This plant is know as Southern Magnolia or bull bay. This plant native to southeastern United States.
Southern magnolia is a huge (can reach up to 100 feet high), fruit, flower, shiny-glossy-evergreen leaves. The white flower is spectacular. The white fragrant blossom have inspired poets and artist for generation. Magnolia are magnificent flowering plants that bear fragrant.  Southern Magnolia is the state tree of  Louisiana and  the state flower of both Lousiana and Mississippi. The flower was also used as an emblem of the Confederate army in the US civil war.



Basic requirements to grow Shoutern Magnolia.


Light : Magnolia grows well in full sun to moderate shade.

Temperature : They are growing best in warm temperature however they tolerate in cold weather. Keep them above 7F temperature , special treatment in winter may needed. They require high humidity.

Water : Normal watering. The soil should be kept moist but not over watering.

Soil : The best soil for Magnolia is humus rich, neutral to slightly acid, moist and well drained. Add some amouts of organic matter when planting. They would be best planted in the ground.

Mulch : Spread mulch around the base. Apply 2-4" mulch, these can protect them from winter.

Fertilizer : Use balance liquid fertilizer. Fertilize the magnolia in spring after the blossoms drop and just as the leaves begin budding.

Propagation : Bare root, cuttings, seeds.

Knockout Rose

Rose Knockout has a lovely rounded form and glossy, green leaves that turn to shades of dark red like maroon in fall. They are easy to grow and do not require special care. This beutiful rose can be plated in the ground as border or  addition to a mixed bed, they are attractive when planted in groups. Knock out  can be grown in container. I am growing all my roses in the container. This plant is the best rose in market because knockout rose is the most disease resistant.

Basic requirements to care Knockout Rose Bush :

Light : Knockout rose grows best in full sun. They suppose to receive min 5-6 hours morning sun. Partial shade in the afternoon will be fine but they would love full sun.

Temperature : They should be protected when the temperatures under 5 F. They need special care for winter.

Water : Water regulary, depends on the weather, summer water them 3-4 times a week ,  in winter reduce amount of watering . They require water like other roses . Do not water the leaves and avoid watering in the evening to reduce disease problems.

Soil : Soil should be fertile, humus rich, slightly acid,  moist and well drained.

Mulch : Spread mulch around the bush, this mulch acts as blanket. Mulch can control soil's temperature, protect the roots.  Apply 2-3" layer.

Fertilizer : Use balance fertilizer ( 20-20-20) or commercial fertilizer special for rose. It is easy found in Garden store.

Tips : Remove faded blooms by deadheading to encourage new growth. Regular deadheading will keep the Knock Out rose bush blooming until late fall.








 

Golden Photos are the most popular of  houseplants for their versatility and easy to grow. This plants are known as Devil's Ivy. This plant can absorb the chemical odor and help filter the air in your home.
They're native to Asia and when planted indoors, can reach a height of over two metres as long as you provide it with the necessary support.

Basic requirements to care of Golden Photo :

Light : Bright light, avoid direct sunlight. They can tolerate low light. The brighter spot can produce the most vibrant leaves.

Temperature : Keep them between temperature range 60-85 F.

Water : Keep soil slightly moist  or allow the top soil dry between watering will be fine. Water them well. Reduce watering in winter. Do not over water.

Soil : Good potting soil. Pothos plants won't grow in standing water or thick or coarse soil.

Feeding :  Feed them 2 times a month in spring to summer, with a balance liquid fertilizer. A liquid Miracle grow fertilizer is working good.

Propagation : By cutting. Stem tip cuttings root easily in water or moist soil. It takes about 4-6 weeks.


Repot in spring as needed. You can control its growth by cutting the vines back and trimming up to a third of its roots. Pot it in the same size container to keep it small.

They are originating from Madagascar. There are over 2000 species of Euphorbias in the world. This plants are known as crown of Thorns plant. Ephurbia Produces flowers all the year round. The flowers are tiny, but each is surrounded by a pair of kidney-shaped, bright red or yellow bracts, which look like petals.




Light : Bright light, can tolerate direct sunlight. The brighter and more constant the sunlight, the longer its flowering season will be.


Temperature : Keep temperature above 60F.


