Flowering house plants

Like foliage house plants, the foliage of flowering house plants remains alive and attractive throughout the year, but flowering house plants in addition can be expected to flower under room conditions, provided that their requirements are adequately met. Flowering house plants usually bloom better when the size of their pot is restricted. As in the case of the foliage plants, they can be divided into two categories, viz. climbers and trailers, and bushy plants.

Climbing and Trailing Flowering House Plants
Aeschyanthus speciosus is a beautiful plant for indoor decoration. It has long stems bearing lovely fleshy, deep-green, narrow leaves and clusters of orange, tubular, fragrant flowers at their extremities. It is either grown in hanging baskets or as a climber on supports in pots.

It should be planted in a rich mixture of sifted leaf-mould and a little sphagnum moss and should be repotted each year. It likes good drainage. It should be well watered in the summer and kept reasonably dry during winter at a temperature of about 50°F (io°C). It should not be allowed to flower during its first season.

Begonias generally like a well-lit place, far away from gas fumes. They are best when their pot is surrounded by damp peat (see page 132-3). They need to be watered well in the growing season and kept comparatively dry when they are resting. The leaves should on no account be wetted. In winter, a temperature of 50°-55°F (io°-i3°C) should always be maintained. The most recommended climbing species is Begonia glaucophylla, which has shiny, pointed, greyish-green leaves, which make a very lovely foil for its brick-red flowers in pendulous clusters, which appear in spring and summer. It is also excellent for hanging baskets. It does not like hot rooms.

B. glabra is another suitable climbing begonia; it has small white flowers.
Columnea banksii needs a warm room in which the winter temperature does not fall below 55°F (I3°C). It needs plenty of water during the growing period, but the soil should not be kept continuously saturated. The atmosphere should be kept humid by surrounding its pot with damp peat (see page 132-3). It likes a well-lit place out of direct sunlight. Its massed, reddish-orange flowers are three inches long and an inch and a half wide, and tubular in shape. It is a difficult plant to grow, but perseverance aimed at getting the right conditions is richly rewarded.

Another glorious columnea is C. gloriosa 'Purpurea', which has the most exotic-looking, orange flowers and small, dark-purple, hairy leaves.

Hoya carnosa (Wax Plant, Porcelain Flower) is an easy-to-grow plant with glossy, fleshy leaves and clusters of pale-pink, sweetly scented flowers that appear in summer. To be successful, it must have warmth and plenty of water when in flower. When the plant is growing it needs to be watered freely and given an occasional feed of liquid manure. When the plant is at the flower-bud stage, feeding should be stopped and watering reduced very considerably. It can stand cold conditions in the winter, but it flowers best in the shade where it is warm. There is a very beautiful variegated variety, H. carnosa 'Variegata', which has cream and green leaves. Another attractive species is H. australis, which has pink, flushed, white, honeysuckle-scented flowers.

Jasmine. There are two equally beautiful jasmines that will flower in the house, particularly if they are kept in an atmosphere that is warm, not less than 45°F (7o°C) in the winter, and fairly moist and in a sunny place. Under these conditions both are evergreen. Their size can be kept under control by stopping the shoots during the growing season. The first of these is Jasminum polyanthum, which resembles the white garden jasmine. It has white, highly perfumed flowers, pink on the outside, and dark-green leaves. The other is J. primulinum, which blooms in spring or earlier, giving bright-yellow, semi-double flowers that are often an inch in diameter.

Passiflora caerulea (The Passion Flower) is a quick-growing, hardy climber. Blue is the more common, but P. caerulea 'Constance Elliott' is a very delightful white variety. A sunny position is needed. It should be given plenty of water during the summer and receive an occasional feed. The temperature should not fall below 50°F (io°C) in the winter. It dislikes coal and gas fires. Keep under control by pruning hard in early spring.

Stephanotis floribunda (Madagascar Jasmine) is an exotic-looking, highly perfumed, vigorous climber. It has white, waxy flowers. It has evergreen leaves, that are about three inches long and make an attractive foil to the blooms. It should be grown in a moist atmosphere and in a pot with good drainage surrounded with damp peat. It likes good light and warmth, with the winter temperature not falling below550F (i3oC).

Bushy and Upright Growers
Anthurium scherzerianum (Flamingo Plant, Painter's Palette) is an impressive house plant. It is a difficult one because it needs to be kept in a centrally-heated room, in which there are no temperature changes. A constant temperature of 6o°F (i5°C) is ideal. It requires to be planted in a well-drained pot, surrounded by moist peat so that the atmosphere is moist, and to be given plenty of water. In the winter the peat should be reduced, but the plant must not be allowed to dry out. Frequent spraying with tepid water is an advantage. It should be placed in a well-lit place.

A. scherzerianum is a most colourful plant and is an asset to any interior decoration scheme. It has long, slender, shiny, lanceolate leaves, but its crowning glory is its wonderful wax-like, flamboyant, scarlet flowers, which grow on tall red stems and are composed of a spathe about two to three inches long and the same width, and a spirally-twisted orange-red spadix. The combination of these gives the plant an unusual, but most attractive, appearance.

