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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...