Watering : Require little water. Allow soil dry between watering . Keep moderately wet in summer, reduce water in winter.

Soil :  Mix soil with coarse, rock, perlite or sand. They can tolerant of salty soils.


Feeding : Apply standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks from late spring to early fall.



Propagation : Cutting.

A man known as John Burchell is the individual who discovered the Lithop in 1811, while he was off exploring Africa. Lipthop is a genus of succulent plants native to southern Africa. "Lithos" means "stone" and "-ops" means "face" in Ancient Greek; therefore "Lithops" means "stone-like". They are common known as pebble plants or living stones. They are flowering in the fall and winter. Once the flowers fade, the leaves will shrivel and a new pair of leaves will push up through the split to replace them. This is one of picky succulent.




Light :  Lithop do well if they receive about 3 or 4 hours of sunlight during the early part of the day, and partial shade during the afternoon. But place the plants in a location where they'll receive indirect sunlight if they've been inside at a garden center and move gradually to direct sun light or bright spot near window. Dry condition are best , avoid area with excessive humidity .

Temperature : Protect from frost, avoid temperature less than 40F.

Water : Keep the soil barely moist, allow top of the soil dry between watering. They need water when growing season only, ussually in autumn however it is depending your enviroment. Do not over watering they may die. when your lipthop starts to  shrivel then stop watering. They are sensitive to rotting. Treat them as cactus.

Soil : Lithops thrive best in a coarse, well-drained soil mix or soil special for cactus. Place lithop in container with drainage hole

Propagation: Seeds, cutting or divide clumps in early summer.

Basic things to know to care a plant :


Before purchase a plant, you should know what the requirements of the plant. Every individual plant has different treatment, please find below basic requirement for growing a plant .

1. Light /Sun : Give them sunlight as they needed. Plants usually come labeled with their sun exposure requirements or light requirement  such as : Full Sun, Partial sun/shaded, low light, and bright light . All vegetable plants and many flowers require large amounts of sunlight.

2. Temperature : Plants grow well only within a limited temperature range or in comfortable zone. Temperatures that are too high or too low will result in abnormal development and reduced production.



3. Water : Accurate amounts of water are essential for the proper growth of the plants. How much, how fast and how many to apply depend on weather, maturity, plant type, and soil type.



4. Soil  type and pH: Good soil preparation  and give plant enough nutrients and mineral would help their healthy growth. Soil type would be different for individual plant for example slow growing plant will need different soil from fast growing plant.

Generally, soils in moist climates tend to be acid and those in dry climates are alkaline.A soil with a pH lower than 7.0 is an acid soil and one with a pH higher than 7.0 is alkaline. The soil must be adjusted to suit the type of plant.

5. Feeding : Plants need food to grow healthy. Choose organic fertilizer or chemical fertilizer.
Feed your plant regulary to get maximum growth. What and when to feed, it depends on type of plant.
Plant need a number of different chemical elements.
    * Carbon , Hydrogen and Oxigen , they get them for air and water.
    * Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium .They are available in most of package of fertilizer (N-P-K).
    * Sulfur, calcium and magnesium.

Peace Lily

This plant was my first collection. They are easy to grow, have a white beautiful flower with green foliage. The white flower symbolizes sympathy. It is good idea for a gift for your friend or family


Basic care of Peace Lily.

Soil : Moist potting soil with well-drained soil.

Temperature : Avoid temperature under 55F. The are happy in warm moist warmth. Leave will brown if it is not getting enough humidity. Humidify the plant by misting the leaves with water and keeping the plant on a tray of pebbles.

Light : Low to bright indirect sunlight . They are best in bright light to induce flowering. Direct sunlight can burn the plant.

Water : In summer keep them moist, but do not overwatering. Let's soil dry between watering. In winter reduce watering.

Fertilizer : Feed Peace Lily  2 X a month in spring to summer when they are in growing season, do not feed when they are thristy. Water them before feeding. Use organic fertilizer.

Remove dead and discolored leaves, cut off dead flowers to promote new growth. Trim edges of the leaves as needed. Increasing light, water, humidity and fertilizer may induce a plant to rebloom.







