75 Trendy Plants in the Philippines for 2021 (Part 4)

Plantiquarians, plantitos, plantitas, halamoms, batang halaman will always on a look-out for cheaper and trendy plants this coming 2021 and 2022.

Many are looking for small plants which can fill their limited space. They can be grown with minimal care. The crazy and abnormal rise in prices are brought by the limited supply and high interest by the general public in plants. This is called as plantdemics meaning plants are in demand.

75 Trendy Plants in the Philippines for 2021 to 2022

63. Nephrolepis exaltata ( Boston Fern)- This is a popular fern found in almost every part of the world. often grown in hanging baskets or similar conditions. They are grown near entrance or hung on main window. It is believes to invites good chi or good fortunes into one’s home or business.

Caladium hybrids -Photo credit: pixabay user: leoleobobeo-1487549

62. Caladium hybrids – Popularity of caladium hybrids will still be strong up until early 2022. Newer varieties and more colorful spotting will be flooding the local market. However, the prices of the caladium especially the older cultivar varieties will slowly taper off since there are a lot of backyard growers propagating those varieties.

61. Dracena sanderiana – popularly called Chinese lucky bamboo, lucky bamboo, friendship bamboo, ribbon plant, water bamboo and corn plant. This is very common and is found in almost every homes, business establishments and offices. This plant is quite hardy.

Commonly peddled by ambulant vendors, The demand for these plants will still be strong. Some people believes it bring good luck or good chi in homes and businesses.

60. Aloe vera and related species- Aloe had been quite popular succulent plant in the country for several decades. Aside from the medicinal value that the plant is known for. This can be grown in pots, the species requires well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions.

mature plants can bear flowers and it is highly attractive. There are between 550 to 560 species of Aloes in which a lot are highly decorative. There are also several hybrids.

59. Ficus benjamina, commonly known as weeping fig, benjamin fig , ficus tree, balete. This is highly ornamental and commonly propagated in many garden centers. MMDA and some local government unit had planted hundreds if not thousands of this ficus along road side in the mid-1980’s to early 1990’s.

Ficus benjamina

Photo credit : pixabay user: manfredrichter-4055600

NASA determined that this plant was effective at removing common household air toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. Hence the popularity of the plant.

Weeping fig cultivars and its variegated types are in demand like ‘Danielle’, ‘Naomi’, ‘Exotica’, and ‘Golden King’ since these are much fewer compared to the ones found in garden centers, streets and parks. Propagation is quite easy- one can propagate Ficus benjamina thru seeds, air layering and to some extent cutting from stems with roots.

58 . Ficus elastica commonly called rubber fig, rubber bush, rubber tree, rubber plant, or Indian rubber bush, Indian rubber tree, banyan tree or Balete.

Ficus elastica

Photo credit: pixabay user: tortic84-2633672

Another well-known type of belete tree. One can encounter mature Ficus elastica in many parts of the country. According to some botanists, this was probably introduced into the country by Indian and other southeast Asian traders before the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century. Some would otherwise dispute this theory, Since the range of this ficus is found in Southeast Asia.

In the United States, This can be grown in sub-tropical areas of Florida and in USDA Zones 10-12.

Some of the cultivars varieties includes Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’, Lemon Lime among others surge in popularity during the enhanced community quarantine in early part of 2020. In recent visit to local garden centers in Metro Manila. Prices for the common types had been falling due to increase supply. An example was the 1 foot cutting newly established Ficus elastica ” Lemon Lime” which sell between Php 1,500 to Php 2,000 would now averages between Php 750 to Php 1,200. Variegated forms will still be in demand.

Croton or San Francisco

Photo credit: pixabay user:pixasandid-356019

57. Crotons hybrids- Locally known as San Francisco. This was popular as hedge plant, potted plant in the countryside for a long time. The leaves are used as accents in flower arrangements. Large scale farms like Costa Farm would grow these in large volume. Other Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan would have different cultivar varieties.

There are hundreds of cultivar varieties to grow and these plants are easy to propagate.

Epipermum aureum also known as pothos, money plant, taro vine

Photo credit: pixabay user: sweetlouise-3967705

56. Epipermum aureum and varieties ( pothos, hunter’s robe, ivy arum, money plant, and taro vine) are just few of the common names given by sellers and backyard gardeners. The plant is a member of Araceae family. Price of the more common types have begun leveling off but the variegated forms are still in demand.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Lebon Ong, Dennis Lao and Mr. Jorge Sahagun

55. Asplenium australasicum plicatum Cultivar Variety ” Mini Philippine Cobra” This is a compact growing mutant fern (gamma irradiated Philippine Cobra) of Asplenium australasicum plicatum2021 population finally released to the industry. This is a project of Mr. Jorge Sahagun of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) in Quezon City.

