HousePlant of the month - Pure Green - October

HousePlant of the month - Pure Green - October

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October 2017: Pure Green Houseplants of the Month 

The story of Pure Green 
Pure Green is about plants with air-purifying qualities which greatly improve their surroundings. Research by NASA has proved it: some plants absorb harmful substances and carry them away with their roots. They also release oxygen and help maintain the humidity level in the home. The Houseplants of the Month for October are the stars amongst the Natural Air Purifiers: Spathiphyllum, Gerbera, Nephrolepis and ivy. 

To have a real effect, NASA recommends at least 1 plant (pot size 15/20 cm) per 10 m². The amount of soil is also important, because micro-organisms in the soil absorbs small quantities of air pollutants. Pure Green plants are not only ideal for use in the home, but also in offices and schools.

Origin
Ivy (Hedera) is a member of the Araliaceae family, and grows on rocks and trees in Asia, Europe and North Africa. The plant is able to climb to a height of 25-30 metres and does particularly well in cooler regions. The Latin name ‘Hedera’ roughly means ‘gripping’ and refers to the roots with which the plant secures itself. Ivy symbolises eternal life, because the plant is evergreen. 

Gerbera flowers in Southern Africa, Asia, South America and Tasmania. This flowering plant is now available in 600 different colours, shapes and sizes. Gerbera is known as a cut flower, but it is the plant that can best absorb harmful substances from the environment. 

Nephrolepis Is a member of the fern family: beautiful foliage plants with very varied appearances which have been growing on Earth since the Devonian period (400-350 million years ago). Nephrolepis occurs in tropical rainforests around the globe. This bushy plant with feathered leaves is one of the best air purifying plants for the home.

Spathiphyllum comes from the tropical rainforests of Colombia and Venezuela, and is the sort of plant that everyone falls in love with straightaway: soft green leaves, white bracts around a flowering spike, and very interactive. If Spathiphyllum is too dry, its leaves droop in order to spring back up again within a couple of hours of being watered. 

What to look for when buying Pure Green 

• With all the plants you should look at the pot size, diameter, thickness and height of the plant. With ivy it’s worth checking the length of the tendrils, and with Gerbera and Spathiphyllum you should check the number of flowers per plant and the stage of ripeness. 
• All Pure Green plants should have slightly damp soil. The smaller pot sizes in particular dry out rapidly and then suffer leaf drop, shrivel leaves or dry leaf edges. 
• Plants should be free of yellow leaves in the heart of the plant, particularly in winter. It's also a good idea to check for various types of scale insects and mealybug. Ivy can also suffer from red spider mite. These pests are often difficult to eradicate in the retail chain or at the consumer, so it’s advisable not to buy the plant.
• Plants are often sleeved in order to protect them from cold or during shipping. Check that the sleeves are perforated because of the damp that can cause the Botrytis fungus. This grey mould can rapidly infest the plant.
• During shipping and storage the temperature must be at least 12-15 °C or higher for Spathiphyllum and Nephrolepis. Ivy and Gerbera can tolerate lower temperatures.

Choice of range 
The range of plants with air-purifying properties is large. There are multiple cultivars available of each species:

Ivy offers a wide range of leaf shapes and colours. There are climbing and hanging forms, and many applications are created with it on arches, spheres, pyramids etc. The leaf colour ranges from smooth green through to variegated and marbled, and there is also a wide variety of leaf sizes. Cultivars such as Eva, Kolibri, Pittsburgh, Shamrock and Wonder are very popular. 

Gerbera occurs in many different sizes and forms, and is increasingly popular as a patio plant for use in the spring and summer. There is even a hardy variety (Garvinea).  For use the home there are a number of series that are offered in many colours, such as Durora, Fiori Line, Sundayz and Revolution.

Nephrolepis is by far the most important species within the ferns, with the cultivars Bostoniensis (often called Boston Fern) and Green Lady (narrow leaf) as the best known varieties. But Corditas, Duffii, Emina and Vitale are also attractive ferns with the same air-purifying properties.

Spathiphyllum is available in many sizes, always with a white inflorescence. The leaves are usually green, although there are also a couple with variegated leaves, such as S. Silver Cupido or S. Gimini. Many cultivars are named after composers: Chopin, Figaro, Vivaldi or Bellini. There are now many varieties of Cupido available.  

Care tips for consumers 
All Pure Green Plants should be wrapped carefully for the journey home during the cold months. 

Ivy likes a cool and light spot, but not in bright sunlight. The lighter the leaf, the more light it requires. The more chlorophyll, the less light it needs. The soil should not be allowed to dry out, but nor should the roots be standing in water. Give some plant food once a fortnight, place the plant under the shower from time to time or treat it to a session with the plant spray. Remove old leaves, cut back scrawny tendrils. Ivy cannot tolerate dry air well; this can lead to red spider mite. So don’t place it over a heater.

Gerbera prefers a light spot. The soil should not be allowed to dry out. Give plant food once every three weeks to ensure long, lavish flowering. Carefully remove exhausted flowers with a twisting movement from the heart so that the entire stem comes free. 

Nephrolepis prefers a spot where the temperature is above 12°C, between partial shade and light. The plant can’t tolerate direct sunlight or the dry air over a heater. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Water onto the soil in order to protect the heart of the plant. Rainwater is preferable - ferns cannot cope well with lime and salt. Give the plants some plant food once every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. 