 

Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana' (Corn Plant)

Dracaena Fragan Massangeana

The Dracaena is a popular plant for the home and office. Massangeana is the most popular due to wide brightly marked ( yellow bland) leaves and thick woody stems, the yellow band will become greener with time.  There are many varietes in Dracaena family, the most popolar are :

1. Dracaena Marginata, common name is Red Edged or Madagaskar Dragon Tree.
2. Dracaena Fragrans Massangeana, common called Corn Plant.
3. Dracaena  Deremensis , commen called by Janet Craig
4. Dracaena Sanderiana, common called by Lucky Bamboo.

Basic care for Dracaena Fragran (Corn Plant) :

Light : Place this plant at bright spot indirect light.

Temperature : They do not like cold. Keep in 75F temperature avoid heat.

Water : Low water requirement. Overwatering or underwatering can cause leaves tip turn to brown.

Soil : Potting soil mixed with perlite, good drainage soil preffered.

Dracaenas have wide leaves that do accumulate dust. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust. Although most Dracaenas have few problems with pest, occasionally mealy bug and scale can attack the plant.

Cacti and succulents are easy to care, basically very little require.

According to wikipedia, A cactus (plural: cacti, cactuses or cactus) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae. The tallest is Pachycereus pringlei, with a maximum recorded height of 19.2 m, and the smallest is Blossfeldia liliputiana, only about 1 cm in diameter at maturity.



Light : Most cacti and succulents need good to full sun, but there are the exceptions. These would include jungle cactus such as Schlumbergera and Rhipsalis. Certain Aloes and Howarthias do well in filtered sun also.

Temperature : Prevent from freezing.

Water : During growing season (spring to summer) water thoroughly and let the soil dry before rewatering. Try to water when a sunny day. The best to water is in the morning so than excess will evaporate in the sunlight. Do not over watering. It is better to use clay pot.

Fertlizer : Generally need less feeding and not so often, houseplant fertilizer is good for cacti.
Never feed for new purchase or transplated cactus. Give them a month to adjust their condition. Feed 3 times a year.

Soil : Use soil special for cactus or a good general soil mix with perlite or any other non porous material such as rocks or pumices.  Choose clay pot , there are pros and cons to using either clay or plastic. Really it doesn't matter, the important is good drained soil . However, clay pot tends to more tolerant to over watering.

Orchid Cymbidium.




O.Cymbidium

Orchid Cymbidium plant ( picture)  is my valentine's gift from my Hubby in 2011. They are cool growing orchids, native to the subtropical highlands of Southeast Asia. They can be enjoyed indoor or outdoors while in bloom.

Orchid Cymbidium are popular among growers with a penchant for easy care orchid and the most popular of spring flowering orchid.
On the west Coast of United states and in other cool summer areas that receive no frosts are often grown as garden plants.Their striking sprays of long lasting blooms provide ideal home or patio decoration and are used often as a cut flowers.

There are two grown types, standart flower and miniature flower. The miniature is known as "Novelties", they are more heat tolerant. Cymbidiums are terrestrial plants in nature and require a moisture-retentive but well drained mix.

Light : Sufficient light is important for healthy growth and flower production. Place them in bright light.

Temperature :  Best range  is 50-70F. Mature plant need night temperature min 60F or min 50F in late summer to initiate flower spike. Cymbidiums can tolerate temperatures up to 95-100F in shaded area increase humidity and air circulation.

Water : Mature plants must never dry out between watering. Water thoroughly once a week, make sure plant is allowed to dry between watering.

Humidity :  Cymbidiums need 50-60% .In dry air, place on trays of moistened pebbles or use a humidifier.

Fertilizer : Every other week with a 1/2 dose of well balance fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. The exact fertilizer will depend on the mix in which plants growing.

Potting : Best done every 2-3 year in spring immediately after flowering to allow maximum time to reestablish before next flowering seoson.

Rebloom tip : After the last flower expires, remove the flower spike at the base. In order to re-bloom, plants need cooler temperatures and bright light.

African Violet


FLUORESCENT LIGHT: If adequate natural light is not available, plants can be grown under fluorescent lights. Use double tube fixtures with one cool white bulb and one broad spectrum bulb. Lights should be 8 to 10 inches above the top of the plants and turned on for 12 to 14 hours a day. If plants have tight centers or seem to be bleaching out, reduce the number of hours to 8-10 a day.

