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Dieffenbachia Dumb cane or leopard lily Light and position Place dieffenbachia in a fairly light position , but shaded from direct sun . it should not be within range of heat from a radiator or cold draughts from a door or window . the colour of variegated plant will suffer if it has poor light Temperature range A dieffenbachia will live in a temperature of 15 C ( 59 F ) but would probably prefer nearer 21 C ( 70 F ) . in higher temperatures it is important to keep up a good level of humidity . a cool , moist atmosphere can be tolerated for a short period , but may cause some falling of the leaves Moisture is required all year round , but the plant can be watered less in winter than in summer , when tepid water should be used . during spring and summer growth , watering should be generous and frequent . Feeding While the diffenbachia is producing new leaf growth it vshould be fred with every watering , using weak liquid fertilizer introduced t...

Cyclamen persicum Florist's cyclamen or shooting star Light and position Given cool , light and airy conditions , these plants remain in flower for a longer period and have a bright , healthy appearance . avoid subjecting them to direct sunshine Temperature range : A temperature range between 13-18 C ( 55-65 F ) suits a cyclamen very well and it will flower better if the temperatures are kept at the lower end of the range. If the surrounding environment is too oht and dry the leaves of the plant will yellow. In common with many other plants, the cyclamen abhors cold draughts or sudden changes of temperature. Watering : A cyclamen will be damaged if the soil becomes sodden. Water from below to moisten the compost , but never leave the plant standing in water . the plant will come to no harm if it gets to a stage where the leaves droop slightly before watering is repeated . ensure good humidity while flowering by standing plants in trays of horticultural aggre...

Columnea Goldfish plant Light and position The columnea requires a position with good light . to encourage flowering , but shaded from direct sunlight . it is best seen as a hanging plant , so it could be placed near the window in a bright room . however , it will not tolerant draughts Temperature range Few plants care for a large temperature range or periods of excessive heat or cold . a suitable range from the columnea is 15-21 C ( 59-70F ) . maintain steady but cooler temperatures during the winter flowering period Watering : Water the plant regularly during the summer growth period , giving slightly less in winter . water the soil from the top of the pot or pour it into the saucer . always avoiding the foliage. Keeping the soil almost dry during mid winter will encourage better flowering . ensure high humidity at all times. Feeding : The plant is not too fussy in its feeding habits , but established plants should be fed about once week in summer when ...

Dracaena Silhouette plant , florida beauty , striped dracaena or fountain plant Ideal conditions Light and position All dracaenas need good light but care should be taken to avoid putting them in very bright sunlight as there is then a possibility of scorching . they should also be protected from cold draughts . taller plants can be placed on the floor Temperature range : Dracaenas can survive quite low temperatures in the region of 10 C ( 50 F) , although their leaves will droop in such conditions and eventually fall off . however 3 couple of weeks in such temperatures will do no harm . the ideal temperature is somewhere between 15-21 C ( 59-70 F ) . Watering : The plant needs plenty of water , especially during the growing period , throughout which the potting mixture should be kept very moist be careful , however , not to stand the pot in water and in the winter months , keep the soil fairly dry . they also need a humid atmosphere , so stand the plants o...

Azalea indica Florists azalea Ideal conditions Azaleas can grown both indoors and out , and in both cases need a light location out of direct sun . if there is danger of frost , azaleas must be brought indoors . so they will survive from one year to the next , azaleas should be put outside during the summer months Temperature range Azaleas prefer cool temperatures of between 10-15 C ( 50-59F ) which will ensure that the plants continue to flower abundantly . when moved indoors , the temperature in the room should not be allowed to rise above 10 C ( 50 F ) or the plants will dry out Watering When in flower , azaleas need copious amounts of lime – free water which should be given every two days , never let a plant dry out , check it at least twice a week . if dry plunge into a bucket of tepid water until beads of moisture appear on the topsoil Feeding A weak liquid fertilizer given at regular intervals will help maintain lush, green foliage , but avoid h...

Allamanda cathartica Golden trumpet vine Light and position : Allemandes love strong direct sunlight , for two or three hours a day in summer whenever possible . if the allamanda is grown in a sunroom or conservatory , encourage the plant to grow up into the roof space it will love it there and provide the plants below with natural shade Temperature range : Winter minimums around the 16 C ( 16 F ) mark are vital to the well – being of allamandas Watering : Provide allamandas with moderate amounts of water  during the spring and summer allowing the top 12 mm (1/2 in ) of compost to dry out between waterings . in winter only give enough water to prevent the compost from drying out completely  they like to be grown in a moist atmosphere so mist the plant regularly with soft rainwater . if this presents a problem , stand the plant in a tray containing a dampened horticultural aggregate . the moisture from this will gradually evaporate as the temperature r...

Beloperone guttata: Shrimp plant Light and position : The shrimp plant needs plenty of light to maintain the colour of its bracts and encourage flowering but in common with many plants must be protected from direct hot sunlight , it will not tolerate continual shade or a cold , draughty position Temperature range : The plant is fairly tolerant with regard to temperature , enjoying 3 range between 13-21 C ( 55-70 f) . extreme conditions of heat or cold are not usually good for any houseplant , and the shrimp plant is no exception it will prefer the cooler end of the temperature range during winter Watering :  water can be added to the soil from the top of the pot . this is a plant which likes moist conditions , but not saturation , if the soil is allowed to become too dry , on the other hand , the leaves will quickly droop so watering should be frequent in summer feeding : frequent , regular feeding is essential for a well – established plant . if the ...

Browallia speciosa Sapphire flower or bush violet Ideal condition Light and position Once mature , browallias need strong light , two or three hours of direct sunlight a day whenever possible . seedings will need to be kept out of direct sunlight , but they do need good light Temperature range Anything much higher than 16-17 ( 61-63 F) while flowering will make the buds drop, which will in turn shorten the flowering period . while raising seedlings. Maintain a minimum temperature of 10 C Watering: Water browallias freely while flowering , providing as  much as is necessary to moisten the compost thoroughly at each watering but allowing the top 12 mm ( 1/2 in )  of potting mixture to dry out before watering again . at other times allow the top 18 mm (3/4 in ) to dry out between waterings . remember that while browallias are growing freely in good strong light , the compost will dry out very quickly during warm weather m so they may need plenty of wa...

Light and position : Brunfelsias need light shade during the summer , the sort they will get if they are placed beneath another taller plant . during the winter months they need stronger light , if possible two or three hours of sunlight a day Temperature range : A minimum winter temperature of 10 c ( 50 F) is perfect for these plants while they are resting . given a slight boost to 15 c ( 59 F) in the early spring , the plant will start to produce new growth in preparation for the summer flowering display Watering Water freely during the spring and summer when the plants are actively growing . give as much water as is necessary to keep the compost thoroughly moist at all times . during their resting period they need the bare minimum of water so provide only enough to prevent the compost from drying out completely . Brunfelsias will really thrive if the air around them is kept moist , so give them a daily spray with soft rainwater . Alternatively , stand their ...