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Ficus diversifolia  Not in the least like other Ficus in appearance. Ficus diversifolia (the mistletoe fig) has small, rounded leaves that are dull in appearance and not particularly attractive. However, at a very early age yellow-tinged berries are produced - in profusion on healthy plants - and these are the principal attraction. Keeping the growing tips pinched out regularly will result in a neat and decorative plant that will be a continual source of interest
To do well, this plant should have light, moist conditions where the temperature does not drop below 19°C (66°F). Lower temperatures result in a plant of hard, less-attractive appearance. When potting on the potting mixture should be fairly light; for example, two parts of John Innes 3 and one part sphagnum peat. Potting on is only necessary every second year, however - and even less frequently for mature plants.
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 Where the need is simply to fill a large space with greenery, there are a good collection of indoor shrubby plants available, generally at quite reasonable cost. They in fact fulfill much the same purpose as hardy shrubs for the garden. They are durable, and have leaves of interesting shapes, colors and textures. They form useful bulky shapes as whole plants, and can generally be kept pruned or clipped to a reasonable sue or be allowed to grow to large dimensions.
They are, in fact, good general-purpose houseplants that are much used by commercial horticulturalists for displays and decorations of various kinds. Such plants as Fatsia japonica, Grevillea robusta and the Pittosporums are particularly useful as 'working plants'. They will look good and withstand wide ranges of temperature - from the draughty entrance of a hotel to the hot and stuffy atmosphere of an overheated room or a cold and miserable marquee. If the grower who depends on his plants for a living can rely on them, so clearly can the amateur at home.
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Citrofortunella mitis and other trees
(syn.  Citrus mitis)
Calamondin Orange/Panama Orange Widely-known citrus fruit — usually sold as Citrus mitis - for growing indoors, in greenhouses and conservatories, as it flowers and bears fruits while still small. Highly-scented white flowers are borne throughout the year and followed by round. Fruits that slowly change from dark green to orange-yellow.
Citrus Union 'Meyeri' (syn. Citrus meyeri) Chinese Dwarf Lemon/Dwarf Lemon/ Meyer Lemon
This is i dwarf lemon, ideal as a houseplant but especially suitable for growing in greenhouses or conserv ones. It has dark green leaves and highly scented, red-flushed, white flowers in spring and early summer. The fruits are dark green at first and take many months to ripen, but don't expect them to be anything but ornamental.
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 The rubber plant, Ficus elastica. needs little introduction as it is undoubtedly the best-known tree-like houseplant The beat current variety is the large-leaved Ficus Elastica Robusta, which is a great improvement over Ficus elastica Decora, itself an improved variety introduced after World War II.
All rubber plants of this type need a temperature in the region of 13°C (65°F) to thrive, and good light while remaining protected from direct sunlight. Excessive watering is the main reason for failure, so allow the root system to dry out a little between watering.
Most rubber plants are allowed to grow as stately single stems, but it is not difficult to make large plants bush out into a more tree-like shape. When they are about six or seven feet high, cut off the growing point with a sharp knife to encourage the development of side-shoots. While the roots are confined to a pot it will take anything from 10 to 15 years to produce a reasonable rubber plant tree. But given better conditions, with more room for root growth, development would be more rapid. |
 Araucaria
One of the most handsome of all indoor trees is the Norfolk Island pine, Araucaria excelsa. As the common name suggests, it comes from an island not far from New Zealand. It has branches arranged in tiers that radiate from a central stem so that they make an extremely elegant shape. The branches and stem are all covered with pale green leaves rather like pine needles. The plant is at its most attractive when between three and six feet in height; after that it becomes much coarser in appearance. Unfortunately, pruning can only ruin the plant.
It needs good light and cool conditions - about 13°C (55°F). If it does not have even, all-round light, turn it regularly so that growth is symmetrical. Err on the side of dryness when watering, particularly in winter. Young plants are not difficult to raise from seed. |
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