Spathiphyllum prefers a light spot where the temperature is at least 12°C , but does not cope well with full sun. Do not allow the soil to dry out. The plant will show when it’s short of water by drooping. Spray the leaves regularly with tepid water, give some plant food once a month, remove wilted flowers.
With thanks to https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk for all information

These plants fit in well with the Pantone colour of the year 'Greenery'. Choose these plants as part of your wedding displays. Use foliage such as ferns and ivy in your bouquets and buttonholes and for the tables make groups of plants your centrepieces. Display on log slices or small logs with moss to really set them off. These could then be given away as gifts for your guests to have a lasting remembrance of your day.

To discuss how we could style this look for you, get in touch to book a consultation today.

Sandra x

Pure Green Houseplants - Plant of Month for October

Pure Green Houseplants - Plant of Month for October

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October 2017: Pure Green Houseplants of the Month 

The story of Pure Green 
Pure Green is about plants with air-purifying qualities which greatly improve their surroundings. Research by NASA has proved it: some plants absorb harmful substances and carry them away with their roots. They also release oxygen and help maintain the humidity level in the home. The Houseplants of the Month for October are the stars amongst the Natural Air Purifiers: Spathiphyllum, Gerbera, Nephrolepis and ivy. 

Origin
Ivy (Hedera) is a member of the Araliaceae family, and grows on rocks and trees in Asia, Europe and North Africa. The plant is able to climb to a height of 25-30 metres and does particularly well in cooler regions. The Latin name ‘Hedera’ roughly means ‘gripping’ and refers to the roots with which the plant secures itself. Ivy symbolises eternal life, because the plant is evergreen. 

Gerbera flowers in Southern Africa, Asia, South America and Tasmania. This flowering plant is now available in 600 different colours, shapes and sizes. Gerbera is known as a cut flower, but it is the plant that can best absorb harmful substances from the environment. 

Nephrolepis Is a member of the fern family: beautiful foliage plants with very varied appearances which have been growing on Earth since the Devonian period (400-350 million years ago). Nephrolepis occurs in tropical rainforests around the globe. This bushy plant with feathered leaves is one of the best air purifying plants for the home.

Spathiphyllum comes from the tropical rainforests of Colombia and Venezuela, and is the sort of plant that everyone falls in love with straightaway: soft green leaves, white bracts around a flowering spike, and very interactive. If Spathiphyllum is too dry, its leaves droop in order to spring back up again within a couple of hours of being watered. 

What to look for when buying Pure Green 

• With all the plants you should look at the pot size, diameter, thickness and height of the plant. With ivy it’s worth checking the length of the tendrils, and with Gerbera and Spathiphyllum you should check the number of flowers per plant and the stage of ripeness. 
• All Pure Green plants should have slightly damp soil. The smaller pot sizes in particular dry out rapidly and then suffer leaf drop, shrivel leaves or dry leaf edges. 
• Plants should be free of yellow leaves in the heart of the plant, particularly in winter. It's also a good idea to check for various types of scale insects and mealybug. Ivy can also suffer from red spider mite. These pests are often difficult to eradicate in the retail chain or at the consumer, so it’s advisable not to buy the plant.
• Plants are often sleeved in order to protect them from cold or during shipping. Check that the sleeves are perforated because of the damp that can cause the Botrytis fungus. This grey mould can rapidly infest the plant.
• During shipping and storage the temperature must be at least 12-15 °C or higher for Spathiphyllum and Nephrolepis. Ivy and Gerbera can tolerate lower temperatures.

Choice of range 
The range of plants with air-purifying properties is large. There are multiple cultivars available of each species:

Ivy offers a wide range of leaf shapes and colours. There are climbing and hanging forms, and many applications are created with it on arches, spheres, pyramids etc. The leaf colour ranges from smooth green through to variegated and marbled, and there is also a wide variety of leaf sizes. Cultivars such as Eva, Kolibri, Pittsburgh, Shamrock and Wonder are very popular. 

Gerbera occurs in many different sizes and forms, and is increasingly popular as a patio plant for use in the spring and summer. There is even a hardy variety (Garvinea).  For use the home there are a number of series that are offered in many colours, such as Durora, Fiori Line, Sundayz and Revolution.

Nephrolepis is by far the most important species within the ferns, with the cultivars Bostoniensis (often called Boston Fern) and Green Lady (narrow leaf) as the best known varieties. But Corditas, Duffii, Emina and Vitale are also attractive ferns with the same air-purifying properties.

Spathiphyllum is available in many sizes, always with a white inflorescence. The leaves are usually green, although there are also a couple with variegated leaves, such as S. Silver Cupido or S. Gimini. Many cultivars are named after composers: Chopin, Figaro, Vivaldi or Bellini. There are now many varieties of Cupido available.  

Care tips for consumers 
All Pure Green Plants should be wrapped carefully for the journey home during the cold months. 

Ivy likes a cool and light spot, but not in bright sunlight. The lighter the leaf, the more light it requires. The more chlorophyll, the less light it needs. The soil should not be allowed to dry out, but nor should the roots be standing in water. Give some plant food once a fortnight, place the plant under the shower from time to time or treat it to a session with the plant spray. Remove old leaves, cut back scrawny tendrils. Ivy cannot tolerate dry air well; this can lead to red spider mite. So don’t place it over a heater.

Gerbera prefers a light spot. The soil should not be allowed to dry out. Give plant food once every three weeks to ensure long, lavish flowering. Carefully remove exhausted flowers with a twisting movement from the heart so that the entire stem comes free. 

Nephrolepis prefers a spot where the temperature is above 12°C, between partial shade and light. The plant can’t tolerate direct sunlight or the dry air over a heater. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Water onto the soil in order to protect the heart of the plant. Rainwater is preferable - ferns cannot cope well with lime and salt. Give the plants some plant food once every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. 

