Aloe dorotheae

Aloe dyeri

Aloe erinacea

Aloe ferox

Aloe gariepensis

Aloe glauca

Aloe haworthioides

Aloe hereroensis

Aloe humilis

Aloe juvenna

Aloe karasbergensis

Aloe krapohliana

Aloe macrosiphon

Aloe marlothii

Aloe melanacantha

Aloe microstigma

Aloe mitriformis

Aloe perryi

Aloe pearsonii

Aloe pictifolia

Aloe plicatilis

Aloe pruinosa

Aloe ramosissima

Aloe saponaria

Aloe somaliensis

Aloe speciosa

Aloe squarrosa

Aloe striata

Aloe vera

Aloe x nobilis

Aloysia gratissima, Lippia lycioides, Aloysia lycioides

Grown in full sun to partial shade, Aloysia gratissima is a large and moderately tolerant shrub native to Mexico and South America. It can grow up to 5-10 feet tall, producing fragrant white or off-white flowers with yellow and orange centers in the spring through fall. Attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, this ethnomedical plant is drought tolerant, low-water use, and tolerant of soils which are poorly drained.

It thrives in USDA Zones 8-11. In cold regions, Aloysia gratissima should be grown in a large enough pot to prevent it from freezing, and the pot should be brought inside during severe weather. Provide shade or mulch when temperatures dip too low, and be sure to water deeply after periods of extreme cold. Use a slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.

Aloysia virgata

Aloysia virgata is very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Native to Mexico and South America, Aloysia virgata (Sweet Almond Bush) is a large shrub that can reach heights of 5-10 feet tall. This plant prefers to be grown in full sun or semi-shade, with a moderate amount of water. Its fragrant, white to off-white flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. It makes a great addition to any garden, with the bonus of a lovely scent.

Aloysia virgata is a fast-growing shrub, requiring very little care for best performance. In order to maintain its appearance and shape, it is important to prune it back periodically. It is also possible to grow it as a potted plant in cold regions, as long as the plant is given careful growing and care instructions.

For successfully growing Aloysia virgata in a pot in cold climates, the container must have good drainage to prevent waterlogging, and should be brought indoors when temperatures reach the mid 30s F. It is important to note that the pot should be large enough to accommodate the rate of growth of the plant. The soil must include compost or mulch for nutrients, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not overly wet. During the winter, the soil needs to also be mulched to help ensure insulation from extreme cold temperatures.

Aloysia virgata is a beautiful and fragrant shrub that can provide near year-round beauty to any home garden. With proper care and maintenance, it can thrive in full sun or partial shade, and in a wide range of climates and soils.