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Ageratum aromaticum, Ageratum odoratissimus, Fragrant Ageratum, Fruity Weed

Ageratum aromaticum, Ageratum odoratissimus
Family: Asteraceae / Compositae
Fragrant Ageratum, Fruity Weed
Origin: Ecuador and Colombia
small shrub 2-5 ft

This rare variety of ageratum is a highly aromatic plant. All parts of the plant emit a wonderful fragrance. The scent is somewhat fruity and consists of the smell of dry herbs, thyme, rosemary, and lavender all together. Once you touch it, you will be able to smell it for a few minutes. Unlike other plants from this genus that are mostly annuals, this plant is a perennial, semi-woody shrub. Bright, pink flowers bloom from spring to late fall. Needs very little care, and is a very fast grower. The only requirement is regular watering, when soil gets too dry, the plant wilts, but recovers easily once watered again. Keep the soil moist, and you will be rewarded with a great scent along your pathways. Can be used in sachets and herb pillows, it keeps its scent for a long time. It attracts lots of flying insects and butterflies.

Link to this plant: http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/ageratum_aromaticum.htm

Alocasia Hilo Beauty, Camouflage Alocasia, Hilo Beauty

Alocasia Hilo Beauty
Family: Araceae
Camouflage Alocasia, Hilo Beauty

groundcover and low-growing

Beautifully camouflage like pattern of dark, light greens and yellows cover each leaf attached to an interesting bluish-black stalk. Commonly known as Elephant's Ear, this unique tropical-looking plant grows 2-3ft tall with a similar spread. Prefers aerated soil containing bark, coarse perlite and peat moss. Fast once established, which takes approximately 4-6 weeks. Grown for its beautifully irregularly marked leaves. This particular variety is a good semi-aquatic plant for the edge of a pond or even in a large terrarium setting. Alocasias are heavy feeders, provide water soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks and water regularly. Lift tubers and over winter in a frost free environment. Replant after last frost in spring.

Link to this plant: http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/alocasia_hilo.htm

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Anthurium andraeanum, Flamingo flower, Tail flower

Anthurium andraeanum
Family: Araceae
Flamingo flower, Tail flower
Origin: Ecuador and Colombia
small shrub 2-5 ft

There are hundreds of species of this genus, all members of the Araceae family. The majority are fairly nondescript and a few are grown for their handsome foliage. There are only two species which are generally grown for their flowers, Anthurium andreanum and Anthurium scherzerianum. Both types
are basically epiphytic and grown best in a mix of bark, perlite and fern fiber such as that used in orchids or bromeliads. They will grow in soil but rarely perform well in that medium. Anthurium andreanum is the florist anthurium, a plant with red, white or pink spatches which have an artificial, plastic-like look. Give a moderately high light intensity but avoid direct sunlight during the spring and summer months when the sun is most intense. A high humidity is essential as is warm temperature, 70-75
days, 65 minimum at night. The potting mixture should be kept moist, but not soggy during the spring- summer period and allowed to dry slightly between
waterings from late fall through winter. A feeding of weak manure water and a fish emulsion may be given every two weeks from late winter to mid summer.
Both species have a tendency to grow up out of the pot. The
exposed aerial roots should be wrapped in moist sphagnum.
When the plant is eight inches or higher out of the pot it may be cut off at the base and repotted in fresh potting mixture. Plants will occasionally split and form pups. These can be divided when large enough. Plants are also
propagated by stem cuttings and seed, both of which are extremely difficult without greenhouse facilities.
Real Hawaiian lava rock is hand selected to provide a happy home for Anthurium. With reasonable care your volcano bonsai should last for years. Place in a bright window or on a countertop without direct sun and just keep a small amount of water in the saucer/tray provided. Requires consistently moist soil.
See Photo Gallery of Exotic Anthuriums.

Link to this plant: http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/anthurium_andraeanum.htm

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Anthurium hookeri Ruffles, Anthurium schlechtendahlii Kunth, Anthurium mexicanum, Anthurium tetragonum, Bird

Anthurium hookeri Ruffles, Anthurium schlechtendahlii Kunth, Anthurium mexicanum, Anthurium tetragonum
Family: Araceae
Bird's nest anthurium
Origin: Ecuador And Colombia
large shrub 5-10 ft

For those that love jungly plants. Their enormous wrinkly leaves have an almost cardboard like texture and grow to about 2ft. Used in places that have good natural light and lots of space and could benefit from a little bit of drama... In the wild it is epiphytic or epilithic (meaning that it grows without soil either on trees, or in the rocks. Do not plant too deeply, keep moist but not soaked. Beware of slugs and snails, eliminate them with bait or pick them up at night. Wash the foliage regularly to control mites. Mulch abundantly, and fertilize monthly.

Link to this plant: http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/anthurium_hookeri.htm