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Our plants |
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Ficus Benjamina. This graceful plant
is a member of the Moraceae (fig) family and is commonly known as the weeping fig.
These splendid specimen plants, which can grow into trees, are popular in homes,
shopping centres, and lobbies and atriums of public buildings. This ficus is excellent
for the removal of indoor air pollutants, especially formaldehyde (found in soft furnishings, adhesives,
floor coverings, ceiling tiles, paints, chipboard, paints, stains and
varnishes). There are bright to dark-green leaves and variegated leaved
species available, and three form-types: the standard tree, bush (several
stems emerging from one pot) and the braid (which consists of two or three
entwined trunks. The biggest drawback of this plant is its dislike of being
moved and leaf drop is common until the plant has adjusted to its new
environment. Once happy, it is easy to grow and maintain and should thrive
for years.
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Billbergia nutans. Also known as Queen's Tears or Friendship Plant. This is
a terrestrial bromeliad, native to Brazil, which has long slender ribbon
leaves and exotic-looking, pendulous flower clusters on long pink stems,
which normally appear in early spring, but this depends on growing
conditions. These flowers last only for a week, making them rather
precious! It likes good light, but not direct sun.
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Crassula. Otherwise known as jade plant or money plant.
Suitable for all businesses! This succulent, originally from South Africa, likes a warm,
sunny place. Slow-growing, but will eventually grow into small tree. Ours
look good in a matte black, bell shaped pot, finished with white stones and
displayed this way, have a distinctly Chinese or Japanese look.
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Begonia.
Most begonias are grown for their floral display, but we like the foliage
begonias, particularly the Begonia tiger. The Begonias all come from the
original Begonia rex, which came from India, but the original species no
longer exists and all the colourful ones you see in garden centres are
hybrids. The estimated number of these hybrids is between 1000 and 2000.
We will be looking to offer more than one! The plants need average warmth
and a bright spot away from direct sunlight. They like to be kept moist
during the growing season and thrive in moist air, although they don't
actually like getting their leaves wet. Begonia Tiger is an attractive hybrid of the compact Begonia boweri, a bushy plant that likes humid conditions but not wet leaves, overwatering or direct sun! The original Begonia rex came from India, but the species no longer exists and all today's plants are hybrids. |
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Spathiphyllum wallisii or peace lily. Originates from
Colombia and Venezuela. Beautiful, large-leaved plant, guaranteed to flower,
continuously throwing out long white 'spathes' (flowers). This plant excels
in the removal of indoor air pollutants. It likes indirect light and will
tolerate fairly low light conditions. Last year the Peace Lily was voted the Office Plant of the Year in The Netherlands.
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Chlorophytum. Spider plant to you and I.
Popular plant, but rarely grown to full, healthy, splendid form. Likes bright, indirect light.
Another excellent air purifyer, which attracted world-wide attention in 1984 when
NASA first released findings showing its ability to remove indoor air pollutants.
We have two types: variegated and non variegated. Both make a bold statement,
planted alone or grouped together with other plants.
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Dracaena marginata or dragon tree.
Durable, palm-like plant with smooth, grey erect cane and narrow leaves.
Two varieties - variegated (striped green, pink and cream) and deep,
glossy green with red edges. Likes semi-shade and humidity, but will tolerate
low light and dry air! An effective air-cleaner.
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Canary Island date palm. Phoenix Canariensis (Canary Island date palm).
This plant is one of several phoenix palms which can be grown indoors and can become quite large, although they are slow growing.
Young specimens grow upright and later become more like the classic date palm shape. The stem is brown and husk-like and the
fronds a light emerald green. Phoenix is the Greek name for date palm, and this one is native to the Canary Islands.
These stately palms are popular landscape plants in near frost-free climates around the world and are grown throughout Florida, all
along the Gulf of Mexico coastline, in the warm areas of the western United States including Arizona, California and Las Vegas and,
of course, on the French Riviera and all Mediterranean resorts. It is now being used as a specimen plant in corporate and public plantings
in Britain, and can be seen in the middle of city roundabouts, where it seems to be surviving the winters. It is drought tolerant, which
makes it a useful and elegant addition to an interior planting plan. It prefers, however, to be kept slightly moist at all times and appreciates
frequent misting in dry atmospheres.The Phoenix canariensis does not feature in the list of fifty plants tested by NASA. However, the
dwarf date palm, Phoenix roebelenii was tested and given a high overall rating for the removal of indoor air pollutants, particularly xylene
which is produced by computer screens, photocopiers, paint and chipboard. Exposure to xylene can cause confusion, nausea, coughs and catarrh.
