Echinocactus grusonii
The golden barrel cactus is armed with golden yellow spines. Spines grow from areoles, modified leaf stalks, and are arranged in rows up and down the plant. It quickly grows to about 10cm (4in) in the first few years, then taking many years for ... [... more]
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Soleirolia soleirolii
Best known as an indoor plant, baby's tears, or mind your own business, makes an attractive and maintenance-free alternative to grass as ground cover in moist, shady areas. It will tolerate sun or shade. Frost hardy, its leaves are killed by ... [... more]
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Caring for your houseplants
Keep your indoor plants free from problems with our care guide. Most houseplants will thrive in a draught-free, well-lit spot, out of direct sunlight. Wait until compost has almost dried out before watering. Apply from the top of plants and allow ... [... more]
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Bletilla striata var. japonica f. gebina
Find out how to grow Bletilla striata var. japonica f. gebina This lovely half-hardy orchid has long, dark green leaves and sprays of pure white flowers from spring to early summer. Plant in moist, well-drained soil in a sheltered site with ... [... more]
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Hippeastrum 'Pasadena'
Find out how to grow Hippeastrum 'Pasadena' Cultivar: 'Pasadena' Commonly known as amaryllis, Hippeastrum are popular flowering houseplants, often given as Christmas gifts. 'Pasadena' is an eye-catching variety with scarlet red blooms that have ... [... more]
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Agave parryi
This spiky succulent is found growing wild from Arizona, USA to Mexico, where it thrives on open, rocky slopes in grassland and woodland. In the UK, it is best grown in a pot and kept in a light, frost-free environment during winter. In the ... [... more]
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Agave victoriae-reginae
Smaller and less spikey than many other agaves, this species makes an interesting addition to a succulent collection. It is a native of Mexico where it is found in desert and semi-desert regions. Large groups are found growing on steep canyon ... [... more]
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Alocasia x amazonica
Alocasias are found in tropical Asia and are grown for their large, heavily veined leaves. Most varieties need a warm greenhouse and high humidity during the growing season to flourish, but some, such as A. amazonica, make interesting ... [... more]
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Piper nigrum
This evergreen climber from Sri Lanka and India produces one of our most commonly used spices - pepper. The round fruit are harvested at differing stages of ripeness to produce different colours of pepper black pepper is made from dried, green ... [... more]
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Dionaea muscipula
The Venus flytrap is loved by children and adults alike. When an insect, attracted by the plant's nectar, touches the hairs inside the trap, the hinge mechanism is triggered and it slams shut. This traps the insect inside where it is broken down ... [... more]
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Dracaena marginata
D. marginata has thin, red-margined leaves that emerge from the top of bare, woody stems giving it an almost palmlike look. It is an easy plant to grow, in either a sunny, though not in direct sun, or shady spot in the house. From spring to ... [... more]
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Opuntia microdasys var. albispina
Often known as white bunny ears, Opuntia microdasys var. albispina gets the common name from its large ear-like appearance and the bristly white hairs that cover it. It's found growing wild in rocky desert areas and so enjoys good drainage. Plant ... [... more]
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