Distinctive varieties of rare and exotic plants, focusing on foliage and shady plants ideal for collectors and hobbiyists. Among the many listings in these plant families are promising new introductions and excellent miniature varieties.
Miscellaneous Tropical Plants
For almost 20 years, we have been collecting distinctive varieties of rare and exotic plants. Among the many listings in these plant families are promising new introductions and excellent miniature varieties. In addition to our own hybrids, we also list the finest new varieties from other leading hybridizers.
Explore Our Tropical Plant Collection
Araceae
Unique and newly introduced species from Neotropics, with rosette, ripple foliage in lime green, each having cream marking down to the center. Can make impressive 10" wide clump though low growing.
It does not seem overly heat sensitive but sensitive to drying and fluctuations on wide cultural swings. Overall, this is not a beginner plant.
Offered are mature plants, established in 6" pot
The dramatically striped foliage of this species are sure to make this one of your favorite plants! It is a large Aglaonema stands 2- 3 ft. Does best indoors and in low light conditions. Makes a wonderful, easy to grow houseplant.
Offered are mature plants, established in 6" pot
Our new, cross-hybrid between a unique cream variegated form obtained from private collection of a Japanese collector, and our auraea variegated form have been offered for years. As see on the photos, our new clones have tricolor splash; deep green, cream, and yellow variegation on the long, strap foliage. Their 3″ wide leaves can grow to 8 ft long. Great for hanging baskets. Spectacular plant!
These are the 5th clone that the first and second sets have been tested and found the variegation is rather stable. The largest leaves on the plants we have available are about 8-10″ long. We do select only the plants with this morpho as mentioned above and guarantee that you will receive the plants that look similar to the ones shown on the pictures.
Offered are seed-grown plants, established in 3" pot
An odd African Aroid not often seen in cultivation. Its hallmark is white patterns resemble flame occur on the pointed foliage when young before eventually become perforated and lose some when mature. It also has a very interesting growth habit; spreads via something similar to stolon underground until find a new place to form a new plant.
With well care this plants can grow to 4 ft. though rather slow. Perform well in most media types that keep moist, but not soggy. The currently available plants have a few 6-8" leaves.
Offered are starter plants, established in 6" pot
This odd aroid endemic to Central America. When juvenile the plant is just a very small plant with silvery striped and marbled, rounded leaves that are tightly shingle up anything it can climb. Once it spreads up to 6 feet tall, it will morph and produce more adult like leaves which no long shingle but hang away from the surface, the silvery marking will fade and the foliage will develop widows and segments. The leaves can reach 2 feet or more once mature.
Offered are starter plants, established in 4" pot
This awesome Aroid endemics to Panama, Columbia and Venezuela, brought into cultivation of a century and still popular among plant enthusiasts because of its distinctive foliage; The banding on the leaves is simply beautiful! The dark leaves are highlighted with lime green speckles. It is also a fairly easy aroid performs well in moist environment under light shade.
Offered are starter plants, established in 4" pot
Very unusual, variegated form said to be derived from mass propagation. The whole plant looks far different from the regular form, with abandant cream variegated leaves and becomes a compact grower--can grow to 4-5" tall and 6" wide clump.
Similar to the regular form, it is an easy despite low growing. Perform well under light shade and good air movement.
Offered are starter plants, established in 4" pot
Another beautiful Aglaonema species from Northern Thailand, with foliage marbled with contrasting deep green and silvery splotches. It grows to 2 ft. feet tall, but rather slow...better say every 1 ft. growth takes a few years.
It seems to perform well using similar culture type of Aglaonema rotundum or Aglaonema commutatum; well-drained media under partial shade.
Offered are cutting-grown plants, established in 4" pot
Newly introduced species with pleated, subglossy to (barely) subvelvety foliage. Can be quite large and very spectacular when well care!
This one prefers it on the cooler side, with relatively high humidity and not too much light.
Offered are cutting-grown plants, established in 6" pot
This incredible variegated form of Monstera deliciosa has leaves up to 3 ft. wide with large holes. Each leaf is unique with exceptionally beautiful cream-and-green variegation creates some leaves that are nearly fully white with green markings and other leaves green with white marbling.
