Nicole Asks:

Do you know if there is a meaning for the Phoenix Branch?

Brock's Reply: I'm not familiar with a "Phoenix Branch".  There is a group of palms, the Date Palms,  which belong to the genus Phoenix. For example, Phoenix roebelenii , the Pymgy Date Palm, is often grown as a landscape specimen in warm climates (the correspondent is in Florida).  Phoenix dactylifera is the commercial Date Palm, native to North Africa.While I can find no specific reference to a meaning for Phoenix palms, palm fronds in general have traditionally symbolized victory and success. This idea stems from the story of the mythological bird, the Phoenix, which rose again from the ashes of its own firey destruction.

Thakujesus Asks:

NEED TO KNOW IF THERE IS A FLOWERING INDOOR PLANT FOR A HOME THAT IS KEPT "VERY WARM"YEAR ROUND. THIS IS FOR AN ELDERLY COUPLE THAT CANT GET OUT MUCH.

Brock's Reply:This email address is for www.FlowerShopNetwork.com a directory of florists in the U.S. and Canada.  As always we suggest you use our directory to find a local florist who may be more suited to provide information about the availability of plants in your area.  A couple of plants come to mind however that may fit the bill.

Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
And Bromeliad Guzmania lingulata major

The bromeliad is not truly a blooming plant but it is very hardy and it’s foliage gives the illusion of  a flower in eternal bloom.

For more ideas on types of plants available view our plant gallery at:

http://www.flowershopnetwork.com/pages/gallery/plants.php

Barbara Asks:

my father recently visited Holland and returned with an indoor plant for my mother. He thinks it is called a mydynella  or mytynella? It has large sword like leaves and huge pendulus pink blooms. Any clues as to what it might be would be very welcom many thanks

Brock'a reply: There is a plant which is commonly sold in Holland called Medinilla magnifica which has very showy, pendulous, pink flowers.  I would not describe the foliage as "sword-like" however.  Medinilla is a woody-stemmed, shrubby plant, with pairs of glossy, leathery leaves arranged oppositely along the stem. Medinillaprefers a rich, loamy soil which is kept moist but not wet. Native to the Phillipines, it thrives in bright light and a warm and relatively humid environment.