For serious and passionate gardeners like myself, gardening is about color, form, and variety - I especially like rare and unusual plants.
During my recent business trip to Florida, I purchased several specimens from Excelsa Gardens in Loxahatchee Groves, a wonderful and charming nursery specializing in hard-to-find exotic tropicals. Among the plants I brought home - Euphorbia stenoclada, Licuala grandis, Dieffenbachia 'Camouflage', Philodendron 'Black Gold', Medinilla magnifica, and a Bismarckia nobibilis palm.
Here are some photos.
One of the most important outbuildings here at my farm is this large greenhouse. This is where I keep many of my potted plants. I’m always on the lookout for new and unusual houseplants to add to my collection.
It’s exciting to bring home new specimens to see how they fare. I always recommend that inexperienced gardeners go to nurseries to find what they love and then learn as much as they can from them.
This is Medinilla magnifica – a species of epiphytic flowering plant, of the family Melastomataceae, native to the Philippines.
This plant is also known as the Rose Grape, Philippine Orchid, or Pink Lantern Plant. In spring and summer its flowers bloom in shades of pink, ranging from pale pastels to deep magenta, and dangle like elegant chandelier “grapes.”
Medinilla magnifica plants have leathery, dark green leaves with a distinctive leaf vein.
Ryan hangs it up where it can receive bright light, but be shaded from the hottest sun when needed.
This is Philodendron melanochrysum ‘Black Gold.’ This plant produces leaves of iridescent black-green with pale green veins.
Though different types of plants have varying preferences in terms of pot size and needed root space, most grow well when pots are at least two-inches larger in diameter than the plant’s original pot.
Ryan places the Philodendron into the pot so its root ball top sits just under the lip of the container.
And then he pats it down to establish good contact.
After planting, Ryan adds a sprinkling of Osmocote fertilizer – made of small, round coated prills filled with nutrients.
Philodendrons like to be kept in warm temperatures and indirect light near a window. This spot in my greenhouse is perfect.
And look at the spectacular leaves, which can be up to two-feet long when mature.
This interesting plant is Euphorbia stenoclada ‘Silver Thicket.’ It is a species of plant in the family Euphorbiaceae, native to Madagascar and the Mozambique Channel Islands. It is best described as a large, upright well-branched leafless succulent shrub or small tree which can grow to be 12-feet tall and up to six-feet wide when mature.
The name “stenoclada” means “narrow-branched” and refers to the short spine-tipped leafless branches.
Ryan carefully pots this variety and other tall specimens in heavy bottomed containers, so they do not tip over. Euphorbia does well in pots that drain well and can be kept in south- or west-facing windows.
Dieffenbachia ‘Camouflage’ is an eye-catching plant with uniquely patterned lush chartreuse-colored leaves. It does best in bright indirect to full indoor sunlight. This plant also prefers moderately moist soil, but should be left alone to let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings.
Each leaf is divided by a white central midrib with specks of green throughout the leaf.
Some of you may recognize this plant, the Bismarckia. I have several of these Madagascar natives. These plants need lots of space. The palm itself grows slowly up to 30-feet or more and each thick, fan-shaped frond can reach 10-feet in diameter.
And this is one leaf of Licuala grandis – the ruffled fan palm, Vanuatu fan palm, or Palas palm, a species of palm tree in the family Arecaceae native to Vanuatu, an island nation in the Pacific. It features a trunked palm tree with wide, pleated leaves in vibrant green.
The licuala grandis does best in full sun, but prefers indirect light. I am so very pleased with these additions to my greenhouse. I am looking forward to seeing them all mature and thrive.
It's no secret that I love gardening and plants of all kinds. I have a particular fondness for potted specimens and over the years, I've amassed quite a collection here at my Bedford, New York farm.
Among my favorites is the alocasia. Alocasia is a genus of rhizomatous broad-leaved plants from the family Araceae. Currently, there are about 90 species native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and eastern Australia. Alocasia is also known by the common name elephant's ear because of its enormous arrow-shaped leaves. Many species are popularly grown for their bold markings and prominent veins. Last week, I added a few more varieties to my greenhouse from Excelsa Gardens in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida.
Enjoy these photos.
Most alocasias are loved for their striking foliage. This is Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’ – a dwarf Alocasia with velvety broad dark leaves and silver veining.
‘Black Velvet’ is one of several Alocasia species native to Southeast Asia, likely from the jungles of Borneo. It was collected during the 1860s by English plant collectors.
Ryan pulled pairs of like pots to transplant my new Alocasias. I like to use clay pots because they allow proper aeration and moisture to penetrate through the sides and to the plant. These pots are made by master potter, Guy Wolff.
Unfortunately, pots do break, but don’t throw away the shards. They come in handy for potting plants.
There is a drainage hole at the bottom of each pot. We place shards over the holes to help with drainage and to prevent soil from falling out.
Here, Ryan sizes up the potted Alocasia with its new pot. When choosing a container, select one that is about two-inches larger than the current pot.
