Learn 20 Plants

Legend

Water often Water regularly + well.

Defined as constantly moist or Defined often as medium water boggy. Soil is usually moist to the and can dry out to the first few touch inches of soil between watering.

Water lightly + well Defined as low water needs or light water needs and letting the plant dry out between waterings.

Fertilizing Fertigate: add low amounts every time you water A balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 -OR- better to use a complex mix of organic microbes.

Needs humidity Soggy soil is a killer There are only a + = high humidity Supplemental handful of plants that can sit in water humidity is needed for plants from that are native to bogs: Venus fly traps the tropics. It’s nice to treat with even and pitcher plants are a ½ an hour a day. exactly that type.

Low Light Low-filtered light through sheers, shades, or other plants – never direct sun, but still 4-/+ hours needed

Medium Light Medium-filtered light through sheers, shades, or other plants – never means direct sun exposure, but still 6-/+ hours needed

Bright Light Bright-filtered light, through sheers, shades, or other plants – never means direct sun exposure, but still needs 8+/- hours needed

50 (10 µmol) - 200 FC (40 µmol)

200 FC (40 µmol)- 400 FC (80 µmol)

400 FC (80 µmol)-800 FC (160 µmol)

* FC stands for Foot Candle and µmol is the symbol for a micromole, used to count the number of photons

The Secret Sauce Identifying and replicating the native environment will help your plants thrive and reduce stress. Stress robs your plant of its natural resiliency to fend off pests, and survive periodic under/overwatering, and seasonal changes in light and temperature.

Here are some specific characteristics of the environment in a jungle understory: ● Low-filtered light: The jungle understory receives only about 2-15% of the sunlight that reaches the canopy. This means that plants in this layer must have adapted to low-light conditions. They often have large leaves to capture as much sunlight and dew as possible. ● High humidity: The jungle understory is very humid, with average humidity levels of 70-80%. In a home, high humidity can lead to problems with mold + mildew if there is no space between the plants. ● Moist soil: The soil in the jungle understory is always moist, as it is constantly being watered by rain and dew. For some plants, wet-feet is a death sentence.

Despite the challenging native conditions, many plants thrive in the jungle understory and tend to be houseplant favorites. Ironic, right? Since we don’t live that way in our homes it’s counter-intuitive. The allure of the exotic foliage calls to us so strongly that intuition goes out the window. Colors, texture, patterns, + wild, unfurling new growth are all too great to resist.

Take a minute. Do some research. Find the origin story. Honor the new life you are about to be responsible for and build an environment where neither you nor the plant will be stressed. Now - let’s check out 20 cool plants.

Alocasia x amazonica Mythic™ Nessie Alocasia Polly

Alocasia x amazonica Mythic™ Nessie Alocasia Polly

This petite version of Alocasia is practically a sculpture. The waxy, deep green to near-black leaves with white veins are truly eye-catching. Other common names include 'African Mask', 'Polly', and “Dwarf Amazonica'. Species plants are native to the humid tropical rainforests, understory vegetation sites, and along streams or marshy places from India to Eastern Australia. Naturally, it needs temps between 60-80°F, high humidity, and well-draining soil to replicate its native environment. Alocasia is a heavy absorber of nutrients and needs low and slow fertilizers with every watering to thrive.

Height: 12 - 18 Inches | µmol)

Habit: Upright |

Light: Medium - bright, filtered light 400 FC (80

Alocasia cuprea Mythic™ Red Secret Jewel Alocasia

Alocasia cuprea Mythic™ Red Secret Jewel Alocasia

The foliage is other-worldly. Its coppery-green metallic looks like the back of an exotic scarab. It commands attention from every on-looker. Red Secret is a stunning transformer as it matures to a darker, richer metallic. Its name comes from this copper (Latin: cuprea) color. It even has the nerve to show off on the undersides of the leaves in a beautiful maroon. The magic for the plant happens on the Island of Brunei just below Vietnam off the Java Sea. Given its native environment, this jewel needs humidity between 80% and 95% humidity simply achieved with a humidifier.

Height: 12 - 18 Inches | µmol)

Habit: Upright |

Light: Medium - bright, filtered light 400 FC (80

Alocasia reginula Mythic™ Black Velvet Jewel Alocasia

Alocasia reginula Mythic™ Black Velvet Jewel Alocasia

The heart-shaped leaves start out a rich emerald green and darken to deep green, near-black color as they mature with prominent white veins. The practically pettable fuzz on the leaves feels just like velvet. This small plant is a member of the Arum family and grows in the tropical rainforests of South-East Asia. Foliage stays tighter than most, but the huge foliage makes a distinct habitat. It likes temps between 60-80°F, high humidity, and well-draining soil to replicate its native environment.

Height: 12 - 18 Inches | FC (80 µmol)

Habit: Short but upright |

Light: Medium - bright, filtered light 400

Alocasia lauterbachiana Mythic™ Lauterbachiana Purple Sword

Alocasia lauterbachiana Mythic™ Lauterbachiana Purple Sword

The elongated narrow, wavy leaves are deep green with lime veins and purple undersides. This is a large plant with a lot of potential if grown well. Outdoors it can reach up to +4’ in a warm climate. Grown exclusively Indoors as a houseplant it will be smaller around 2’ tall. It is native to the tropical island of Papua New Guinea which is just off the tip of Australia. It likes temps between 60-80°F, high humidity, and well-draining soil to replicate its native environment.

Height: 24 - 48 Inches | µmol)

Habit: Upright |

Light: Medium - bright, filtered light 400 FC (80

Alocasia macrorrhiza Mythic™ Stingray Elephant Ears

Alocasia macrorrhiza Mythic™ Stingray Elephant Ears

The unusual foliage of this Alocasia is broad at the base and narrows to a slim "tail" at the tip making the overall leaf shape resemble that of a Stingray. That’s not to discount the gorgeous mottled pattern on the stem. The combination makes a striking feature in any plant community. Stunning as a stand-alone for a tablescape. It can get up to 5 feet tall outdoors in warm climates and stays smaller as a houseplant. It is native to the islands of Brunei near the South China Sea and is known for its rugged, dense rainforest.

Height: 12 - 60 Inches | (80 µmol)

Habit: Tall, Upright |

Light: Medium - bright, filtered light 400 FC

Asplenium antiquum Living Lace™ Victoria Bird's Nest Fern

Asplenium antiquum Living Lace™ Victoria Bird's Nest Fern

The glossy, green fronds are broad strap-leaves. The habit forms from a rosette and whorls into a sort of bird's nest from the center. Asplenium antiquum is natively found clinging to cliffs and tree trunks in forests, as it's an epiphytic fern much like an orchid. In its native environment water and organic matter are collected in the center and absorbed by the plant.

They are found throughout Japan, Korea, and China. As a houseplant, you do not want water directly into the center of your fern, but instead, water around it.

Height: 12 - 24 Inches | FC (40 µmol)

Habit: Mounded |

Light: Low - Medium - bright, filtered light 200

Phlebodium aureum Living Lace™ Davana Blue Star fern

Phlebodium aureum Living Lace™ Davana Blue Star fern

Davana produces distinctly ruffled, scalloped, arching fronds that form a full, robust clump. The evergreen leaves emerge light green and develop a powdery blue-green patina as they age.

Yellow-orange spore cases decorate the undersides of the fronds. Like most rabbit's foot ferns, this plant is an epiphyte with a creeping habit. Furry rhizomes branch out from the base and produce new leaves. Oh, and guess who has a fern with native roots in their house? You do if you have a Phlebodium aureum. This is of course a special selection, but its parents are native to the eastern side of the Americas and the Caribbean, ranging from the extreme southeast of Georgia, south into Florida, and down to Puerto Rico.

Height: 10 - 14 Inches | FC (40 µmol)

Habit: Mounded |

Light: Low - Medium - bright, filtered light 200

Asplenium antiquum Living Lace™ Hurricane Bird's Nest Fern

Asplenium antiquum Living Lace™ Hurricane Bird's Nest Fern

This is a stand-out, whorling fern and so easy to care for. It has broad strap leaves that form from a center rosette traditional of all bird's net ferns, but this fern has a wildly, distinctive shape. As with other bird’s nest ferns, it is natively found clinging to trees and cliff’s edges much like an orchid or other epiphyte plants. In the wild, of the Asian tropics, dew, water, and organic matter are collected in the center and absorbed by the plant. As a houseplant, you do not want water directly into the center of your fern, but instead, water around it. It is native to the tropics of Asia in Indonesia, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the southern parts of India.