Spathiphyllum prefers a light spot where the temperature is at least 12°C , but does not cope well with full sun. Do not allow the soil to dry out. The plant will show when it’s short of water by drooping. Spray the leaves regularly with tepid water, give some plant food once a month, remove wilted flowers. 

Thank you to Flower Council of Holland for the information and Thejoyofplants.co.uk. for the photos.

If you would like to purchase any of these plants we can get them all in when available from our suppliers.

Sandra x

Alocasia - Houseplant of The Month - September

Alocasia - Houseplant of The Month - September

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September 2017: Alocasia Houseplant of the Month 

The story of Alocasia
Alocasia, also known as elephant’s ear, has large, beautifully marked leaves. Despite the fact that it’s a sizeable plant, it still look airy and stylised thanks to the tall, smooth stems that grow out of a corm. Those stems can be plain, but can also have tiger stripes, and the foliage is equally remarkable. There is a species with leaves that resemble African masks, one with crinkled leaf edges, and one that is called the skeleton plant because the leaf veins are so clearly marked. The flowering (in the form of a spike) is not particularly impressive with this houseplant. The decorative value lies particularly in the magnificent foliage. 

Origin 
Alocasia is a member of the Arum family, and grows in the tropical rainforests of South-East Asia. It is particularly common on Borneo, and can reach a height of four metres. There are 79 known species. The plant has been cultivated around the Equator as a foodstuff for thousands of years. Decorative plants have been bred from the original versions. These aren’t edible, but they are very beautiful. Alocasia conquered living rooms in the 1950s, and has a great vintage vibe. 

What to look for when buying Alocasia 

• When buying Alocasia, look particularly at the pot size and the diameter and density of the plant. The visible leaves must be sizeable, whilst the leaf and stem markings must be visible. Alocasia can have either a compact or more transparent growth habit.
• The plant should be free of disease and pests. 
• Damaged leaves are usually the result of mistakes during shipping or storage. Alocasia is sensitive to cold. The plant develops spots on the leaves at temperatures below 12-15°C. These can also be caused by scorching as a result of too much sun.  It’s important to place a sleeve around the plants in the cold months. 
• If Alocasia has yellow leaves, it’s been too wet or too dry. Root or stem rot can occur sometimes. Plants must be free of brown spots and brown leaf edges, often caused by insufficient humidity and/or the potting soil being too dry. This can also cause the plant to droop.
• If the plant has been too dry for a long time, red spider mite can occur, which causes a grey discolouration of the leaves. There are virtually no other pests or diseases present during the sale phase. 

Choice of range 
Alocasia is best known in the form of the skeleton plant with distinctive leaf veins, Alocasia x amazonia. There are a number of cultivars of this species: the compact ‘Polly’ and the smaller ‘Bambino Arrow’. The leaves of these plants resemble an African mask. Large-leaved species are: A. ‘Calidora’ which has a large green shiny leaves with very thick leaf stems. A. ‘Portadora’ has large green shiny leaves and distinctive rusty ‘spots’ on the stems. A. Lauterbachiana has elongated, wavy leaves of which the stems and the underside of the leaf are coloured red. A. Cucullata has arrow-shaped leaves and a compact green shape. A. ‘California’ has very large leaves and can also cope with somewhat lower temperatures, which makes it suitable for use as a conservatory or container plant. Particularly distinctive displays are offered by A. ‘Black Velvet’ (a silvery white vein in almost black leaves which appear slightly velvety) and A. zebrina with arrow-shaped leaves and a distinctive striped stem. 

Care tips for consumers 

• Wrap carefully for the journey home during the colder months. 
• Alocasia originates from the tropical rainforest, and the plant likes to have those warm, damp conditions in the home as well. 
• Light position, but not in full sun in order to prevent leaf scorching. 
• A room temperature of 18-22 °C is ideal. The plant certainly shouldn’t get too cold.
• Regularly give water at room temperature, don’t allow the soil to dry out.
• Alocasia enjoys being misted with the plant spray, a session in the shower or standing outside during summer rain. 
• Give plant food twice a month during the growing season, once a month during the winter rest period. 

Display tips for Alocasia
Alocasia brings a tropical mood to the interior, purifies the air and can be used all year round in the home, office, school or public spaces. The plant is also very suitable for use in hydroculture. The large specimens look best on their own in a spacious setting, whilst the smaller can also be used in groups. A simple container is best in order to optimally show the spectacle of the leaves and stems. 

These plants would make excellent displays for your wedding - whether grouped on the tables for your guests or the larger plants used at the aisle entrance or altar, or for a civil ceremony the doorway displays. These can then be given out to guests for thank you's.

Thank you to Thejoyofplants.co.uk. and https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk for the above information.

We can source all of these plants through the season just ask us for your requirements. We can also source a wide range of pots to compliment each plant or for a striking look bright and colourful pots of all shapes and sizes. Whether for a long term display or for a one off event we can source, supply and set up so you don't have to. A care service can also be supplied if needed.

Sandra x

Aloe - Houseplant of the Month - August

Aloe - Houseplant of the Month - August

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August 2017: Aloe Houseplant of the Month 

The story of Aloe 
Very tough, strong shapes and easy to live with: Aloe (officially known as: Aloe vera) has thick blue-green leaves which reach a length of 40-50 cm and grow up in spikes from a rosette up to a maximum of 100 cm. The leaves are greyish green and have serrated edges. Aloe is an exceptionally resilient plant which stores moisture and nutrients in the leaves in order to get through dry periods. The plant blooms in the summer, and helps keep the air in your home clean. 

