Edema
Edema is a physiological disorder that affects houseplants, greenhouse plants, and other plants sheltered under plastic. Learn about these fluid-filled “blisters” on leaves in this factsheet.
Houseplants
Cyclamen and Broad Mites
Cyclamen and broad mites are xtremely small and can infect plants in greenhouses and gardens. Learn the symptoms and management options in this factsheet.
Twospotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae
The most common spider mite, the twospotted spider mite, is a general feeder that attacks a wide variety of plants. Learn about its biology and management in this article…
Scale Insects
Scale insects are often overlooked because they are immobile and look like small bumps that just might be plant parts. Learn more about this group of inconspicuous and atypical insects in this article…
Mealybugs
If you see fluffy-looking white blobs on your houseplants, you probably have an infestation of mealybugs. These are soft-bodied insects that have a waxy material covering their bodies. There are many different species of mealybugs that commonly occur on a wide variety of plants. To learn more about these pests and how to control them, read this article…
Indoor Citrus
Even though we can’t grow oranges and grapefruits outdoors in the Midwest, it is possible to keep a citrus tree as a houseplant. Learn about the history of citrus and growing them as houseplants here.
WPR Garden Talk: Bringing Plants Indoors with Diana Alfuth (September 27, 2019)
Shorter days and cooler nights mean it’s time to start bringing in plants that summer outside. We talk with a horticulturist about how to successfully transition them back into your home. Listen to the episode.
Croton, Codiaeum variegatum
One of the boldest houseplants around, croton offers fabulous foliage marked with bright yellow, orange, red, and even near black. These eye-catching plants add a tropical touch to indoor décor or make a dramatic focal point as a seasonal plant outdoors during the growing season. Learn more about this Asian plant distantly related to poinsettia in this article…
Staghorn Fern, Platycerium bifurcatum
With “leaves” shaped like deer antlers arching out from a brown and green shield-shaped base, staghorn fern can be a dramatic decorative accent and conversation starter. Naturally growing on trees for support and protection, these plants can be a bit challenging to grow indoors, but make fine houseplants with a little effort. Learn about these unique tropical ferns and how to grow them in this article…
Plumeria
Plumeria are small tropical trees with fragrant flowers, commonly used to make wonderfully scented leis in Hawaii. Several types are easily grown in containers in colder climates to enjoy a touch of the tropics in summer. Learn more about this group of plants native to tropical America in this article…
String of Pearls, Senecio rowleyanus
String of pearls is an interesting succulent grown for its unusual, bead-like leaves. Small, fragrant brush-like white flowers are produced in summer. Learn more about this vigorous growing, low maintenance, tender evergreen perennial grown as a novelty houseplant …
Heliconias
For most Midwesterners, if they recognize a heliconia at all, it’s as a brightly colored, long-lasting component of a bouquet of tropical flowers. The genus Heliconia is a large group of plants native to tropical areas of the Americas with banana-like leaves and conspicuous inflorescences. Learn more about these showy, interesting plants in this article…