Unlike the solid green monstera deliciosa, this variegated form has much slower growth and not a drought tolerance as the regular form can do. The white portion of the variegated monstera leaves cannot absorb light, so it needs to work twice as hard to photosynthesize. Thus, low light conditions are not ideal, it seems does best in bright ambient light and above average humidity.
Offered are well established plants in 6" pot. They are 8" high and already starting to put out leaves about 6-7" long.
Offered are established, cutting-grown plants in 6" pot
An exceptionally beautiful variation of this striped-leaf Aglaonema, with wider silver patches and slender foliage. Does best indoors and in low light conditions. Makes a wonderful, easy to grow houseplant.
Offered are mature plants, established in 6" pot
Dieffenbachia reflector is a must-have for anyone who loves a bit of funky foliage. Its deep green leaves dappled with lime green and yellow spots and it features a whitish-green central leaf vein. It will slowly create an upright cane up to 25" tall and gives the plant a palm-like feel.
As it is a drought tolerant plant doing well under low light conditions, It is a great candidate for indoor growing.
Offered are cutting-grown plants, established in 6" pot
Newly introduced species that major population spans across Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. It is easily distinguished by having elongated leaves up to 12" long with holes down the midrib. However, the holes occurs when the plant is getting large.
It is a climbing aroid that need a supporter for the best result. Plants available have leaves about 6″ long. They may not have holes ye. They should develop within the next few new leaves.
Offered are cutting-grown plants, established in 6" pot
Ultra rare form of the handsome Peruvian monstera. The regular form has spectacularly puckered, iridescent bicolor-jade leaves. In this form the green sector is randomly splashed with yellow marbling variegation. Seem fairly easy to grow in moist environment under light shade. As a vining species, it is recommended to be tied on a totem for the best performance. Our currently available plants are 4-5" long with at least 4 leaves/pot.
Offered are cutting-grown plants, established in 3" pot
Gesneraceae
Newly described species from Vietnam, with very thick foliage in deep forest green. The foliage contrast with its large, Pansy-liked, bright yellow flowers on long stalks, shooting above the plant throughout the year.
Primulinas culture same as for African Violets, but they can be more tolerant neglect. Although they response well in traditional potting mix, we found additional of 10% by volume of limestone chips to the mix promotes growth and flower colors better than neutral medium.
Offered are flowering sizes, established in 3" pot
Large species from Guangxi, South-Western China can grow to 10-12" in rosette, with broad, deep forest green leaves, with a silvery to pale green center streak. Flowers are soft lavender blue, with white and yellow throats.
Primulinas culture same as for African Violets, but they can be more tolerant neglect. Although they response well in traditional potting mix, we found additional of 10% by volume of limestone chips to the mix promotes growth and flower colors better than neutral medium.
Offered are flowering size, established in 4" pot
New miniature species from borders between China and Vietnam. Now highly sought after due to their outstanding forms and colors. Offers here are the green form with white center veining and unusual silver hairs. Can grow to 6" in a rosette and tiny purple bell-shaped flowers rise above the foliage intermittently throughout the year.
Primulinas culture same as for African Violets, but they can be more tolerant neglect. Although they response well in traditional potting mix, we found additional of 10% by volume of limestone chips to the mix promotes growth and flower colors better than neutral medium.
Offered are flowering sizes, established in 3" pot
New jem from Northern Vietnam stunning with dramatically silver–patterned stiff leaves and attractive purple corollas, which is rarely seen color of the genus. It looks similar to Primulina dryas, though flowers alone can be easily distinguished. The leaves of this species also not cover with hairs.
Primulinas culture same as for African Violets, but they can be more tolerant neglect. Although they response well in traditional potting mix, we found additional of 10% by volume of limestone chips to the mix promotes growth and flower colors better than neutral medium.
Offered are flowering size, established in 4" pot
Newly described species, probably associated with Primulina ophiopogoides because of its sculptural growth habit and succulent leaves in rosettes. The leaves alone is worth enough for growing as a very nice foliage subject, but it can also produce very nice and fairly large purple flowers!