Height: 8 - 24 Inches | 200 FC (40 µmol)

Habit: Mounded whorl |

Light: Low - Medium - bright, filtered light

Philodendron hybrid Prismacolor™ Florida Green Climbing Philodendron

Philodendron hybrid Prismacolor™ Florida Green Climbing Philodendron

This climbing Philodendron is easy to grow and is truly striking as it matures. This plant needs a moss pole, trellis, or another support for its roots to attach to. As it climbs, the leaves become more and more deeply lobed. Philodendrons prefer soil that is well-drained and becomes a little dry between each watering. They are native to the West Indies and the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Hundreds of species are known, of which around ten have been promoted to houseplant status. The climber is the easiest, but the entire genus is the perfect starter plant.

Height: 12 - 18 Inches | µmol)

Habit: Upright |

Light: Medium - bright, filtered light 400 FC (80

Philodendron hybrid Prismacolor™ White Wizard

Philodendron hybrid Prismacolor™ White Wizard

This is a very sought-after and rare variegated Philodendron. It has green leaves with very pronounced white variegation. This one is a climber, so be sure to give it a stake or moss pole for the best effect. Due to the nature of variegation, each plant is unique and will look slightly different, but all are beautiful. As it grows, the center stem stretches and fills with new shiny marbled foliage. These, like most all Pilendrons, are native to the West Indies and the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. There are hundreds of species known, of which around ten have been promoted to houseplant status. If you are good with one - try them all.

Height: 24 - 120 Inches | FC (80 µmol)

Habit: Tall, Climbing |

Light: Medium - bright, filtered light 400

Monstera deliciosa Mysteria™ Deliciosa Swiss Cheese Vine + Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation'

Monstera deliciosa Mysteria™ Deliciosa Swiss Cheese Vine

This iconic houseplant has become a staple in many homes, and for good reason. It is an easy grower, and the fenestrated leaves with their unusual holes and slits are truly eye-catching!

Juvenile plant foliage will be solid, and fenestrations will appear over time as the plant gets bigger and grows.

Unlike their all-green Monstera buddies, Thai Constellations are less tolerant of drying out, are slower growing, as well as more sensitive to light, temperature, humidity and fertilizer. But they do share some common care requirements too.

There are a lot of common names for this plant, including Swiss Cheese Plant, Swiss Cheese Vine, Mexican Breadfruit, Split-Leaf Philodendron, and more. Please note that while this is NOT a Philodendron, the genera Monstera and Philodendron are indeed related.

Height: 60 - 120 Inches | FC (80 µmol)

Habit: Tall, Spreading |

Light: Medium - bright, filtered light 400

Philodendron hybrid Prismacolor™ Brandtianum

Philodendron hybrid Prismacolor™ Brandtianum Philodendron brandtianum is a climbing plant that grows on trees. This plant is also known as a rare climbing epiphyte living in harmony with the tree as it climbs for support. It is native to South America, where it grows in dry areas throughout the year. When grown as a houseplant its silvery young leaves are the allure. Replicating it’s epiphytic habits by providing support is vital to the success especially when the mature leaves can get quite large.

Height: 12 - 24 Inches | µmol)

Habit: Upright, Vining |

Light: Low - Medium - bright, 200 FC (40

Philodendron warscewiczii Prismacolor™ Warscewiczii Snowflake Leaf

Philodendron warscewiczii Prismacolor™ Warscewiczii Snowflake Leaf The shocking neon yellow foliage of this plant commands attention. In nature, it is a lithophyte, growing over rocks in tropical forests. As the plant matures, the leaves get more lobed and intricate. This one is a climber so be sure to give it a support of some kind, or a moss pole. It is quite a rare species native to Central America and we are delighted to offer this cultivated species.