Compared with the older variety in the market, This particular form is ideal for small growing area, office, condominium spaces. Fern collectors are already waiting for its release next year, There are already some reservation for this mutant form for release in 2022.

Note: These are just a partial list of the 75 trendy plants for 2021 and 2022! Happy Growing to all .

Special Mention : Mr. Lebon Ong, Mr. Dennis Lao , Mr. Jeorge Sahagun, Mrs. Letty Manalo, Ms. Esperanza Sanchez

Sources:

Personal Interview among plant center owners, Orchid and Plant Lovers of the Philippines FB, Mindanao Avenue Garden Center, Fairview Neopolitan Garden Center, Cartimar Garden Center, White Plains, Bulacan Garden, Arid and Aroid’s Farm, Quezon City Memorial Circle, Tabang -Guiguinto Plant growers, GreenScapes Garden Center– Novaliches, Farmer’s Garden Center -Cubao, Sidcor -Eaton Centris Sunday Market, Rona’s Garden.

Related article link 75 Trendy Plants for the Philippines in 2021 part 3) ( 75 Trendy Plants for the Philippines in 2021 Part 2) and ( 75 Trendy Plants for the Philippines in 2021 Part 1)

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Discount SALE of Plants at Philvirra Homes

Big Discount Sale of ornamental plants, flowering plants, indoor plants and hanging plants in 17 Dimasalang street, Real Village in Philvirra Homes along Road 20, Barangay Tandang Sora near Project 8 in Quezon City.

The big sale coincided with double nine 9.9 promo by the owner. The sale started on September 6 and ends on September 9, 2020.

BIG DISCOUNT SALE

Plants on sale starts at Php 9.00 includes 3 to 4 inch establish (Coleus blumei) hybrids or locally known as mayana, Aglaonema Marian. Php 19.00 for (Pedilanthus tithymaloides )or (Euphorbia tithymaloides) commonly called Christmas candles, devil’s backbone, redbird cactus, zigzag plant, Agalaonema hybrids, crotons or san francisco, Philodendrons and Tradescantia zebrina or wandering jew.

They also have some ti-plants/ cordyline, caladiums, sansevieria, Billbergia pyramidalis and other cheap house plants.

It is also good to be early during the big rush, some freebies were given by the gracious seller for being the earliest bird among buyer.

Coleus blumei hybrids locally called mayana

Do not forget to bring valid identification card for security purposes, since the seller lives in a gated subdivision.

8 Fun Facts about Epipermum pinnatum

Epipermum pinnatum is a common plant found in many areas of Asia like Southern China, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indo-China region, Indonesia,Tropical India, Melanesia region, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.

In other parts of the world like Hawaii, West Indies, tropical Americas and Southern parts of the United States of America. This plant had become invasive in much of the areas where it was introduced. Epipermum pinnatum engulf vegetation killing out native weeds, plants, moss,lichen and shading-out native trees killing them slowly.

Epipermum pinnatum is called Malapakpak-balaua, lukmoi, lukmoy, tibatib or tampinbanal in Tagalog speaking region.

Common names includes dragon-tail plant, centipede tongavine ( English), tibatib, lukmoi,lukmoy tampinbanal ( Tagalog),Malapakpak-balauai ( Tagalog) bisako ( Bisaya). It is a member of the Araceae family, same family as Caladiums.

Epipermun pinnatum -young leaves

Lukmoi/ lukmoy/ tibatib/ tampinbanal /bakag spend part of its life cycle in the canopy or ground as seeds are disperse by birds and insects. Using suitable host trees, palms, wall, fences to cling on. It is considered as a hemiepiphyte.

Epipermum pinnatum cling on a dead palm

Eventually clinging to host trees by sending roots downwards. Humans and sometimes some mammals also help spread the plant by cuttings, plant fragments, and/or discarded plant parts. Sometimes called Rhaphidophora pinnata L. Schott ( synomym) according to the website the plantlist.org by Kew Garden.

8.) Teeth -Blackening: The vine is used by in some Asian countries like in Java, Bali in Indonesia, aboriginal tribes of Taiwan and lumads in Mindanao island where it is considered a standard for beauty.

7.) Food -Some Aeta tribes in Central Luzon and Northern Luzon in the Philippines would eat the young leaves and use the inner stem for handicraft.

6.) Traditional Medicine – In some parts of China , it is used for traditional medicine for dysentery, rheumatism and fractures.

5.) Indoor Plant– It is used as indoor plant in United States and other countries.

4.) Basket and Handicraft – The central stems of the root is used for several handicraft like basketry, lamp shades, mat, rope, accessories throughout its native range.

3.) Allergy -Some people are allergic to the sap. Sap is also sometimes use as a cure for snake bites.

