Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Straight’ is a rhizomatous plant from Tropical Africa that has specialised underground storage organs to store water and energy; these reserves enable this species to survive the dry seasons in Sansevieria cylindrica‘s homelands of Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. NB: The correct botanical name for this particular species is Dracaena angolensis, but plants are usually sold as Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Straight’.
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.
Melons (also known by their botanical name Cucumis melo) are tender, sweet tasting fruits that can be successfully grown from seeds, in the UK. Sow melon seeds in springtime – from March to the middle of May. If you’re too late to sow seeds (or if you don’t have access to a glasshouse), you don’t have to miss out, as young melon plants can be purchased from many nurseries and garden centres.
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.
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.
Actiniopteris australis is a tender fern that requires warm temperatures to flourish. This pretty little fern can be found growing in the wild in a wide range of countries and locations, including: Madagascar, Australia, Africa, and Asia.
Producing very pretty, palm like fronds on a diminutive scale. Actiniopteris australis is a charming fern to add to your collection.
Actiniopteris australis is a miniature fern, that grows to just 15cm (6 inches) tall.
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.
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 somalensis is a small sized, epiphytic orchid species, which can be found growing in various locations. Plants grow in both dry areas of woodland, as well as near streams and rivers, in Africa. The second part of this orchid species’ name – the specific epithet – derives from Somalia where this orchid is from, but this is not the only location where this orchid is found.
Aerangis mystacidii is a miniature, epiphytic orchid species, which originates from Africa, Malawi, and Zambia, where this particular orchid species is found growing upon trees, in forests, close to streams, pools, and springs.
Aerangis mystacidii produces pendent flower spikes, which bear up to twenty, beautiful white, fragrant flowers. Accordingly, although this is most definitely a miniature orchid while the plants are not in bloom, additional space is required to accommodate this orchid’s flowers, whilst Aerangis mystacidii is flowering.
Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii is an evergreen perennial; it’s a tuberous, perennial, trailing vine that produces pretty heart-shaped, variegated leaves. This is an attractive and rather charming plant, which originates from Zimbabwe. Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii makes an excellent houseplant! It’s ideally suited to growing in hanging baskets, where the plant’s long, trailing stems, and beautiful heart shaped leaves can be admired and appreciated.
