Tropical plant / Mexican shrimp plant

A growing number of people are discovering that growing indoor plants is a really satisfying and fulfilling hobby. And since the houses where we live are warmer, lighter and more or less drought free, than they used to be, there is less probability of your plants experiencing dramatic changes in temperatures during the course of the day, or night. So a whole new assortment of plants from throughout the world are now successfully grown indoors. The plants I’ve selected here are easy to grow and require only basic maintenance.

Achimenes

The funnel-shaped blossoms of the pretty plant are in vibrant shades of red, white, lavender or blue. These plants can be grown from tubers. In April, plant one inch deep and 2 inches apart. Place them in a warm place and water sparingly. As expansion increases, water freely. To promote bushiness, pinch out the shoot tips. Short sticks may be used to encourage them in the bud. They favor a well-lit place, but avoid sunlight. Grant sometimes with organic fertilizer. When flowering has finished, slowly decrease the amount of water. Allow the plant to dry off before winter and store in a frost free location.

Beloperone

Shrimp Plant, is the common name for this flowering shrub. This is a result of the shape and color of the attractive bracts enclosing the little flowers. They need regular feeding with liquid fertilizer. They require a place with a minimum temperature of 10 degrees, with a few direct sunlight. Place in a cool, sunny position in winter. Water well in spring and summer. But keep nearly dry, in winter. Encourage branching by eliminating growing tips. Prune to keep it tidy. Cuttings should be taken in the spring.

Billbergia Nutans

This plant is a Bromeliad from Brazil and is in the same household as the Pineapple. Sometimes called queen’s-tears, it’s rosettes of long narrow leaves; blossoms are greenish-yellow and look in the spring. These flowers are born on long stalks and stalks down from pink bracts. They’re easy to grow and will tolerate low temperatures. Normal room temperature is recommended positioned in great natural light, but avoid direct sunlight. Water well in summer, moderately for the remainder of the year. Fresh rain water is preferred. Feed occasionally. The plant can be propagated in the spring by way of offsets.

Bougainvillea

This is a climbing plant with small flowers. The pink, orange or red bracts which surround them are quite striking. They have to be grown in huge pots supported by canes or wires. They prefer a sunny, open position. Like a conservatory or big room. They won’t survive a frost. Water generously in summer and spring. Keep almost dry. Feed frequently in summer. Prune side shoots in March and eliminate overcrowded stems. Cuttings taken in early summer ought to be rooted in a propagator.

Campanula isophylla

This is a trailing perennial with star-shaped white and blue flowers. This plant is excellent for hanging baskets or raised pots. The plant can be trained to grow up if supported. Sometimes called, Star-of-Bethlehem. Cut of flowers as they die to prolong the flowering period. Site in a well lit place with some direct sunshine. Feed regularly during the growing period. Water well, never enable the pot to dry out during the growing season. Over winter, keep the compost just moist. And keep in a cool location. Cuttings can be taken in early spring.

Coleus

Whilst these are an easy to grow plant, they are sometimes tricky to keep overwinter. Therefore, some growers take cuttings and develop an original plant every year. A vibrant foliage plant, in colors of Pink, red, green and yellow. Sometimes a combination of two or more colors. Grow in a well lit place with a few hours of sunlight. They need tons of water in summer and a normal feed. Pinch out growth to promote bushiness. Cuttings root simple in water or compost.

Ok, so that was six! But the last one, Coleus, is well worth a mention. If you can get it to survive winter, repot in fresh mulch and a larger plant pot.