2.) Leaves are used for flower arrangements and decor. Large leaves are sometimes sold in Dangwa market in Sampaloc, Manila. some local florist would substitute them for Philodendron.

1.) Some unscrupulous sellers would easily pass this as Epipermum pinnatum ” Cebu Blue”, BLUE Pothos, Monstera deliciosa or Philodendron bipinnatifidum both of which are native in tropical Mexico to South America.

Sources, Bibliography and References:

Peppard, Terry (1992). “Volatile flavor constituents of Monstera deliciosa“. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 40 (2): 257–262.

Madulid, Domingo; Winner, National Book Award, Science, 1995. Revised Edition, 2000 with 388 pages. ARACEAE Page90, Bookmark, Makati, A Pictorial Cyclopedia of Philippine Ornamental Plants.

Moodie, G. E. E. (1976). “Heat production and pollination in Araceae”. Canadian Journal of Botany. 54 (5–6): 545–6. doi:10.1139/b76-053.

Steiner, Mona Lisa, PHD;Care, M &L Licudine Enterprises, First Edition 1952, Second Edition 1960, Third Edition 1986, Atlag, Malolos , Bulacan. Epipermum pinnatum page 142, Philippine Ornamental Plants And Their Care.

Brown, D. (1988). Aroids: Plants of the Arum Family. Portland, OR: Timber Press, 1988

Tales of Caladium in the Philippines

Caladium is a genus of  highly ornamental  plant variety which belongs to Araceae. It is closely related to Alocasia, Colocasia, Xanthosoma which originates from Central and South America.

There were at least 1,000 known cultivar hybrids and every year additional plants are named by different plant breeders from all over the world.

Caladium planted in a terracotta pot- some people believed that it brings good luck 

Caladium or Corazon de Maria growing in a pocket garden in Quezon City

Caladium in the Philippines

Caladiums were locally called under different names Gabi-Gabi, Gabi-Gabihan, Corazon de Maria, Puso ni Maria, Corazon de Amor, Puso-Pusoan, Heart of Jesus, Angel Wings or Elephant Ear.

Caladium or Puso ni Maria grown in a pocket garden

Corazon de Amor / Corazon de Maria/ Gabi-Gabihan/ Puso-Pusoan or Caladiums was introduced from Acapulco, Mexico to Manila during the later part of the galleon trade. Some of the early cultivars escaped cultivation, grew in almost semi-wild state in coconut plantations, humid places, vacant lot, cemeteries, near streams and creeks.

old variety of Corazon de Maria, Puso ni Maria or Caladium “Keladi Red Star” growing in almost unattended state in a vacant lot in Quezon City

Caladiums quickly became popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shaded gardens. Each leaf seems to be painted with striking combinations of green, white, pink, red, orange and its color markings are given much importance by collectors.

Economic Importance

Corazon de Maria/ Corazon de Amor/ Puso ni Maria/ Caladium are widely used for potted plants, landscaping purposes and as indoor plant. In the Bicol region, Caladium rhizomes, leaves and stems are sometimes eaten during times famine and calamities were food is scare. Some Bicolanos tend to boil the rhizomes to remove the itchy calcium oxalate crystals. Slowly cooking the rhizomes, leaves and stems in a combination of coconut milk ( gata), chopped chilies, small shrimp or bagoong alamang, similar to ginataang laing.

Some growers believe that these plants bring good luck and invites good chi among growers. Countless of local growers would swear that it bought them some luck.

“ Magaan ang dating ng pera sa aming negosyo noong nagtanim kami niyan malapit sa aming bahay“.

Smooth transaction and money came fast in our business, when we planted Caladiums near the entrance of our house. This was according to Mrs. Piling Marquez of Caloocan City.

Costa Farm is one of the bigger ornamental plants which grew Caladium in big numbers. In the southern parts of the United States and sub-tropical areas, They are sometimes grown in greenhouses or as an indoor plants. K. van Bourgondien Tropical Plants from Netherlands also specializes in selling different varieties.

Caladium plant craze became trendy in the country in several stages from late 1949 to 1950, early 1960’s, mid-1970’s, circa 1987 to 1988, short run in the mid-1990’s, 2009 to 2010, between 2015 to 2018. With newer varieties and colorful hybrids from other countries. There were some nice caladium plants exhibited at the Hortikultura Extravaganza 2016 which won top prizes.

Some local horticulturists like Mr. Lebon Ong, Sir Boyet Ganigan imported some Caladium varieties from foreign nurseries. Well- known farms and backyard growers  from the towns of Guiguinto, Tabang within Bulacan province. Calamba, Bay, Los Baños, Laguna province. Mr. Mac Pagsolingan of Pangasinan had been growing and selling caladium for more than 10 years, Arids and Aroids and Mr. Carlo Cabunilla of Cebu are just few of the local growers.

