Continuing my series, this post is about the Bougainvillea that we recently bought.
Bougainvillea is a vibrant, fast-growing ornamental plant known for its explosion of colorful, papery bracts that surround its tiny, white, inconspicuous flowers. Native to South America, it’s widely cultivated in warm climates around the world for its stunning display and hardy nature.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is perfect for adding bold color to gardens, balconies, and landscapes. With minimal care and the right sunny spot, it rewards with vibrant, long-lasting blooms almost year-round. It is one of the most striking flowering plants you can grow, prized for its vivid, paper-like bracts that bloom in bold colors throughout the year in warm climates. Though often mistaken for flowers, these bracts actually surround the plant’s tiny, white blossoms and are what give Bougainvillea its unmistakable appearance.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Dracaena Sanderiana, commonly known as the Lucky Bamboo.
Dracaena sanderiana is a popular houseplant. People know this for its elegant, slender stalks and its reputation for bringing good fortune and positive energy. Despite its name, Lucky Bamboo isn’t a true bamboo—it belongs to the Dracaena genus, which is native to Central Africa.
This resilient plant is often used in Feng Shui to promote harmony and prosperity. Its stalks are frequently arranged in decorative groupings, with each number symbolizing a different kind of luck. For instance, two stalks for love, three for happiness, wealth, and longevity, and eight for growth and abundance. Ours has eight stalks.
So what if it’s tiny? It deserves a post.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana)
I keep this plant in shade all the time, on our dining room table.
The Lucky Bamboo requires no maintenance at all, making it perfect for those who may not have a green thumb. Although, to be honest, I personally don’t like such hands-off plants.
I water it twice a week & drain/change the water every month, as the pot doesn’t have a drain hole; basically a bonsai.
Continuing my series, this post is about nine succulents that I recently bought.
Dog-Tail Cactus (Strophocactus Testudo)
The Strophocactus testudo, also known as Dog-Tail Cactus is a fascinating succulent that boasts long, trailing stems resembling a dog’s tail. This unique growth habit makes it a popular choice for hanging baskets and terrariums. It is the favourite of all my succulents.
This succulent is native to Central and SouthAmerica, found abundantly in Brazil.
It needs careful handling, or bits of it can fall off.
Lophophora williamsii, commonly known as peyote, is a small, spineless cactus native to the southeastern United States and northern Mexico. This unique cactus is renowned for its psychoactive properties, particularly due to the presence of mescaline, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound.
Lophophora williamsii (Peyote)
Indigenous peoples in North America have used this plant for thousands of years for religious and spiritual ceremonies. It is a sacred plant that facilitates introspection, healing, and connection with the divine.
The African spear plant, also known as Sansevieria cylindrica or Dracaena angolensis, is a striking and low-maintenance succulent native to Angola.
Its gray-green leaves often grow in a fan shape and can reach several feet in height. Some varieties are braided or trained into patterns for a decorative effect. Like other members of the Sansevieria family, the African spear plant is incredibly hardy—thriving in a range of light conditions from bright indirect light to low light—and needs minimal watering, making it perfect for beginners or busy plant lovers.
The Jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a popular succulent known for its thick, fleshy leaves that resemble small jade coins—hence the name. Native to South Africa and Mozambique, it’s often seen as a symbol of luck and prosperity, making it a common gift for housewarmings or new ventures. Easy to care for, the jade plant thrives in bright light and needs only occasional watering, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced plant lovers. Over time, it can grow into a small, tree-like shrub with a sturdy trunk and branches.
The Bird’s Nest Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’) is a compact, rosette-forming variety of the classic snake plant. Its short, broad leaves grow in a tight, nest-like cluster—hence the name—and feature striking green variegation with lighter horizontal stripes. Native to West Africa, this plant is incredibly hardy, tolerating low light, infrequent watering, and a range of conditions.
