John&Jacq~s Garden

Articles on tropical plants, arranged by posting dates. For plant search, it’s easier to refer to the A-Z categories located at the top left sidebar.

Posted by Jacqueline on April 1st, 2013

Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ (Sprengeri/Sprenger’s Asparagus Fern, Asparagus/Emerald Fern, Basket Asparagus) Though commonly known as a ‘fern’ because of its delicate fern-like leaves, this beautiful ornamental asparagus is not in any way related to it. Instead, Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ belongs to the Lily family, and is much easier to grow than ferns that are fragile and quite [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on February 28th, 2013

Dracaena braunii (syn. D. sanderiana), commonly named Lucky Bamboo, Ribbon Plant, Ribbon Dracaena, Belgian Evergreen Whenever the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, traders far and wide will be laughing all the way to the bank with pockets full from selling these Lucky Bamboo plants. It’s a very profitable trade during the annual festive season as the [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on December 2nd, 2012

Passiflora edulis (Passion Fruit, Passionfruit, Purple granadilla) Isn’t she a beauty? But unfortunately, we had unknowningly excluded it from our Plant Gallery and Plant Database. Hmmm… time to rectify that omission now! An attractive vine and if given the right growing conditions, Passiflora edulis will be adorned with eye-catching flowers which is the national flower [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on October 28th, 2012

Wodyetia bifurcada (Foxtail Palm, Wodyetia Palm) Too bad our small-spaced home garden is unable to accommodate this enchanting and gorgeous Foxtail Palm, aptly named as its leaves or fronds are bushy and likened to the tail of a fox. Fortunately, these spectacular palm trees with foxtail-like fronds have become an absolute craze among landscapers in [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on August 23rd, 2012

Syngonium podophyllum (Goosefoot Plant, Arrowhead Vine/Plant, Nephthytis, Five-fingers, African/American Evergreen) We just love variegated foliage plants. These are one of those plants where the leaves are attractively patterned in various lovely colourful shades that make them as desirable to have in any garden, outdoors. And you can even grow them indoor as houseplants. A pot [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on July 31st, 2012

Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon Grass, Lemongrass, Barbed Wire Grass, Citronella Grass) We’ve planted this much-favoured Lemon Grass (or ‘Serai’ in Malay) plant for decades. Just love the distinctive lemony aroma and unique flavour when added to our home-cooked dishes (check out my recipe on Malacca Portuguese Devil Curry that uses Lemongrass, if you’re interested). Many other [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on May 29th, 2012

Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ (Dwarf Variegated Agave, Variegated Smooth Agave, Variegated Smooth Century Plant) This variegated form of Agave desmettiana is obviously more charming than the typical non-variegated species. An elegant medium-sized succulent shrub, Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ showcases bright green to blueish-green leaves with creamy to golden-yellow variegation along the margins. Simply enchanting! We were excited [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on February 10th, 2012

Ochna kirkii (Mickey Mouse Plant, Bird’s Eye Bush) Can you spot Disney’s Mickey on the branch of Mickey Mouse Plant in the left image? Cool, right! Now you know why one of Ochna kirkii’s common names is Mickey Mouse Plant. Its roundish and glossy black fruits, protruding from the swollen base of the bright red [...]