Houseplants


	Orchids Orchids are ideal gifts thatl last for months. From 2 stem Phalaenopsis to large multi stem Orchid that would look fantastic on a Christmas table or a fireplace.

	Miltonia - Pansy Orchid Miltonias have two main flowering seasons which peak in early Summer and again in Autumn. They are extremely free-flowering, regularly producing two or three flower spikes on one pseudobulb. These colourful flowers also carry a sweet honey fragrance. Miltonias are suited more as houseplants rather than greenhouse plants are excessive amount of light can cause the soft foliage to turn pale and insipid. A shady area where there is some humidity from a tray of wet pebbles is ideal. Do not spray as the delicate foliage is easily marked. Provide more light during the winter months. Water your plant with soft, tepid water all year round, letting the soil dry out a little between watering's. Avoid over watering but do not allow pseudobulbs to Shrivel from being too dry, or this will cause corrugation of the leaves.

	Dendrobiums - Orchids This genus is one of the largest of Epiphytic Orchids This wealth of species gives rise to widely varying habit and flowers. The swollen pods of varying lengths are usually close together on the Rhizome and they wedge or spindle-shaped, they form gorgeous clusters of attractive flowers, often fragrant and can last for many weeks. When the flowers are over cut the stem down at its growing point in the leaves. They need a sunny place and at all times, sufficient water with protection from the midday sun a the hottest part of the day. Only during winter, when they are kept at lower temperatures should watering be reduced.

	Phalaenopsis - Moth Orchid Phalaenopsis are one of the easiest Orchids to grow in the home, needing no specialist care and being able dto withstand the dry conditions of central heating. They can stay constantly in flower with correct care. Generally flower stems are produced in Autumn/Winter and new leaves grow in Spring/Summer. Water your Phalaenopsis using soft water, rain water is best or boiled colled water, stand the plant leaving it planted in its plastic growing pot in a pudding bowl or a ceramic pot and pour the water all over the top of the bark compost (avoiding the leaves as this causes rotting) and allow the water to collect in the pudding bowl or a ceramic pot so that it comes up the side, about three or four inches, and leave to 'soak' for a couple of hours in the winter and during the longer sunny drying days of summer leave over night and then simply take out he plant and pour the excess water away. Pop onto a window sill offering light all year but shade from direct summer sun. A position of poor light will mean premature loss of flowers.
	Lemon Tree Glossy oval leaves set off this plant's fragrant white, star-shaped flowers that open from red-tinted buds throughout the summer. They are followed by bright yellow lemons up to 10cm long. A compact, large shrub that is best grown in a potwhere it can be placed in a frost-free place in winter. Position: Full sun Soil: Moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil Rate of growth: Average Flowering period: April to July Hardiness: tender to frost hardy (needs winter protection) Like all citrus, make sure your lemon tree gets plenty of light and keep cool in the winter. Will produce fruit and flowers all year round in a light room or conservatory. Lemon trees have been cultivated in Asia for thousands of years and in europe for hundreds. This hybrid lemon is a less common variety bred to produce all round interest indoors.
	Ficus - Weeping Fig Also know as Weeping Laurel and Small leaved Rubber Plant. One of the best known and widely used houseplants. This is for a good reason, glossy leaves grow in profusion creating the classic indoor tree. Keep out of draughts and away from radiators to avoid the 'weeping' and keep the fig. Site: Bright to light shade. Temp: Average warmth. Water: Quite regularly in the growing season but leave to dry out slightly first. Rarely over the winter months. Benefits from occasional misting. Feeding: A liquid feed every month or so. Tip: Prune to shape in the winter.