(Guzmania, Techno Guzmania, Torch Bromeliad)

Spineless glossy leaves punctuated with a long-lasting floral stalk of scarlet-magenta, 'Techno' is a showy shade-loving bromeliad. A tender tropical perennial epiphyte (grows upon another plant for support), this cultivar is a hybrid derived from plants with origins in Tropical America.

The leaves are wide straps with a glossy sheen and are thin and flexible. They are arranged in a rosette that forms a reservoir, or vase, in which rainfall and leaf litter can collect to provide the nourishment...

(Guzmania, Torch Bromeliad, Violet Queen Guzmania)

Spineless glossy leaves punctuated with a long-lasting floral stalk of red-violet, 'Violet Queen' is a showy shade-loving bromeliad. A tender tropical perennial epiphyte (grows upon another plant for support), this cultivar is a hybrid derived from plants with origins in Tropical America.

The leaves are wide straps with a glossy sheen and are thin and flexible. They are arranged in a rosette that forms a reservoir, or vase, in which rainfall and leaf litter can collect to provide the nourishment...

(Tongue-leaved Guzmania, Torch Bromeliad)

Spineless glossy leaves in a rosette punctuated with a long-lasting floral stem lined with showy red, pink or yellow bracts describes tongue-leaved guzmania. A tender tropical perennial epiphyte (grow upon another plant for support), this species is native from the West Indies southward into Brazil. Across its range it is quite variable, as some have variegated foliage and others have pink bracts. It has be used for breeding and is a primary parent for many of the variously colored guzmanias widely...

(Many-flowered Gymnocalycium)

Pale golden spines and large, white flowers are the ornamental highlights of the many-flowered chin cactus. This perennial cactus species is native to the arid grassy highlands in north-central Argentina. Although a tidy globe in shape when young, older specimens become elongated, growing into erect columns or flopping to the ground with an erect growing tip. Over decades, one plant multiplies into a clump of many stems.

Instead of foliage, cacti modified their leaves to become protective spines...

(Chin Cactus)

This easy-to-grow cactus bears soft pink flowers and presents a tidy, green sphere for potted gardens. Chin cactus is native to northern Argentina and is believed to be tolerant of occasional light frost. That makes it a great candidate for outdoor potted collections and in-ground rock gardens. The species bears the unique depressed center typical of the genus. There are from 10 to 30 ribs, with prominent rounded tubercles. From the areoles spring dirty yellow spines which may vary in color to nearly...

(Purple Velvet Plant)

The fleshy, toothed leaves of this unusual Malaysian native are green with long, bright purple hairs that give the leaves the texture of velvet, hence the common name, velvet plant. Though succulent, this is a tropical forest dweller, so it is adapted to shadier light conditions. It is most commonly grown as a houseplant, but those living in tropical zones can enjoy it as a vining, trailing in-ground foliage plant.

The bright purple stems of velvet plant match the hairs that color its fleshy...

The purple coloring on the leaves of 'Purple Passion' velvet plant are extra bright and colorful. The fleshy, toothed leaves of this unusual Malaysian native are green with long, bright purple hairs that give the leaves the texture of velvet, hence the common name, velvet plant. Though succulent, this is a tropical forest dweller, so it is adapted to shadier light conditions. It is most commonly grown as a houseplant, but those living in tropical zones can enjoy it as a vining, trailing in-ground...

(Orchid)

Intrigue, murder and thievery have followed the orchid; world explorations have been launched and fortunes won all in the pursuit of these exotic flowers. Since the 19th century, when tropical orchids were first introduced to Europe, orchids have inspired human desire and greed because of their rarity, collectability and indescribable beauty.

Measured in geologic time Orchidaceae was once thought to be a newer family but recent research has shown it is much older. One of the largest plant families,...

(Hatiora)

This diverse family of succulents is comprised of approximately 90 genera and thousands of species. All are native throughout the New World from North to South America and throughout the West Indies. They are characterized by beautiful densely petaled flowers with whorls of stamens that come in an array of bright colors, such as yellow, red, pink, magenta, white and orange. These attract a wide variety of pollinators, depending on the species, such as birds, bats, moths and bees. Many plants are...

(Holiday Cactus)

The holiday cactus is named for the season of its bloom as well as its luminescent red or magenta flowers which make it a popular gift plant. It is a unique species native to the jungles of southern Brazil. Natural populations are epiphytic, which means plants live in the trees. They prefer the crotches between tree branches where organic matter and moisture accumulate. Its preferred habitat is similar to that of many orchids.

The foliage of this succulent is much like that of a typical Christmas...