Ambius Indoor Plants Catalogue

This relative of the Yucca is a botanical oddity from the arid deserts of Mexico, where it may grow to ten metres in height. The swollen bulb-like base is quite natural and capable of storing enough water to keep the plant alive for up to a year. They were first cultivated in the late 19th Century and were considered by the Victorians to be something of a curiosity.

Dracaena is a genus of forty species of subtropical, evergreen, woody plants grown for their statuesque form and ornamental foliage. Sometimes mistakenly identified as palms they are more closely related to lilies. The name Dracaena is derived from the Greek word “drakaina”, a female dragon. The link being the resinous red gum produced when the stem is cut which, when thickened, resembles dragon's blood.

Ficus is a diverse genus of mainly tropical and sub-tropical species, ranging in size from the petite creeping Ficus pumila to the massive Ficus benjamina and microcarpa. All Ficus exude a milky sap when wounded, and that from Ficus elastica was the original source of latex. The edible fig, Ficus carica, although Mediterranean in origin, is hardy enough to survive even the coldest of British winters.

Bromeliads are a family of unusual, small plants that are characterized by their colourful blooms and rosette-like leaf arrangement. Many species are epiphytes, which means that they grow among the branches of trees and get all their moisture from the clouds and rain, which they capture in the cups formed at the junction of their leaves.

The orchid family is the largest, most diverse group of plants in the world. Species are found on all continents except Antarctica, they range in habitat from fields to tree-tops, from the temperate climes of Northern Europe to the tropical heat of the Malaysian rainforests. Recent advances in tissue culture techniques has made some popular ornamental species, such as Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium very easy to grow and care for.

Palms and Cycads are often grouped together although they are not closely related. However, they have a similarity in shape and cultivation needs. Palms are found all over the world, especially in warm climates. Cycads, though superficially similar, are actually more closely related to conifers. They have been around since the days of the dinosaurs, but are now relatively rare.

Pleomele is a small group of species that is often (and more correctly) included with Dracaena. Pleomele reflexa is a popular indoor species that is easy to look after and can provide a dramatic focal point to any plant display. The variegated varieties “Song of India” and the new “Song of Sri Lanka” are especially attractive.

Sansevieria is a genus of plants from Southern Africa that is related to Dracaena and the lily family. Their main feature is the thick, almost succulent, leaves that are often long and strappy. Sansevieria plants have variegated leaves, which range in colour from pale yellow to near black. They are easy to look after and can tolerate quite low light levels, but must never be allowed to get chilled.

Among the easiest and most robust of interior plants, the Spathiphyllums include examples ranging in size from the petite “Domino” to the magnificent hybrids such as “Mauna Loa”. All Spathiphyllums produce beautiful, pure white blooms that fade to green, and they are tolerant of low light levels.

One of the toughest of interior plants, Yucca elephantipes is ideal for high light areas. Many forms are available, from simple stems with a head of foliage (touffe) to majestic, old branched specimens that can grow to a height of several metres. The leaves are tough and sometimes have sharp edges and points, so care should be exercised when selecting their location in an interior landscape.

A relative newcomer to interior landscapes, the “ZZ” plant is an excellent choice for dark areas or where an unusual look is required. The succulent stems and glossy leaves make it suitable as a stand-alone specimen or as part of a larger display. Some people call this plant a “Zamia”, however Zamia is related to cycads and is not closely associated with this species.

Groups of small plants that are displayed together in small containers for use on desk tops.