TOP TROPICALS ONLINE STORE: Orchids and Epyphites

Horny wonder, Bushman's pipe. Origin: South Africa. This is one of the most interesting plants you ever see. Nearly leafless rambling stems produce 3" inflated balloon-like flowers of white and yellow pin stripes, topped with emerald green birdcages.

Anthony's Rick-Rack, Zig-Zag Cactus, Fishbone Orchid Cactus. It is nightblooming and its flowers last only a single night in spring. Because the flowers are so quickly spent, this epiphyte is mainly only grown for the strange leaves which lend it the common name Ric-Rac Cactus, or occasionally Zig-Zag or Fishbone Cactus. It can be grown either in orchid substrate, or in regular cactus potting soil with a bit of humus added. In the wild it attaches itself to trees, clinging by little aerial root filaments along the zigzagging succulent leaves, but is adaptable to terrestrial habits. It loves strong yet indirect lighting. It does not need a lot of water and should be permitted to dry out entirely between waterings.

Climbing by attaching its roots to the host tree, this epiphyte can reach a height 9 ft. It has pendent stems, and small button-like, silver-grey leaves. This little vine has cute little coin shaped leaves. It can be grown as a hanging basket or pot, or on moss or bark. It likes bright light but not direct sun over the plant. The mix needs to be kept moderately dry between waterings. They don't like too much water and misting the plant once or twice a week should do the job. Liquid feeding once a month with half strength is adequate. It is also good for terrariums.

Nicknamed Million Hearts because of the long, vining stems that are laden with pairs of heart-shaped, bright green leaves. This plant has a delicate cascading habit, and its vines can grow upwards of 3 feet long. Tiny heart shaped leaves and tiny, white, honey-scented flowers. Needs a well-drained soil mix, such as orchid bark or compost and moderate light.

This flat stemmed epiphytic cactus boasts brilliant red flowers which can reach up to 6" across. Flowering occurs in mid-spring. Originated from tropical forests in the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico. It grows in a fern-like manner, arching toward the ground. Stems begin as round bases that grow to 7 inches long. Flourishes in the tropical environment. Despite the name cactus, it enjoys regular watering. In cultivation, it has been confused with Disocactus × jenkinsonii, a hybrid between D. phyllanthoides and D. speciosus.

Often goes under name Philodendron Cordatum Lime Gold (Neon) is a rarer form of the heart leaf Pothos with lime green leaves. A vibrant yellow statement piece, with large stunning heart leaf, it produces long vines and works well in a hanging basket or trailing out of a pot; it can be also grown on a stake or trellis. Prefers moist but well-drained soil and some humidity.
See Article about Philodendrons.

This spectacular variety of a rare Aroid has creamy-marble variegation. The plant is said to bring good luck and prosperity in the house. It is also called devil's vine or devil's ivy because it is almost impossible to kill and it stays green even when kept in the dark. It is sometimes mistakenly labeled as a Philodendron in plant stores. It is commonly known as money plant in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. It rarely flowers without artificial hormone supplements; the last known spontaneous flowering was reported in 1964. The plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
See Article about Philodendrons.

This Thailand species has a lovely light fragrance with a strong and vigorous growth habit similar to Hoya carnosa. The umbel of flowers is about 3" wide and boasts tiny maroon stars with white frosted edges. The leaves are dark green with silver white flecks and darker accented green veining. It's a strong grower that likes to ramble so provide support with a trellis or stake to help manage its wandering ways.

This rare plant originates from Papua New Guinea and was first described in 1913. The flower is very fragrant and can infuse your entire house in a beautiful lilac scent. This vigorous grower makes a perfect houseplant with velvety leaves and fragrant white flowers sporting red centers. Each flower is almost 1" wide and they are borne in clusters that appear when the day length shortens in fall and winter. It can be grown in a pot with a trellis or in a hanging basket. The sweet scent of the flowers fills the air when Hoya calycina is in bloom.

Wax Hearts, Sweetheart Hoya, Valentine Hoya, Heart leaf. Hoya kerrii - Sweetheart Plant - makes an ideal houseplant. It has become increasingly popular in recent years. Unusual and quirky "heart" shape leaves appeal to anyone looking for that special novelty gift for their plant enthusiast friend.

Variegated Wax Hearts, Sweetheart Hoya, Valentine Hoya, Heart leaf.
Hoya kerrii - Sweetheart Plant - makes an ideal houseplant. It has become increasingly popular in recent years. Unusual and quirky "heart" shape leaves appeal to anyone looking for that special novelty gift for their plant enthusiast friend.

Fragrant Hoya - rare compact hoya from Thailand. The flowers are extremely beautiful, like frost crystals. The flower is open about 4 days and has high fragrance. Starts to bloom when it is very young.

