Homalomena 'Emerald Gem'

Heart Leaf Homalomena
'Emerald Gem'

This plant is a relative of the Philodendron family, and is native to the deep shade forests of South America. The heart shaped foliage of the Emerald Gem variety is a deep green with a waxy look. It will grow in lower light situations than most foliage plants, but grows best with moderate indirect light.
If you keep the soil evenly moist, fertilizing lightly during winter months, more regularly during the growing season, this houseplant will grace your home for many years. The Homalomena is a slow grower, however, so choose a plant at about the size you need for the space you want to place it in.

By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Perennial Sedum

Sedum

Sedum grow in a wide range of heights and spread. From very low creeping groundcover varieties, to tall upright varieties, these hardy perennials are perfect for most gardens. Their thick fleshy leaves indicate a wonderful water retention ability even in the most severe drought.
Low spreading types make a tight weed resistant groundcover or weep gracefully over rock walls in sunny dry areas. Many of this type are evergreen and bloom in early summer.
Upright varieties come in short to very tall heights and have a more clump forming habit, some clumps large enough to be more like a shrub. The flower heads begin forming during the summer, then explode in colors of pinks and burgundy just in time for autumn leaf changing season.
All sedum varieties are low maintenance, requiring little water or fertilizer to thrive in your garden.

By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia Reginae

Bird of Paradise is a stemless member of the banana family. The large leathery leaves are very dramatic, but the real show is the long lasting flower that is surrounded by a bract folded into a boat shape. The bright orange and sky blue petals emerge from it and look like an exotic bird head. It takes quite a few years for the plant to mature enough to bloom.
Bird of Paradise likes a sunny location and should be kept evenly moist. Fertilize every two weeks per fertilizer package instructions.

By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J Rahn Greenhouses

Houseplants in for the Winter

Houseplants in for Winter

It's best to bring houseplants inside when night temperatures start to drop to around 50 degrees. Some plants tolerate cooler temperatures in the 40's, and can remain outside for a while longer. These include Cymbidium and Phalaenopsis orchids, as well as Christmas Cactus.
Houseplants do need to acclimate to the lack of humidity and lower light levels inside the house, so place them near a window and offer more humidity with a pebble tray under the plant and keep the tray moist. Inspect your plants for insects and insect eggs before bringing them in. Spray with an insecticidal soap or use a systemic houseplant insect control even if you're not sure they have them.
Remember, most plants need less water and fertilizer during their winter rest time indoors since there are fewer daylight hours and less than ideal growing conditions.


By Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Fall Plants

Cool Temperature Plants

The end of summer signals the beginning of the fall planting season. Our gardens can continue to look beautiful well into autumn by planting some of the cool weather loving plants. The colorful leaves of the perennial Heuchera and ornamental grasses can be mixed with Calibrachoa (Million Bells), and Argyranthemum. Seasonal favorites such as mums,asters, and pansies can replace some of the summer annuals for a fresh new look. Ornamental kale and cabbage last well into late fall and early winter.
Gardens may be saying good bye to summer, but they can also be welcoming the cool crisp days of fall.

By Gayla Parker
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Orchids

Orchids

Orchids are an extremely varied group of plants. Most orchids fall into two categories; those requiring intense light such as Phalaenopsis and Cattleya, and those preferring medium to bright light such as the Paphiopedilum. Those requiring bright intense light would be best placed on a south facing window ledge with some shading from direct midday sun in summer. Those of medium to bright light would be best suited to an east or west facing window ledge. They would also do well under fluorescent lights.
Varieties with thick leaves should be watered thoroughly , then allowed to dry out before the next watering. Those with thin roots and smaller leaves generally need water as soon as the potting mix starts to dry. Most orchids need a short period of dry conditions in autumn to stimulate new flowers.
Although some orchids tolerate average humidity, it's best to offer them high humidity indoors. You can provide humidity by placing a saucer with pebbles and water covering the pebbles under your orchid pot.
Allow roots to extend beyond the pot as long as the plant continues to grow. When growth is inhibited, repot into a container one size larger in diameter than the original container, using an appropriate orchid potting mix.
Fertilize year round, full strength during the growing season of spring and summer, half strength during fall and winter according to directions on your fertilizer.

By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Cacti & Succulants

Cacti & Succulents

Succulents are defined as any plant which has the natural ability to store water in it's roots or body. They usually have fattened leaves or thick stems that hold water in reserve for dry climactic conditions. Cacti are a type of succulent. Both cacti and other succulents are relatively easy care plants to grow, as they are very tolerant of neglect.
They have a dormant season when they rest, usually during winter months when daylight is short; and a growing season, when daylight hours and warmer temperatures trigger a growth response. Water according to the cycle they are in. If dormant, water sparingly, every few weeks and only enough to dampen the roots slightly. During the growing season, water thoroughly once a week, but only if they are receiving lots of daylight.
Also, fertilize only during the growing season, per instructions on the cacti fertilizer package. They prefer a formulation of 5-10-5 or a similar cactus fertilizer.
They will grow best in as much sunlight as you can give them, for instance a south facing windowsill, or you can place them outdoors in the summer. Most are not frost hardy; however, the prickly pear cactus is and will winter over in our hardiness zone(5-6).
There are a multitude of varieties available in the succulent plant species, from those varieties with thorns, to those without any prickly points to them. Check out a book on the many types at your local library, or online, or stop in to see Calico's selections at the greenhouse.

By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses