75 Trendy Plants for 2021 in the Philippines (Part 1)

Plantitos, plantitas, plantiquarians,halamoms,plant enthusiasts from many parts of the country are waiting for the next plants to watch out for 2021 to early 2022.

Unlike the last quarter of 2019 and towards the end of 2020, There are a lot of ordinary plants which became craze and fancy among many plant collectors. 2021 and 2022 year will be a different ball game and a more educated gardening public will be always on a look-out for plants to propagate and grow.

75 Trendy Plants for 2021

75.) Christmas Aglaonema hybrids– pink, reddish colored aglaonema and anything with spots. Some of the cultivars are old time hybrids grown in the country. While there are exciting new aglaonema hybrids developed in Thailand, Taiwan (ROC), Malaysia,Cambodia, Vietnam, Costa Farm and elsewhere. Lunar Chinese New Year 2021 will be celebrated on February 12, 2021 and this will drive -up the demand for more of these “La Swerte” or Chinese Evergreen in the market.

Photo courtesy of : Suan Unyamanee

Plant collectors and those who believe in feng shui will surely drive the prices of the reddish, pinkish,those with spots and new hybrids. Practitioners believes that having several plants inside one’s home will surely drive negative chi away.

Coleus blumei hybrid

pixabay user: jamesdemers-3416

74.) Coleus blumei hybrids ( aka Mayana) Plectranthus scutellarioides – This had different colors and is considered as a medicinal plant ages ago. This can be grown in partial shade, semi-indoor locations or sometimes grown as hedge plant all over the country. A proprietor in small garden stall within Quezon City had to keep on propagating mayana plant in order to supply their growing clientele. Their supplier from Tabang- Guiguinto, Bulacan always ran out of stock.

A recent big discount sale at Philvirra Homes near Project 8 in Quezon City also drew record buyers for their Coleus blumei hybrids.

Euphorbia milii hybrid

73.) Euphorbia milii hybrids- which are different color types of Euphorbia milii and Euphorbia lophogona hybrids which are more popularly called ( Corona de Cristo, Crown of thorns, Christ’s thorn) have flowers that grow in clusters of brilliant blooms. They are considered indestructible because they can grow year-round on a sunny windowsill in a warm, bright location, tolerating long periods of dryness.

They are in demand as flowering and curiosity plant in the country way back from 2005 to mid-2007, When local farm propagators imported a lot of varieties from neighboring Thailand, Vietnam and Taiwan. The hybrid had a short come back around 2016 to 2018 when more hardy types or those which did not rot in the care of the propagators for the past several years.

72.) Dracena marginata – Locally called as Dragon’s tree, Lucky Dragon, Madagascar’s dragon tree among local growers, This is a relative of the more popular snake plant/mother’s in law tongue or formerly called Sanseviera. The ordinary ones are quite affordable in the local market and are used in dish garden, terrarium and stems are grown in water culture.

People are always in a look-out for the variegated types and those with compact leaves. Chinese, Thai, Indonesians, Singaporeans, Indians, Europeans and other Southeast Asian countries have a fancy for these types of plants. They are quite hardy and can be propagated via cuttings or rooted on water.

The popularity of these plants will surely be trendy and people will still propagate these plants.

71.) Tillandsia species and hybrids- Tillandsia are known as air plants and close relative of Bromeliads. For the past few years, small tillandsia species, hybrids and cultivar varieties have cause sensation among plant lovers. These plants do not require big space and can be grow within minimal care. Tillandsia fasiculata, Tillandsia capitata, Tillandsia ionantha are some of the popular ones grown by beginners and even seasoned collectors. They will still be popular in the market as almost all plant center stalls would carry at least few species or hybrids.

Epiphyllum oxypetalum or Queen of the night

70.) Epiphyllum oxypetalum ( Dutchman’s pipe cactus, princess of the night, queen of the night ) – This is a semi-epipiphyte cactus which is grown in the country for centuries. This was introduced via Acapulco, Mexico to Manila, Philippines during the later part of the galleon trade and one of the old time favorite among plant growers in the country. It’s blooming season normally coincide with the rainy season around late June to late October.

It is quite popular in many Asian countries Taiwan,Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, naturalized in China and many parts of the world.

A recent episode of Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho aired on GMA channel 7 last November 28, 2020 featured this cacti plant which is said to worth at least a million pesos if properly grown with blooming flowers. Some old time growers would give a blink of an eye and give their expert opinion that there are many growers of this particular species of cacti.

Plant stalls would sell their newly propagated stems between Php 100 to Php 450 depending on the lushness of growth. A popular online selling site sells a foot of this cacti for about Php 888 obviously targeting numerology or Filipino-Chinese buyers. Bigger specimen queen of the night would command a few hundreds of pesos or at least a few thousand of pesos. But not hundreds of thousands of pesos or millions of pesos as claimed by some FB or online sellers.

Almost every house within our area grew this kind of cacti from the mid-1970’s to early 1990’s. Whenever this cacti is in bloom. This had become some sort of viewing celebration and photo taking opportunities by people who grew this cacti. There are also some myths behind the blooming of this cacti as one wish can be granted thereby propagating the plant will help the owner brings luck.

