Amaryllis, La Paz & Hercules

Two more Amaryllis(Hippeastrum)have bloomed today the large pink one is "Hercules" and the small star shaped Cybister amaryllis is "Laz Paz".

More Amaryllis Blooms

My Amaryllis's are blooming out more so I thought I would share some more pics. I am a bit disappointed that they did not turn out to be "Minerva" and "Red Lion",

they look nothing like the pictures on the boxes, but they are still beautiful.

Thanksgiving Amaryllis Blooms

Some of my Amaryllis bloomed today, what a nice Thanksgiving surprise, in more than one way. The Large one in bloom in the first photo(and second) was supposed to be "Minerva" but it seems its probably something else because it does not have a white throat. Maybe a "Red Lion"? not sure yet. The one on the right in bloom in the the first photo is a "Red Lion". Oh well I recently started an Amaryllis collection going to try my hand at Hybridization. I have 20 different varieties and probably won't be getting any more because of lack of space. Well I say that now anyway, lol. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!! May you all have a blessed day!!!

Norfolk Island Pines: Living Christmas trees

Norfolk Island Pines(Araucaria heterophylla) is not a true pine but it is a tropical conifer belonging to the genus Araucaria which is represented by 19 species endemic to many Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand, and South America. The Norfolk Island pine is native to Norfolk Island in the Pacific ocean located between Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. Sapling Norfolk Island pines are popularly sold as live Christmas trees and these plants can make excellent houseplants when small. They are also a popular landscape tree in warmer coastal regions of the United States, such as south Florida, coastal California, south Texas, and Hawaii. It is also a popular landscape tree in Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Brazil, Honduras, and South Africa. This tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11 and possibly in zone 9 if it is planted in a protected microclimate. This species has high tolerance for salt and winds making it popular in coastal areas. This species when kept as a houseplant prefers moderate lighting. Never Keep this tree below 40 degrees F. Water once a week when the soil becomes dry. This species can be a bit challenging because it has relatively high humidity needs. When the tree gets to tall larger stems can be cut down and the tree will produce branching offshoots from the roots, or it can be replaced. This species is a slow grower and is moderately easy to grow. Overall this is one of my favorite houseplants to grow and makes a nice green houseplant and or a perfect live Christmas tree. I just picked up a seedling tree at Wal-Mart today. They are available around the holidays at most big box stores, supermarkets, and garden centers.