Aechmeas (Urn Plant). These plants, which are members of the pineapple family, are characterized by the large strap-like leaves that form a vase-like rosette at their base. If kept in comparatively small pots, they do well in most rooms and are adaptable to cooler and warmer conditions provided they are given good light and kept relatively dry in the winter. Even in summer they should not be watered too heavily, but their central part should be kept filled, if possible, with rainwater. The varieties most frequently seen are Aechmea fulgens, which has olive-green leaves, with a base of reddish purple and produces small blue-petalled flowers that grow from a red calyx, and A.fasciata (A. rhodacyanea), which has a rosette of leaves, striped in bands of grey and green, with small pink flowers growing from pink bracts. In both cases the flowers soon die, but the calyxes and bracts remain colourful for a long time. Both plants are not tall, but can be more than two feet across and so need plenty of space.

Aphelandra squarrosa 'Louisae' (Zebra Plant) is another rather difficult, but very showy plant, which is well worth persevering with. It has been found that younger plants are more adaptable to house conditions than larger ones. It needs to be in a well-lit, but not sunlit, spot in which there is always moist and warm air. Its winter temperature should never be lower than 55°F (i3°C). Its soil should be kept constantly moist in the summer, but not soggy, and on the dry side in the winter. Spraying the foliage is very advantageous.

It is a beautiful plant with ten-inch long, pointed, very dark-green leaves, of which the veins are boldly delineated in pale cream. Its beauty is further enhanced by its large yellow flowers, which should be removed after they fade. Very beautiful varieties are 'Brockfield' and 'Silver Beauty'.

Begonias. Among the more bushy types of begonias that flower well are Begonia maculata, which has very decorative, large, medium-green leaves, that are brightly spotted with silver. It produces pendulous bunches of bright-pink flowers for a long period at almost any time of the year. A winter-blooming begonia is B. manicata, which has erect flowering stems that bear small rose-pink flowers. The Christmas begonia (Gloire de Lorraine begonia), B. cheimantha, which gives a dense mass of bright-red or pink blooms in the winter, is usually discarded after flowering, but given a warm, light, humid position, with moderate watering, it can be made more permanent. The small fibrous-rooted begonia, B. sem-perflorens and its many varieties make quite excellent house plants, particularly if two cultivars of different colour are planted in the same small pot. They like a sunny window-sill.

Beloperone guttata (Shrimp Plant) is an easy-to-grow plant, which has fascinating, rather unusual, shrimp-pink flowers and bracts, that combined are reminiscent of shrimps in shape, growing at the end of arching stems laden with medium-green leaves. It needs a sunny position, plenty of water and regular feeding in spring and summer, with an occasional spraying when the weather is hot. It should be kept dryish and cool in the winter. To keep in shape and bushy, the plant should be pruned in spring.

Billbergia. These bromeliads are very widely grown because they are easy to grow and most rewarding. They tolerate cool winter conditions, dry air and, to a certain extent, gas fumes. They should, however, be put into a place with good light, and warmth encourages flowering. They should not be over-watered, but some liquid feeding while they are growing is certainly acceptable.

Billbergia nutans is almost hardy. It has narrow, twelve-inch long, evergreen leaves. It produces tall flowering stalks, which are surmounted by unusual, but picturesque nodding, transient, yellowish-green, violet-blue bordered flowers, that are accompanied by a pink bract, which persists five or six days after the blooms fade.

B. windii, which is possibly more attractive, has boat-shaped, rosy-red bracts and flowers that are suffused with reddish-purple and greenish-yellow.

Callistemon citrinus (Bottle Brush Plant), which hails from Australia, is a beautiful evergreen shrub. The variety 'Splendens' has brilliant scarlet flowers, with very colourful, long stamens, over a long period. It grows in a cool room. It should be top dressed, because it grows best when somewhat pot-bound.

Campanula isophylla is sometimes classed as a trailer, because of its prostrate habit, which enables it to hang over the edge of a pot. Irrespective of whether they are white or blue, its one-inch across, star-shaped flowers, in which it is engulfed during the summer, are very charming. It grows best in a well-lit, cool and airy room. It should be fed and given plenty of water while growing, but kept rather dry in the winter. If it is dead-headed regularly, it will remain in flower over a long period.

Citrus mitis (Calamondin Orange) is an unusual house plant in that it often bears flowers and fruit simultaneously. It has white, sweet-scented blooms, followed by inedible, small oranges. It, together with other orange species, is not difficult to grow. Most of all it needs plenty of sunshine. It benefits from ample water and regular feeding during the summer, with drier winter conditions. The temperature in winter should not be less than 50°F (io°C), but it can stand in the open from June until it becomes cold.