Origin 
Aloe vera is a succulent from the Asphodel family and has been growing on the Arabian Peninsula for millions of years. The name derives from the Arabic word ‘Alloeh’, which means ‘shiny bitter fluid’. This refers to the cooling, gel-like liquid in the leaves. ‘Vera’ effectively means ‘the real thing’. There are some 300 species. As a desert plant, Aloe must survive in an extreme climate, which is why it produces more than 75 substances to help it cope. For example, if a leaf is damaged the ‘wound’ will immediately be sealed with coagulating sap in order to retain as much moisture as possible, just as with humans. The active ingredients in Aloe have also been found to have healing properties for humans. The ancient Egyptians called it ‘the immortality plant’. The first description in European documents dates from 1655. Nowadays Aloe also occurs in countries around the Mediterranean, Indonesia, Mexico and the Caribbean. 

What to look for when buying Aloe  

• When buying Aloe, look at the pot size and the size of the rosette. Sometimes there are already small rosettes on the plant that lend greater volume to Aloe and make it a bit more appealing.
• It’s important to know whether the plant is being purchased as a foliage plant or as a flowering plant. For a flowering plant, you should also look at the stage of flowering. 
• The succulent properties of the leaves mean that Aloe is not particularly prone to diseases. However, there can sometimes be mealybug between the leaf rosettes. Because this is very difficult to tackle with Aloe, it’s a good idea to avoid buying such a plant. 
• If the plant has been given too much water, the leaf rosettes can start to rot. It’s better for the soil to be a little too dry than much too wet. 
• If the plant spends too long in a spot with insufficient light at the point of sale, this will detract from the quality. The plants can then start to stretch, or the colour can fade.
• The recommended storage and shipping temperature is 12°C. 

Choice of range 
The Aloe range is constantly expanding thanks to the continuing trend for decorative succulent plants such as cacti and other succulents with decorative leaves like Agave, Echeveria, Crassula, Haworthia and Senecio. Aloe vera is by far the best-known member of the Aloe range. Serrated green-blue leaves form the basis for the rosette in which the plant grows. There is also Aloe arborescens, which means ‘tree-like’. This plant has a coarser structure and slightly curling leaves. Aloe humilis (which means ‘staying close to the ground’) is a compact rosette with leaves edged with white ‘teeth’. Other Aloe species are A. aristata ‘Cosmo’ (green), A. squarrosa (star-shaped rosettes) and A. ‘Pink Blush’ (pinkish markings on the leaf rosette). 

Care tips for consumers 

• Aloe is very easy to care for, thanks to its succulent properties: the plant stores moisture in the thick leaf rosettes to get it through dry periods. 
• Water once a fortnight. The pot soil can be left to dry out between waterings.
• Aloe likes a light and sunny spot. The plant can also be placed outdoors on the patio or balcony in the summer months.
• Feed once a month during the growth season. 
• Aloe flowers after a short rest period in the winter, during which the plant should have little water and no food. The plant develops when the days start getting longer again, at which point you should give it some more water and food.

Display tips for Aloe 
Because Aloe has a fairly strong look in its own right, the plant is best displayed in a container that emphasises that: robust ceramics, worked wood, plastic with a sturdy structure. A slightly wide pot makes it easier to water. Aloe combines well with other succulents in bowls and boxes, and particularly combined with its air-purifying characteristics. Ideal for offices, student rooms and plant lovers who lack green fingers. 

These plants would make excellent displays for your wedding - whether grouped on the tables for your guests, appearing in your bouquets or as favours/place name holders. We can supply them for you and source a range of pots and containers to suit your theme. Delivery and set up can be arranged (with or without other flowers) to save you time and energy on the run up to your day.

Thank you to Thejoyofplants.co.uk. and https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk for the above information.

We can source all of these plants through the season just ask us for your requirements. We can also source a wide range of pots to compliment each plant or for a striking look bright and colourful pots of all shapes and sizes. Whether for a long term display or for a one off event we can source, supply and set up so you don't have to. A care service can also be supplied if needed.

Sandra x

Kalanchoe - Houseplant off the Month - July

Kalanchoe - Houseplant off the Month - July

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July 2017: Kalanchoe Houseplant of the Month 

The story of Kalanchoe
Magnificent forms, easy to look after and keeps looking good for a long time: these are the characteristics that make Kalanchoe a star amongst the flowering houseplants. An asset for enhancing the interior, but also a popular bedding, balcony or patio plant in spring and summer which can tolerate both sun and shade and blooms endlessly. 

Origin 
Kalanchoe is a member of the Crassulaceae family, which also includes many other succulents such as Crassula and Echeveria. The most common flowering variety is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, which can have both single and double flowers. There are also Kalanchoes that stand out because of their beautiful bell-shaped flowers or leaves. The plants grow in Madagascar, south and east Africa, south-east Asia and China. The name is derived from that latter country: Kalan Chau was ‘latinised’ into Kalanchoe. 

What to look for when buying Kalanchoe 
Kalanchoe is a short day plant. That means that the plants form buds when the days are less than 12 hours long. Growers have the opportunity to play with light and dark. Hence short and long days can be reproduced in the greenhouse in order to get the plant to flower all year round.

