Earth Star
Cryptanthus bivittatus
Family: Bromeliaceae
Care Level: Easy
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
A low, spreading rosette of strap-shaped, toothed, wavy-margined leaves with pale green or pink stripes.
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.
- Avoid letting water sit in the central cup (tank) formed by the leaves.
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 bromeliads.
DIY Recipe
- Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for bromeliads every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 65-80 °F / 18-27 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 50-70%
Time to Maturity
- 2-3 years
Eventual Height
- 3-6 in / 8-15 cm
Eventual Spread
- 6-12 in / 15-30 cm
Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Bronze Star’
Features bronze and green striped leaves.
Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Pink Star’
Showcases bright pink and green striped leaves.
Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Tricolor’
Displays a captivating combination of green, yellow, and red stripes on its leaves.
Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Minimus’
A miniature variety with smaller, vibrant green leaves.
Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Zonatus’
Boasts unique bands of silver and green on its leaves.
Echeveria
Echeveria spp.
Family: Crassulaceae
Care Level: Easy
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
A rosette-forming succulent with fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that grow in a compact cluster.
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
- 65-80 °F / 18-27 °C
Ideal Humidity
- 40-50%
Time to Maturity
- 2-3 years
Eventual Height
- 6-12 in / 15-30 cm
Eventual Spread
- 6-12 in / 15-30 cm
Echeveria agavoides (Fox Tail Echeveria)
Rosettes of narrow, pointed, blue-green leaves with reddish tips.
Echeveria elegans (Pearl Echeveria)
Blue-green rosettes with a powdery coating on the leaves.
Echeveria glauca (Blue Echeveria)
Rosettes of powdery blue-gray leaves.
Echeveria setosa (Firecracker Echeveria)
Red-tipped, orange-yellow flowers bloom on tall stalks in summer.
Echeveria imbricata (Imbricated Echeveria)
Rosettes of thick, overlapping, green leaves with reddish edges.
Echeveria subulata (Fingertips Echeveria)
Cylindrical, red-tipped leaves form a loose rosette.
Elephant Bush
Portulacaria afra
Family: Didiereaceae
Care Level: Easy
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
Trailing, succulent shrub with small oval fleshy leaves and reddish woody stems.
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).
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
- 65-80 °F / 18-27 °C
Ideal Humidity
- 40-50%
Time to Maturity
- 3-5 years
Eventual Height
- 2-4 ft / 0.6 – 1.2 m
Eventual Spread
- 1-2 ft / 0.3 – 0.6 m
Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’
A variegated cultivar with cream and green leaves and red stems. It has a more compact and bushy growth habit than the species.
Portulacaria afra ‘Minima’
A dwarf cultivar with smaller leaves and stems than the species. It is ideal for bonsai or hanging baskets.
Portulacaria afra ‘Decumbent’
A trailing cultivar with long and thin stems and small leaves. It is suitable for ground cover or cascading over walls or containers.
Portulacaria afra ‘Mediopicta’
A rare cultivar with yellow and green leaves and red stems. It has a slower growth rate than the species.
Emerald Ripple Peperomia
Peperomia caperata
Family: Piperaceae
Care Level: Easy
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
A compact, evergreen perennial with heart-shaped, deeply puckered leaves that have a metallic sheen.
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
- 65-75 °F / 18-24 °C
Ideal Humidity
- 40-50%
Time to Maturity
- 2-3 years
Eventual Height
- 12-18 in / 30-45 cm
Eventual Spread
- 8-12 in / 20-30 cm
Peperomia caperata ‘Luna Red’
Features dark red, crinkled leaves. This cultivar won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Peperomia caperata ‘Burgundy’
Reddish-green leaves with a smooth texture and shiny appearance.
Peperomia caperata ‘Rosso’
Dark green leaves with red undersides, forming a rosette shape.
Peperomia caperata ‘Silver Ripple’
Leaves have a silver sheen with deep green veins, giving a striking contrast.
Peperomia caperata ‘Emerald’
Classic cultivar with dark green, deeply puckered leaves.
English Ivy
Hedera helix
Family: Araliaceae
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets
A climbing vine with glossy, lobed leaves. Comes in a variety of colors and leaf shapes.
Medium to Bright Indirect Light – 150-200 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 6 ft / 1.8m 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
- 50-70 °F / 10-21 °C
Ideal Humidity
- 40-60%
Time to Maturity
- 3-5 years
Eventual Height
- 10 ft / 3 m trailing or climbing, depending on support.
Eventual Spread
- 8 ft / 2.5 meters
Hedera helix ‘Glacier’
A variegated cultivar with green, white, and gray leaves. It has a compact and bushy growth habit and is suitable for hanging baskets or pots.
Hedera helix ‘Sagittifolia’
A cultivar with deeply lobed leaves that resemble arrowheads. It has a vigorous and trailing growth habit and can be trained on a trellis or pole.
Hedera helix ‘Goldchild’
A cultivar with green leaves edged with yellow. It has a moderate and climbing growth habit and can brighten up a shady spot.
Hedera helix ‘Needlepoint’
A cultivar with narrow and pointed leaves that have a lacy appearance. It has a slow and trailing growth habit and is ideal for small spaces or containers.
Hedera helix ‘Wonder’
A cultivar with dark green leaves that have prominent white veins. It has a fast and climbing growth habit and can create a lush and tropical look.
European Fan Palm
Chamaerops humilis
Family: Araliaceae
Care Level: Easy
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
Can be cultivated as a shrub with multiple trunks or a small tree with a single trunk. Fan-shaped fronds with long, narrow leaflets.
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.
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
- 50-85 °F / 10-29 °C
Ideal Humidity
- 40-60%
Time to Maturity
- 10-15 years
Eventual Height
- 4-6 ft / 1.2-1.8 m
Eventual Spread
- 3-4 ft / 0.9-1.2 m
Chamaerops humilis ‘Vulcano’
This cultivar is more compact than the main species, and it’s known for its lack of spines.
Chamaerops humilis var. argentea
Also known as the Atlas mountain palm, this variety has silvery-green leaves.
Chamaerops humilis ‘Stella’
This cultivar also is known for its silvery foliage.