Medinilla magnifica

Light and position Medinillas need good light at all times . they also need plenty of space . if possible elevate them slightly so that the flowers can be really appreciated   Temperature range: These plants need a winter minimum of 16 C ( 31F ) and summer temperatures of 16-32 C ( 61- 90…

Mandevilla splendens

Light and position : Mandevillas need good light as insufficient amounts of light will scorch the leaves and cause bud drop. If  the mandevilla is to climb , it must be given some means of support , such as trellis or wires   Temperature range : Despite the need for high temperatures during propagation ,…

Schefflera (Umbrella Tree or octopus tree )

Light and position : The umbrella Tree is an accommodating plant that will tolerate many locations but prefers light shade or indirect sunlight. Young plants can be mixed in with other houseplants , but fullgrown plants are best viewed when they are standing alone as a special feature.   Temperature range: To keep the umbrella…

Saintpaulia (African Violet)

Light and position The African violet requires good light and will tolerate direct sunlight so long as this is not magnified by the glass of a greenhouse or windowpane.it is important that this plant should be protected from draughts.       Temperature range: A good nursery will not sell African violet until the milder…

Nerium oleander (Common oleander)

Nerium oleander : Common oleander or RoseBay   Light and position : Oleanders will not flower unless they are in a position where they receive as much direct light as possible throughout the year . they can be used to shade other plants that need shade from direct sun.   TemperatureRange : A winter minimum…

Jasminum (Jasmine)

Light and position All jasmines need to be in a position where they receive some direct sunlight every day . if possible position these plants so that they can climb- they will need wires or trellis to do so . if there is no suitable space , provide them with some means of support within…

Hoya (wax plant)

Light and position Hoyas need good light with some direct sunlight every day H.bella will be seen at its best if planied in a hanging container . h.carnosa will cover wail space if it is provided with wires or a trellis , otherwise a moss pole or wire hoop will suffice.   Temperature Range A…

Hibiscus rosa sinensis

Hibiscus rosa sinensis Rose of china , blacking plant or Chinese rose   Light and position : In common with all flowering pot plants , the hibiscus needs very good light to retain its buds and go on to produce a satisfactory flowering . keep the plant away from draughts and maintain an even temperature…

Gynura sarmentosa (Purple passion Vine)

Light and position : Gynuras need good light , a position where they will receive some direct sunlight every day will ensure their intense coloring . without this, growth will become leggy and the growing tips will begin to pale. They will trail , or climb given support , either way they are best planted…

Gloriosa rothschildiana (Glory lily)

Light and position : Gloriosas need good light with some direct sun during the spring . during the summer when the sun is at its most intense, they will need some protection from midday heat.   Temperature range: These plants need quite a high temperature to start them into growth , around 20C (68F) ….

Gardenia jasminoides (Cape jasmine)

Ideal condition Light and position : Provide good light , with some direct sun during the winter months . during the summer gardenias will do well in the dappled shade provided by other taller plants   Temperature range: Pay great attention to the detail of temperature where these fickle plants concerned. When buds are forming…

Beloperone guttata (Shrimp plant)

Light and position : The shrimp plant needs plenty of light to maintain the colour of its bracts and encourage flowering but in common with many plants must be protected from direct hot sunlight , it will not tolerate continual shade or a cold , draughty position   Temperature range : The plant is fairly…

Begonia

Light and position Fibrous-rooted and rhizomatous begonias, grown primarily for their foliage, require bright light but not direct sunlight. Tuberous begonias need bright, indirect light all the year round   Temperature range Fibrous-rooted, rhizomatous and tuberous begonias all do well in normal room temperatures of around 15C(60F) . in winter, dormant tuberous types should be…

Aphelandra (Saffron spike )

Light and postion The alphelandra is a exception among flowering plants in that it does not require full light in order to flourish successfully. Good light is needed but not full sun the plant should be given plenty of room in which to spread its leaves   Temperature range Warm temperature of 18-21(65-70F)are essential and…

Allamanda cathartica (Golden trumpet vine)

Light and position : Allemandes love strong direct sunlight , for two or three hours a day in summer whenever possible . if the allamanda is grown in a sunroom or conservatory , encourage the plant to grow up into the roof space it will love it there and provide the plants below with natural…

Acer palmatum

This is one of the best shrubs or small trees for conservatory . its attractive foliage makes a good focal point in a grouping of shrubs and other plants and it maintains its interest from spring to autumn . Conditions Season interest : spring to autumn Size : to 3m (10ft) Flower: small-purple-red in clusters,…

Abutilon hybrids (Flowering maple or Parlour Maple)

Light and position Give an abutilon a position where it is going to receive as much direct sunlight as possible. Large plants can become top heavy . so make sure their containers are sturdy enough to prevent them from toppling over   Temperature range A mininmum of 10C(50F) will suit these plants perfectly , but…

HELIOTROPIUM (Heliotrope)

Once the Heliotrope or Cherry Pie was a popular sum-mer plant, sharing a place in countless Victorian gardens alongside Fuchsias and Geraniums, but its day is now past. The problem is that each individual blooms is tiny, but the flower-heads are large and the fragrance is very strong. An excellent foil for showy yellow flowers…

HELICHRYSUM (Star Flower)

Helichrysum is the most popular of the ‘everlasting’ flowers which look like double Daisies and bear strawy petals. It is popularly called the Straw Flower or Immortelle, and is prepared for indoor decoration by cutting just before the flowers are fully open. Tie the stems in bunches and hang upside down in a cool place…

GYPSOPHILA (Baby’s Breath)

Gypsophila is grown to provide material for flower arranging and to provide a welcome contrast to the colourful large blooms in the bed or border. Sprays of small, starry flowers appear above the small, grey-green leaves – the slender plants should be supported with small twiggy branches. Gypsophila thrives best when there is some lime…