Tradescantia fluminensis can be found growing in the wild in the region that stretches from South Eastern and Southern Brazil through to North Argentina, where the plants grow primarily in the wet tropical biome. Common names for Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Viridis’ include Spiderwort and Inch Plant, but there are many other common names. These plants have sweet mid to dark green coloured foliage, whilst the undersides of the leaves are paler in colour and display a slightly silvery tint.
The Silver Birch (Betula pendula) is one of our most recognisable UK native trees with its glorious silvery-white bark and dainty green leaves. We’re not the only ones to have an affinity with Betula pendula, this stunning tree is a native plant of many countries in Europe and Northern Asia. Betula pendula is a deciduous tree, its leaves turn from green to a buttery yellow before falling in autumn.
Pilea microphylla is a low-growing tender perennial; it’s a native plant of Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and nearby countries. This is a very small-leaved plant with teeny, tiny leaves that measure just 1-2mm (0.04-0.08″) in size. At first glance, Pilea microphylla looks rather similar to mosses or ferns. I am afraid that I am hopelessly in love with Pilea microphylla. This diminutive plant would be an ideal choice for an indoor fairy garden!
Callisia repens is a low growing, tender herbaceous perennial plant from Mexico, North, Central, and South America. Plants thrive in partially shaded conditions, in shallow, free draining, acid soils. This easy-to-grow plant readily adapts to a range of circumstances; tolerating both brighter and more shaded environments, as well as moist, humid, and drier conditions and neutral compost and soils; making Callisia repens a superb houseplant, thats hard to kill!
Ilex is the latin name for the genus of plants we often refer to as hollies. This is an interesting and diverse group of plants, that includes evergreen and deciduous plants, that form small shrubs, tall trees, and everything in between – depending on the Ilex species or cultivar grown.
Ilex are native plants of the United Kingdom, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Americas, China, North America, South East Asia, and other areas around the globe.
Oxalis tuberosa is more commonly known as Oca, in the UK. One of the traditional Inca crops, Oxalis tuberosa is also known as the New Zealand yam; Oxalis tuberosa has many other common names, at least one in each of the countries that grow this vegetable. This is an easy to grow vegetable, that produces small, cream, pink, red, orange, or peach coloured tubers, which have a taste that is somewhat similar to potato, when cooked.
Leptotes unicolor is a miniature epiphytic orchid species that originates from Brazil and Argentina. This is an easy going little orchid, that is happiest growing mounted on a branch, a stick, or a piece of cork bark; this miniature orchid favours growing in a location where the plant can bask in bright, but indirect light. Leptotes unicolor flourishes in a range of temperatures, from cool to warm.
Potatoes can be planted and grown in the soil, but don’t worry, if you don’t have the ground available, you can grow your own successful harvest of potatoes in a container. I have grown potatoes very successfully in various different containers, including an old bin, which worked exceptionally well! Tall containers, like old plastic bins, take up less room and can grow a greater crop than shallower containers like regular garden pots.
Verbena bonariensis, is an utterly fabulous plant! However little room I have to garden, I always make room for Verbena bonariensis. This plant is so accommodating; it’s tall, yet light and airy, and never claustrophobic. Verbena bonariensis is happy to grow by itself or up close, in amongst other plants in the border. Plants thrive in full sunshine; Verbena bonariensis also does well in partial shade.
Tillandsia usneoides is an air plant, which is also known by its common name of Spanish moss. Tillandsia usneoides belongs to the Bromeliaceae family. Tillandsia usneoides can be found growing in a wide range of sub tropical and tropical habitats, it is often seen growing in a the branches of trees, though it can also be seen growing over telegraph poles and other structures!