Buying factors

• When buying Kalanchoe, the pot size (they’re available from mini through to large bowls), the diameter and thickness of the plant, the number of buds and the ripeness all play a role. The flowers must still be in bud, but showing some colour. 
• Check that the plant is free of pests and diseases. When the flowers or the foliage are damaged or flawed, this is often the result of shipping or storage.  Wilted flowers or yellow leaves indicate that the plant is not in top condition.
• if too much moisture is left between the leaves for a long time as a result of condensation, botrytis can occur. There are virtually no other pests or diseases present on Kalanchoe during the sale phase. 
• Make sure the plants get enough light during shipping and at the point of sale in order to prevent the flower stems from stretching. 
• Kalanchoe cannot cope with temperatures below 12°C . You should therefore leave the plant in the sleeve during the shipping and storage phase in order to avoid cold damage.
• There is also a risk of damage when Kalanchoe is placed outdoors. Keep an eye on the temperature.

Choice of range
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana is the most common species in the range. They’re usually not sold by cultivar, but by colour or in mixed trays. The plants come in many different colours: red, orange, yellow, green, white, pink, lilac, salmon and bicoloured varieties. The flower can be single (e.g. Calanday) or double-flowered (e.g. Calandiva or Rosalina). The size the flowers can also vary - there are increasing numbers of varieties with larger flowers on the market. The Bells series offers alternative flower shapes. These Kalanchoes have sprays of pale green hollow cushions from which bell-shaped flowers emerge. Mirabella has much smaller flowers and is particularly sold as a patio plant. Alongside flowering Kalanchoes, there’s also an attractive range of foliage Kalanchoes with beautiful thick leaves. The best-known is Kalanchoe thyrisflora.

Care tips for consumers

• The thick fleshy leaves - flowering Kalanchoe is a succulent - mean that the plant needs little care and is therefore also suitable with people who don’t have green fingers.
• Kalanchoe prefers a light to sunny spot both indoors and outdoors, provided that the temperature remains above 12°C. 
• The plant stores moisture in the thick leaves; watering once a week is enough. Too much water is definitely to be avoided: it’s better for the soil to be a little too dry than much too wet. 
• Give plant food once a fortnight for rich and lengthy flowering. Flowering plants consume more energy and other nutrients than green plants. 
• Carefully remove wilted flowers, whilst avoiding damaging new buds. 

Display tips for Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe works well in a display based on colour, is suitable for kokedama and can be lucratively used for special seasonal occasions: red for Valentine’s Day, red and white Christmas, yellow for Easter, pink for Mother’s Day and orange for the autumn. The mini varieties work very well in indoor gardening arrangements and table pieces, particularly combined with foliage Kalanchoes, Echeveria or Crassula. Their minis are also a suitable gift the children, as an easy first plant in the playroom. Kalanchoe is long-lasting in containers and baskets, a budget-friendly floral solution for the hospitality and commercial sector, and an ideal plant gift for students. One of its strengths is that Kalanchoe can cope with sunlight and can therefore furnish a whole windowsill with colour.  Many reasons on why these plants make excellent gifts. 

Ask us to see what colours we have in stock these week or for a special occasion we can buy in to your special request, say corporate colours for an open day.

We can source all of these plants through the season just ask us for your requirements. We can also source a wide range of pots to compliment each plant or for a striking look bright and colourful pots of all shapes and sizes. Whether for a long term display or for a one off event we can source, supply and set up so you don't have to. A care service can also be supplied if needed.

Thank you to Thejoyofplants.co.uk. and https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk for the above information.

Sandra x

Commitment Free plants - Houseplant of the month - June

Commitment Free plants - Houseplant of the month - June

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June 2017: Commitment Free Plants Houseplants of the Month 

The story of Commitment Free Plants

Rugged, easy to live with, and a must-have for every ‘man cave’. Commitment Free Plants not only make a man’s home more attractive, but also show instantly that the guy in question is caring enough to keep something green alive. The selection for this Premier League consists of Croton, Philodendron, Snake Plant, Umbrella Tree and Devil’s Ivy - all strong personalities the can take a knock. 

Origin 
Croton (aka Codiaeum) is derived from the Greek word ‘kroton’, which means ‘tick’ and refers to the seeds, which resemble these bugs. This handsome plant grows in Indonesia, but can also be found in many other warm holiday destinations. Croton is an evergreen shrub with variegated, very colourful leaves that are unlike any other plant. 
Philodendron grows in the tropical rainforests of South America and occurs as a bush, small tree and climbing plant with aerial roots. The name derives from the Greek and means ‘tree hugger’. This refers to its preference for growing up the giants of the forest.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is one of the easiest houseplant ever. The plant grows in the dry regions of southern Africa and Asia, where it has to survive in deserts. The Snake Plant does that with sturdy rhizomes from which thick upward-pointing sword-shaped leaves with succulent properties emerge.
Umbrella Tree (Schefflera) is native to the deciduous forests of New Zealand, Taiwan and Australia, where the plants can reach a height of 20 to 30 metres. It is one of the most air purifying plants, and offers an impressive green presence with eye-catching leaves which resemble a hand with a few to many fingers. 
Devil’s Ivy (Scindapsus) is a hanging climbing plant which is a member of the arum family, the Araceae, and can be identified by the spike-shaped flower/spadix with a bract. This houseplant is known as a bringer of luck. In the tropical rainforests of South-East Asia and Indonesia, Devil’s Ivy also serves as a rich source of food for lizards and other reptiles, amongst others.