Primulinas culture same as for African Violets, but they can be more tolerant neglect. Although they response well in traditional potting mix, we found additional of 10% by volume of limestone chips to the mix promotes growth and flower colors better than neutral medium.
Offered are flowering size, established in 4" pot
This unidentified miniature species from Vietnam bears narrow strap leaves in rosettes with spiny hairs. It can grow to just 3" in diatemer, while its lavender flower size is almost 1/3 of the plant size...very incredible!
Primulinas culture same as for African Violets, but they can be more tolerant neglect. Although they response well in traditional potting mix, we found additional of 10% by volume of limestone chips to the mix promotes growth and flower colors better than neutral medium.
Offered are flowering size, established in 3" pot
Melastomataceae
A desirable new find from Indonesia, though some believe it should be Medinilla crassata from the Philippines, others list it as Medinilla alata 'Lalique'. This striking new species shows off with translucent pale bluish white petals over burgundy calyxes and flower stems. After flowering it is followed by red berries that turn a deep magenta as they age.
It is a compact grower that makes a choice houseplant or conservatory plant. Fairly easy to grow in well drained media with ample moisture, partial shade.
Offered are starter plants, established in 6" pot
Hard to find and spectacular Medinilla originated from the Philippines, characterized by pendulous inflorescence emerge along the branches, with stunning crimson color. Its strongly veined foliage are quite over-sized, giving very tropical feeling.
Because of its semi-epiphytic habit, great care should be taken in choosing a light freely draining potting medium, and keep fairly dry between watering. This specie is considered one of the easier Medinillas to maintain in a home environment, or can definitely grown as a stunning accent in a shady humid greenhouse.
Offered are cutting-grown plants, established in 6" pot
One of the most spectacular species of the genus Melastomataceae, derived from primitive dense forest of Papua New Guinea. Its deeply veined leaves can grow to 10" long and have burgundy undersides which enhance the bright pink flowers that are borne in thick clusters directly on the stems of the plant.
Because of its semi-epiphytic habit, great care should be taken in choosing a light freely draining potting medium, and keep fairly dry between watering. This specie is considered one of the easier medinillas to maintain in a home environment, or can definitely grown as a stunning accent in a shady humid greenhouse.
Offered are starter plants, established in 6" pot
Rarely offered species from the Philippines. This Medinilla bears oily, leathery , rounded foliage in deep green that promotes its stunning hang cream stalks, with cluster of bright pink flowers. After being pollinated, the plant produces decorative and seed-rich red berries.
Here we grow it as a greenhouse subject, with very carefully watered so as not to keep it too wet. Pruned occasionally to keep it compact.
Offered are starter plants, established in 4" pot
This really cool Medinilla natives to the equatorial rain forest of Indonesia and easily distinguished by its lovely, cheerful orange berries appearing directly along the branches, instead of panicles at the end of the branches like most species.
Of course, it has flowers, though their tiny white flowers often not noticeable, faded and fell off fast, followed by fruits that stay orange for a while before turning pink and then ripen in purple. The plant blooms all year long and when all branches are full of the orange fruits, it looks really decorative!
Despite low growing, it is a fairly easy grower. As an apiphyt, great care should be taken in choosing a light freely draining potting medium, and keep fairly dry between watering. It is hardy enough to maintain in a home environment, or can definitely grown as a stunning accent in a shady humid greenhouse.
Offered are cutting-grown plants, established in 4" pot
This spectacular Medinilla just brought into cultivation and will definitely become a highly sought after plant soon. It is a Bornean locally endemic species major population spans from North-Western to North-Eastern of the island, characterized by leathery leaves in iridescent bluish-green color, purple-back, on square-shaped branches. Stunning bright orange stalks and panicles appear directly along the branches all year round with cluster of tiny white flowers before eventually developing to orange berries and repen in light pink color.
This one is considered a large grower. Even regular pruning, the shrub can be 5-6 ft. tall. Full blooms on all branches with shiny leaves will make this plant to a very attractive specimen.