The Pies from Heaven plant (Sedeveria ‘Blue Elf’) is a charming hybrid succulent, a cross between Sedum and Echeveria. It features compact rosettes of chubby, bluish-green leaves that can blush with pink or red tones under bright sunlight or cooler temperatures. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in well-draining soil and lots of sunlight, making it a favorite for rock gardens, containers, and succulent arrangements. In the spring, it produces cheerful, star-shaped yellow flowers that attract pollinators and add to its appeal.
Pies from Heaven (Sedeveria)
Zebra Plant (Haworthiopsis attenuata)
The Zebra Plant (Haworthiopsis attenuata, formerly Haworthia attenuata) is a small, eye-catching succulent native to South Africa. It’s named for the white, horizontal stripes that decorate its dark green, pointed leaves—resembling a zebra’s pattern. Compact and low-growing, this plant forms rosettes and is ideal for containers or small indoor spaces. It thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, requiring only occasional watering. Easy to care for and visually striking, the Zebra Plant is a favorite among succulent enthusiasts and beginners alike.
The Monk’s Hood Cactus (Astrophytum ornatum) is a striking and slow-growing cactus native to the central highlands of Mexico. It gets its name from the curved, hood-like shape of its ribs, which give it a somewhat monastic appearance. Its tall, columnar body is often ribbed and covered in small white speckles and spines, adding to its visual appeal. In summer, it may produce large, yellow, daisy-like flowers near the top, making it even more eye-catching. Hardy and drought-tolerant, the Monk’s Hood Cactus thrives in bright light and well-draining soil, perfect for arid gardens or sunny windowsills.
All 9 succulents thrive in bright sunlight in our south-facing balcony.
I water all of them twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
Succulents in the balcony
During the summer growing season, a light fertilisation every month can promote healthy growth, but it’s important to refrain from this during the dormant winter months.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Mexican Heather plant that we recently bought.
Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is a charming, low-maintenance ornamental plant known for its fine-textured foliage and delicate, colorful flowers. Despite its name, it’s not a true heather but gets the nickname due to its similar appearance.
I generally grows about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for borders and ground cover. It is a pollinator-friendly plant, attracting bees and butterflies. The flowers are tiny, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of purple, lavender, pink, or white, appearing almost year-round in warm climates.
With its dainty flowers and tidy growth habit, Mexican Heather adds soft color and texture to gardens almost year-round and is a favorite for beginner and seasoned gardeners alike.
This plant is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of Central America. It thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates and naturally grows in open, sunny areas with well-drained soils.
I keep this plant in direct sunlight. On our south-facing balcony in winters & north-facing balcony in summers, where it receives bright sunlight 2-3 hours a day.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Garden Croton plant that we recently bought.
The Garden Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a vibrant, tropical shrub known for its bold, multicoloured foliage. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, it features leathery leaves in a dazzling mix of green, yellow, red, orange, and even purple, often with dramatic veining or spotting.
While they’re often grown outdoors in tropical climates, they also make striking houseplants. However, keeping them indoors turns the leaves dull and green, so I refuse to bring it indoors.
It is known for the variety of leaf shapes it offers—ranging from broad and oval to long, narrow, and even twisted or lobed.
I keep this plant on our south-facing balcony, in indirect sunlight. I plan to move it indoors during the winters, so prevent it from getting hit by the direct sun.
This plant requires low maintenance.
I water it three times a week, but will reduce the frequency once it is indoors.
I fertilise it every 2 months or when it shows signs of growth.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Split-Leaf Philodendron that we recently bought.
Philodendron bipinnatifidum, commonly known as the Split-Leaf Philodendron, is a stunning tropical houseplant popularly prized for its dramatic, deeply lobed leaves that can grow quite large.
This plant is native to SouthAmerica.
This plant is known for its air-purifying qualities, but I myself am skeptical if this has any practical impact, even in indoor spaces.
I keep this plant in partial sunlight, near our south facing windows, where it receives sunlight 2-3 hours a day in the late afternoons. We keep it inside a cane basket, propped up on a metal stand.
