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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, produced in early spring Leaf : palmate , 5-7 lobed, 5-10cm(2-4in) long ,shade of green , bronze , purple , yellow ,red Temperature: minimum – 5C (23F) Aspects/light: shade, protect from bright summer sun Humidity : moderate Watering: keep compost evenly moist from spring to autumn , keep on the drier side in winter Feeding : once every two weeks with a flowering plant liquid fertilizer in spring and early summer Propagation: named varieties are propagated by grafting , A.palmatum may be grown from seed sown in autumn Potting: soil-based potting compost Problems: leaf scorch in bright summer sunlight Availability : commonly available throughout the

Like foliage house plants, the foliage of flowering house plants remain alive and attractive throughout the year but the flowering house plants in addition can be expected to flower under room conditions , provided that their requirements are adequetly met . flowering house plants usually bloom better when the size of their pot is restricted . as in the case of the foliage plants , they can be devided into two catregories , viz. climbers and trailers , and bushy plants. Climbing and trailing flowering house plants Aeschyanthus speciosus is a beautiful plant for indoor decoration . it has long stems bearing lovely fleshy, Deep green , narrow leaves and clusters of orange , tubular , fragrant flowers at their extremities . it is either grown in hanging baskets or as a climber on supports in pots. It should be planted in a rich mixture of sifted leaf-mould and a little sphagnum moss and should be reported each year it like good drainage. It should be well watered in the su

The Aglaonema  is ideal for use as an ornamental feature on a table-top , until it outgrow the situation . as it grows larger larger , the plant can be displayed at ground level . the aglaonema is susceptible to overwatering and to cold draughts m both of which cause premature yellowing of leaves , followed by untimely loss. Over-watering can also cause leaves to rot at the base and these should be quickly removed with a sharp knife, following leaf loss, keep the compost a little drier for a while to allow the plant to create fresh root and recover . the flower is insignificant and will wither and rot once it has finished . it is probably best removed with a sharp knife at its base as soon as it begin to fade , although the plant can be propagated by division , care should be taken not to damage the fleshy foliage Plant type foliage plant with single or multistemmed erect habit Season of interest all year around Flower: whitish , arum-like, 5cm(2in) , relatively uninterestin

The Araucaria is a superb plant for the enthusiast who likes a plant of regular geometrical shape . however the radiating growth will only be achived by providing the plant with even light and sufficient space to grow and develop . failure to do so will result in growth that is somewhat lopsided which almost ruins the effect of the plant . this species is closely related to the monkey puzzle tree , which grows in gardens , but it is not hardy outside . however , it does share some similar charactaristics in that the needles become sharp as they mature . as the plant becomes older the needles tend to drop off , as do the branches, creating a mess on the floor . the plant is best cleaned by using a pressure water mister to wash the dust off , thus allowing the natural sheen to show through Plant type: foliage plant with radiating branches on evenly shaped erect habit Season of interest: all year around Flower: none Leaf : Green needle , 0.5-1cm (1/4-1/3in), which become hard

Although it has the common name of asperagus fern , this plant is not even related to ferns and should not be classified as such . it is in fact from the lily family , a point which surprises many . it is a useful plant for display throughout the home and is relatively easy to grow . apart from being suitable for a traditional pot or container , the asparagus fern also makes a good subject for a hanging pot or hanging basket . not only is it suitable for use as an indoor plant , either singly or in association with other plants , but it also provides interesting foliage for cut flower arrangements. The asparagus dislikes a warm and dry atmosphere as the foliage can rapidly dehydrate with resultant desiccation and browning of the leaf tissue Plant type foliage plant with upright , compact habit Season of interest : All year around Flower : insignificant , sometimes followed by small red berries , producing spring/summer Leaf : Tiny , green ,needle-like , on branchlets Tem

It is usually during the winter that many people buy or receive as presents flowering house plants such as cyclamen and azaleas, which give a gorgeous display of color for perhaps two months, looked after carefully. When these plants fade, their owners wonder what they should buy to take their place. It is always possible to acquire another azalea, but even that will only last a few more weeks. Perhaps roses are the best plants to follow in. it is not always appreciated how easily these popular plants will grow in containers both indoors and out of doors. In some ways they are more beautiful than ever if grown in green house or in the house, particularly when compared with roses in the open garden , because their blooms are completely unblemished by ravages of pests and diseases and the effect of bad weather. Greenfly can generally be kept at bay by spraying with clean water, caterpillars can be easily picked off by hand, and black spot seldom seems to attack roses might be a

Aspidistra elatior Well-known for its toughness and durability , the aspidistra was given its common name of castiron plant by the Victorians . they valued its ability to tolerate gas , a recent introduction to homes that killed many other indoor plants grown at the time. With the current fashion for some of the older styles of interior furnishing and decoration , the aspidistra is enjoying a moderate comeback in popularity . it makes an ideal subject for less well-lit positions , although the key to presenting and displaying the plant well lies in finding the right type of container or pot . for a little more color the variegated form , A.e variegate, can be grown , but this plant requires more light to promote the variegation. Common name : cast-iron plant Plant type:foliage plant with some what loose untidy habit Season of interest: all year around Size :30-60cm (12-24in) Flower: uninteresting, purple, at base of plant in late summer Leaf: broad

The aucuba is a good example of an indoor/outdoor plant . it can be grown for two to three years inside before it becomes too large and unmanageable as a houseplant , and then planted outside in the garden . if the plant is to be taken outside during the autumn and winter months , it may first need to be hardened off. If possible. it is better to move it outside in the spring or summer  when there is little or no danger of frosts. As an indoor plant the Aucuba is a fairly tough subject which can tolerate fairly cool and draughty positions such as beside front or back doors or in porches. the attractive , variegated foliage makes it suitable for display either on its own or as part of a mixed grouping . Common name: Japanese Laurel , Gold-dust plant or Tree Plant type: foliage plant with loose , bushy , erect habit Season of interest: All year round Flower: small, uninteresting , purple-red, produced in summer, occasionally followed by red berries Leaf: glossy green, ova

An extremely tough and resilient plant with a pleasing, symmetrical habit of growth. Great care should be taken with the agave as the barbed edges of the leaves and needle-sharp tips can be very dangerous. Ensure that it is placed well away from where people could brush against the leaves , and wear gardening gloves (and even goggles) when tending to the plant . for potting and other activities it is advisable to wrap the agave with news paper for safety . The common name for century plant refers to the age at which it was once though to flower. Although this is not true, the plant does not put forth its greenish yellow flowers for a long time, after flowering, the agave will die, but not before it has produced several offsets, which can be removed and propagated. Common name: century plant Plant type: Succulent with erect rosette Season of interest: all year around Size: 30-100 cm (12-39in) (can grow larger) Flower: Greenish-yellow on flower spike, rarely produce

Many  gardeners make their own potting soil to ensure a proper mixture of ingredients and to save money. Those new to gardening often make the mistake of using garden soil in plant containers. Although some elements of outdoor soil can benefit potted plants, potting soil must contain ingredients that promote nutrient absorption and water retention. Homemade potting soil is easy to mix and promotes health in most plant types Instructions: 1 Buy horticultural vermiculite at a garden or home improvement store. Vermiculite is a common ingredient in potting soil because it significantly improves aeration. The mineral also promotes moisture retention which results in better absorption of nutrients and healthier plant growth. Horticultural vermiculite is non-toxic, sterile and odorless. 2 Purchase shredded peat moss. Peat moss is harvested from bogs full of decomposed sphagnum moss. Adding shredded peat to all-purpose potting soil promotes a healthy combination of water and