Plant Callistemon Family-Myrtaceae

Genus of about 25 species of evergreen trees and shrubs from Australia, occuring in moist soil in open or woodland sites. Callistemon citrinus will reach 3 ft. in height. Use these fast-growing, evergreen shrubs as high hedges or screens, or train them as single-trunk trees. Their common name comes from their colorful bristle-like flowers that look like old-fashioned bottlebrushes. Tolerate some frost and moderate drought at the expense of appearance, but are damaged or killed at 20 F or below. Stake young plants when training into a tree, prune to shape and thin crown. Watch for chlorosis in poor soils.
Warm - minimum 50F in winter. As much light as possible. Shade from hot sun. Grow in soil-based potting mix.
Keep compost moist at all times - reduce watering in winter. Mist leaves frequently.
Take stem cuttings in spring. Use a rooting hormone and provide bottom heat. Surface-sow seed onto moist soil mix at 61-64 F (16-18 C) in spring.

Plant Callisia Family-Commelinaceae

Syn. Phyodina.Genus , related to Tradescantia, of about 20 species of creeping, spreading, or suberect, evergreen perennials, and (rarely) annuals, from forest margins in S.E. US, Mexico, and tropical North and South America. They are grown for their attractive, alternate, succulent leaves.Callisia elegans (sometimes sold as Setcreasia striata) has small leaves and long stems - the upper surface of the foliage as dull and bodly striped with white lines. The leaves of C. fragrans turn pink in bright light. Use this plant in hangind baskets or as ground cover.
Average warmth in summer - minimum 45F in winter. Brightly lit spot away from direct sunlight.
Keep compost moist at all time. Reduce watering in winter. Misting is necessary.
Take stem cuttings in spring or summer.

Plant Calliandra Family-Fabaceae

Genus of about 200 species of evergreen perennials, shrubs, and small trees W. Africa, Madagascar, India, and tropical and subtropical North and South America, found in dry sites at forest margins. Leaves finely divided into tiny leaflets. Flower clusters showy due to the numerous and conspicuous red stamens. The flowering season lasts for 6-8 weeks in winter. Keep it pruned to 2-3 ft. by trimming in spring. Calliandra needs light, warmth and moist air.
Warm - minimum 60F in winter. As much light as possible. Shade from hot sun. Grow in soil-based potting mix.
Keep compost moist at all times - reduce watering in winter. Mist leaves frequently.
Take semi-ripe stem cuttings in spring and summer. Use a rooting hormone and provide bottom heat. Sow seed at 61-64 F (16-18 C) in spring. Layer in spring.

Plant Calathea Family-Marantaceae

Genus of about 300 species of evergreen, rhizomatous perennials found in humid forest margins in tropical Central and South America, and the West Indies. The Calateas are grown for their ornately leaves, but there is an exception. Calathea crocata has quite plain foliage and is bought fot its display of erect orange-red flowers. The Calatheas are very difficult to care for. In expert hands they can be grown as uncovered specimens but they are much more suitable for the terrarium or bottle garden.
Average warmth.Good indirect light is the proper location - an east- or north-facing windowsill is ideal. Grow in soilless or soil-based potting mix.
Compost must be kept moist at all times and never allowd to dry out. Misting is necessary.
The simplest way is to devide the plant in early spring.

Plant Calanthe Family-Orchidaceae

Genus of 120-150 species of everygreen, semi-evergreen, or decidious, rhizomatous, terrestrial, occasionally epiphytic orchids from sites in tropical and temperate areas(Asia Polynasia, and Madagascar). Some of them are used for cuttings.
Plants of the medium warmth conditions. In the end of winter, after blooming, leafless bulbs survive without water in temp. of 16-18 degrees C (50-60 F) for about 1-2 months. With appearance at their base of new stems (but before formation of roots) old bulbs are divided from new ones, and the new ones are planted, not too deep, in orchid potting mix. During summer grow plants in a warm condition with circulating air. Shade from direct sunlight and feed regularly. Cuttings do not lose freshness up to 7-10 days. Grow in terrestrial orchid potting mix.
Water freely in summer. Water evergreen species sparingly in winter. Avoid spraying the foliage, since it may become spotted.
For spring-flowering plants, devide pseudobulbs after flowering. Otherwise, divide in early spring as new growth appears.

Plant Caladium Family-Araceae

Genus of 7 species of tuberous-rooted perennials from woodland margins in tropical South America. The strinking arrow-shaped leaves are spectagular - paper thin and beautifully marked and coloured. This foliage, howewer, is not permanent and lasts only from late spring to early autumn - rest period in winter is necessary.Plant Caladium tubers in spring and keep moist at 75 F or more. When shoots appear mist daily and slowly adjust to living room temperature. Warmth at all time is vital - at no stage should the temperature fall below 60 F. All parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested, and contact with the sap may irritate skin.
Average warmth in summer - minimum 60F in winter.Semi-shade or bright light. Keep well away from direct sunlight.
Keep compost moist at all time. Water sparingly in winter. Misting is necessary in summer. Rest-period in winter is necessary.
Divide plant at repotting time.

Plant Buxus Family-Buxaceae

Genus of about 70 species of evergreen shrubs and trees found in habitats ranging from rocky hills to woodland in Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America. Buxus (Common Box) is a popular shrub outdoors, and can be used as a house plant. These shrubs can be clipped and trained at any time of the year. Contact with sap may irritate skin.
Warmth in summer - cool in winter. As much light as possible. Shade from hot sun.
Keep compost moist at all times - reduce watering in winter. Mist leaves frequently.
Take semi-ripe stem cuttings in spring and summer. Sow seed in containers an a cold frame in autumn. Graft in winter.