AMERICAN GARDENER

Fittonia plants, commonly known as Nerve Plants, are celebrated for bringing a splash of the tropical rainforest into homes and offices. Native to the understory of South American rainforests, particularly in Peru, these plants have adapted to thrive in the moist, shaded conditions beneath the dense canopy. Their most common identifying feature is their patterned … Read more

Fittonia (or nerve plant or mosaic plant) is native to the tropical rainforests of South America, primarily found in Peru but also extending into Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia. These plants thrive in the understory of the rainforest, where they grow as ground cover in the moist, shaded conditions beneath the dense canopy. The genus Fittonia … Read more

The Heartleaf Philodendron is native to Central America and the Caribbean, including countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and several islands such as Cuba and the Bahamas. It thrives in the warm, humid, tropical rainforests, often growing as an epiphyte on trees or on the forest floor. The genus Philodendron was first described by the German … Read more

Impatiens, commonly known as Busy Lizzies, Jewelweeds, or Touch-Me-Nots, belong to the family Balsaminaceae, encompassing a wide array of species that are cherished for their vibrant flowers and ease of cultivation. These plants are predominantly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, with some species native to North America. The genus … Read more

The Mexican Bird of Paradise, scientifically known as Caesalpinia mexicana, is native to Mexico, particularly in regions like the Sonoran Desert. This plant thrives in the arid and semi-arid climates of Northern Mexico, adapting well to the hot, dry conditions with its drought-resistant nature. The genus Caesalpinia was named after Andrea Cesalpino, an Italian botanist … Read more

Oxalis, commonly known as wood sorrel or shamrock, is a diverse and widespread genus encompassing hundreds of species, each with its own charm and utility in gardens and natural habitats. This genus belongs to the family Oxalidaceae, and its members are found across the globe, from the temperate forests of North America to the tropical … Read more

Scindapsus pictus is native to Southeast Asia, specifically found in countries like Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and parts of Indonesia. It thrives in the warm, humid, and tropical forests of these regions, often growing as an epiphyte on trees or on rocks. The genus Scindapsus was named by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1832. Scindapsus … Read more

The Bird’s Nest Fern, or Asplenium nidus, is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, East Asia, Polynesia, Hawaii, and parts of Australia. It thrives in the humid, warm environments of rainforests where it often grows as an epiphyte (on trees) or on rocks. The genus Asplenium was described by Carl Linnaeus in his … Read more

Oxalis triangularis is native to South America, particularly Brazil, where it thrives in the tropical rainforests. This environment provides it with the warm, humid conditions it favors. The plant was first scientifically described and named in the 19th century. Its common name “Shamrock” or “False Shamrock” stems from the resemblance of its leaves to the … Read more

The Norfolk Island Pine is indigenous to Norfolk Island, which lies in the South Pacific Ocean between Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. This small island, approximately 3.5 miles wide and 5 miles long, is a unique ecosystem where the pine has adapted to its specific conditions. The plant was first documented by Europeans during … Read more