Because of its semi-epiphytic habit, great care should be taken in choosing a light freely draining potting medium, and keep fairly dry between watering.
Offered are cutting-grown plants, established in 6" pot
Piperaceae
Quiet tiny species with succulent, red-backed green leaves on red stems. Colorful. Will need pruning when grown in sealed terrarium. Easy grower and quick to establish. Need good humidity but not soggy media.
Offered are cutting-grown plants, established in 3" pot
This rare and highly ornamental species said to be from Panama, with dramatically textured foliage. Its fuzzy, peltate leaves can grow to 6"-8" long and are in almost black when mature! The plant also has interesting growth habit; it tends to be a shrub, but will root and climb up if provide a supporter. Pretty little pink-lip flowers rise frequently, promoting its attraction.
It does superb in a terrarium-type setting. Perform well under medium-high light level.
Offered are mature plants, established in 4" pot
Huge shrub-liked Piper species from Ecuador, with deeply textured foliage in rich green color and produces long, white flowers atop. In suitable conditions it can grow to 6 ft tall. Seem fairly easy in warm and moist environment under light shade.
Offered are cutting-grown plant, established in 4" pot
Peperomia turboensis is a very unique species with metallic curved foliage and stunning maroon undersides. The leaves also show glittery appearance when expose to some light angles.
It does well as a terrarium plant or in a humid greenhouse. May even tolerate non-greenhouse "open-air" conditions if not too dry.
Offered are starter plants, established in 4" pot
This decorative Ecuadorean species bears heavily textured, deep forest green foliage and silvery stripes down to the center. Spadix is in attractive purple color! It is an upright grower forms 10-12" tall and wide shrub. Does best under light shade and good air movement. Care should be exercised to not overwater, particularly its leaves should not overly wet.
Offered are cutting-grown plant, established in 4" pot
Newly described and locally endemic shrub-typed species from furtherest South of Thailand, characterized by distinctive white patterns occur on the leathery foliage when young before eventually lose some when mature. Can grow to 8 ft. tall but easily keep in good shape by regular prunning.
Does best in potting mixes that keep moist, but not soggy. Perform well under light shade and good air movement.
Offered are cutting-grown plants, established in 4" pot
Newly introduced species recently brought into cultivation by Ecuadorean nurseries, though the origin is still unclear. It is a shrub-like type with hairy and heavily texture foliage in olive green color. Each branch topped with white spadix. The plant can stands to approx. 6 ft. when well care!
This specie demands lots of water once established and requires relatively high humidity to grow well. Excellent as a greenhouse subject. Perform well in most potting mixes that keep moist, but not soggy.
Offered are cutting-grown plants, established in 4" pot
Huge and elegant species natives to Peru, with lush, deep green, maroon-back foliage, which can grow to 8'' long! In our cultivation, the plant can stands to approx. 8 ft. when well care!
It is a truly distinctive specimen for the indoor garden. Does best in most potting mixes that keep moist, but not soggy. Perform well under light shade.
Offered are starter plants, established in 4" pot
Zingiberaceae
A small attractive ground cover species. Major population occurs in Southern China with smaller distribution in Northern Vietnam. It makes a diminutive, slowly stoloniferous, tropical-looking appearance with 6" long x 3" wide green leaves highlighted by broad silver streaks. The basal flower spikes of bright red occur in April-May. Simply charming for deep shady areas where most gingers do not perform well!
It is evergreen and cold tolerance down to 5 Celseus degrees without visible damages. Despite low growing, it is fairly easy and performs well in most traditional potting mixes.
Offered are divisions, established in 6" pot
Boesenbergia ochroleuca is an unusual and locally endemic species, known only from a few locations in Southern Thailand. It is restricted to karst limestone and grows like epiphyts on upper rock crevices, hanging its stems down the cliff. Among numerous flora in the habitat, it is easily distinguished by unique silver band imprint on the deep olive green leaves. The leaves are alternating arranged on red-brown stems, reaching 10-15'' and terminate with white flowers with lower petals in red emerge from the leaf axils in the late of growing season.