Height: 24 - 48 Inches | µmol)

Habit: Climbing |

Light: Medium - bright, filtered light 400 FC (80

Philodendron hybrid Prismacolor™ Atabapoense

Philodendron hybrid Prismacolor™ Atabapoense This handsome Philodendron really shows off Aroid-type behavior with its long foliage. They naturally grow in the understory in the humid rainforests of Venezuela. Unlike many other Philodendrons the maroon color on the back of the leaves remains the same as it matures.

This is an easy plant to maintain given its resistance to pests and fungi.

Height: 14 - 16 Inches | µmol)

Habit: Upright |

Light: Medium - bright, filtered light 400 FC (80

Ficus benghalensis Chandelier™ Audrey™ Banyan Fig

Ficus benghalensis Chandelier™ Audrey™ Banyan Fig If you like the look of a fiddle leaf fig but want something a little easier to grow, try Ficus Audrey. Its large, velvety, textured, green leaves and smooth, light colored bark will bring a jungle-like feel to your living room. This is a fast-growing houseplant that will fill a corner near an east-facing window and can reach heights of 5 to 10 feet indoors. Other common names include 'Strangler Fig'. In the wild, it can grow 60 to 100 feet tall! It is considered to be a sacred tree in India, and it starts growing as an epiphyte on a host tree. As it grows on the host tree, aerial roots form on its horizontal branches which drop to the ground and provide support. It eventually envelops the host tree and completely smothers it, hence the common name "Strangler Fig."

Height: 14 - 16 Inches | µmol)

Habit: Tall, Upright |

Light: High - bright, filtered light 800 FC (160

Ficus elastica Chroma® Belize Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica Chroma® Belize Rubber Plant This stunning Rubber Plant has beautifully variegated leaves that are glossy green, and flushed with pink and cream variegation. A species native to southwest Asia and the Mediterranean, the ficus genus contains over 800 species. Ficus are famed for bearing fig-like substances which is why many species are simply called fig trees.

Height: 48 - 120 Inches | µmol)

Habit: Tall, Upright |

Light: High - bright, filtered light 800 FC (160

Ficus Cling-On® Ficus maclellandii 'Amstel King'

Ficus Cling-On® Ficus maclellandii 'Amstel King' This is an elegant, easy to grow fig that can take the form of a small weeping tree or a multi-stemmed, bushy plant. Slender, arching branches carry the shiny, dark and light green variegated leaves. In order for its variegation to stay prominent, the plant needs bright light.

Placing it right in front of an east-facing or west-facing window is ideal. A southern exposure is also great. The Ficus benjamina is very prone to dropping leaves when the plant is moved to a new location, but ‘Amstel King’ has been developed to minimize this defect

Height: 21-28 Inches | (160 µmol)

Habit: Upright |

Light: High/Medium - bright, filtered light 800 FC

Calathea roseopicta Color Full® Rosy Rose Painted Calathea

Calathea roseopicta Color Full® Rosy Rose Painted Calathea Rosy is a prayer plant, the common name for plants that tend to fold their foliage as night falls.

Prayer plants include plants in the following genera: Calathea, Maranta, Stromanthe, and Ctenanthe. Calathea are grown for their beautifully ornamental leaves. Rosy certainly lives up to its name, with a gorgeous rosy pink filling the center of the leaf, which is surrounded by a contrasting dark green margin. The leaf undersides are a beautiful maroon-pink. Calathea roseopicta has been reclassified as Goeppertia roseopicta.

Height: 6-12 Inches | (40 µmol)

Habit: Mounded |

Light: Low/Medium - bright, filtered light 200 FC

Calathea orbifolia Color Full® Orbifolia Prayer Plant

Calathea orbifolia Color Full® Orbifolia Prayer Plant Calathea orbifolia is a prayer plant, the common name for plants that tend to fold their foliage as night falls. Prayer plants include plants in the following genera: Calathea, Maranta, Stromanthe, and Ctenanthe. Calathea are grown for their beautifully ornamental leaves.

These leaves can get quite large, and are green with silvery-green stripes throughout.

Calathea orbifolia has been reclassified as Goeppertia orbifolia.

Height: 12-36 Inches | (40 µmol)

Habit: Mounded |

Light: Low/Medium - bright, filtered light 200 FC