Plants
Aloe microstigma
Aloe microstigma is a medium-sized succulent endemic to Southern Africa, known for its leaves that change color under environmental stress. It blooms from late autumn to January with flowers ranging from yellow to red. This easy-to-grow plant tolerates weekly watering in summer and can withstand light frost.
Ludwigia inclinata 'Red Skeleton'
Ludwigia inclinata 'Red Skeleton' is a rare mutation of Ludwigia repens 'Rubin', featuring red stems and variegated leaves with a green upper surface and red underside. It turns deep red when grown submerged and is easy to grow even in moderate lighting. This plant is suitable for beginners and does not require CO2 supplementation.
Diospyros 'Nikita's Gift'
This plant is a hybrid of American and Japanese persimmon, known for producing large, succulent fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor. It is a compact variety, growing to a height of 10-15 feet, and takes 2-4 years to bear fruit. The fruit is astringent and should be fully ripened before eating. It prefers full sunlight and is adaptable to various soil types, provided they are well-draining.
Pediomelum canescens
Pediomelum canescens is a native plant of the Southeastern US, forming a 2.5-foot tall by 2.5-foot wide clump with heavily-branched stalks. It produces small flowers that are blue in bud and open to creamy white, thriving in prairies and open woodlands.
Begonia 'Silver Dollar'
Begonia 'Silver Dollar' is a hybrid plant with striking silver leaves that may be tinted pink. It grows 12 to 18 inches tall and thrives in bright, indirect light. This begonia prefers well-draining soil and requires watering when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Drosera occidentalis
Drosera occidentalis is a carnivorous plant endemic to Western Australia, found in wetlands between Perth and Pinjarra. It has the smallest leaf-blades of any Drosera species, measuring just 1 millimeter in diameter. This unique plant is adapted to its specialized habitat.
Scadoxus puniceus
Scadoxus puniceus, native to South Africa, is known for its unique flower head resembling an orange shaving cream brush. It emerges in mid-April with speckled stems and glossy leaves. This plant is used medicinally and can be grown outdoors in Zone 7b or as a potted plant in colder areas.
Bulbophyllum longiflorum
Bulbophyllum longiflorum is an epiphytic or lithophytic orchid with a creeping rhizome and dark green pseudobulbs. It features single large, fleshy leaves and flowers in a semicircular umbel, with blooms ranging from greenish cream to yellowish with purple dots. This orchid is found in Africa, the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and northern Australia, thriving in high humidity and filtered light.
Drymonia turrialvae
Drymonia turrialvae is a plant from the Gesneriaceae family, native to the cloud forests of Costa Rica. It is ideal for terrariums or small spaces, thriving in high humidity and indirect light.
Nicotiana glauca
Nicotiana glauca, or tree tobacco, is a tall perennial with glaucous blue foliage and yellow tubular flowers. It can grow over 6 feet tall and is known for its invasive nature in some regions. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and it reproduces primarily by seed.
Stanhopea candida
Stanhopea candida, an orchid species native to Central and South America, is renowned for its fragrant 'upside-down' flowers. It thrives in bright, indirect light with high humidity and good air circulation, making it a unique addition to tropical plant collections.
Alternanthera 'Red Broad Leaf'
Alternanthera 'Red Broad Leaf' is a beginner-friendly plant with red stems and greenish-yellow hues. It thrives in high nitrates and phosphates and is suitable for terrariums, vivariums, or bogs.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Let's Dance Rave'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Let's Dance Rave' is a compact plant known for its rich-colored blooms and strong green foliage. This hydrangea is suitable for gardens looking for vibrant color and sturdy growth. It is a versatile plant that can adapt to various soil conditions, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a reliable and attractive flowering shrub.
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' is a plant that was popular in 16th century England, known for its ability to pair well with bronze and deep-purple or red foliage. It thrives in lean, poor soils and tolerates drought and heat, attracting bees and hummingbirds. Its historical significance and adaptability make it a charming addition to gardens.
Amorphophallus lambii
Amorphophallus lambii is a unique plant known for its bizarre inflorescences that emit a carrion-like stench to attract pollinators. More colorful and showy than its relative Amorphophallus titanum, it flowers at a manageable size and is easy to grow in high humidity and temperatures above 60°F. The plant dies down to corms and rests for a few months.
