Tracee asks:

I have been trying for months off an on to find the identity of this plant. A small start was given to me as a gift from a friend. She has no idea what is is, as a start was given to her. I have replanted it into a larger pot, and am thinking I need to again. It has really grown well, but I would like to know what it is and a little more about it. Can you help me? Any information that I could get and share with the friend that gave it to me would be greatly appreciated.

Jamie’s Reply: I believe you plant is some type of hybridized begonia; possible in the rex begonia family. It looks like a bloom bud might be forming. If it blooms it should prove to be a hybrid begonia. I hope this helps. I try to find out more about this plant and send you the information. Reply: After consulting with Janet Carson at the Arkansas Extention Service we believe you have a rhizomatous begonia possibly a star begonia (Begonia heracleifolia). The American Begonia Society has culture information concerning this type of begonia. Go to American Begonia Society to find out more about your begonia. Hope I helped.

Tracee responds:

Thank you SO much for the information about my plant. It is DEFINITLY a Rhizmatous Begonia. I did some more research on it, and found a wonderful picture of one that is very much like mine. I guess I have lucked out as far as the care of it, and it’s grown well. I have learned some tips though, so that’ll help when I replant.

David asks:

HELLO. I RECEIVED THIS PLANT FOR MY MOTHER’S FUNERAL LAST WEEK AND WAS PURCHASED IN COVINGTON VA. LITTLE CLAY POT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW THE NAME OF THE PLANT AND HOW TO CARE FOR IT. IS IT A HOUSE PLANT OR CAN BE PLANTED OUT DOOR’S ANY INFO YOU CAN GIVE WILL GREATLY BE APPRECIATED. THANKS,

Jamie’s Reply:

You have a Schefflera arboricola. This plant doesn’t like temperatures under 59 degrees, so I would recommend using it as a house plant. Schefflera have moderate to low light requirements and enjoy temperatures ranging from 59 to 70 degrees. If plants are kept too cold leaves will drop off. Keep plant lightly moist. From April thru August, feed with a water soluble fertilizer every two weeks. Insufficient fertilizing will cause stunted growth and pale leaves. To keep it shapely prune to encourage branching. Plants needed to be repotted about every two years or if pot size is inappropriate for plant size. Watch for spider mites (the prime pests for Schefflera — they thrive in very warm conditions). Although spider mites can only be seen with a magnifying glass, your plant will exhibit leaf discoloration and other symptoms to alert you. Don’t be alarmed if your plant is stressed for the next few weeks. Your Schefflera will go thru transplant stock from it’s traveling. Follow the above guideline and it will be fine. I hope this helps. If you need any other information please contact me. Flower Shop Network has an article on houseplants that might give you some more information: go to House Plants For Interiors.

Denny & Jo asks:

Could you help me identify a flowering houseplant given to me? I received this plant a couple of years ago and have cut off stems as they grow long and just pushed them back into the soil for additional growth. About a month ago I noticed that one of the plant was starting to bud. It had never done this before. About a week ago the buds opened into small yellow/orange flowers. I have had the plant (Now 2 plants, since I transplanted some of the stems into a different planter) for at least 2 years with never any indication of buds or flowers. I have attached several photos of the plants.

Reply: The plant you have is a Kalanchoe. Blooming is day length sensitive. It is a short-day plant meaning blooming occurs when light exposure has been restricted. Please let me know if you have any other questions.