What to look for when buying Commitment Free Plants

• With Commitment Free Plants the first impression is important: are the plant’s proportions right, is the foliage full and healthy, and is the plant firmly in its pot? 
• With the climbers, check the material that is being used to support the Manly Plant. A moss pole, wood or bamboo must look cared for. 
• The plant must have good roots and sufficiently hardened leaves. Leaf drop can sometimes be caused by lack of light (particularly winter) and brown leaf tips can be a sign of insufficient humidity. The plants must be free of pests and diseases. Especially look out for mealybug and scale insects.
• Most Commitment Free Plants are sensitive to cold at a temperature below 12 to 15°C - something to bear in mind when transporting them during the cold months.

Choice of range 
The range of ‘Commitment Free Plants’ is varied in terms of shape, size and colour. Various species and cultivars exist of each type, making for an impressive choice. 
In addition to many different sizes, Croton also comes in many cultivars. They are all part of the species C. variegatum, which means variegated and refers to the fantastic leaves. 
Philodendron is available both as a climber with large or small leaves, and in bush form. The leathery leaves are often green, or slightly reddish. Larger climbers sometimes have aerial roots. 
Snake Plant is available in many different sizes and shapes, from fans and interwoven specimens through to plants with painted or felt-covered tops to the leaves. The leaves are green or grey, depending on the variety. 
Umbrella Tree comes in various forms, which are mainly members of the arboricola species, which means ‘tree-like’. In the wild the Umbrella Tree can grow into a real tree. The trade offering ranges from single and branched plants in a pot through to indoor trees. All Umbrella Trees can be recognised by the hand-shaped leaves. 
Devil’s Ivy (Scindapus or Epipremnum) is known as a climbing and hanging plant with attractive green and yellow marked leaves. 

Care tips for consumers

• The more variegated the Manly Plant, the lighter the position it requires. If the leaf contains more chlorophyll, it can also be placed in partial shade. 
• Philodendron, Umbrella Tree and Devil’s Ivy cannot cope with direct sunlight. Croton and Snake Plant can cope with full sunlight, and can be placed outdoors in the summer months.
• The bigger and thicker the trunk, the easier the plant is to look after. Never allow the soil to dry completely, water at room temperature and avoid permanently soaking the soil. For the Snake Plant in particular, it’s better to give too little than too much. 
• Any yellow or ugly leaves can be removed. 
• If a Manly Plant gets too tall or is no longer looking good, it can be pruned (with the exception of Snake Plant), preferably during the darker months.
• House plant food once a month is sufficient.

Display tips for Commitment Free Plants
Their size means that Commitment Free Plants are ideally suited to a display that suggests an indoor forest. This fits with the trend of bringing living nature indoors and placing it on a pedestal in the home or office. This fits in with the colour of the year 'Greenery' , so be on trend this year with your plants.

Thank you to Thejoyofplants.co.uk. and https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk for the above information.

With Father's day on 18th June these would make excellent gifts, we are taking pre orders now to guarantee your plants.

We can source all of these plants through the season just ask us for your requirements. We can also source a wide range of pots to compliment each plant or for a striking look bright and colourful pots of all shapes and sizes. Whether for a long term display or for a one off event we can source, supply and set up so you don't have to. A care service can also be supplied if needed.

Sandra x

In and Out Plants - Houseplants of the month - May

In and Out Plants - Houseplants of the month - May

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May 2017: In & Out Plants Houseplants of the Month

The story of In & Out Plants

Merging indoors and outdoors and making the garden into a second home is a popular trend. Calla Lily, Campanula, Cockscomb, Balloon Flower and Lily fit perfectly with this: fabulous houseplants that can be placed both inside and outside and hence join the two together in a natural way. The variety of colours and shapes is overwhelming, but very different depending on the species. Campanula and Balloon Flower (Platycodon) mainly come in blue, white and pink, was lilies are widely available in orange, yellow, white and pink. The colour palette with Cockscomb (Celosia) and Calla Lilies is even more diverse, from delicate pastels through to brilliant deep shades. And you can enjoy these lavish bloomers from April to September. 

Origin 
These In & Out Plants originate from very different places. Calla Lily is a swamp plant which embeds itself firmly in riverbanks. The plant grows from South Africa to Malawi, often in places where the drainage of rainwater is obstructed. This creates a brief swamp-like situation during which Calla Lily stores water in its bulbs, which helps it get through the dry periods. All the Lilies that are used as houseplants are hybrids. The plant is native to Japan, China and Korea. Tropical Cockscomb originates from East Africa, South America and South-East Asia, and has now established itself in all tropical regions. The plant has been bred in the Netherlands since 1989. Prior to that, many cultivated forms came from Japan. Campanula grows in Italy, whilst Balloon Flower (Platycodon) has its roots in East Asia.

What to look for when buying In & Out Plants

• When buying this varied group of plants, look at the pot size and whether the plants are uniform in terms of size, height, diameter and number of flowers. 
• The ripeness varies according to species. Generally speaking, the buds must be well-developed so they can flower for the consumer. Being underripe is often the reason why flowers don’t open of buds shrivel. 
• With the bulb crops (Lily and Calla Lily) the soil can be a bit dry, since the plants get some of their energy from the bulb. It also makes them easy to ship and at the point of sale. With Calla Lily the tubers and the plant itself can be infected with bacteria, which shows in slimy stems and the rapid decline of the plant. Yellow or drooping leaves are also signs the plant is not healthy. The tuber size (diameter of the tuber in cm) determines the number of flowers that will be produced by each plant. The same applies to Lilies. The larger the bulbs used in the pots, the more buds there will be per stem. With the Lily it’s important to check that the bulbs are properly rooted and are not loose in the pot.
• With Campanula, Balloon Flower and Cockscomb it’s very important that the soil is slightly damp in order to prevent the plant from drooping. Water regularly. Do make sure that the water only goes on the soil and not the foliage and flowers, since botrytis can otherwise rapidly infect the plants in the form of grey mould. It is particularly important to check the plant carefully for this fungal disease in the case of plants that are supplied in cellophane or in wrapped trays. 
• Give these plants enough light - if conditions are too dark, they will start to stretch. These species can also suffer yellowing and drooping leaves. 

