Calathea orbifolia: Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Calathea orbifolia is a member of the Marantaceae family, a group of tropical plants commonly known as prayer plants due to their leaves’ nocturnal movement, folding up at night. It belongs to the genus Calathea, which includes numerous species prized for their ornamental foliage. This herbaceous perennial is distinguished by its large, rounded … Read more

Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant): Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Calathea lancifolia, commonly known as the Rattlesnake Plant, is a member of the Marantaceae family, a group of tropical plants often referred to as prayer plants due to their leaves’ diurnal movement, folding up at night. It belongs to the genus Calathea, which encompasses numerous species valued for their ornamental foliage. This herbaceous … Read more

Calathea warscewiczii (Jungle Velvet): Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Calathea warscewiczii, commonly known as Jungle Velvet, is a member of the Marantaceae family, a group of tropical plants often referred to as prayer plants due to their leaf movements. It belongs to the genus Calathea, which includes numerous species prized for ornamental foliage. Named after Polish botanist Józef Warszewicz, who collected plants … Read more

Begonia ‘Looking Glass’: Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Begonia ‘Looking Glass’ is a cultivar within the Begoniaceae family, part of the extensive Begonia genus, which includes over 2,000 species. It is classified as a cane-type begonia, characterized by its upright, bamboo-like stems, and is likely a hybrid derived from species such as Begonia aconitifolia or Begonia coccinea, similar to other cane … Read more

Begonia ‘Silver Jewell’: Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Begonia ‘Silver Jewell’ is a cultivar within the Begoniaceae family, part of the expansive Begonia genus, which includes over 2,000 species. It is a rhizomatous begonia, characterized by its creeping, underground rhizomes that store nutrients, allowing the plant to persist as a perennial. Likely a hybrid derived from species such as Begonia imperialis … Read more

Begonia ‘Tiger Paws’ (Begonia bowerae): Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Begonia ‘Tiger Paws’, often associated with Begonia bowerae or its hybrids, belongs to the Begoniaceae family, a diverse group encompassing over 2,000 species within the genus Begonia. This cultivar is a rhizomatous begonia, characterized by its creeping, underground rhizomes that store nutrients. Named after British botanist Nigel P. Taylor, who contributed to begonia … Read more

Rieger Begonia (Begonia × hiemalis): Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Rieger Begonia, scientifically known as Begonia × hiemalis, is a hybrid within the Begoniaceae family, which includes over 2,000 species in the genus Begonia. This group of hybrids, often classified as tuberous or fibrous-rooted perennials, was developed by crossing Begonia socotrana (a winter-flowering species) with tuberous begonia species like Begonia tuberhybrida. The name … Read more

Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia): Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Begonia masoniana, commonly known as the Iron Cross Begonia, is a member of the Begoniaceae family, which includes over 2,000 species within the genus Begonia. This species is a rhizomatous perennial, characterized by its underground, creeping rhizomes that store nutrients. Named after Maurice Mason, a British plant collector who introduced it to cultivation, … Read more

Tuberous Begonia: Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Tuberous Begonia, scientifically classified under the genus Begonia within the Begoniaceae family, encompasses a group of hybrids primarily derived from species native to the Andes, such as Begonia boliviensis and Begonia veitchii. These plants are characterized as tuberous perennials, meaning they grow from a tuberous root system that stores energy, allowing the plant … Read more

Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens): Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Wax Begonia, scientifically known as Begonia semperflorens or Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum, belongs to the Begoniaceae family, a diverse group with over 2,000 species. It is classified under the genus Begonia and is a group of hybrids derived primarily from species native to South America. The term “semperflorens,” meaning “ever-flowering” in Latin, reflects its … Read more