Even in Southern California, it can get too cold for plants outside and they'll suffer a freeze. So we were totally inspired by this image in January's Martha Stewart Living of winter citrus soaking in some diffused winter light. But in our small one bedroom we'd have to forgo the sofa in order to have room for this mini orchard.
Plus we haven't really had much luck with citrus inside (as much as we would love a little kumquat tree). But we still love to have greenery around us to help filter the air and add some texture to a room. So for our money, we love a good Begonia.
They come in all kinds of varieties with fat leaves as big as your hand, little leaves as big as a quarter, light pink flowers, deep red flowers. Some leaves are furry with purple underneath, some have red stems. My very favorite: the Rex Begonia. These have the most interesting leaf patterns and vary the most in size and shape.
They all tend to have a waxy leaf that can withstand quite a bit and they'll live very happily in diffused light with damp soil. You can find a good selection at your local
Comments (4)
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![Comments (4)](http://armstronggarden.com/store_locator/results_list.php?showonly=US&tab=US&zip=90291&distance=25">Armstrong</a> or sometimes even Home Depot will carry more than just your run of the mill. </p>
<p>What plants have you had luck with inside? Any begonia lovers out there? Anyone have a green thumb with Orchids?</p>
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<a href="/la/author/laure">
Laure Joliet</a></li>
<li class="time"><a href="#">January 7, 2008 03:30PM</a></li>
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<a href="/la/category/435/gardening">gardening</a>, <a href="/la/category/395/plants-flowers">plants & flowers</a>, <a href="/la/tag/begonia">begonia</a>, <a href="/la/tag/houseplant">houseplant</a>, <a href="/la/tag/indoor">indoor</a>, <a href="/la/tag/plants">plants</a>
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Begonias, fine. But who made that CHAIR?!! I want it!
view Lisa Hunter's profile
Yeah, I agree with Lisa... Could this please be the first AT Mission of 2008... sourcing that incredible chair. Purty-Please???
view paul's profile
i too fell in love with the chair!!!!!!
view bohinks's profile
I hear you loud and clear, doing what I can to get that sourced!
view laure's profile