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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.
Pittosporum Pittosporums are much underrated as pot plants, but the foliage of these evergreens (most of them indigenous to Australia and New Zealand) is much used by florists when preparing flower arrangements and displays. The leaves are glossy and leathery, rather like small rhododendron leaves. Pittosporum tobira and P. undulatum are both fairly tough plants that do well in cool, airy conditions and are excellent subjects for large conservatories. There is also a variegated form of P. tobira. Possibly the best form for indoor use is P. eugenoides variegatum, which makes an attractive bush and is not demanding in respect of care and attention - in fact it seems capable of enduring quite harsh treatment and still regaining its attractiveness when conditions improve. Podocarpus Podocarpus macrophyllus Maki (southern yew) forms a compact bush that may be clipped to shape at almost any time, and makes an excellent terrace plant during the summer months in colder areas. The leaves are slender and leathery, yellowish-green on top and bluish-green underneath. Large tubs will eventually be required and it is important that potting mixture is free-draining, with a layer of crocks in the bottom. The container should be in proportion to the size of the plant as small plants in large containers seldom seem to do well. Stenocarpus The Australian native evergreen tree Stenocarpus sinuatus (wheel of fire) gets its common name from the way the orange-red flowers seem to explode into a much brighter red as they mature. Unfortunately, this is a pleasure reserved for those who see the plant develop in its natural environment. When grown as a pot plant it has attractive, glossy leaves (rather like deeply-cut oak leaves) that vary in shading from plant to plant In fact leaves on the same plant may have many different shades. As a young plant (raised from seed) it is particularly colorful, but loses much of its attractiveness as it ages. Older plants are also more difficult to maintain in good condition; ensuring free drainage is beneficial. The only heat it needs is enough to protect it from frost and like many other largo indoor shrubs can take a 'holiday' outdoors in warm weather.
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