Hoya macrophylla is a very unique Hoya that has spectacular trailing foliage and beautiful flowers, it produces clusters of small, pink and white flowers in late spring or early summer. The leaves often include stripes of white, yellow, or pink coloring amidst its deep green shade. This coloring, paired with its waxy leaf texture, makes the plant stand out from other Hoyas. Once mature, it is a frequent bloomer. The new leaves emerge pink from long vining tendrils, and this Hoya sure loves to climb. Like all members of the genus, it has waxy leaves, stems and flowers, which develop in fragrant clusters as the plant reaches maturity. It's easy to grow, with leaves ultimately around 5" long! It is one of the longest-lived and easiest to maintain houseplants, known for their large waxy leaves, low-maintenance, and visual appeal. During the day, the flowers are odorless. At night the flowers fill the air with fragrance when natural pollinators come out. Some claim flower fragrance is that of hyacinth.

This hoya is a must for beginners. It flowers in the autumn with a heavenly scented bloom and is a very pretty plant. No special care requirements makes this a must-have for all houseplant enthusiasts.
It is a rare plant native to Thailand, Cambodia and other parts of tropical Asia. It features very small leaves and small flowers. But its vines will grow long and spread out to the sides of a pot.

Flowers are wonderfully fragrant, have a crisp, clean, waxy appearance. Fragrance is somewhat citrus-like but sweet. The leaves are thin and beautifully copper coloured when young and the stems tend to have an upright habit until they begin to flex as they grow longer.

This easy to grow species, it is truly spectacular when it produces its glorious colored flowers. A large number of H. pubicalyx cultivars are in cultivation, each displaying a different flower color or, occasionally leaf color.
Some cultivars have variegated leaves - see photo of the leaves.

Long, thin chartreuse and cream-colored leaves with green, and a little pink, accents help this Hoya stand out. The unique leaf markings provide depth and look stunning as the vines begin to trail. The new foliage of this Stringbean Hoya look alike are touched in pinks and near reds and mature to a nice medium yellow to cream and green with a dark outline on each narrow leaf. The stringbean-like leaves are very narrow, dark green and almost "bent" along the leaf. This variegated form of Hoya wayetii is a vigorous, yet dainty, and easy to grow Waxflower that creates a tight mat of fine stems and dense foliage that is perfectly suited to spilling from containers and hanging baskets on warm shaded patios and porches. The dense low growth of Hoya wayetii should lend it to use as a groundcover beneath larger plants with similar growing requirements.
It's a hoya best suitable for growing as a hanging plant.

What a beautiful plant! The bright pink clusters of flowers really stand out and are held above the leaves. Philippine Pink is a rare medinilla not usually found in the trade. Bright pink, large up to 2” flowers appear in well-branched, pendant clusters that arise from the distinctively veined foliage. Unlike many in the genus, this species floral show comes from the large, distinct flowers rather than the hanging bracts. What's great about this showy medinilla is that the flowers are not hidden underneath, so it isn't necessary to grow it in a hanging basket-like many other species. It's a tall, upright grower that flowers throughout the summer months. Medinillas perform well as houseplants in warm, bright light areas of the home. Morning sun is acceptable but not hot afternoon sun. It can also be grown in a shady location outside.

Medinilla has bright pink flowers and can be grown as a small shrub or a potted plant. Very tropical-looking exotic plant.

Orange medinilla, Orange Spike. Medinilla scortechinii has bright orange flowers and can be grown as a small shrub or a potted plant. Very tropical-looking exotic plant.

Swiss cheese plant. A jungle climbing relative of the philodendron from Mexico and Guatemala. It is seen in gardens in tropical and subtropical areas, growing well in partial sun or shade. The plant begins bearing after three years. The large deep green, cone-like fruit is actually an unripened flower spike, covered with hexagonal scales that dry out and separate as the fruit ripens from the base upwards, revealing the white pulp. It takes a little longer than a year to mature to an edible stage.
See Article about Philodendrons.

Pitcher plant does well in both cooler or warmer conditions. Tubby pitchers may be constricted at the waist, pale green to red-infused, while the stems are compact. Passive pitfall traps produced at the tips of the leaves trap and digest small insects. Color of the pitchers light-green, often with light or dark-red or violet spots.
Nepenthes are extremely versatile and adaptable to many different growing conditions. The number one choice to try on a windowsill or tank, very easy, vigorous and attractive.
Do not fertilize these plants with dry fertilizer! They get all their food from "eating" insects! If you are growing the plant where it cannot catch insects for long periods, you can add an occasional small insect such as a fly, a cockroach or a few very small insects to mature pitchers. Many types benefit from very mild, diluted liquid orchid fertilizer such as SUNSHINE Orchidasm, and solution should be added only to the pitchers when they are 3/4 filled with water.
See Article about this plant.