AMERICAN GARDENER

Goldfish Plants also referred to as Columnea spp. are houseplants cherished for their unique, fish-shaped flowers that seem to swim among the foliage. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, these plants are epiphytes, growing on trees or rocks, which is reflected in their care needs for high humidity and indirect light. … Read more

The Goldfish Plant, belonging to the genus Columnea, is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, with species primarily found in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. These plants thrive in the warm, humid environments of rainforests where they grow as epiphytes, clinging to trees or rocks, absorbing moisture … Read more

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