Angraecum cultriforme is an epiphytic orchid species from Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. These small sized orchids grow in evergreen forests and thickets, they’re often found growing near rivers. Angraecum cultriforme plants grow as an epiphytes; these orchids tend to grow near the base of a tree, close to ground level, but plants also grow upon twigs and small branches.
Angraecum stella-africae is an epiphytic orchid species from the forests of Malawi, Limpopo, and Southern Africa. This miniature orchid produces a short-lived white flower that’s absolutely massive in comparison with the diminutive size of the plant. Each bloom carries an exceptionally long spur that starts life curled up while the plant’s in bud; the spur gradually unfurls as the flower develops, eventually straightening when the green-tipped spur points to the ground, reaching far below the bloom.
Aubergines (also known as Eggplant or by the plant’s botanical name, Solanum melogena) are tender plants that need warmth and bright sunshine if they’re to thrive. Sow aubergine seeds in pots of peat-free compost, inside a heated propagator or glasshouse, from January to April. Ensure your seedlings are grown in an area that enjoys bright light.
From the end of May or beginning of June, (when there is no risk of cold temperatures or frost) if you garden in a warm area, aubergine plants can be hardened off (brought out from the glasshouse during the daytime and then taken back inside again at night for a couple of weeks), before being planted outside in a warm, bright and sunny area.
Cucumbers (also known by their botanical name – Cucumis sativus) are popular vegetables that are easy to grow and can produce a bountiful harvested of cucumbers. Cucumber plants form climbing or trailing plants that can be left to scramble horizontally over the ground or trained to grow vertically using wires, twines, or other supports.
Gardeners can choose from a range of cucumber varieties available at nurseries, garden centres, and online retailers.
Gerbera jamesonii ‘Red’ is a fun houseplant that produces large and quite dramatic, intense red coloured daisy flowers, which are really rather dazzling; they’re guaranteed to brighten up your day!
I find this type of Gerbera thrives when grown in a pot of slightly gritty, well-drained, peat-free compost. When placing your pot of Gerbera jamesonii ‘Red, find a spot where your plant can bask in the sunlight – perhaps a sunny windowsill, a porch, or conservatory.
Gerbera jamesonii ‘Yellow’ is a tender, perennial Gerbera. This plant is great fun to grow indoors, as a houseplant. Gerbera jamesonii ‘Yellow’ produces vivid, intense yellow coloured daisy flowers, which are large in size and really rather dazzling; they’re guaranteed to bring an abundance of cheer to any dull day!
I find this type of Gerbera thrives when grown in a pot of slightly gritty, well-drained, peat-free compost.
Angraecum sacciferum is a miniature sized orchid species that can be found growing in the wild, over a widespread area. This orchid species is a wild plant from many locations, including: Burundi, Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sao Tome, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Angraecum sacciferum grows as an epiphyte – when it’s found growing upon trees, and as an lithophyte – when plants are seen growing on or over rocky or stony surfaces, in wet areas, near rivers or streams.
As we learn more about plants, we make discoveries that result in plants moving from one plant genus to another; meaning name changes are required. African violets used to be known as Saintpaulia, but their botanical name has now been changed to Streptocarpus. I’ve left this group of plants listed under their old name, so you can more easily find them.
Mystacidium gracile is an almost leafless miniature orchid, that grows as an epiphyte. This is not a parasitic plant. Mystacidium gracile grows upon another plant, but this orchid does not take any sustenance from its host plant, it just uses its host to raise itself up to achieve a more prosperous position. The host plant allows this miniature orchid to benefit from experiencing more favourable growing conditions.
Albuca spiralis ‘Frizzle Sizzle’ is a fascinating plant, with intriguing dark green coloured, corkscrew shaped leaves. This is an amazing plant; its leaves form perfect corkscrew curls: it’s utterly mesmerising! Albuca spiralis ‘Frizzle Sizzle’ produces fragrant yellow and cream coloured flowers, which are borne on a central, pale green stem that rises up above its ruff of curled leaves below. It’s such a striking plant!
Chlorophytum comosum is usually harder to find than the more commonly found, variegated forms of Chlorophytum comosum. However, this all green form is easier to grow than the variegated types of spider plant. Chlorophytum comosum copes better with lower light levels and this form is more resilient than any of the variegated spider plants, so if you love spider plants but your home is not quite bright enough to grow the variegated forms successfully, you may want to seek out this green leaved form of Chlorophytum comosum.
Aerangis kirkii is a miniature to small sized, epiphytic orchid species, that originates from South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique. Plants can be found growing upon both trees and shrubs in forested areas, close to rivers or near the coast line; this orchid species can be found inhabiting trees growing anywhere from sea level up to 200m above.
A warm growing orchid species, Aerangis kirkii requires filtered, diffused low light, or intermediate filtered, diffused light, combined with warm temperatures and a very humid environment to flourish.
Biophytum sensitivum is an amazing plant! Biophytum sensitivum originates from India and South Africa, where it can be found growing in wet, boggy soils near streams and waterfalls, where it is shaded by taller trees and shrubs.
Biophytum sensitivum is such an interesting, fascinating plant! Resembling a miniature palm tree, the leaves of Biophytum sensitivum fold downwards, with their branches moving slightly upwards at night.
Asparagus setaceus is such a delicate and attractive looking plant; I love its ferny foliage! Asparagus setaceus is often referred to as the Asparagus fern – it’s not actually a true fern, it’s a plant that resembles a fern. This tuberous perennial is so pretty, especially as a young plant, when its fresh green foliage is so fine and light, it’s such an attractive plant to have around.
