These popular tropicals are usually sold in bloom displaying brilliantly colored flower spikes and star-shaped blooms. Long, strap-like leaves are usually dark green although some rare types feature variegation. Similar to many orchid species, Guzmania bromeliads areepiphytesbut the home gardener can also grow them in soil. ChandraDhas / Getty Images Light How much sun exposure to give your bromeliad depends on the species. One of the most popular species,G. lingulata, requires part to full shade....

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida Garden mums (Chrysanthemumspp.) are herbaceousperennialsin the daisy family and are stalwarts of the floweringautumn garden. These plants grow fast, and should bloom in the firstgrowing season. The Spruce / Letícia Almeida Bloom times vary with variety and climate from early September through mid-October. Hardy Chrysanthemum Care Plant mums as soon as the soil warms in the spring. For optimal blooming, the plants should be fertilized regularly throughout the growing season....

They grow best in full sun, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and average humidity levels. Hardy mums set buds once the nights become longer and flower in the fall for up to eight weeks. The leaves and flowers of hardy mums are mildly toxic to humans and pets. The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy Hardy Mum Care Here are the main care requirements tokeep mums healthy. However, in the warmer parts of their growing zones, they benefit from some afternoon shade....

First established in California, this cultivar is believed to be a hybrid of Mexican and Guatemalan avocado varieties. Soil The soil for growing a Hass avocado tree should be loose and well-draining. Water Hass avocado trees require regular watering. Steve Udell/ Getty Images The top inch or so of soil should be dry before watering again. Water to restore soil moisture but dont allow the soil to become drenched and soggy....

The inflorescences slightly resemble bird of paradise blooms in some species. Heliconia is a fast, vigorous outdoor grower in tropical regions. John Lawson / Getty Images Can You Grow Heliconia Inside? John Lawson / Getty Images Only a handful ofheliconia speciesare cultivated for indoor care. Give it a spot near a west-facing or south-facing window, or supplement natural light with a grow light. Without adequate light, your heliconia will not flower....

Hostas are beautiful,shade-tolerant plantswith green, waxy leaves and a wide variety of foliage colors. These perennials with rhizomatous roots reach maturity in about five years and are typically planted in spring or fall. Though hostas are traditionally grown outside, they can make great houseplants if grown in containers under proper conditions. The Spruce / Krystal Slagle Unlike most other houseplants, hostas require an annual dormant period in chilled conditions to thrive....

There are around 75different hydrangea speciesand many more cultivars. One lesser-known species worth considering is the hardy mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata). As a bonus,lacecap hydrangeas, like Hydrangea serrata, are great forattracting pollinatorsto your yard. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Plant these fast-growing plants in fall or early spring and expect around 2 feet of growth annually. Hydrangea Serrata Care It’s all about location when it comes to caring for mountain hydrangeas....

Hydrangeas are especially well-suited to this method. Unlike many other woody plants, they grow quickly and can become mature flowering shrubs within a single year. Below, we share how to grow hydrangeas from stem cuttings in soil. The Spruce / Randi Rhoades It’s best to take cuttings during the cool parts of the day: the early morning or evening. Be aware that each species has many different cultivars, each with its own unique characteristics....

Of theroughly 200 species in the genus of true jasmine, some are well-suited for indoors. Temperature and Humidity Although jasmine is a tropical plant, it likes a warm environment. Avoid overwateringjasmine hates soggy soil. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Fertilizer Jasmine needs moderate amounts of fertilizer. Pruning Many jasmine varieties grow fast and need annual pruning. This is best done soon after flowering, as it reduces the risk of accidentally removing new flower buds....

This is the perfect vegetable for novice gardeners! The plants grow tall with tubers spreading quickly, and the plants can easily take over an entire bed. Consider dedicating a bed just to sunchokes. The Spruce / K. Dave Their height and robustness mean they can act as a good windbreak for more sensitive plants. Jerusalem Artichoke Care Light Jerusalem artichokes can be grown in full sun or partial shade. If they get at least six hours of sun a day, this will help ensure the best yield....

In the south, it is evergreen. But an even bigger selling point than its attractive foliage is its flower heads. The flower heads are pink initially but morph into a tawny color in fall. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova The plant is popular and grown both individually and in groups to create a screen. Soil Afriable soilis best, although this grass tolerates a variety of soil types. Water Generally, make a run at keep the soil evenly moist....

Bright, yellow, button flowers open in summer. Lavender Cotton Care It’s easy to grow this low-growing shrub. Native to the coastal Mediterranean basin, lavender cotton is salt tolerant. DESIGNOSAURUS / Getty Images The chief care requirement is annual pruning after flowering to keep a full, mounded appearance. Rarely grown indoors, its small size, nevertheless, works well inmixed containersand pots. It will tolerate some shade with slower growth and diminished flowering....

Here’s what you better know to grow lavender from seeds successfully. Lavender seeds may also be planted outside in fall, if your winters are not too cold and wet. You will need a seedling tray with good drainage (peat pot seedling trays are fine). wjarek / Getty Images If your sunny planting spot is cold, you may need a heating pad or grow lights. Cold stratificationof your lavender seeds is recommended before you plant them....