The Spruce / Krystal Slagle Calatheaare a tropical houseplants popular for the bold markings on their abundant foliage. The variegated foliage of the calathea ‘White Fusion’ cultivar features a green leaf with contrasting white markings. The underside has a magenta hue that runs down the stems. The Spruce / Krystal Slagle You should regularly wipe down the calathea ‘White Fusion’ large leaves to remove dust. Removing dust from leaves allows the plant to breathe well....

As with mostCalatheavarieties, it can be tricky to keep this beauty thriving. You’ll need to offer high humidity and the perfect balance of water and light. The main cultivar available in the U.S. is calledCalathea’online grid.' The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak Or, keep yourCalathea musaicain an area of bright, indirect light. But, if you go too shady, the variegation can diminish and the foliage won’t flourish. These plants are thirsty, butroot rotsets in quickly if they are waterlogged....

This particular plant is tricky for beginners, but worth the effort. One of the reasons they’re often nurtured in greenhouses is their need for a warm, humid environment. Direct sun results in ugly brown spots, leaf scorch and fading patternation. The Spruce / Adrienne Legault However, if the light conditions are too low, the leaves won’t look their fullest or healthiest. Rotating the plant every month helps to promote balanced growth too....

wahid hasyim asyari/Getty Light Give yourCalathea ornatamedium to bright indirect light. Soil Calathea ornatawill grow best in a loose, well-draining potting mix that holds onto moisture. Some growers prefer to use a ready-made potting mix designed for African violets for their calatheas. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Water Water yourCalathea ornataconsistently so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. Overwatering can causeroot rot, which can kill the plant. Avoid letting the soil dry out beyond the top inch or so between waterings....

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault Calathea warscewicziiis a raretype of calatheaknown for its soft, velvety leaves. As a houseplant, it grows best with moist, well-drained soil and bright, indirect light. Calathea warscewiczii’s foliage has light green veins and ribs over deep green, with burgundy or purple undersides. The Spruce / Adrienne Legault Light Like othercalatheas, Calathea warscewiczii requires medium to bright indirect light to thrive. Too much sunlight can sunburn the leaves and cause dry, brown spots to develop....

Similar to its popular cousinthe prayer plantzebra plant leaves are bright green with dark green stripes. Calathea zebrina grows up to three feet tall, with leaves reaching to two feet long. Outdoors place it to receive partial sunlight, ideally dappled or filtered by surrounding plants. A shelf or small table is better for a zebra plant than a sunny windowsill. Soil Calathea zebrina requires loamy, moist, well-draining soil. On the other hand, soil that drains too rapidly will not provide enough moisture....

Although commonly known as pot marigold,calendula is different from the common marigold (Tagetesspp.). It is, however, part of the Asteraceae family, along withdaisiesandchrysanthemums,and has a daisy-like appearance. Calendula blooms from late fall through spring in mild climates and from spring to fall in colder regions. The Spruce / Kara Riley The bright blooms are a favorite of butterflies. Companion vegetable plants to calendula includeBrussels sprouts,carrots,potatoes,pumpkins, andtomatoes. Flowering plants such assalvia,lavender,geranium,aster,roses, andmumsalso pair well with calendula....

There are around fifty pollinator-friendly, flowering,drought-tolerant shrubspecies in theCeanothusgenus. Most are evergreens, but there are also some deciduous options. They can be free-standing or used as border plants or informal hedges. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Many gardeners choose to train certain cultivars to climb walls, fences, or even door arches. Plant California lilacs in spring with full sun. These plants are drought-tolerant once established. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova...

When planting, keep in mind that California poppies are toxic to people and some animals. The more sunlight, the better. Poppies grown in shady conditions often look ragged and easily succumb to diseases. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Soil Many flowers need rich, loamy soil, but California poppies can thrive in poorsoils. Sandy and rocky soils both provide suitable conditions for California poppies. Heavy clay soil doesn’t work because these plants need sharp soil drainage....

Calla lilies are gracefully shaped flowers sought after for special occasionbouquetsand beautiful home gardens. They are a long-lasting cut flower and are popular in wedding floral arrangements. The Spruce / Krystal Slagle When growing calla lilies, plant them in the springtime. The Spruce / Krystal Slagle They grow moderately fast, often producing flowers by early-to-mid-summer and blooming throughout the season until early fall. Calla lilies are toxic to humans and pets....

Similarities between peonies and camellias include lushly petaled blooms and a tendency to outlive their owners. Camellias can be planted from container-grown nursery plants at almost anytime of year except during the hottest summer months. They are slow-growing but exceptionally long-lived plants. The Spruce / Kara Riley Camellia Care Camellias are best planted in rich, moist soil in a partial shade location. If planting multiple camellia shrubs, space them at least five feet apart....

Its leaves, used for tea, are cultivated around the world and commercially grown in Asia and India. Camellia sinensis flowers autumn through early winter with small, white or pink flowers. Plants start blooming at around four years old. Barcin / Getty Images Glossy, deep green leaves make this an outstanding foliagespecimenin groupings, hedges, foundation plantings and borders. It also grows well in containers. Tea Plant Care Grown indoors as a houseplant, it rarely produces blooms....

The Spruce / K. Dave Thecamphor treeis anevergreentree with leaves that produce a camphor scent when bruised. to make it thrive, camphor trees need lots of sunlight, well-draining soil, and high humidity. Keep in mind, camphor trees can be toxic to people and pets. The Spruce / K. Dave It can tolerate partial shade, but growth and foliage will not reach full potential in these conditions. ItspH levelis broad and can range from acidic at 4....