WHEN TO WATER: More violets die from overwatering than from any other single cause. Violet soil should be kept evenly moist and never allowed to become soggy. Water only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Always use tepid water.

HOW TO WATER: You can water from the top, bottom, use wicks or use self watering planters. However, about once a month, plants should be watered from the top to flush out accumulated fertilizer salts. Never allow plants to stand in water (unless wicked or Oyama Planters are used). If water gets on the leaves, dry with a paper towel to prevent leaf spotting.

SOIL: A potting medium suitable for African Violets should be sterilized, and light and airy to allow root penetration. Soilless mixes are ideal - they contain sphagnum peat, vermiculite and perlite.

FEEDING: Lack of regular feeding is one of the reasons an african violet will not bloom. The best way to feed is to use a dilute fertilizer solution every time you water. Use 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. fertilizer to one gallon of water. A balanced fertilizer should be used such as 20-20-20 or 12-36-14. Find a fertilizer with a low nitrogen urea content as urea burns the roots. Some brands are Peters, Optimara, Miracle Grow, Schultz.

ATMOSPHERE: Temperature and humidity are important factors. Most violets can tolerate temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees. Ideal temperatures are 72-75 degrees day-time and 65 degrees night-time. The preferred humidity range is 40% to 60%. A humidifier or bowls of water placed near plants can be used to increase you home's humidity during heating season.


How to Propagate


African Violets are beautiful houseplants, easily grown under artificial light or in a bright east window. Want more? Just follow these simple steps:

Cut a few leaves off a healthy African Violet and trim the leaf stalk to about an inch. Coat the leaf stalks in rooting hormone (optional).

Place each leaf vertically into soilless potting mix so the base of the blade (the wide, flat part of the leaf) just touches the surface of the mix. The potting mix should be moist but not soggy.

Place the pot in a clear plastic bag. This will keep the humidity around the leaves high. Place the pot in a bright spot but not in direct sunlight.

After several weeks, roots will form on the leaf stalk. Then, leaves of several new, small plants will appear.

Once these small plants are large enough to handle, take them out of the potting mix and gently break the individual plants apart. Place each in its own pot. Soon you'll have full-sized, blooming African Violets.

Mini Rose.

Miniature rose/ Mini rose will thrive when given the same care as full size rose. They are unexpensive, even I could get them in dollar store. I used to repot them to bigger pot minimum 6" . I was in Arizona when I started growing Minirose. They bloomed constantly from spring to fall. Some flowers are fragrant.


Mini rose plant can be grown indoors for a limited time. They need very bright light spot to grow and reblooming. I do not recommend to grow them indoor. They are happy and thrive well outdoor in pot or container.




Basic things to know to grow Mini Rose in container.


Light : Make sure that they receive at least 5-6 hours direct sun , but when temperature is above 100F, reduce expore direct sun. Morning sun is the best. Some cultivars will do well in partial shade.
The key to care Rose in shade is choose disease resistant cultivar and one which flower with limited sun.


Soil : Any good potting soil , I usually use moisture Miracle grow potting soil . If you want, add some perlite. PH : 6.5-7.0 is ideal . Do not layer or drainage material of the bottom container. Plant Mini rose into minimun 6" container.


Water : Water every two days in summer , reduce volume of water in winter .


Fertlizer: Feed when they are start growing, do not feed them when they are thirsthy, water very well before feeding. Fertlize them once month.


Dead head the spent blooms to encourage continual blooming.


Prune : Pruning your rose in late winter.


Pest Control :
Fungus, black spot, powdery mildew, aphid are the common pest for roses.


Preventing tips:
Never water your rose from overhead, water directly to the container soil, or use self watering container.


Remove all disease leaves from the container and ground when they drop. Quick respond when you see disease coming.
Locate your rose in area with good circulation.


Mulch : Use 3-4 of good forest mulch.


Organic recipe for powdery mildow / fungus/ blackspot :


1 gallon of water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp regular flavored listerine
1 tbsp liquid soap
1 tbsp baking soda
1 tbsp vinegar


Mix them and pour into your sprayer , spray leaves from top to bottom , also surrounding soil repeat every 1-2 week.

