Satin pothos
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday February 1, 2009
Common name: Satin pothos
Light: Part shade
Height: 6-12 in.
Spread: vine
USDA Hardiness Zone: 10
Origin: Java to Borneo
The Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is one of 25 species in this genus scindapsus. These epiphytic climbing vines produce large attractively patterned leaves. Like other epiphytic vines, they grow adventitious roots from their leaf axils, which take hold to their support allowing them to climb. The Satin pothos is olive green with attractive silver markings. In conservatories, they are often seen reaching their full growth potential, as the leaves will grow large once they start to climb. They are ideal for houseplants and can be grown in hanging baskets. These plants like a well-drained medium with some moisture-retaining amendment added, such as long-fibered sphagnum moss. They do not like to dry out between waterings. Propagation is by means of stem cuttings or air layering. Satin pothos is located throughout the Pacific Islands at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Nephthytis
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday February 8, 2009
Common name: Nephthytis
Light: part sun
Height: 18-24 in.
Spread: vine
USDA Hardiness Zone: 10
Origin: Tropical America
The Nephthytis (Syngonium podophyllum) is a common houseplant often seen in homes. There are thirty-three species included in the genus, which are either epiphytic or terrestrial. These evergreen tender perennials have attractive three lobed arrowhead-shaped leaves when young, which are considered “juvenile leaves”. Once the plants start to climb the leaves begin to grow larger and change shape. When adult, the lobes are much more defined resulting in looking like an entirely different type of plant. When growing in the wild or in a conservatory, the plants can climb to great heights. As a houseplant, the “climbing vines” can be cut back to maintain juvenile leaves. Nephthytis will rarely flower in the home as they flower on adult stems. Like other aroids, the flower contains a spathe and spadix,much like the common Peace lily. There are several cultivated varieties available on the market (Nephthytis ‘Berry Illusion’ pictured). These varieties will vary in color pattern and slight differences in leaf shape. Color will vary with light conditions. Nephthytis is found climbing up trees and over rocks in the Rainforest biome at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Mother of Thousands
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday February 15, 2009
Common name: Mother of Thousands
Light: Full sun
Height: 3ft.
Spread: 12-18 in.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 10
Origin: SW Madagascar
There are over 125 species of kalanchoes. These tropical succulents can
range from perennials, biennials, herbs, shrubs and climbers. The Mother of
Thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) is a succulent with fleshy triangular
serrated leaves. Its leaves, blotched with purple-brown underneath, curl
upwards. This plant is considered viviparous (a plant that vegetatively
reproduces small plants on itself). The Mother of Thousands produce small
adventitious “plantlets” at the notches on the leaf margins that will grow
their own set of roots. Eventually these small plants will fall to the
ground and take root. These small plants are often seen growing in other
nearby potted plants. All parts of this plant are toxic. This plant is
very easy to grow and prefers a well-drained soil. When mature enough, it
will produce clusters of purplish-red bell shaped flowers in late winter.
Mother of Thousands is located in the Desert biome at the Franklin Park
Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday February 22, 2009
Common name: Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Light: Full sun
Height: 12-24 in.
Spread: 18-24 in.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 10
Origin: Cultivated Variety
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (Sedum telephium ‘Autumn Joy’) was introduced to the retail market in 1955 and is still very popular in gardens. This succulent herbaceous clump-forming perennial begins its growth cycle in spring when small attractive green florets begin to grow. If more plants are desired, at this a few can be removed, planted and will quickly grow roots. The stems will continue to elongate and start to form flat flower heads in mid-summer, resembling broccoli. Their long lasting star shaped pink flowers will attract bees and butterflies. The dried stems and flower heads make excellent winter interest. They can then be cut back in spring before new growth resumes. Sedum “Autumn Joy’ is a low maintenance, drought and deer resistant plant which received the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. This Sedum is a good choice for the mixed perennial garden, formal borders and containers. Other cultivated varieties include ‘Autumn Glow’, ‘Autumn Fire’ and ‘Sunset Cloud’. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ adds texture and winter interest to planters on The Grove rooftop garden at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