Choice of range
The range of plants that can be used both indoors and outdoors is growing rapidly. There are many different varieties of each species, many which are increasingly being sold by cultivar name.
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) comes in both large-flowered and small-flowered varieties in almost all the colours of the rainbow: white, yellow, pink, purple, lilac, salmon, orange. The leaf colour can also range from green to speckled.
Pot Lilies also come in various cultivar groups. Hence there is the Asiatic Group (small buds, delicate leaf, bright colours), the Oriental Group (coarse buds and leaves, large flowers with a strong scent, particularly white and pink varieties), the Longiflorum Group (long white flowers) and the LA Group (hybrid of Longiflorum x Asiatic Group, particularly with pastel colours).
Cockscomb has been intensively bred in recent years to produce attractive new varieties with fantastic new flower shapes and colours (bright, pastel and bicoloured). There are three shapes: the C. Cristata Group (cockscomb), the C. Plumosa Group (plume cockscomb) and the C. Spicata Group (tail-shaped small flowers). The latter group in particular provides most of the varieties that are used as In & Out Plants.
The Balloon Flower range is restricted to 3 colours: white, blue and pink. Before the flowers open, they are shaped like balloons. The flowers themselves consist of 5 petals, and the foliage is somewhat grey in colour.
Campanula has an extensive range which characterised by white, blue and bicoloured varieties. The variety C. isophylla, with its star-shaped flowers, is best for use as an In & Out Plant. The range is more extensive for the garden, but is less suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. 

Care tips for consumers

• All In & Out Plants prefer a cool and light spot indoors to ensure the longest possible flowering. In the garden they can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. 
• As bulb crops, the Calla Lily and the Lily are the easiest to care for: watering once a week is enough. 
• Campanula, Cockscomb and Balloon Flower have softer leaves, and therefore evaporate more moisture, meaning they need more water: the soil should always be slightly damp.
• For profuse flowering give the plants and food every two weeks and remove wilted flowers for extra-long flowering.
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• Display tips for In & Out plants
• In & Out plants are suitable for containers, pots and hanging baskets. Combine the various species together by colour, or create colourful mini gardens in the display that makes clear that the plants can be used both in the living room and on the patio or balcony. The plants combine well with summery accessories such as butterflies, decorative insects and other botanical elements. 

These plants would make excellent displays for your wedding - whether grouped on the tables for your guests or the larger plants used at the aisle entrance or altar, or for a civil ceremony the doorway displays. These can then be given out to guests for thank you's.

Thank you to Thejoyofplants.co.uk. and https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk for the above information.

We can source all of these plants through the season just ask us for your requirements. We can also source a wide range of pots to compliment each plant or for a striking look bright and colourful pots of all shapes and sizes. Whether for a long term display or for a one off event we can source, supply and set up so you don't have to. A care service can also be supplied if needed.

Sandra x

Banana Tree - House plant of the month - April

Banana Tree - House plant of the month - April

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April 2017: Banana tree Houseplant of the Month 

The story of the banana tree 

Many people are familiar with the banana tree (Musa) from exotic trips and holidays, since they grow everywhere in hot regions, from Tenerife to Indonesia and from Thailand to Mexico. Although it’s called a banana tree, what looks like a trunk is actually overlapping widened leaf stems which together create the apparent trunk of this perennial plant. The flowers grow on a thick flower stem, often with a purple bract. The male flowers are at the end of the dangling flower stem, and the female flowers that grow into bananas are higher up. Because the flower hangs down as a result of gravity and the bananas want to grow upwards towards the light, the bananas end up somewhat curved. On plantations where bananas are produced, it takes about 18 months from planting to harvesting. The parent plant then dies, but by then it has formed young shoots that provide the next harvest. As a houseplant, the banana tree rarely bears fruit.

Origin 
Bananas originate from East Asia, and have spread from there across the rest of the world in countries around the equator. The first cultivation by humans dates from around 8000 years B.C. in the Wahgi Valley in New Guinea. Alexander the Great is said to have brought the plants to the West from India. Banana trees were initially used on plantations to protect coffee, cocoa and pepper plants from the bright sun thanks to their large leaves. Only later were they appreciated for their fruit.  

What to look for when buying a banana tree 

• When buying banana trees look at the pot size, the height of the plant and the number of plants per pot. Because the plant’s leaves are rather fragile, they must be sleeved in order to prevent leaf damage and cold damage. 
• The plant should be free of diseases and pests: aphids and scale insects are the most common. Also look for the presence of sticky clear honeydew, which is a sign that there are ‘beasties’ living on the plant. The plant can have red spider mite if conditions are too dry. 
• If the banana tree has been kept too wet, this can cause root rot, disrupting the plant’s growth. 
• Banana trees cannot cope well with temperatures below 12-15°C, which is something to bear in mind when transporting them during the cold months.

