Large family of succulent, often-spiny plants adapted to arid climates. Plant Common Name Cactaceae Scientific Name Cactaceae (family) Plant Family Cactaceae Origin Americas Main Category Outdoor / Indoor Subcategory Family — various genera Color Varies Avg Size Varies Benefits Drought-adapted ornamentals Care Level Varies Light Needs Mostly full sun Water Needs Low Soil Type Very […]
General term for spiny succulent plants adapted to dry conditions; many forms. Plant Common Name Cacti Scientific Name Various genera (Opuntia, Ferocactus, etc.) Plant Family Cactaceae Origin Americas Main Category Outdoor / Indoor Subcategory Succulents / cactus Color Varies Avg Size Varies Benefits Drought tolerant, sculptural Care Level Easy Light Needs Full sun Water Needs
Small citrus tree producing tangy fruit used in cooking and drinks. Plant Common Name Calamansi (calamondin) Scientific Name Citrofortunella microcarpa (× Citrus) Plant Family Rutaceae Origin SE Asia / Philippines Main Category Patio / Outdoor / Indoor (sunny) Subcategory Citrus Color Orange fruit Avg Size 1–3 m Benefits Edible tart fruit, ornamental Care Level Moderate
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Compact citrus with small sour-orange fruits — ideal in pots. Plant Common Name Calamondin Scientific Name Citrofortunella microcarpa Plant Family Rutaceae Origin Asia / Philippines Main Category Outdoor / Indoor (sun) Subcategory Citrus Color Orange Avg Size 1–3 m Benefits Edible, ornamental Care Level Moderate Light Needs Full sun Water Needs Regular Soil Type Well-draining
Evergreen shrub with large showy winter–spring flowers. Plant Common Name Camellia japonica Scientific Name Camellia japonica Plant Family Theaceae Origin Japan/China/Korea Main Category Outdoor Subcategory Flowering shrub Color White/pink/red Avg Size 1–3 m Benefits Ornamental blooms, evergreen Care Level Moderate Light Needs Part shade Water Needs Regular, even moisture Soil Type Acidic humus-rich Toxicity Non-toxic
Slightly smaller camellia with abundant autumn/winter blooms. Plant Common Name Camellia sasanqua Scientific Name Camellia sasanqua Plant Family Theaceae Origin Japan Main Category Outdoor Subcategory Flowering shrub Color White/pink/red Avg Size 1–3 m Benefits Autumn/winter blooms, evergreen Care Level Moderate Light Needs Part shade Water Needs Regular Soil Type Acidic humus-rich Toxicity Non-toxic
Compact glossy-leaved houseplant with many variegated cultivars; thrives in low light. Plant Common Name Aglaonema Scientific Name Aglaonema spp. Plant Family Araceae Origin Southeast Asia Main Category Indoor / Both Subcategory Foliage Color Green, variegated Avg Size 30–90 cm Benefits Air-purifying, low-maintenance Care Level Easy Light Needs Low–Bright indirect Water Needs Moderate; allow top layer
Columnar upright cactus, dramatic in large containers. Plant Common Name Cereus Green Coral Cactus Scientific Name Cereus spp. (cultivar) Plant Family Cactaceae Origin Americas Main Category Outdoor / Container Subcategory Columnar cactus Color Green Avg Size 1–5 m Benefits Architectural specimen, drought tolerant Care Level Easy Light Needs Full sun Water Needs Low Soil Type
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Rosette succulent, drought-tolerant and sculptural; many species. Plant Common Name Aloe Scientific Name Aloe spp. Plant Family Asphodelaceae Origin Africa/Arabian Peninsula Main Category Indoor / Outdoor Subcategory Succulent Color Green Avg Size 30–90 cm Benefits Decorative; some species medicinal Care Level Easy Light Needs Bright to full sun Water Needs Low; drought tolerant Soil Type
Bizarre contorted variety with knobbly, twisted stems. Plant Common Name Cereus peruvianus monstrose cactus Scientific Name Cereus peruvianus ‘Monstrose’ Plant Family Cactaceae Origin South America Main Category Outdoor / Large container Subcategory Monstrose columnar cactus Color Green Avg Size 1–6 m Benefits Sculptural, conversation piece Care Level Moderate Light Needs Full sun Water Needs Low
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