Ornamental foliage - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Begonia longiciliata, commonly known as Hairy-leaf Begonia, is a rhizomatous perennial native to southern China, Laos, and Vietnam, valued for its textured foliage covered with long, fine hairs. It forms low, spreading clumps typically up to about 8 inches tall, with asymmetrical leaves that may reach 4 to 6 inches long. The leaf surface is medium to light green, often with subtle patterning or pale zones, while both surfaces and petioles carry distinctive elongated white hairs that give the plant a soft, fringed appearance. Pink flowers are produced on short stalks but are secondary to the foliage display.

This species prefers bright, indirect light, consistently moist but well-drained soil, and elevated humidity, reflecting its origin in shaded, humid habitats. It grows at a moderate pace and responds well to propagation from leaf or stem cuttings. Suitable for USDA zones 10 to 11, it is not frost-tolerant and should be kept above about 50 F. Begonia longiciliata performs best in containers, terrariums, or indoor collections where humidity and moisture can be maintained without waterlogging.

This large shrub 5-10 ft tall is native to the tropical Americas and is known for its ornamental foliage and pink flowers. Its common name is the Devil's Backbone. It is a rather irritant plant due to the presence of a milky sap. When it comes to growing care for Euphorbia tithymaloides, it is not a very demanding plant. It needs full sun during the fall and winter, and semi-shade in the summer. It is best to keep the potting mixture moist, but not too wet, especially when the room temperature is below 60F. Liquid fertilizer should be given to the plant once a month. It is recommended to use a well drained sandy mixture when planting, and a small pot. If necessary, you can change the pot size to one that is slightly bigger when the roots become crowded.

Euphorbia tithymaloides can be grown USDA Zone 9-11. In colder climate it can be grown in a pot. Be sure to bring the plant indoors during the winter in colder climates.

Overall, Euphorbia tithymaloides is a low-maintenance, hardy plant with beautiful pink flowers and ornamental foliage, making it a great addition to any home.

Cyclamen are commonly grown for their flowers, both outdoors and indoors in pots. It is a tuberous perennial. As the flowers begin to fade, gradually allow the plant to dry out for 2-3 months. It's going into a dormant stage and any excess water will cause the tuber to rot.

Selected cyclamen cultivars can have white, bright pink, red or purple flowers. The genus also provides florists plants in the form of cultivars based on Cyclamen persicum.

The genera Cyclamen had been moved from the Primulaceae to the Myrsinaceae.

Terminalia mantaly is a deciduous or evergreen tree with conspicuously layered branches. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of dyes and tannins. It can be used in reforestation projects and is a good shade tree, often being grown as an ornamental and to provide shade along streets.

Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to Queensland, Australia. It is known for its strong lemony scent when the leaves are crushed and for the lemon-scented oil produced from its leaves, which is used in perfumery. The trunks and branches of this species are powdery white to pinkish and the trunks are usually very straight. In nature, these trees can reach heights of 75-100 ft, but their size can be easily controlled through selective pruning and container size when grown in a greenhouse setting. The white blooms of Lemon Eucalyptus are not particularly distinctive, but they are followed by woody urn-shaped capsules about half an inch wide.

Lemon Eucalyptus is best suited to USDA Zones 8-11 and can survive temperatures as low as the mid-20s Fahrenheit for a short time. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, and should be watered moderately. In the summer months, water occasionally, and in the winter, water only once a month. Fertilize twice a year, once before the new growth flush in spring and again in early summer. Pruning can be done in late spring to control size and for ornamental shaping. Both young and mature specimens display their ornamental foliage with aromatic fragrance.

In addition to its ornamental qualities, Lemon Eucalyptus has a number of practical uses. The leaves can be used in teas, tinctures, and as a culinary herb for fish and chicken dishes. The plant has antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties and can be used for antiseptic purposes. Lemon eucalyptus oil is also widely used in aromatherapy, such as in oil diffusers or baths.

Lemon Eucalyptus is an attractive and useful plant to have in the garden or landscape. It provides a number of benefits, including its impressive height, fragrant foliage, healing oil, and ornamental qualities. Just be sure to protect it in colder and humid climates, as it is still susceptible to damage in these conditions.

It makes an attractive, succulent plant for hanging baskets, is easily propagated from leaf cuttings or by stem cuttings.

Jatropha curcas (Physic Nut) is a shrub, growing to heights up to 10 feet tall. It is a deciduous plant which is native to South America and is now cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The leaves are green and the flowers are white to off-white in color. The plant is valued for its ornamental foliage and pleasing contrast.

Medicinal and ethnomedical uses of Jatropha curcas have been known for a long time, chiefly for its extremely toxic seeds and fruits. The plant has also been used for its oil, primarily for making candles and soap. Furthermore, the oil has industrial purposes and is now used as a feedstock for producing biodiesel. Jatropha curcas can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 in full sun or partial shade. It needs moderate water during its growing season and prefers well-drained soils. However, it is drought tolerant and can tolerate periods of drought and heat.

When grown in pots, Jatropha curcas can - with proper care - tolerate cold temperatures down to the 30s F for a short period of time. It should be moved indoors, to a bright area, when temperatures drop to freezing. During winter, the plant should be watered once every two weeks. In the spring, when the plant starts growing, more frequent watering is preferred and fertilizer can be added every once in a while to promote growth and blooming. Deadheading of flowers is also helpful as it encourages more blooming. During hot summer months, the plant should be protected from direct sunlight and hot winds.

Unusual form of Monstera. Leathery foliage. Makes an interesting indoor specimen. Slow growing. Leaves have oval holes. It is sometimes referred to as the juvenile form of Monstera adansonii. Very close related species - Monstera adansonii. There are many hybrids in cultivation between Monstera adansonii and Monstera obliqua.

Monstera obliqua leaves are as thin as a sheet of paper, when adansonii leaves are a bit rough. Obliquas leaves consist mostly of holes. Adansonii leaves are not as longitindial as obliqua's. The holes in adansonii cover generally half of the adult leaf.

Once known as Vriesea imperialis, this plant is usually considered the signature species of the genus Alcantarea. A giant among bromeliads, it can grow to be more than 5 feet tall! It makes a wonderful focal point in any tropical landscape.

This anthurium has dramatic white or light green veins contrasting with dark green foliage. Flower spathes are light green with a reddish tinge. Likes partial shade or light shade. In winter, temperatures of not less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit are preferred. Likes a warm and humid atmosphere, so misting is beneficial. Reduce watering in the winter.