It is a deciduous species usually rests (leafless) from November to April and its fingerroot can be stored dry indoors like most other deciduous gingers. They can either left in a pot by keeping the pot in dark and dry place during the dormancy period.
With proper preparation of the rhizomes in the pre-dormancy practice, the plant starts vegetative cycle easily and tolerates for some neglect in its growing season. Perform well in peat based potting mix with roughly 10% by volume additional of limestone chips. It has been test and found not response well with regular epiphyt medium, may be too dry for this plant.
Offered are divisions, established in 6" pot
Newly described and locally endemic species, known from just a few locations in Southern Thailand. This compact growing Ginger is highly ornamental, with shiny leaves painted with silver stripes and shoot nodding inflorescences, with many dainty, yellowish, orchid-like flowers that last for few weeks!
Generally the Southern occurring species, though they are evergreen, are rather challenge to grow. Stable environment with relatively high humidity and good air movement is major key to success.
Offered are divisions, established in 6" pot
Rare and endangered species and only one of the two species of this genus reported from the Philippines. Its growth habit is epiphyt on upper tree trunk with pseudostems, reaching 1.5-2 ft. tall. Stalks elongates from the growing tip with fragrant flowers in cream and the lower petal in deep orange color. Flowers bloom last about two week before developing to stunning orange capsules that split open to reveal seeds covered in a red aril.
In cultivation this species performs well in epiphyt mix, which is very coarse and porous. Relatively high humidity and good air movement is necessary so it seems best suited for basket culture.
Offered are starter, seed-grown plants, established in 3" pot
New species from Hainan, China that are still quiet rare in cultivation, characterized by spectacularly rippled foliage in opposite ranks. Can grow up to 3 ft. and topped with a stunning flower stalk, each having numerous white flowers, with orange lip and pink tubular calyx.
They are evergreen and tolerate for some neglect once established. The leathery and crinkled leaves makes this ginger a unique addition to your indoors or garden.
Offered are divisions, established in 6" pot
One of the most decorative and spectacular Ginger, native to Borneo and Philippines. Its distinctive leaves are full of red blotches covering the upper and under side, especially on new growth. The newest leaves are often curled into white cylinders with red blotches, while older leaves may fade enough to appear totally light green except on closer inspection. Red tubular flowers occur in the middle of the rhizome, some distance from the vegetative stalk.
This is a large species stand to approx 5-6 ft. Challenge but very worth to grow. Does best in peat-based medium and perform well under light shade, with relatively high humidity and good air movement.
Offered are starter plants, established in 6" pot
Also called "Hornbill's Ginger" It is a rare and unusual Ginger from Peninsular Malaysia. The striking flowers are a wild composition of orange and red with twisted and spiked petals embraced by long arching cream-colored stamens. Definitely an eye catcher! Can grow to approx. 4-5 ft. tall.
It is fairly easy to grow with adequate light and attention to watering, preference for a full to partial sunlight growing space and tolerance to periodic dryness. It blooms last about a week with individual flowers from each shoot arriving over several weeks.
When the flowers are all spent, cut off the stem to allow the plant s energy to direct towards the rhizomes. Keep the foliage well tended until it dies back, as it will keep collecting solar energy to store for the next season s bloom.
Offered are divisions, established in 6" pot
Highly ornamental species just brought into cultivation, said to be from a cloud, primitive forest of Northen Laos. Their stunning silvery leaves are marked with deep green stripes down to the centre and this distinctive color is not disappeared when the leaves are old. White tubular flowers occur in the middle of the rhizome, some distance from the vegetative stalk.
It stand to approx 5-6 ft. tall. Does best in peat-based medium and perform well under light shade, with relatively high humidity and good air movement.
Offered are starter plants, established in 6" pot
New deciduous species from South-Western Thailand that has unique, satin textured foliage in deep green color, highlighted by metallic silver paths. Tiny white, orchid-liked flowers occur on the top of each petiole later in the growing season, however, they are not attractive when compared with the leaves.