Calamagrostis arundinacea
Calamagrostis arundinacea is an ornamental grass that forms a 2-foot tall by 2-foot wide clump, topped with pink plumes in September. The plant's color changes to bronze in fall, and it tolerates hot summers and part sun to shady conditions. It is also excellent for dried arrangements.
Utricularia subulata
Utricularia subulata is a fascinating annual carnivorous plant with a wide distribution across tropical regions. Known for its bright yellow flowers, this bladderwort thrives in sandy peat that remains consistently moist. It features subterranean stolons with small leaves and bladder traps that capture tiny soil organisms. The plant flowers in early spring and dies back to its stolons in winter, making it a unique addition to any collection of carnivorous plants.
Begonia 'Steve's Leaves Monsieur Brutus'
Begonia 'Steve's Leaves Monsieur Brutus' is a striking plant with large leaves that transition from olive green to nearly black as they mature. It produces vibrant pink flowers in the summer and thrives in bright, indirect light with temperatures ranging from 45 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This begonia can grow up to 4 feet tall and prefers humidity levels between 40 to 60%.
Yucca gigantea
Yucca gigantea is a robust plant native to arid regions, known for its ability to produce 'pups' at the base. It prefers well-drained soil and minimal watering, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. This plant is hardy and can be grown in various climates across the USA.
Veronica 'Moody Blues Dark Blue'
This plant has a season-long bloom from spring until the first frost and a compact, clumping growth habit. It matures to 12-14 inches in height and width and is hardy in USDA zones 6-9. It prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained garden soil rich with organic matter, and should be fertilized in early spring with balanced acidic plant fertilizer.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Regula'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Regula' is a compact shrub known for its strong white blooms, making it ideal for small gardens or container planting. Bred by the Moll Brothers in 1934, this hydrangea offers a classic look with its robust flowers and manageable size, perfect for adding elegance to any garden space.
Cucumis sativus 'Quick Snack'
Cucumis sativus 'Quick Snack' is a compact cucumber variety ideal for growing in small pots. This parthenocarpic plant does not require pollinators and produces dark green, smooth-skinned fruits best harvested when 1.5 to 2.5 inches long.
Begonia 'Avalanche'
Begonia 'Avalanche' is a fast-growing, cane-like hybrid with an arching growth habit. Its bright green leaves are adorned with silver spots, and it produces medium-sized clusters of light pink flowers. This plant is self-branching, making it an attractive addition to indoor or outdoor spaces.
Begonia cubensis
Begonia cubensis is a perennial plant native to Cuba, recognized for its colorful flowers and small wavy gray/green leaves. It thrives in moist subtropical to tropical climates and prefers well-drained soils. This plant is not preferred for eating due to its bitter taste and has a laxative effect.
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Little Honey'
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Little Honey' is a plant known for its golden foliage and corky exfoliating bark. It produces small but showy white blooms and bright red fall leaf color. This plant requires protection from hot sun and is a striking addition to gardens with its vibrant foliage and seasonal interest.
Pachypodium lamerei
Pachypodium lamerei, native to Madagascar, is a stem succulent with a shiny silver trunk and long, sharp spines. It grows up to 6 feet indoors and 15 feet outdoors, thriving in bright, indirect light and high humidity. This plant is drought-tolerant and known for its large, fragrant flowers.
Cuphea anagalloidea
Cuphea anagalloidea is a delicate aquatic plant known for its scarlet-tinted leaves under bright light. It grows vertically and is best used as a color accent in aquariums. This plant requires sufficient lighting, CO2, and nutrients, making it suitable for intermediate aquarists.
Pilea hitchcockii
Pilea hitchcockii is a fast-growing plant from Ecuador, featuring leaves that range from bronze red to deep green with a silver sheen. It thrives in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity, making it suitable for vivariums. This plant is easy to propagate through pruning and replanting, and it can tolerate lower light conditions.
Mertensia virginica
Mertensia virginica, commonly known as Virginia bluebells, is an early spring flowering perennial native to eastern North America. It features large green leaves and small, bell-shaped flowers that transition from pink buds to sky-blue blooms. This spring ephemeral thrives in rich, moist woods and attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant is also edible and has been used in traditional Native American medicine. Its delicate beauty and ecological benefits make it a cherished addition to woodland gardens.
Huernia schneideriana
Huernia schneideriana is a drought-tolerant stem succulent native to Eastern and Southern Africa, recognized as a legitimate species from Tanzania. It requires ample light, preferably a south-facing location, and should be planted in porous, well-draining soil with minimal watering.