Home About Us Orchids Sale Lease Rental Specialty Shop Items Services Contact

<back

EXOTIC FERNS

You will find many unusual ferns available here and much more other specialties. Ferns are known for their myriad shapes-like a footed fern, which can range from a small delicate rabbit foot to a giant bear foot. They may have unusually shaped leaves (like a heart fern whose leaves enter the world in the shape of a heart_. Another is a "crocodile fern" because their leaves look like crocodile skin. Even the entire fern plant can resemble something, such as a "Bird's Nest" fern from Japan. There is very fine foliage in a "Ming Fern" which is from New Zealand. The biggest problem with ferns is the need for moisture, moisture, moisture!

We also carry Staghorn Ferns which are usually mounted, rather than planted, like the ferns above. Eventually, as the fern matures it will "over-take" the container in which it is planted. That makes it hard to water, but notice the top of the cedar box with the angular board at the shop or in these pictures. As the plant grows aim the hose at the top of the box. It will catch the water and the water will drip exactly to where it is needed in the back! Should be protected from frost.

DISCHIDIAS, HOYS, GESNERIADS AND OTHER CREEPERS
These are very interesting climbing plants, and they grow in trees (epiphytic). They are companions in the trees with bromeliads, orchids, ferns and gesneriads. Until recently, Dischidias and Hoyas were left in the trees while the orchids and bromeliads were taken. Now it has become "in vogue" to grow Dischidias and Hoyas, as well as others. They will grow down, like a hanging basket, or up, like a vine which clings to a tree.

Some are Dischidia Pectamoides (our favorite from Thailand) make little red flowers along the stems, climbs beautifully, has intermittent inflated leaves, or pods! These pods, in nature, usually provide a home for ants, which attack monkeys, who come to eat the fruit of the plant. This is an interesting symbiotic relationship in nature. The plants here come to you ant free! Dischidia Rafflesiana from Borneo, is rare, unique and looks like pickles on a string. They grow both up and down. Dischidia Bengalensis is commonly called the "propeller plant", because the leaves are alternate and swollen and look like a propeller. Dischida Rusifolia where every leaf is a beautiful bright green heart.

Hoyas generally are marked by the differences in their leaves and leaf shape. Generally, Hoya grow down rather than up. They also make good crawling plants. Dischidas and Hoys thrive indoors in bright or filtered light. Mild with the fertilizer. They love to be misted and will grow their little hearts out for you if you mist them regularly!

BONSAI
Most people claim they cannot keep a bonsai alive. That is because most people think the only kind of bonsai to buy is an evergreen tree. It's bought, taken inside, put atop the TV, and "garbaged". The bonsai plants sold here have been raised for the Houston climate. Actually, many are miniatures of some of our most common garden varieties. These plants have adapted to living indoors. For example, Serissa Foetida (a Chinese Snow Rose) blooms in both white and pink, single and double. Fukien Teas (from Mainland China) have a small white flower, followed by green berries, which then turn to red. Beautiful waxy shiny leaves. Natal Plum have fragrant white flowers that become beautiful little plums. Miniature Ficus (Too Little Ficus and Green Island Ficus) are two of the heartiest of the indoor bonsai and good for beginners. Miniature Bougainvilleas (Such as Pink Pixie) look just like a large bougainvillea and have lavender flowers.

There are many other companion plants here, which may be used to compliment your bonsai, such as Variegated Mondo Grass-White Dragon, Miniature Green Mondo Grass (both from Japan), Dwarf Equestrium (miniature reed which must be kept wet). Bonsai and their companions do best in bright light or filtered light, slightly dry between waterings. Great plants for a bright windowsill. They appreciate a light feeding as new growth occurs. Do not feed it too much; remember, it is supposed to remain small.

Copyright 2005-2006, Orchid Express & Leasing