Dancing Lady Orchid
Oncidium altissimum
Family: Orchidaceae
Care Level: Intermediate
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
Epiphytic orchid with long, branching sprays of yellow and brown flowers that resemble dancing ladies.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- For optimal growth, use a specialty organic potting mix formulated for orchids.
DIY Recipe
- Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for orchids every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 75-80 °F / 24-27 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 50-70%
Time to Maturity
- 2-3 years
Eventual Height
- 2-4 ft / 60-120 cm
Eventual Spread
- 1-2 ft / 30-60 cm
Oncidium cheirophorum
A miniature orchid with yellow and brown flowers that have a sweet fragrance. It blooms in late winter or early spring.
Oncidium leucochilum
A medium-sized orchid with white and purple flowers that have a wavy lip. It blooms in summer or autumn.
Oncidium sarcodes
A large orchid with red and yellow flowers that have a fringed lip. It blooms in winter or spring.
Oncidium longipes
A small orchid with yellow and brown flowers that have a long spur. It blooms in spring or summer.
Delta Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum raddianum
Family: Pteridaceae
Care Level: Intermediate
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
Delicately laced, triangular fronds on arching black stems. Prefers to stay compact.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To determine when to water, use a knitting needle or chopstick to test the moisture at various depths.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
For optimal growth, use an organic all-purpose potting mix.
DIY Recipe
- 3 parts Coir, 1 part Pumice, top dress with Worm Castings.
- Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 65-75°F / 18-24°C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 50-70%
Time to Maturity
- 2-5 years
Eventual Height
1-2 ft / 30-60 cm
Eventual Spread
1-2 ft / 30-60 cm
Adiantum raddianum ‘Fragrans’
This cultivar has a pleasant fragrance and slightly larger leaflets.
Adiantum raddianum ‘Kensington Gem’
This cultivar has more finely divided fronds and a more compact habit.
Adiantum raddianum ‘Lisa’
This cultivar has bright green fronds with white variegation along the veins.
Adiantum raddianum ‘Pacific Maid’
This cultivar has dark green fronds with red stems and a more upright habit.
Adiantum raddianum ‘Variegatum’
This cultivar has green fronds with creamy-white margins and a more delicate appearance.
Dendrobium Orchid
Dendrobium spp.
Family: Orchidaceae
Care Level: Intermediate
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
A diverse group of epiphytic orchids known for their striking, long-lasting flowers that come in a variety of colors including white, purple, yellow, and pink.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- For optimal growth, use a specialty organic potting mix formulated for orchids.
DIY Recipe
- Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 65-85 °F / 18-30 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 50-70%
Time to Maturity
- 2-4 years
Eventual Height
1-2 ft / 30-60 cm
Eventual Spread
12-18 in / 30-45 cm
Dendrobium nobile
Features clusters of fragrant, purple flowers in late winter or spring. Needs cooler temperatures for optimal growth.
Dendrobium kingianum
Produces cascading sprays of orange or yellow flowers in summer.
Dendrobium loddigesii
Known for its showy, white flowers with purple lips that bloom in spring.
Dendrobium spectabile
Eye-catching with its large, lavender-pink flowers with a darker lip that bloom in late winter to early spring.
Dendrobium bigibbum
Compact variety with clusters of white or purple flowers with a prominent yellow center. Prefers warm temperatures.
Desert Rose
Adenium obesum
Family: Apocynaceae
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets
A succulent shrub with a caudex (swollen base) and glossy green leaves. Produces beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white.
Bright Direct Light – 250-1000 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Requires 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day.
Place within 2 ft / 60 cm of a south or southwest-facing window for maximum light.
Ensure the plant has an unobstructed view of the sky.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Consider using Grow Lights during the wintertime when the daylight hours are shorter.
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To determine when to water, use a knitting needle or chopstick to test the moisture at various depths.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
For optimal growth, use a specialty organic potting mix formulated for succulents.
DIY Recipe
- 2 parts Coir, 2 parts Coarse Sand, 1 part Pumice.
- Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for succulents every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 65-90 °F / 18-32 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 30-40%
Time to Maturity
- 5-10 years
Eventual Height
3-6 ft / 0.9 – 1.8 m
Eventual Spread
2-4 ft / 0.6 – 1.2 m
Adenium obesum ‘Double Red’
Produces large, deep red, double flowers.
Adenium obesum ‘Miniature’
A compact variety that stays smaller than the standard Desert Rose.
Adenium obesum ‘Swazi Pink’
Features large, bright pink, single flowers.
Adenium obesum ‘Thai Socotranum’
Known for its unique, twisted branches and vibrant pink flowers.
Adenium obesum ‘Variegated’
Has green leaves with creamy white variegation.
Dragon Tree
Dracaena marginata
Family: Asparagaceae
Care Level: Easy
Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets
Upright, single or multiple trunks with narrow, sword-shaped leaves with red edges.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the top half of the soil dries out.
To determine when to water, use a knitting needle or chopstick to test the moisture at various depths.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
For optimal growth, use an organic all-purpose potting mix.
DIY Recipe
- 3 parts Coir, 1 part Pumice, top dress with Worm Castings.
- Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 70-80 °F / 21-27 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 40-50%
Time to Maturity
- 8-10 years
Eventual Height
6 ft / 1.8 m
Eventual Spread
2-3 ft / 0.6 – 0.9 m
Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolor’
This cultivar has green leaves with red margins and a creamy white stripe down the center.
Dracaena marginata ‘Magenta’
Features deep red margins on the leaves.
Dracaena marginata ‘Compacta’
A dwarf variety that stays much smaller, only reaching 3-4 ft / 0.9-1.2 m tall.
Dracaena marginata ‘Warneckii’
Leaves have a wider, more ribbon-like appearance.
Dracaena marginata ‘Bontanical’
Features a mix of green, cream, and yellow variegation on the leaves.
Dumb Cane
Dieffenbachia spp.
Family: Araceae
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets
A tropical perennial known for its large, variegated leaves that can be green, cream, or white.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
For optimal growth, use 2 parts organic all-purpose potting mix, amended with 1 part Bark and 1 part Biochar.
DIY Recipe
- 1 part Coir, 1 part Pumice, 1 part Bark, 1 part Biochar, top dress with Worm Castings.
- Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 65-75 °F / 18-24 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 50-60%
Time to Maturity
- 1-2 years
Eventual Height
3-6 ft / 0.9-1.8 m
Eventual Spread
1-2 ft / 0.3-0.6 m
Dieffenbachia ‘Compacta’
A dwarf variety with dark green leaves mottled with cream. Mature Height: 1-2 ft / 0.3-0.6 m
Dieffenbachia ‘Camilla’
Features large, lime-green leaves with prominent veins. Prefers brighter light than other cultivars.
Dieffenbachia ‘Tropic Snow’
Cream and white variegated leaves with splashes of green.
Dieffenbachia ‘Spotted’
Deep green leaves with yellow speckles.
Dieffenbachia ‘Rudolph Roehrs’
Large, dark green leaves with prominent white veins.
Dwarf Date Palm
Phoenix roebelenii
Family: Arecaceae
Care Level: Intermediate
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
Slow-growing palm, with a graceful, arching form. It has a slender trunk and a dense crown of dark green, feathery fronds.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
For optimal growth, use a specialty organic potting mix formulated for palms.
DIY Recipe
- 2 parts Coir, 2 parts Coarse Sand, 1 part Pumice.
- Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for palms every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 65-80 °F / 18-27 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 40-50%
Time to Maturity
- 10-15 years
Eventual Height
6-8 ft / 1.8-2.4 m
Eventual Spread
3-5 ft / 0.9-1.5 m
Phoenix roebelenii ‘Compacta’
A smaller, more compact cultivar for tight spaces.
Phoenix roebelenii ‘Pygmy’
Another common indoor cultivar, known for its manageable size and ease of care.
Phoenix roebelenii ‘Variegata’
Features leaves with creamy white or yellow stripes, adding a variegated pattern to the foliage.
Dwarf Elephant Ear
Alocasia gageana
Family: Araceae
Care Level: Intermediate
Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets
Evergreen perennial with large, elephant ear-shaped leaves resting on green petioles.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
For optimal growth, use 2 parts organic all-purpose potting mix, amended with 1 part Bark and 1 part Biochar.
DIY Recipe
- 1 part Coir, 1 part Pumice, 1 part Bark, 1 part Biochar, top dress with Worm Castings.
- Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 65-77 °F / 18-25 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 60-80%
Time to Maturity
- 2-3 years
Eventual Height
3-4 ft / 90-120 cm
Eventual Spread
2-3 ft / 60-90 cm
Alocasia gageana ‘California’
This cultivar has slightly larger and darker green leaves than the species. It is also sold as Alocasia odora ‘California’.
Alocasia gageana ‘Albo’
This cultivar has variegated leaves with shades of green, cream, and white. It is a rare and sought-after houseplant.
Alocasia gageana ‘Variegata’
This cultivar has green leaves with white veins and margins. It is also known as Alocasia gageana ‘White Vein’.
Alocasia gageana ‘Green Velvet’
This cultivar has velvety green leaves with prominent veins. It is similar to Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’, but with a lighter color.
Alocasia gageana ‘Silver Dragon’
This cultivar has silvery-green leaves with dark green veins and edges. It is a hybrid between Alocasia gageana and Alocasia reginula.
Dwarf Umbrella Tree
Schefflera arboricola
Family: Araliaceae
Care Level: Intermediate
Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets
A popular houseplant with glossy, finger-like leaves arranged in an umbrella-shaped canopy.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
For optimal growth, use an organic all-purpose potting mix.
DIY Recipe
- 3 parts Coir, 1 part Pumice, top dress with Worm Castings.
- Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 60-75 °F / 15-24 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 40-60%
Time to Maturity
- 3-5 years
Eventual Height
4-8 ft / 1.2-2.4 m
Eventual Spread
3-5 ft / 0.9-1.5 m
Schefflera arboricola ‘Compacta’
A dwarf variety with smaller, darker green leaves than the standard Schefflera arboricola.
Schefflera arboricola ‘Gold Capella’
Features variegated leaves with green and yellow margins.
Schefflera arboricola ‘Variegata’
Has green leaves edged with creamy white.
Schefflera arboricola ‘Liane’
A climbing cultivar with smaller, more elongated leaflets.
Schefflera arboricola ‘Trinette’
Features twisted stems with clusters of three leaflets per node.