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Aloe Vera. Also known as the medicine plant.
A succulent that grows in clustering rosettes of stiff, upright leaves, this plant has been
widely used in folk medicine for over 3,000 years, both as a liniment for treating
burns and as a drink for treating arthritis. Also used in cosmetics and skin
care products. Loves full to semi-sun. Very architectural, but as it has
sharp spines on its leaves, this plant needs careful positioning so as not
to attack anyone!
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Epiphyllum ackermanii. Commonly known as a tree cactus or orchid cactus,
the plants are hybrids. The original type species was epiphytic, growing on, and twining over, the bark of trees in the rainforests, mainly in
Central and South America and especially Mexico. It is closely related to the Easter and Christmas Cacti, but is larger. It has strap-shaped leaves which are erect,
flattened or triangular, sprawling outwards with age. The plant itself is rather uninteresting, even straggly and it is the flowers, which appear in
spring and early summer, which are the main event with this plant. They are very striking - large and funnel shaped, and coloured bright scarlet.
The trailing growth habit makes it an ideal plant for hanging baskets, but it will also thrive on an east-facing windowsill, liking bright, but not direct, light.
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Sanseveria.
The mother-in-law's tongue', properly named Sanseveria
trifasciata Laurentii', is well established as one of the most resilient of
indoor plants. It is also sometimes called the Snake Plant. There is a
common misapprehension that any Sanseveria is a Mother-in-law's tongue but,
in fact, about seventy species exist (the mother-in-law's tongue' being the
tallest).
Originally from tropical West Africa and India, the leaves of the plant are tough and leathery and are usually flat in shape. They vary in size and colour and are long-lived. Sanseveria have an extraordinary method of growing, producing very fleshy stems that develop under the soil. The power of the stems can push against the sides of a plastic pot until it bulges, splits and then breaks in two. The plant has even been known to break apart a clay pot! Despite the strength and resilience of the Sanseveria, it is very susceptible to overwatering, which can prove fatal, so it is a good plant to choose for a low-maintenance display. It is very architectural and makes a strong statement when displayed as a row of the single species, but also presents an interesting contrast when grouped with other plants. It is happy in shade, semi-shade or semi-sun. It differs from most indoor plants in that it produces oxygen and removes carbon dioxide at night. Sansevieria has been voted the Office Plant of the Year 2008 by the Dutch National Health Institute NIGZ, TNO Quality of Life and Applied Plant and Environment Research PPO. The Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Piet Hein Donner was presented with the "healthy" plant at the National Public Health Congress. The panel of experts judged that "not only is the Sansevieria air purifying, but also nearly indestructible. Sansevieria requires so little care that it is bound to survive and continue to look good." The jury also found the sleek form of the plant shows up well in modern office surroundings. Sansevieria in its many guises and pot sizes is perfect for work or home and particularly good by the computer where research has shown it is helpful in making users feel well and focused. |
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Yucca. A dramatic and sturdy plant with
sharp leaves and thick stems. Slow growing, but will eventually become a small tree.
Likes bright light, but not strong, direct sunlight. This is another plant that needs lots of space
in order to avoid injury from the sharp leaves!
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Nephrolepis or Boston fern. Likes semi-shade
or semi-sun. Thrives in a humid atmosphere, so if properly maintained, would help
to increase humidity in a dry indoor environment. Of all the plants tested by NASA,
the Boston fern is the best for removing indoor air pollutants, especially formaldehyde.
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Aspidistra. Made famous by George Orwell!
Otherwise known as the cast iron plant or parlour palm. Was popular in Victorian times.
Native to the shady forests of Japan, it is happy in low lighting.
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| Desk plants. We also have a variety of smaller plants, used in mixed troughs and mixed pots or as desk plants, such as scented pelargoniums (scented geraniums to most of us!), begonias, coleus, variegated ivy, bilbergia nutans (queen's tears or friendship plant), mexican hat plants etc. |
