Go back to Homepage or contact us about a problem.
Sorry, the page you were looking for doesn't exist.
Chamaedorea (Bamboo) Palms
Chamaedorea Palms (also known as “Bamboo Palms”) are a very diverse group of palms with over 100 varieties or species. There are many contrasting appearances among the group. For example, some are miniature (up to only 12 inches tall) and others can be over 20 feet tall. They range from having tiny trunks to robust stems, and all have pinnate (feathered) leaves which lends to more delicate-looking fronds.
Several Chamaedorea Palm varieties are currently being used in interiorscape designs due to their durability and classic, elegant features such as:
Chamaedorea elegans (Neanthe Bella) also known as the Parlor Palm;
Chamaedorea seifrizii (Reed Palm);
Chamaedorea hooperiana (King Maya);
Chamaedorea metallica (Metal Palm);
Chamaedorea “Florida Hybrid” (hybrid cross of C. seifrizii and C. elegans);
Chamaedorea cataractarum (Cat Palm)
Chamaedorea Palms will naturally spread through off-shoots or suckers, similar to bamboo. These plants are commercially grown as clumps to form full shrub-like specimens. The graceful Chamaedorea Palm is much hardier than an Areca Palm and less expensive than a Kentia Palm.
Native to Mexico and Central America, Chamaedorea Palms are hardy and most all will thrive in an understory setting. They can handle low light, making it very popular for indoor use where a low light plant is needed. They are often used in a northern exposure. NASA lists Chamaedorea Palm as a clean air plant.
Although the Chamaedorea Palm is mostly used indoors, as it prefers shade, it can withstand higher light and will produce flowers and fruit in these environments. The flowers arise from the leaf sheaths (covering) and are dull yellow in color. The fruits are usually small pea-sized berries that are an orange/red color. Caution should be used with the fruit as it is an irritant to humans.
Insects partial to Chamaedorea Palms are the spider mite, which thrive in a dry, still-air environment. If you encounter this problem, try misting the plant twice daily with a soapy mixture or a professional grade pest remover. Less common pests are the mealy bug or scale.
Chamaedorea Palms like adequate water but do not like being water-logged or sitting in soppy soil. For container-grown plants, water when the top inch of soil just starts to dry out. Even moisture is ideal. It is better to leave the soil slightly dry than to overwater.
If you are overwatering, you will usually notice the leaf tips begin to turn yellow and fall off as well as new growth emerging very pale. The plant may also experience stem rot.
On the flip side, if you are under-watering, the tips of certain varieties, like C. seifrizii, for example, will turn brown as well as any new growth.
Chamaedorea Palms will do well in a soil rich in organics, top soil, and sand for good drainage.
Fertilize with a slow release from late winter to early fall. If the plant starts yellowing, add a dose of blood meal, which contains nitrogen and iron. This should green up the leaves in three to four months.
All species of Chamaedorea require good air ventilation. For plants that are kept indoors, that can be a challenge! Opening a window or having interior fans can assist with air movement.
Chamaedorea Palms do well in temperatures between 65-80 degrees.
Chamaedorea Palms can typically be found in 6” to 21” grow pots. They are very popular because of their durability and classic, elegant features and make a great part of any interiorscape!
Green-Leafed Dracaena Canes
Dracaenas are a staple in nearly every interiorscaper’s collection. Their beautiful foliage, tall and narrow stance, and easy care have earned them a place in the proverbial interior plant hall of fame. There are so many Dracaena varieties from which to choose, with varying forms (stump, cane, bush, or tips), that it is easy to see why they are so popular!
When you want a tall plant with a narrow footprint, the cane form of these Dracaenas is a great option. When choosing between the solid green leafed varieties, here are some helpful hints to choose the right look for your design. With these easy tips, you will know which of some of the most common Dracaena canes with solid green leaves will fit the bill.
Dracaena deremensis ‘Lisa’™ cane and Dracaena deremensis ‘Elegans’ cane – Lisa canes come to the mainland from Hawaii and have long, slender leaves that arch up and form a beautiful downward curve. Their glossy leaves show a natural shine and sometimes have slight ridges the length of the leaf. The green color of the Lisa leaves is a deep, dark green, which really shows off the shine of the leaves! The Costa Rican version, the Dracaena deremensis ‘Elegans,’ is also a great option. They are typically less expensive than the Hawaiian variety and have a very similar look. Lisa canes generally come in 9”, 10”, 12”, 14” pots and Elegans canes can be found in 10”, 12”, 14”, and sometimes 17” pots.
Dracaena ‘Lind’ cane – What gives Lind canes away is the wavy leaves that point outward. The leaves stand more upright and straight, showing less of a curve than the foliage of Lisas. Lind canes are grown in 10”, 12”, and 14” pots. Lind is a relatively newer variety of Dracaena that comes in as a replacement for the Costaricana cane, but is much fuller and very durable.
Dracaena fragrans cane – Fragrans canes are like the Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’ (Mass Cane or corn plant), but without the lighter colored variegated strip in the center of the leaves. Dracaena fragrans have the thick, tree-trunk-like canes from which the foliage heads sprout. Their long green leaves have a matte finish and are much wider than those of the Lisa, and do not have the same waviness like those of the Lind. Dracaena fragrans are most commonly grown in 10” and 14” pots.
Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’ cane – Janet Craig canes sport long, broad, arching leaves that are a shiny dark green. Because of their reliability and relatively inexpensive price tag, these remain a very popular choice. In cane form, these commonly come in 10”, 12”, 14”, and sometimes 17” pots. The cane of the Janet Craig canes is green in color and typically much skinnier compared to the thick, brown cane of the Dracaena fragrans cane.
Dracaena ‘Michiko’™ cane – Michiko canes are a patented variety grown in Hawaii. These have been around for many years and have thick leaves with a slight curl. The foliage is held tightly to the trunks and has an upright look. When these are available, they are a great option in 9”, 10”, and 12” pots.
Dracaena ‘JC Compacta’ cane – JC Compacta canes are easier to identify. These do not look like the other canes because the foliage is compact! They have short, compact, shiny leaves. JC Compacta canes commonly come in grow pots sizes 9”, 10”, 12”, and 14”. These typically come from Hawaii and prefer more light than the other Dracaenas mentioned above.
Dracaena ‘Green Jewel’ cane – These have a similar, but less-compact, look to the JC Compacta cane. Green Jewel canes are part of the Dragon Series, which are a more compact line of Dracaenas. These are not as common as other Dracaenas and are typically grown only in 10” and 12” pots.
When you need “tall” and “green” for your interiorscape design, these Dracaena canes can be a homerun! For a touch of color with that green, you can try some of these canes: Dracaena ‘Art’, Dracaena ‘Dorado’, and Dracaena ‘Hawaiian Sunshine’. For even MORE color, try going with Dracaena ‘Limelight’, Dracaena ‘Ulises’, or Dracaena ‘Warneckii’.
Winter Temps and Tropical Plants
Ahhhh, the cool and crispness of the air as winter is getting closer! Some people love the colder weather because it gives a nice break from the summer heat and means they get to enjoy the leaves changing colors, wearing boots and scarves, and warming up by the fire with a nice cup of hot chocolate!
What people do not realize is that colder temperatures are also a great time for tropical plants – as long as they’re properly cared for. Tropical plants need care as well as the winter comes! Even though tropical plants love the warmth of the sunshine, rainy days, and high humidity, these still do very well indoors as the temperatures outside have dropped. Interiorscape designs use tropicals inside our homes and offices, especially when it’s cold outside, in part because everything outside is dreary and grey! People LOVE tropical plants inside because it brings a sense of warmth, tropical weather, and a well-needed contrast of beautiful greenery inside that reminds them of warmer times!
To make the best of your tropical plants inside during the winter, here are some tips on how to care for your tropicals and help them cope on the inside while it is cold outside:
Generally, the ideal temperatures for tropical plants are between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, and anything below 50 degrees can start to cause problems. It is smart to avoid keeping plants near heat sources or cold draft areas. Drafty areas should be avoided with delicate tropical plants. Instead, try some cold tolerant varieties, like Norfolk Pine, Aspidistra, Ivies, Holly, Sago, and Chamaerops Palm varieties.
Lighting in the winter months is reduced (by as much as 40-50%), so keep this in mind with placement. Moving plants closer to a window exposure may not be possible, so to help them cope, you may add some artificial lighting to the area – fluorescent is a good choice.
Many plants do not exhibit the same growth during the winter months, so watering needs are often reduced during the cooler months. To check, poke your finger into the soil about 2 inches or so if the root zone feels dry, if so then water, let the soil dry out in between waterings. Keep the specific plant’s watering needs in mind as you adjust this basic rule of thumb for each situation.
Humidity is equally important to tropical plants, as there ideal humidity level is around 40-50%. Cold weather temperatures outside and heaters on the inside can be very drying to plants in the interiorscape. Most buildings and homes are only at a 5-10% humidity level during this time. Humidifiers can help to raise the humidity levels. If using a humidifier is not possible, consider improving the humidity with a sprinkling, misting, or spritzing the plants. This easy step can be vital to their success.
We are monitoring your weather and taking steps to protect your plants in transit. We know to box or double sleeve, and often staple the top of the sleeves, during these colder times to protect the foliage of plants as they are moved from off the truck and delivered to you. Even a short amount of time to frigid air can cause cold damage to exposed foliage. When in doubt, box the plants or double sleeve and staple.
You should also be watching the LTL truck line delivery schedules – the holidays change the delivery schedule for your shipments. Ensuring that you have planned ahead for your delivery time reduces the hassle in getting the plants off the trucks quickly and back into temperature controlled environments. Check with us for your truck line’s shipping schedule to be on top of things.
Colder temperatures are the perfect time for tropicals! In Florida, the temperatures are still nice and warm. The plants have been getting plenty of rain and good Florida sun. Call us today to find out what tropicals are available to provide that great tropical look and “warm up” any interior!
Roll Out The Red Tropicals For The Holidays!