Clivia miniata (Kaffir Lily) is a spectacular, easy-to-grow house plant, with its strap-shaped, dark-green leaves and its dominating heads of orange flowers, that are produced in the spring. It is claimed to be as tough and as long-lasting as the aspidistra. It should be kept dry and at a temperature above 45°~5°°F (7°-IO°C) in the winter, but it likes good watering, being sprayed and occasional feeding during the summer months. It should be put in a well-lit room, but away from direct sunlight. As it blooms best when pot-bound and dislikes root disturbance, it should only be re-potted when the dire necessity arises.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese Rose) is a bushy plant, with dark-green, glossy leaves and colourful flowers, that measure up to five inches across. There are whites, pinks, reds, oranges and yellows with some blooms single and others double. There is also a very pretty cultivar, H. rosa-sinensis 'Cooperi', which has variegated leaves of deep green and light yellow, tinged reddish-pink. Hibiscus thrive in a well-lit room, with full sun when blooming. In the winter, they should be kept fairly dry in a place where the temperature does not fall below 50°F (io°C). During the growing season, they should be well watered and fed occasionally with liquid manure. Occasional spraying should also be carried out to keep the air moist. In early spring, hibiscus are pruned to induce good bud formation.

Impatiens petersiana (Busy Lizzie) produces its flowers, which are more usually pink, nearly the whole year round. It grows quickly. It must have a sunny position when in flower, otherwise it needs a well-lit position out of the sun, and to be kept warm in the winter, when it should be maintained just moist enough to prevent the leaves wilting. In summer, it should be given ample water and be fed regularly. It pays also to spray it overhead, but as the plant is subject to attacks of mildew, this practice should be discontinued in the winter. To keep it bushy, it can be periodically pinched back. In addition to several dwarf forms, which include 'Baby Grange' and 'Baby Scarlet', there are some very attractive taller varieties, including 'Red Herald', which has large scarlet flowers marked with white. It can be very easily propagated from cuttings.

Nerium oleander (Oleander, Rose Bay). This shrub requires plenty of space. It is a very beautiful, willow-leaved plant, with clusters of fragrant, tubular flowers, measuring no less than three inches across, but every part of it is poisonous. It is deadly if eaten! The more usual colour is pink, but there are white, yellow and red varieties, and one with variegated leaves. Cuttings root very easily.

It needs a sunny position, with plenty of watering with tepid water, spraying and occasional feeding in the summer. Its wood can be ripened by standing outside as much as possible in the summer. Its winter temperature should not be allowed to fall below 5o°F (io°C).

Saintpaulia ionantha (African violet). There is little doubt that the African violet is one of the most spectacular and popular of all house plants. It is a dainty, low-growing plant that forms clumps of velvety, rounded, hair-covered leaves, that are distinctly veined. Their colour is dark green and, with some of the many varieties, their undersides are purple. Its bright flowers, with their brilliant boss of yellow stamens, resemble violets. According to the variety, the colours range from pure white through all shades of pink and mauve to the deepest purple and violet. Saintpaulia stays in flower for several months. African violets are not easy plants to grow, because their demands are exacting, but they can be met by most plant lovers, who have centrally-heated rooms and a certain amount of patience. Their first requirement is a temperature that nevers falls below 6o°F (i5°C) and is not subject to violent fluctuations. In addition they must have a moist atmosphere, which can be adequately provided by surrounding their pots with moist peat or standing them on a pebble tray (see page 132-3). They must have plenty of water, seemingly all the time because they do not appear to have a resting period. Watering should, however, be done from below or with a very narrow-spouted watering can, because they resent having water on their foliage, stalks and their crowns, which will rot if wet. Small plastic pots are best for them, because in clay pots any leaves coming in touch with their rims when they are damp tend to rot. They should not be exposed to draughts or gas fumes. They also appreciate regular doses of liquid feed.

They demand good light which is not direct sunshine. It has been demonstrated that they require fourteen hours of light every day to be at their best. Fortunately, they are quite happy with artificial light, especially fluorescent, so their requirements can be met even on the darkest day by artificially supplementing the limited daylight.

Although they are difficult to grow, they can be easily propagated by planting up root divisions in spring.

African violets can produce an almost sensational effect when they are planted in bottle gardens and terrariums. They are also delightful as the low-growing components of arrangements.

Sparmannia africana (Indoor Lime Tree) is a delightful evergreen pot plant, which is hardy. It produces a profusion of attractive, sweet-scented, white flowers from January to May. It likes plenty of water and occasional doses of liquid feed during the summer, with spraying during hot weather. It should be put in a well-lit spot, out of the draught, and it does enjoy spells in the summer sun. It grows well in an ordinary room, provided the air is not too dry, and it withstands smoke and gas fumes. It should be kept in shape by pruning after flowering.

Spathiphyllum wallisii (Peace Lily) grows into a clump of slim, pointed leaves on fairly long stems. Its flowers are typical of the spathes of an arum lily, but smaller, and in colour are first light green, then white and finally green. They are very elegant and last about a month. It is easy to grow in a warm, shady position with good humidity. It delights in central heating and does not object to deep shade, but loathes bright sunlight which turns its foliage yellow. S. wallisii 'Mona Loa' is a larger version.

Vriesia splendens is a hardy bromeliad. It has twelve- to sixteen-inch long, upright green leaves, slightly curved back at the tip, with blackish cross bands on either side. It produces on a tall stem, a spear-shaped inflorescence, which is bright scarlet, with tubular, yellow flowers growing at the base of the bracts. The flowers soon die, but the bracts keep their brilliant colour for a long time. It requires the same treatment as Aechmea.