African violets, jewel orchid and more in `Bloom'
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The more, the merrier: African violets are easily propagated from individual leaves. “Simply cut the petiole or stem of the leaf to approximately one-inch long,” Steinkopf writes, “cutting on a slant to create a larger area for root growth. Make a hole before inserting the cutting in a small container of potting medium or an equal mix of vermiculite and perlite so the petiole isn’t damaged. Keep it moist and in six to eight weeks new plantlets should appear.” Let me add that by wrapping the propagation container with its moistened soil in a plastic bag, you will create a minigreenhouse environment that can speed the development of roots and leaves without necessitating additional watering.
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Oh, you orchid: One of the 40-plus plants highlighted in “Bloom” is jewel orchid (Ludisia discolor). This is one indoor plant that possesses both foliage and flowers of note. The foliage is especially memorable, black with red veins, a pattern appearing as though it was meant for formal wear. Since this is a terrestrial orchid (most orchids have aerial roots and grow in trees), it does not require porous orchid bark for a growing medium but will do well in any well-drained potting mix. Give it morning or afternoon sun exposure. Since jewel orchid has succulent stems, it is easily propagated from cuttings. “The stems are a bit brittle,” writes Steinkopf, “and if one is knocked off, it is a perfect time to propagate. They can be placed in water, which is kind of fun to watch as the roots are thick with feathery growths.”
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Ahoy, Hoya: Wax plant or porcelain flower (Hoya species) possesses the most irresistibly fragrant blooms of any indoor plant. Its leaves may also have interesting shapes (including perfect hearts that you see potted up for Valentine’s Day), with leaves that may turn pink or red when exposed to sunlight, in addition to fascinating variegated leaf patterns on some varieties. Add a remarkable degree of drought tolerance and you wonder why these are among the lesser-known indoor plant groups. Yet there is a Hoya craze going on right now and enthusiasts are assembling formidable collections of its many species, including miniatures. Steinkopf adds, “It has been said that a snug pot helps with blooming,” affirming a determination she made earlier regarding flowering indoor plants in general, namely that “keeping your plant snug in the pot or root-bound is necessary.” Being root-bound and stressed promotes and may even be essential to flowering. “A plant that feels its very existence is being threatened is going to utilize all its resources to ensure it will live on” and “expend much of its energy to flower and make seeds.”
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Unwelcome visitor: If you see a lush volunteer plant with large, tobaccotype leaves suddenly starting to grow, you may want to remove it if small children or pets visit its garden space, since its berries and raw leaves are highly poisonous. At the same time, its purple berries, born on stunning pink stems, attract a variety of birds. While I am not suggesting you sample this plant, its young leaves are said to be edible, according to experienced foragers, if boiled three times for seven minutes each time, with the water replaced between each boiling. The plant in question is known as pokeweed or pokeberry (Phytolacca americana), and I have seen two of them pop up in my garden over the past year.
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Friend in low places: Speaking of weeds, summer is the season for prostrate spurge (Euphorbia prostrata). This is the most ground-hugging plant I have ever seen and it is really a most attractive species. If it were a perennial, it would be highly sought for coverage of empty space, but it dies when summer ends. Prostrate spurge comes up in the summer season even on soil that has seen no water except for meager winter rain. Due to its minimal needs, you wonder if it could somehow find its way into the ornamental garden. In any case, its removal is a simple matter since its root is shallow and the entire plant is easily pulled out of the ground.