The Split-lead philodendron requires no maintenance at all, but it is important to watch out for signs of pests on the leaves.
I water it twice a week. It’s essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
I fertilise it every 2 months or when it shows signs of growth.
It is important to note that these plants are highly toxic to animals (and humans, to a lesser extent). Its leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause vomiting and swelling of the throat if ingested.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Candelabra spurge that we recently bought. Although it is a succulent, I thought it deserved its own post.
The Candelabra spurge, also known as the Euphorbia lactea is a fascinating and sculptural succulent native to tropical Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka. It features upright, triangular stems with wavy, jagged edges that are often streaked with pale green and white—giving it a marbled, almost bone-like appearance. The stems, which may be mistaken for leaves are actually quite hard, despite its fragile appearance.
The plant’s name “lactea” refers to the milky sap it produces, which, like other Euphorbias, is toxic and can be irritating to skin and eyes.
Continuing my series, this post is about my Parlour Palm.
The Parlour Palm, scientifically known as Chamaedorea elegans, is a popular houseplant appreciated for its graceful, feathery fronds and adaptable nature.
The Parlour palm was discovered in Central America and brought back to the United States, where it became a popular indoor palm.
Parlour palms grow in attractive clumps with light-textured foliage cloaking thin trunks. These slow growers can take years to reach full height (2 to 6 feet indoors and 6 to 16 feet outdoors).
I got it as a gift from our neighbours who were leaving Thailand and I have kept it outside my bedroom window ever since. The sight of its fronds swaying in the breeze is something I look forward to, everyday.
With minimal maintenance and stunning foliage, this plant is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
I keep this plant in indirect sunlight. It lives in our south-facing balcony in the summers and north-facing balcony in the winters, where it receives sunlight 1-2 hours a day.
The only thing I do for maintenance is clipping dead fronds from time to time. Unlike Gurgaon, there’s not so much dust here, so I don’t mist it often.
I water it thrice a week; less if it has rained.
I fertilise it every 2 months or when it shows signs of growth.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Dumbcane plant that my wife has been neglecting for quite some time.
Dumbcane, scientifically known as Dieffenbachia Seguine is recognized for its striking variegated leaves, typically featuring shades of green and cream. It’s a popular choice among plant enthusiasts due to its ability to adapt to lower light levels. It is one of the most common plants that people have in their homes.
It is native to the tropical regions of the Americas.
Dieffenbachia Seguine (Dumbcane)
Although we have had it for quite some time, I recently took over its care, moving it to an earthen pot (from a black plastic pot, if you can believe it) and fertilising it. I have no idea where it came from.
I keep this plant in indirect sunlight. It lives in our south-facing balcony, in the summers and north-facing balcony in the winters, where it receives direct sunlight 1-2 hours a day.
The Dumbcane requires no maintenance at all, not even dead-leafing.
I water it twice a week; less, if it has rained.
I fertilise it every 2 months or when it shows signs of growth.
It’s worth noting that this plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic if ingested. It’s always advisable to keep this plant out of reach of pets and small children.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Dracaena Trifasciata, commonly known as the Snake Plant.
The Dracaena Trifasciata is an incredibly resilient plant that thrives in various conditions. Known for its striking, upright leaves that can grow several feet tall, this plant is a favorite among indoor gardeners. People say it purifies the air, but I am skeptical of how much impact it can actually have.
This plant is native to West Africa, specifically from Nigeria to the Congo region.
Dracaena Trifasciata (Snake Plant)
The pot is Fjärilsbuske from Ikea, and has a beautiful glaze.
I keep this plant in shade all the time, as it prefers indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. It sits next to my working desk.
The Snake Plant requires no maintenance at all, making it perfect for those who may not have a green thumb.
I water it twice a week. It is drought-tolerant, so I don’t have to worry about watering it frequently.
Additionally, I fertilise it every 2 months or when it shows signs of growth, helping to promote healthy foliage and overall vitality.