Choice of range 
The range of banana trees is limited. The most common varieties are Musa ‘ Dwarf Cavendish’ and Musa ‘Tropicana’. Most banana trees are offered as dwarf banana trees, and their size also makes them suitable for the living room. All plants are characterised by the large, smooth-edged leaves, often with a slightly wavy edge. There are sometimes darker markings on the leaf which further enhance the decorative value. With hardy bananas it’s useful to know that only the rhizome is properly hardy, and the aboveground parts are sensitive to frost. 

Care tips for consumers

• Wrap carefully for the journey home during the colder months. 
• Banana trees like a warm and light position. The large leaf area means that the plant evaporates quite a lot of moisture, and therefore needs some extra water. Avoid getting the soil too wet, since this can cause root rot. 
• To get a banana tree to flower, you need both patience and space where it can keep growing with plenty of light and high temperatures, such as a conservatory. The plant may then flower and produce fruit after 3 to 4 years. 
• Houseplant food once a month will keep the banana tree strong and beautiful.
• The banana tree can be placed in the garden in a sunny, sheltered spot as a container plant from mid-April to mid-October. Allow it to overwinter indoors, and allow it to gradually acclimatise to bright sunlight in the spring to prevent scorching.

We can special order these plants for you. They make great plants for your office or reception area if they get lots of light. AS shown, they look great in striking pots which can really add colour to the area. We can also provide care for these plants (or any other) just ask us for more details.

The text and photos are curtesy of https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk and Thejoyofplants.co.uk.

Sandra x

Bromeliads - Houseplant of the month for March

Bromeliads - Houseplant of the month for March

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March 2017: Bromeliads Houseplant of the Month

The story of Bromeliads 

Cheerful, colourful, tropical and blessed with extraordinary appearances: the Bromeliad has long been the most exotic beauty amongst the houseplants. Initially people were not drawn to the attractive conical leaf rosettes and their brightly coloured bracts so much as to the delicious fruit of the best-known Bromeliad, the pineapple. There are more than 1600 different species in the wild. The plants are compact or extended, and grow concentrically from the leaf rosette. The stem grows up from this funnel with beautifully coloured bracts, amongst which unusual flowers emerge. All Bromeliads are ‘monocarps’. That means that the plant has reached the end of its life after flowering. Although baby plants will have formed by then, which will flower again after a few years. 

Origin 
Most Bromeliads originate from the tropical regions of North and South America, where they grow in varying climatic conditions. The Bromeliads include species such as Pineapple, Guzmania, Vriesea, Aechmea and Tillandsia. In the wild most of these plants grow on trees with thread-like roots (epiphytic) without drawing nutrients or water from the tree. They get those from the air. 

What to look for when buying Bromeliads

• Bromeliads are classified by pot size, diameter and thickness of the plant, and the way in which the bracts are or are not branched. The question of whether the bracts are upright or slanted in the rosette and how ripe the plant is also determine classification. If the flowers have already largely emerged amidst the bracts, the plant is past its peak. 
• Bromeliads are little troubled by pests and diseases. Damage to the bracts or the foliage is often caused by shipping, storage or cold damage. The plant can also be too ripe, or have yellow leaves. There are virtually no other pests or diseases present during the sale phase. 
• All Bromeliads must be stored at a minimum of 12-15°, and preferably warmer. You should therefore leave the plant in the sleeve or box during the shipping and storage phase in order to avoid cold damage. 
• Temperature fluctuations can cause cells in the leaf to rupture, which makes the plant less visually attractive. Ensure that the plant doesn’t get too damp. High humidity or condensation in the cellophane can cause botrytis.

Choice of range 
The Bromeliad range is diverse and colourful. The best-known species are Guzmania and Vriesea, whereby Guzmania blooms concentrically and Vriesea always has a somewhat flat inflorescence. The leaves are always smooth and usually green, but there are also variegated varieties. They both come in a wide range of colours and in various sizes. There are even botanical varieties of Vriesea which are sold as a foliage plant thanks to the decorative leaf markings. The pineapple is also a member of the Bromeliaceae family - as a houseplant it’s known as the pineapple plant. These plants are offered because of the decorative fruit in the rosettes. Ananas ‘Pacifico’ is an attractive red colour. One of the oldest and best-known Bromeliads is the Achmea or urn plant. In the past it usually came with serrated leaves, but nowadays it comes with attractive smooth edges and a beautiful pink inflorescence: Aechmea ‘Primera’. The classic pink variety has now been joined by white, red, orange and bicoloured varieties. Another common Bromeliad is Tillandsia cyanea, with pink inflorescences from which the cyan-coloured flowers emerge. 

Care tips for consumers 

• Bromeliads are very easy to look after. Place the plant in a light, warm spot, but not in full sun. Bromeliads can also be placed outdoors in the summer months, provided that the plant has shade for part of the day in order to avoid scorching.
• The rosettes contain absorbent hairs and scales with which the plant absorbs water and nutrients. Bromeliads particularly need water in the rosette and sparingly on the soil. Watering once a week is sufficient. Replace the water in the rosette regularly. The plant can be lightly misted on the leaves during flowering. To ensure lengthy and lavish flowering, give the plant some plant food once a month. 

For weddings these would make excellent table displays or the smaller varieties would make superb favours. 

Team up your wedding colours with the time of year, red for St Valentines Day, Yellows for Easter, Orange for Autumn and there will be a bromeliad for you.

Bromeliads are produced in a very environmentally friendly way, which can be a good argument for choosing this plant, in view of the interest in sustainable living.

All photos and information is supplied by Thejoyofplants.co.uk and The Flower Council of Holland.

If you would like to purchase any of these fabulous plants either for yourself or as a gift or to discuss using them for your wedding designs please get in touch for availability.

Sandra x