As we approach the holiday season, you are likely well on your way making plans for your holiday displays. The hustle to put in the reds, greens, golds, silvers, and blues with all the lights and decorations can be a thrill. When plants are involved, for most of you, poinsettias are almost always an important part of your displays. However, these sensitive plants, even the newer, longer-lasting varieties, can be a major cause of headaches. With poinsettias comes the constant battle to keep them looking their best, which usually includes a lot of replacements! The delicate nature, sensitivity to cold, and need for extra care might make you wish the Grinch actually would steal the poinsettias. Tropicals can be a great alternative to make up part of your holiday design. These plants can be longer lasting, easier to care for, and provide great color!
Why not try some Aglaonemas as part of your holiday décor? We’re all very familiar with how well-suited Aglaonemas are for interior use. Their ability to withstand the lower light levels, their easy-to-care-for nature, and dynamic and beautiful foliage are tried and true. Newer to the scene are the colored varieties! There are so many Algaonema cultivars that it can be difficult to keep up with all of them. More hybrids are being created all the time! Below are some of the most popular colored Aglaonemas being commercially produced that can give you color that you need while being easier to care for than poinsettias. While not all of them may be available, these will give you some ideas of what to look for to find an option that could fit the bill.
Red Valentine is a striking variety that provides a lot of color. These have mostly red leaves with green around the edges and splashes of green throughout. Their wide, stout leaves really stand out but are less upright than other varieties. These are grown in 6”, 8”, and 10” grow pots.
Aglaonema ‘Siam‘ or ‘Creta’
These varieties are names of Aglaonemas that are very similar and sometimes interchanged. These options will give you a lot of red, not just around the edges, but with a reddish pink midrib and splashes of red that work their way toward the midrib. These are typically grown in 6”, 8”, and 10” grow pots.
If you don’t need quite as much red, the Aglaonemas below still provide a lot of color!
Etta Rose offers beautiful variegated creamy white and green foliage. Pink splashes appear on the foliage in higher light conditions. This variety is grown in 6”, 8”, and 10” pots.
Emerald Holiday is a striking variety with pale pink stems and variegated leaves that have a red midrib with gold and pink splashes. This variety is available in 6”, 8”, and 10” pots.
Sapphire Suzanne features green foliage with a thin and distinct red outer edge and have pink stems. These are typically grown in 6”, 8”, and 10” grow pots.
Vibrant color with wide green leaves featuring a red midrib and splashes of yellow and pink. Sparkling Sarah is a popular Aglaonema variety all year long and can add some “sparkle” to your displays! This plant is available in 6”, 8” and 10” pots.
Pair your colored Aglaonemas with other red tropical plants to really tie the display together! Here are some other tropicals that work perfectly for your holiday display.
Bromeliads can be a great part of the holiday display. Look for red Guzmanias such as ‘Nancy’, ‘Zamora’, ‘Switch’, and ‘Flame’. Check to see which red Guzmania will be available when you are ready to install—there are many varieties that change weekly. You may also want to consider Neoregelias. These are flat, low profile Bromeliads that provide spectacular color. Neoregelias like ‘Perfecta Tricolor’, ‘Ardie’, and ‘Rafael’ have beautiful variegated foliage with a red center. Varieties like ‘Roots & Roots’ and ‘Malbec’ offer a complete red-burgundy look. You can also make a statement by incorporating a unique Vriesea: ‘Splenreit’ has a red-orange sword bloom, while ‘Mint Julep’ offers great mottled green foliage.
Anthuriums are also great tropical options to be included in displays. There are many red options that can bring the holiday cheer and help you not break the bank. Look for Anthuriums like ‘Pacora’, ‘Red Rocket’, and ‘Red Victory’. White Anthuriums such as ‘White Heart’ can provide a nice counterpoint to the red in your displays. These varieties often change, so be sure to check which will be available at the time you need them.
For even more customization, try these plants where you can add your own color and pizazz. These are a great way to add your own red or other color that goes with your overall theme, while still keeping plants as an important player.
Ivy topiaries can come in so many shapes and sizes: globes, cones (ie, Christmas tree shaped), hoops and wreaths, just to name a few. The green ivy plants are grown until the vines are long enough that they can be wrapped around the wire of the desired topiary shape. What makes these great options for the holidays is that you can add your own personal touch with decorations, lights, and bows. These generally come in 4 inch to 10 inch pots and prefer bright light.
If you have an outdoor display area with full sun or a high-light indoor area, Eugenia Topiaries are a great holiday look. These are available in styles such as Spiral, Cone, 2 and 3 Balls, and are very versatile for use after the holidays as well.
This living Christmas tree is a slow grower with shiny, dark green needles. Their use is only limited by your creativity and imagination. Norfolk Island Pines do very well indoors in medium to high light. Norfolk Island Pines come in a wide range of pot sizes, from 3” to 29”. See the November 2012 issue of I-Plants Magazine for an even more in-depth look at this great tropical option for your holiday display.
Don’t let poinsettias rule the holiday season. While your customers no doubt have grown to love and expect the poinsettias, keep in mind there are many tropical plants that can come in like Rudolph the red nose reindeer and guide your holiday display to success!