It can grow to 10-12'' Perform well in peat based potting mix with roughly 10% by volume additional of limestone chips. Usually rests (leafless) from November to April. Rhizomes can be stored dry indoors like most other gingers. They can either left in a pot by keeping he pot in dark and dry place during the dormancy period.
Offered are divisions, established in 4" pot
An unidentified ginger that has nice texture on shiny foliage and white bloom. Discovered in Southern Thailand in a small population. Local experts assume to be a species of Amomum.
It is evergreen and can grow to 1.5 ft. in our cultivation. Does best in peat-based medium and perform well under light shade, with relatively high humidity and good air movement.
Offered are divisions, established in 4" pot
Miscellaneous Tropical Plants
Also known as the Rex Begonia Vine, though it is actually not a Begonia. It is classified as a species in Vitaceae Family (Grape Family forming wooden vines). However, Cissus discolor does not grow as large as most grapes do. Its elongated heart shaped leaves can grow to 6” long and 3” across. They are stunning in bright green with silver patches radiating out from the center with a burgundy stripe down the middle. Underside of the leaf is in deep reddish purple.
This magnificent vine need warm weather and filtered sunlight. Once established, tolerates for some neglect and easily pruned to be kept within bounds
Offered are cutting-grown plants, established in 3" pot
Unusual form of the common Dischidia nummularifolia (some sources said to be a hybrid) originated from Japan and sought after by many plant enthusiasts as it is rarely seen in cultivation now. It is characterized by very curly foliage resembling pebbles, densely rises around slender weeping stem. Once the stem stretches over 6", it usually produces new branches at base.
Despite low growing, it is an easy plant, even in lower average humidity and also a fairly cold hardy.
Offered are starter plants, established in 3" pot
Newly introduced species from Ecuador. It bears largest leaves when compared with the Ciliatus and Poeppigii, reaching 8” long and 4” across in optimum condition. The leaves are also have short hairs scattered on the strain, with addition of striking silver stripe from leaf margin down to the center.
Similar to other two popular species of this genus, it does exceedingly well in medium-larger size terrariums. Pan pot or any flatten containers are recommended to allows its underground rhizomes freely spread.
Offered are mature plants, established in 4" pot
A rarely seen in cultivation lately. Costus malortieanus, or Stepladder Ginger is native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua, characterized by the broad, velvety, felty leaves and showy open flowers, with yellow striped with red in color. It is a compact grower can grow to approx. 2-3 ft. in height.
It does best in peat-based medium, or any potting mix formulas that keep moist, but not soggy. Leaves are healthy when grown in above average humidity under light shade.
Offered are starter plants, established in 4" pot
Splendid tropical plant from Amazonian Basin bears distinctive foliage; its leathery leaves are striped in light, silvery-green and dark green with puckered surface like seersucker. Underside of the leaves are tinted in deep purple. It seems to ramble and with enough moisture (humidity) present, will root at the nodes and produce new plants as well as tubers. Although it was said tolerates lower light and dryness, we have found its leaves are healthy when grown in above average humidity under light shade.
Offered are mature plants, established in 4" pot
A truly amazing plant hails from Amazonian basin, with shiny round leaves get about 6-7" in dark purple hue, that they appear nearly black when grown under low light level. It is a rhizomatous plant by nature, spreading by raising new underground rhizomes from the old one, similar to ornamental Gingers and Costus.
A humidity loving plant does exceedingly well in medium-larger size terrariums. Pan pot or any flatten containers are recommended to allows its underground rhizomes freely spread and not soggy.
Offered are mature plants, established in4" pot
Obtained this plant from an Ecuadorean nursery a couple of years ago. At the time it was mislabeled as Costus sanguinius as its morphology is obviously not. Overall, it is a small species with rich green undulate leaves and attractive red undersides, developing from underground rhizomes and topped with striking pink cluster spike.
It seems to ramble about and with enough moisture (humidity) present, it will root at the nodes and produce new plants as well as tubers. Although it was said tolerates lower light and dryness, we have found its leaves are healthy when grown in above average humidity under light shade.
Offered are mature plants, established in 4" pot