Miniature/gift rose

Clusia rosea is an ornamental leafy houseplant that is remarkably sturdy and easy to care for. Its stiff, leathery leaves are a dark olive green in colour and are said to be so tough, you could carve your name into them – hence the popular name 'Autograph Tree'. The paddle-like leaves are also noted for their air filtering properties.

It is possible for Clusia rosea to produce lovely funnel shaped flowers that are relatively long lasting in delicate shades of creamy white with soft pink accents, however this only tends to happen in particularly warm and humid conditions.

Clusia rosea is also known as Pitch Apple, Copey, Scotch Attorney and Balsam Apple. It has a wide, spreading nature and is fast growing.

Tropical House Plant

The rubber plant gets its name from the white latex coursing through its veins, which was once used to make rubber. Even its handsome, glossy leaves have a thick, rubber-like look.

In its native habitat in southern parts of Asia, this plant can grow as tall as 60 metres, with its trunk getting as thick as two metres in diameter. It won’t get anywhere near as lofty as that indoors, thankfully.

Give it all the care it needs - don’t forget it loves a regular misting - and you’ll be rewarded with a striking plant that will be a focal point in any room. It likes a medium level of light and watering only when the top two inches of soil are dry. It will also appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.

Mountain Snow, Pieris japonica ‘Planow’, is a compact, evergreen shrub with showy, white flowers in the spring. Excellent as an accent plant and for mass plantings. New growth emerges with bronze-colored foliage and matures to a deep green.

Mountain Snow Pieris Care

Plant in well-drained, rich soil and water regularly to establish. Mulch new plantings to maintain consistent soil moisture and to discourage weeds. Fertilize in early spring. Prune to shape in early spring before the first flush of blooms appear.

The plant features stiff, sword-like leaves ranging from six inches to eight feet tall. Snake plants can vary in color although many have green-banded leaves and commonly feature a yellow border. These plants are easy to grow and, in many cases, are nearly indestructible. They will thrive in very bright light or almost dark corners of the house. Snake plants generally grow slowly in indoor light, but increasing its exposure to light will boost growth if it receives a few hours of direct sun. Planting and repotting is best done in the spring.