More challenging houseplants

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid)

Phalaenopsis orchids prefer bright shade, as direct summer sun through glass can overheat the leaves and scorch them. These plants need to be potted into a specialist, bark-based orchid compost. They are intolerant of temperatures below 18C (65F) which can cause the growing tip to dieback and the leaves to drop. They also prefer rainwater which has been brought to room temperature when watering, rather than tapwater.

Phalaenopsis

• 0.1–0.5 metres
• 0.1–0.5 metres

<em>Phalaenopsis</em>

Cymbidium Orchid

• Cymbidium orchids benefit from summering outside in partial or dappled shade
• Most cymbidiums need to be rested in winter by being kept drier and cool but frost free.  This rest period helps the orchid to produce flower buds in spring
• They need to be potted in a special bark-based orchid compost
• Cymbidiums are best watered with rainwater
• Feeding regularly during the growing season helps to develop and mature their growth and promote flowering the following spring

Cymbidium erythraeum

• 0.5–1 metres
• 0.1–0.5 metres

<em>Cymbidium</em> <em>erythraeum</em>

Adiantum raddianum (Maidenhair fern)

• Prefers dappled shade, hot sun will scorch foliage
• Intolerant of low humidity in the house
• Maintain constant soil moisture
• Dryness at roots quickly causes fronds to wilt and die back
• Prefers cool temperatures

Adiantum raddianum

• 0.1–0.5 metres
• 0.1–0.5 metres

<em>Adiantum</em> <em>raddianum</em>

Citrus limon - Lemon
 

• Prefers acidic soil
• Needs to be watered with rainwater
• Sensitive to nutrient deficiencies
• Sensitive to root disturbance
• Prefers summer position outdoors in sun
• Needs cool temperatures to over winter 12C
• Prone to insect pests especially when stressed, e.g. in excessive heat and low humidity 
• Can drop leaves if brought indoors into a warm room with low atmospheric humidity after summering outside

Citrus × limon 'Meyer' (F)

• 2.5–4 metres
• 1.5–2.5 metres

<em>Citrus</em> × <em>limon</em> 'Meyer' (F)

Citrus × limon 'Variegata' (F/v)

• 2.5–4 metres
• 1.5–2.5 metres

<em>Citrus</em> × <em>limon</em> 'Variegata' (F/v)

Citrus × limon 'Garey's Eureka' (F)

• 4–8 metres
• 1.5–2.5 metres

<em>Citrus</em> × <em>limon</em> 'Garey's Eureka' (F)

Calathea crocata

• Prefers temperatures no lower than 15C (60F)
• Fluoride in tap water is toxic to Calathea
• Needs acid (ericaceous) potting compost 
• Water with rainwater at room temperature
• Needs high atmospheric humidity
• Avoid placing plant in full sun, although bright light is required for flowering

Calathea crocata

• 0.1–0.5 metres
• 0.1–0.5 metres

<em>Calathea</em> <em>crocata</em>