Caladium Keladi Red Star- old variety which is common in many areas of the country

angeliicloset from Batangas province is an online seller which sells Caladium cultivar varieties ranges from Php 100 to Php 250 per uprooted plant. She had about a dozen or so varieties.

photo courtesy of pixabay user : sarangib-37542

In a recent FB post from MM, a new site selling old variety of Corazon de Amor for Php 2,500 raised some eyebrows among netizens, backyard gardeners and farm owners! This had brought some attention to the lowly and neglected old cultivar variety of the Corazon de Amor.

Care and Fertilization

The most important factors in caladium care are moisture and fertilization. Try to fertilize them with complete fertilizer will help strengthen the plants in order to produce adequate tubers for the following growing season. Caladiums need to be watered on a regular basis, especially during dry conditions.

photo courtesy of pixabay Gaimard

These plants thrive in moist, well-drained sandy soil, slightly acidic and are generally happier in partial shade. When you plant caladiums, you should plant them about 4 to 6 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart.

Caladiums can be purchased as potted plants or dormant tubers. Their size depends on the variety. They are normally in active growth during the onset of the rainy season in the western part of the country and goes dormant during the dry season.

Caladium plants are not typically troubled by insects, but sometimes caladium plant pests  chew the leaves or cell sap.

Caterpillars and aphids can be problems. Your best defense against caladium plant pests is vigilance and constant monitoring.

photo courtesy of  pixabay -gildda-5239161

Caladium grow from tubers and the diseases of caladium plants are those that attack the tubers. Usually these diseases are caused by fungal pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia and Pythium species. Some caladium would require some shelter from monsoon rains and extra care in handling the tender rhizomes.

Bibliography and References:

Personal communications among backyard growers and farm owners.

Special mention to Mrs. Piling Marquez of Caloocan City, Mr. Mac Pagsolingan of Pagsolingan Garden.

Funk, V. A., P. E. Berry, S. Alexander, T. H. Hollowell & C. L. Kelloff. 2007. Checklist of the Plants of the Guiana Shield (Venezuela: Amazonas, Bolivar, Delta Amacuro; Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana). Contributions from the United States National Herbarium 55: 1–584

Madulid, Domingo; Winner, National Book Award, Science, 1995. Revised Edition, 2000 with 388 pages. Araceae pages 84 to 85, Bookmark, Makati, A Pictorial Cyclopedia of Philippine Ornamental Plants.

Steiner, Mona Lisa, PHD;Care, M &L Licudine Enterprises, First Edition 1952, Second Edition 1960, Third Edition 1986, Atlag, Malolos , Bulacan. Gabi Family page 144, Philippine Ornamental Plants And Their Care.

Outstanding Landscape Winners at Hortikultura Extravaganza 2016

Flower Garden ( Hardin ng mga Bulaklak ) Quezon Memorial Circle , Quezon City -Philippines

There were different landscape exhibitors from different parts of the country . For this year’s edition of Hortikultura Extravaganza 2016 there were three winners and 1 merit awardee.

Del’s Garden- Merit award

This landscape exhibit was executed by a team of landscapers of Ms. Delia Pionela . The landscape team carefully installed stone leaves pathway leading to the main exhibit area.

bromeliads

Different kinds of bromeliads and neoregelias were part of the extensive landscape. The landscape accents includes jars and cement stones and logs.

caladium

This is Caladium or more popularly known as Corazon de Maria . This was exhibited by the Los Baños Horticultural Society at Delia Pionela’s landscape exhibit .

 tour group

We manage to organize a tour within the Hortikultura Extravaganza 2016 show composed of social media writers, photography enthusiasts , students and plant lovers.

Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines

Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines members displayed different variegated plants and rare cacti

Bonsai and Suiseki Alliance of the Philippines- Second Place in Landscape exhibit

The exhibit was executed by Mr. Vic de Rona using different kinds of bonsai and old wood as accents.

Arids and Aroids- First Place in Landscape exhibit

Merry’s Mushroom by Ms. Rolita Spowart

Beautiful pinkish colored neoregelias and bromeliads delighted visitors at the show.

Flora Botanica

Flora Botanica landscape exhibit showcase different kinds of tillandsia and bromeliads from the collection of Mr. Rene and Doreen Dofitas.

Luntiang Sining

Luntiang Sining landscape exhibit showcase different flowering kalanchoe , variegated plants, heart shaped hoya kerrii, ti plant , ferns with plant trellis .

East- West Seed Company

East West Seed Company exhibited different flowering annuals and their booth is a favorite photo site among visitors of the show. Aside from flowering annuals , the company also had vegetables and herbs .

The booth is all dress-up for Valentine’s day complete with flower and table arrangement.