Welcome to Gardening in South Africa!

Spring Starflower. Image by Couleur from PixabayTransform your garden with the delicate beauty of spring starflowers. They are easy-to-grow and will reward you with masses of delicate, sweet smelling flowers. Starflowers are perfect for garden and container planting. Plant them from April to May, and enjoy their charming flowers from August to October.

Maranta Lemon-Lime Picture courtesy Carol Von Canon from flickrThese gorgeous natives of the rainforests of Brazil have mesmerizing foliage that folds up at night as if in prayer. If you place them in a warm and well-lit spot indoors they will make a bold statement in any room, and if you’re looking for child and a pet-safe plant, you will be happy to know that prayer plants are non-toxic. Learn what they need to thrive indoors, including lighting, watering, humidity, temperatures, feeding, repotting and propagation.

Philodendron 'Brazil'The ‘Heartleaf’ or ‘Sweetheart Philodendron’ was named for its lovely heart-shaped leaves but this indoor pot plant has won the hearts of gardeners for its ease of growth. It does well in lower light conditions and thrives under artificial lighting, making it ideal for homes and offices, and best of all, it’s a strong air purifier. Learn everything you need to know about caring for this tropical beauty.

Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' Picture courtesy Sue Luxton from flickr'Spiralis' is a quirky indoor pot plant that adds a touch of elegance to any room, and is easy to grow if kept moist. It can also be grown in any aquatic landscape because it thrives in both still and flowing water, and can be grown partially or fully submerged in both fresh and saltwater aquariums. In this article I cover its ideal growing conditions, both indoors and outdoors, including: sunlight, temperature, humidity, watering and water depth, soil requirements, fertilisation, pruning, propagation, and other tips for maintaining a healthy and vibrant plant.

Miltoniopsis Orchid Picture courtesy Manu Vilela from flickrTo be successful with pansy orchids you must try to simulate the conditions enjoy in their natural habitat, and their annual growth cycle. Your reward for providing them with what they need will be a display of colour that will command the attention of anyone who walks into the room. Learn everything you need to know about growing and caring for these orchids, and how to mount or grow them as potted plants.

Lady's Slipper Orchid Image by Simon Bardet from PixabayLady's Slipper Orchids are popular among orchid enthusiasts because they make excellent pot plants that are easy to grow in lower light areas of the office or home, and the flowers can last for up to three months. Some can also be grown outdoors in shady garden beds. Learn where these orchids will thrive, and what they need to flourish and bloom beautifully.

Syngonium 'White Butterfly'Worldwide the goose foot vine remains a very popular indoor pot plant for very good reasons. It is not just good looking but also extremely quick and easy to grow, and for a tropical plant is very forgiving, tolerating bouts of neglect, and low humidity and light conditions. Learn how to care for it indoors.

Yellow Epidendrum Picture courtesy Laurent Capy from flickrCrucifix orchids with their long lasting flowers are a great beginner's orchid because they are tough and easy to grow indoors, and in our humid subtropical regions, they will thrive outdoors in full sun. They are wonderful in pots or hanging baskets, mounted on trees or driftwood, and they can even be planted in the soil amongst rocks.

Oncidium lineoligerum. Picture courtesy Bernard DUPONT from flickrDancing lady orchids are excellent for beginner orchid growers because they won’t be damaged by occasional changes in temperature and will forgive you if you forget to water them every once in a while. If they are watered correctly and are provided with sufficient light and the right temperatures and humidity, they will put forth a profusion of flowers in graceful, long sprays. Learn everything you need to know to grow them successfully indoors and outdoors.

Image by Paul Brennan from PixabayCrotons are the extroverts of the plant world with their dazzling colours and are sure to be the centre of attention wherever they are grown, be it indoors or outdoors. Follow these instructions to keep your Croton healthy and happy.