Some believe that it can repel the negative vibes and even ailments.

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

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.

Advertisement

Christmas Salu-salo at Arid and Aroids Farm in Silang, Cavite

It is the season for fun, shopping, outing, What a great way to explore a beautiful farm located within Silang, Cavite province.

collection of several cycad from all all over the world

This is not my first time to visit this farm, It was part of the several horticultural tours and farm tour organized by different plant societies and organization. The last tour that we have participated was organized in 2015 by Hortikultura Extravaganza by the Philippine Horticulture Society Incorporated.

Arid and Aroids also have farm located in San Rafael, Bulacan and in Quezon provinces.

Christmas Salu-Salo at Arid and Aroids Farm 2019

The Christmas salu-salo was a simple get together with friends and buyers of the farm. The meals, desserts, fruits, drinks are brought in by those people who are invited.

visitors are delighted with buffet meal

Mr.Njah Alvarez brought some banana cakes for sharing, while some brought buko pie ( coconut pie), lechon manok, pancit , sushi, espasol, chicken binakol and Chef Marlon and wife gave us some of their home made ham. They also find time to cook their own version of shawarma.

Tillandsia capitata and other varieties are also grown

The 1 hectare farm is a treasure trove of variegated plants, cacti, succulents, philodendron, ferns and mutant plants not just in the Philippines but the rest of the world.

It was a Christmas get together by friends, relatives and buyers of the farm. The food was delicious and the roasted pig (lechon) was a delight to behold.

The owners are planning big for the 3 known farms of Arid and Aroids. For more update, they have several known social media accounts.

Those who wanted to visit the farm, is by special appointment.

Arid and Aroid Farm

Location: Barangay Tartaria, Silang, Cavite

Blooming Cardinal Plant in Our Backyard

Cardinal plant, Giant Air plant or scientifically called Tillandsia fasiculata is in bloom in our backyard.

This is one of the few air plants which was spared by the squirrels which wretch havoc in our garden about a year or so.  It was mounted less than a meter above ground. Which is one of the reasons “why” it was spared. The squirrels were not able to reach the lower fork of the tree. Our cats and dogs can reach the lower fork and thus the variable squirrels were not able to make their nest “pugad”.

Tillandsia fasciculata variety densispica

I bought about a dozen pups during the Flora Filipina 2015 Expo in one of the stall selling some Tillandsia. The seller gave me a small discount since i also bought some Tillandsia species.

Cardinal Plant Cultivation

Mounting: We used cloth or pantyhose in mounting our Tillandsia fasiculata. Simply securing the plant unto the tree.

Water and Fertilization : During rainy season , we seldom water the Tillandsia fasiculata. We would normally fertilize them with 1/4 strength complete water soluble fertilizer after flushing the plant. We would also apply trace elements and micro nutrients such as epsom salt and calcium in small quantity. After every other week.

Air Circulation: Tillandsias should be given enough light and air circulation to dry in 4 hours or less. Do not keep plants constantly wet or moist. Tillandsia are susceptible to rot when over-watered during monsoon season. When rains would continuously drench the air plants.

I would prefer the thick leaves types like Tillandsia capitata, Tillandsia fasiculata, Tillandsia stricta, Tillandsia juncea, Tillandsia bergeri and Tillandsia ionantha varieties since they can be grown under trees, palms, some in kalachuchi ( frangipani/ plumeria) with minor problems of over watering.

We tend to secure them slightly tilted to avoid water setting in the center of the tillandsia which can cause rotting from excess water from rains or water collected.

Tillandsia fasciculata is a big plant, as large or even larger than Tillandsia capitata. We have tried a different fertilization method this year. Used 20-N, 30-P, 30K during the early months of 2019 and kept our watering to just a minimum during the dry summer months from late January to mid- April, then we noticed that small pups sprouting at the main plant. Much to our delight.

inflorescence

It was late May when the bracts of the cardinal plant began forming. It was a welcome sight for a plant collector which which waited for almost 4 years. The mortality in this batch is quite high since we only got 2 plants out of the dozen that was bought during the last expo.

Most of the air plants were destroyed by those pesky invasive squirrels.  But having 2 plant survive the crazy onslaught is a big respite.

The one in bloom is quite small compared to Tillandsia capitata and probably bloomed due to heat and water stress during the dry season.

According to Mr. Marco Llagas as tillandsia, plant collector and friend – This is the smaller variety of the Tillandsia species.

References:

Personal interview with local tillandsia growers

Benzing, D. 2012. Air Plants: Epiphytes and Aerial Gardens. Ithaca: Comstock Publishing Associates.

Isley, Paul T. Tillandsia: the World’s Most Unusual Air Plants. Volume 1. Botanical Press. p. 54.

Sim Eng Hiang, Exotic Tillandsia , Partridge Singapore, ISBN 13: 978-1482829495

Flora Filipina 2012 Ornamental Exhibits

Hardin ng mga Bulaklak, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City- Philippines

The Flora Filipina ornamental exhibits are  superbly landscaped by some of the top  industry  practitioners using their own plant collections.  Some of them had accumulated  their plant collection over several years, while some collectors are into plant collecting for several decades.