Alocasias prefer soil that is well-draining and loose. Choose a tropical mix with bark, sand, and loam.
Here, Ryan begins to fill the pots with the appropriate soil medium. The root ball will also be surrounded with soil, so leave enough room so the base of the plant can sit just under the rim of the vessel.
Just remember, this type of Alocasia is toxic to both humans and animals. Like all of the Araceae family members, this plant has calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause illness when chewed or eaten.
Ryan removes the plant from its pot and gently loosens the soil around the roots with his hands to stimulate growth.
Once it is in its new pot, Ryan tamps down to ensure good contact with the soil. ‘Black Velvet’ thrives in dappled, bright but indirect light. It does best in north or east-facing windows, where morning light isn’t too intense.
I am a big believer in feeding all plants – if you eat, so should your plants. My houseplants are given Osmocote. Each granule is covered with an organic resin that regulates the daily release of nutrients.
Before going on one of the long tables in my main greenhouse, Ryan gives them all a good watering. When caring for Alocasia ‘Black Velvet,’ water deeply, drain away any excess, and allow around 20-percent of the topsoil to dry before watering again.
Other new alocasias in my collection include this variegated variety. Alocasia odora ‘Variegata’ is a dwarf Alocasia that grows to approximately three feet tall. Every leaf is different, showing off its interesting green and white markings.
Variegated alocasias may also have variegated stems of light green to white in color.
Alocasia sumo is a new hybrid between Alocasia ‘Portora’ and ‘Purple Cloak.’ The dark leaf stems are reddish-black.
This is Alocasia macrorrhiza ‘Lutea’ with its large dark green leaves with bold yellow petioles and stems.
Alocasia tyrion prefers dry environments. When mature, the edges of the leaves are wavy and heart-shaped.
This is a unique and interesting Alocasia macrorrhiza ‘Stingray.’ It grows best in warm, humid conditions and dappled sunlight. The distinctive “tail” combined with the “wings” looks very much like the boneless batoid fish. What are your favorite Alocasia varieties?
A brief trip south to escape the cold winter can be so invigorating - even if it's for business.
If you follow my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48, you may have seen photos from my recent visit to Palm Beach, Florida. Among my commitments there, I was the keynote speaker for the annual Old Bags Luncheon developed by the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County. The 25th anniversary Silver Jubilee event was held at The Breakers Palm Beach and featured a silent auction of more than 300 brand new or gently used designer handbags. It's the organization's premiere fundraiser - raising money to operate behavioral health and wellness programs, provide family and child services, and raise awareness of mental health issues. It was a very fun and successful event for all who attended.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
I was so honored to be invited to speak at the annual Old Bags Luncheon. I talked about my Sports-Illustrated swimsuit cover, Snoop Dogg, and my 100th book, which I am working on now. (Photo by Michelle Kammerman/BFA.com)
My hosts were the event chairs, Fernando Wong and Tim Johnson, internationally recognized leaders in garden design and landscape architecture. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
The event originally began in 1999 by a group of supporters who donated their gently used handbags for auction. 25-years later, there are hundreds donated – some old and others brand new from retail partners. Here they are displayed in the Ballroom of The Breakers Palm Beach Resort founded in 1896 by business magnate Henry M. Flagler. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
There was even a surprise bag from yours truly! (Photo by Michelle Kammerman/BFA.com)
Here I am with Tommy Hilfiger and his wife, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger who received the inaugural Fashion and Philanthropy Award.
The morning started with an introductory gathering. Here I am with Fernando and Tim at the “Mimosas with Martha” VIP experience in the Magnolia Room. (Photo by Michelle Kammerman/BFA.com)
The event included small bites passed around to all the guests… (Photo by Michelle Kammerman/BFA.com)
… and of course, refreshments. (Photo by Michelle Kammerman/BFA.com)
More than 550 guests attended the event and crowded around the auction tables to see all the available handbags.(Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
In a silent auction, participants bid for items in writing instead of raising paddles or calling out. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
Everyone was given about two hours to place their bids. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
Here’s my longtime publicist and friend, Susan Magrino, with the Gucci bag she was eyeing.
Once the Silent Auction closed, it was time for lunch. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
Tables were set in cheerful spring colors.(Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
The first course was a chilled pea soup with caviar, crème fraiche, and herbs served alongside a chopped vegetable salad with lemon vinaigrette. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
The second course was pan seared North Atlantic salmon with sugar snap peas, haricots verts, rainbow carrots, and fingerling potatoes.(Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
Dessert was a trio of sweets – a silver white chocolate purse, a dark chocolate lollipop, and a strawberry petit four.(Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
Here I am with my dear friend, Charlotte Beers at our table.
And then after lunch, a Q & A conversation with me and moderator Fernando. It was such a wonderful event for such a special cause. Please learn more about the Center for Family Services Palm Beach County at their web site, ctrfam.org.
(Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
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