Camelia


The Bloom is just amazing. “Camellias are amongst the world's best flowering plants. They are hardy and disease resistant, most varieties have attractive, glossy green foliage.


I just purchased them for my collection. I start gathering all information about Camelia.
Many information from different website on the net . But try to minimize the information so it is gonna be easier to be a guide.


Here are some information from the Camelia's Expert that may needed before purchase :

There are 2 type of camelia :

1. Japonica Camelia.
They used to bloom in winter or early spring, the flower and leaves are large. Japonica Camelia is 15-25 feet high and wide, so it takes up a lot of space.

2. Sasanqua Camelia
The flower is smaller, have darker leaves, maturing to glossy . The leaves are about half of C. Japonica.
Sasanquas grow from 10-12 feet high.
Other varieties are also available .

Camellias is a flowering plants, this evergreen shrubs and small trees from 2 meters to 20. Flowers are large, visible from a distance, the size of 1 centimeter in diameter to 12 with 5-9 petals.

They have various of colour red, pink, white, peach.
Camellia flowers grow in several different forms, some of these include- single form such as camellia sasanqua , Anemone form like camellia japonica 'Elegans Splendor' and formal double eg: camellia japonica 'Margaret Hertrich'.

Planting and Growing Conditions

Camelias are relatively slow growing, they are happy in container or tube so this is good for me since I am a container gardener.

Climate:
Most japonica and sasanqua camellias are hardy to zone 7-9, with a few varieties hardy to zone 6. Flower buds can be nipped by frost, so later-blooming varieties may do better in colder areas.

Light: Semi-shade or dappled shade. Camelia thrive and bloom best when sheltered from hot sun and drying wind. C. Japonica prefers light or partial shade and  C. Sasanqua can tolerate shade to full sun.

Soil: Well-drained acidic soil (pH 6.0 to 6.5). Need  well drained soil rich with organic matter.Never plant Camelia's trunk base is below soil line.

Water: Give regular to  moderate. Establish Camelia can survive on natural rainfall. Keep moist but not waterlogged. The amount of water is depending of local weather. Water deeply in summer to help promote healthy new grow.

Camellias are considered very pest and disease resistant, the majority of plants will never experience any problems with disease. The pests that most commonly affect camellias are the leaf suckers such as scale, aphids and mites which draw nutrients out of foliage, new growth and flower buds.  Use insecticide such as Confidor from bayer to put a swift end to any troublesome pests on your camellias.  A stronger white oil based spray may be required for really bad scale or mite problems. Always remember to exercise caution before using any insecticides and be sure to identify the pest first before spraying.

Plumeria/Frangipani/Kamboja is an exotic and beautiful tropical plants. Kamboja is the common name of Plumeria in my country Indonesia.  Plumerias are often planted on cemetery area but for most Balinese, they use this flowers in  temple. Nowdays, Plumeria can be found in the city areas.
Here in America, Plumerias are easily found in Hawai and South Florida. In Hawai , Plumeria is used to make the fragrant Hawaian Lei. They welcome the visitor with Plumeria's arrangement.


According to hystory, the Plumeria name was named in honor of Charles Plumier, he was a botanist.
Plumeria is a tropical species but most wild plumerias were found in hot areas in rocky and poor soil.
Based on these natures,  plumeria can be grown anywhere not only in tropical climate. I pick Plumeria as one of my tropical plant collection.

Plumeria can be grown from seed or cutting. For me growing plumeria is a reward. It was not that easy when I started it because I did not know how to grow,  but by reading info about plumerias from internet and reading book,  . Finally, I could grow them and still keep learning by growing. I recommended to purchase this book Click Here!
This book is very helpful, I have been searching book about Plumeria in local Library where I live but I can't find it. I am glad that somebody finally make a book about How to grow Plumeria.


Unfortunately, Plumeria's cutting and seed can be purchased only from specific nursery, online such as Ebay, Amazon or even in Garden Expo in your local city. I used to purchase seed from Ebay. Sometime Lowes or HomeDepo sell rooted plumeria plant in summer time. When you are purchasing rooted plants, cutting or seed from other country, make sure to check with your local custom. They may require special document such as Phytosanitary certificate.

Why do I like growing Plumeria :