Searching for that rare find or a piece to accent your home? Why not use plants? Adding unique plant options to your home is a great way to really make a visual statement in your gardens or containers! Check out these 5 unique plants for your home from Fresh from Florida® !
STARFISH SANSEVIERIA
Sansevieria, also known as Mother In Law’s Tongue or Snake Plant, comes in many different shapes and sizes. Sansevieria is a popular indoor plant known for its air purifying qualities. Starfish Sansevieria is a rare find and more compact hybrid of Sansevieria. It contains thick, green tube-like leaves that form a fan shape. The leaves are striped with dark green concentric circles, all the way down to the base. In China, it is said to embody the eight virtues of the eight gods. Starfish Sansevieria can be used as an accent plant or can work as a stand alone feature in your space.
Starfish Sansevieria is an extremely hardy, drought-tolerant plant. It is low maintenance, easy to care for, and can tolerate some low light. It prefers bright indirect light throughout the day. Plant with Calloway’s Premium Potting Soil and feed as directed with Calloway’s Premium Tropical Plant Food. When planting, water in thoroughly, making sure the water is draining properly out of the drain hole, and allow the soil to dry between watering.
NEPENTHES OR TROPICAL PITCHER PLANT
Native to parts of South East Asia, India, Madagascar, and Australia; battle pesky bugs with Nepenthes or the Tropical Pitcher Plant. Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants and act as a natural form of insect control in your home. Don’t worry about feeding your plant as it feeds itself! Pitcher plants catch bugs by luring them into its pitchers and trapping them. Then, the plant begins to digest the bug for nourishment.
Pitcher plants like bright light without much direct sun exposure. They benefit from a moist, well-draining soil like Calloway’s Premium Potting Soil and a deep and thorough watering. It is important to never let the soil dry completely. When you have your plant properly situated at your home where it will be left to grow, add a little water, about ½ inch, into the pitchers. This will help prevent the pitchers from drying out as they can lose some necessary moisture during the trip and transition from the store to your home. As the plant grows, some deadheading is required as the pitchers and leaves will die off naturally over time. Trimming the spent leaves will encourage new growth.
GRAFTED COLOR TOP CACTUS
Grafted Color Top Cactus, also known as Moon Cactus, is a small and curious plant with its unexpected coloration and arrangement. Grafted Cactus plants are a colorful oddity created by grafting the color top to a green and compatible rootstock. The Color Top Cactus doesn’t contain chlorophyll and can’t survive on its own without being grafted to a rootstock.
These festive little plants should be grown in bright light, but they benefit from some afternoon shade. Avoid any direct sunlight. Cacti require occasional watering, but they can withstand being dry. When watering, water deeply, allowing the water to drain through the plant’s roots. They do not like standing water which can create rot. When planting, use Black Gold® Cactus Mix to help provide the ideal soil structure and drainage. Feed with Bonide® Cactus Food for strong root development and happy plants!
KANGAROO PAW
This unique plant is native to Western Australia. Kangaroo Paw plants have strappy foliage, like daylilies. It contains fan-like flowers that are covered in a dense, velvety fuzz and resemble an animal’s paw. Kangaroo Paw plants produce red, yellow, or orange blooms in the spring or early summer. They add an exotic flair to any garden and attract beneficial pollinators like hummingbirds.
Kangaroo Paw plants can grow to 2 to 10 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. They prefer full sunlight and need at least 6 hours of sun a day. They are drought tolerant and can handle our Texas heat. When watering, always water in thoroughly when the soil is dry, allowing the water to drain through the plant’s roots. Plant in a well-draining soil like Calloway’s Premium Potting Soil.
CORKSCREW JUNCUS
If you like unusual plants, Corkscrew Juncus is the perfect additional to add a little sizzle to your containers. Corkscrew Juncus plants contain crazy twisted stems spiraling in controlled clumps. They look whimsical and will delight any landscape or container. The curly foliage is dark green in color adding a vibrant texture to any space. They do well in full sun to partial shade and like a moist soil as they originate from edges of marshes. Calloway’s Premium Potting Soil will do a great job retaining the necessary moisture the Corkscrew Juncus needs.
Little care is needed to maintain this plant. Prune only when stems turn brown to make room for new growth. Water generously and do not allow the soil to dry out. Juncus plants can tolerate lower light levels, but prefer bright, indirect light. Juncus is fast growing and may require repotting as your plant outgrows its container. Corkscrew Juncus adds personality to any space with minimal effort and easy care.
Stop by our store nearest you and pick up your unique plant selections! Don’t forget the perfect pottery to complete your look. Questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals available at every store location!