                   Tillandsia capitata variety ” Peach “

An array of Tillandsia capitata variety  ” Peach ” on display . Originally found in the jungles of Mexico, Cuba , Guatemala , parts of Florida and Latin America. Now , plant aficionados of this rare peach / pink form  from all over the world  collects and propagate this variety.  There are some serious collectors of this variety  from the Philippines ! This is one of the “must have” if you are into Tillandsia plant  collecting.

“Gardening in the City “exhibit won Third Place  ” Best in Ornamental Plant  Landscape “

This exhibit above  showcase rare ornamental ferns like Platycerium species imported from Africa and Asia.  Rare Tillandsia species and its hybrids, variegated  Zamioculcas zamiifolia , Aglaonema hybrids .

Zamioculcas zamiifolia has become a popular plant in recent years though the species has been known to science for over a century,  ( However it didn’t really enter the horticultural industry until around ten to fifteen years ago, While it became popular in the Philippines only about 7 or 8 years ago introduced  by plant traders coming from Bangkok and Taiwan ) The plant can  unbelievably tolerant of a wide range of conditions. It is now extensively grown in the country  since the plant can withstand indoor growing conditions and can be readily propagated with the use of of old leaves.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia grown as an indoor house plant

The plant is called under different names,  The most popular were “good luck plant” , zz plant – taken from the initials of the genus name and binomial name, fat boy, money plant, zu -zu plant , zamzibar gem, ever green plant, timbuktu gem,  card board gem , feng shui green, Taiwan green zem  among others !!!

Some of the enterprising people would also put red and yellow ribbons ties on its leaves to make the plant more attractive. During last month Chinese New Year celebration in Binondo . Filipino- Chinese bought a lot of these potted plant for obvious reason.

Aglaonema ” Red Majestic ”  won  ” Best in Aroid- A ” category

 Aglaonema is locally called ” La Suerte ” or ” Buenas Suerte ” plants . The name was derived from the Spanish word  lucky , auspicious  or good . There are some 40 species of Aglaonema of foliage plant in the  family of Araceae.

  old variety of Aglaonema

Some people also called this plant variety as ” Chinese Evergreens” since the original species are evergreen. In the 1970’s to late 1980’s  Asian plant collectors went crazy over this plant . Some of them tried exploring the forest of Malaysia, Thailand , Indonesia  while there are some species that was discovered in Tanay, Rizal in the Philippines.

When the craze was over, plant breeder in Thailand , Indonesia , Taiwan and other parts of the world begun experimenting on several species and its hybrids which resulted in the current red, pink , yellowish and other colors.

More Fun on Fern exhibit

This exhibit was done by a team of workers of Mr. Modesto Manglicmot – a well known Pteridophyte ( fern) collector , bonsai, ornamental plant , furniture and vintage car collector.

” Tropical Plants from Bacolod ” by Mrs. Celia Pandong won the Second Prize for ” Best in Ornamental Plant Landscape “

MassKara is coined from two words: Mass, which means “many, or multitude,” and Kara, a Spanish word for “face,” thus MassKara is “a mass or multitude of smiling faces.” One of the most famous festivals in the Philippines today.

different face masks complete with native baskets and throw pillows accentuate the tropical garden landscape of Bacolod city  .

Perhaps the happiest festival in the country, it rose from the gloom that enveloped the city in 1980s, a period of tragedy and economic dislocation.

Ms. Vangie Go  landscape exhibit ” Arya Abra ” won the First Place in the ” Best in Ornamental Plant Landscape “

Ms. Evangeline ” Vangie ” B.  Go landscape exhibit entitled ” Arya Abra ” which reminds  her of  Abra, Her home province .

old jars serve as additional garden accents along with rare ferns and ground orchids

The exhibit had old wooden poles,  capiz window panels  , furniture ,  old-jars , old bottles , native baskets and adobe stones to complete the garden set- up.

Ms.  Vangie is one of the few Filipino individuals in the horticultural community that is respected  internationally. Her worldwide fame had led  international breeders to name plant hybrids in her honor. She is also known to bid for rare plants in the international plant auctions  whenever she goes abroad .

This plant won three major prizes during the Flora Filipina 2012 expo, exhibited by Ms. Vangie B. Go

BEST IN SHOW – ORNAMENTAL PLANT

BEST MUTANT

BEST CULTURED ORNAMENTAL PLANT

Name of plant: Anthurium hookerii x marie

WOW Bountiful Bohol exhibit won First Place ” Best in Bonsai Exhibit”

The award winning bonsai exhibit was landscaped by Mr. Romy Dino . Majority of the award winning bonsai trees were from the personal collection of Mr. Manuel and Ms. Susan Lee of Makati City who were bonsai aficionados before they joined the Philippine Orchid Society in 2007 .

“A Garden of One’s Own “exhibit showed several bromeliads , ferns, tillandsia  species and hybrids.

Another eye catching exhibit was done by Ms. Doreen and Mr. Rene Dofitas of Bacolod City .  They are internationally known for their bromeliad hybridization and are considered Tillandsia experts . The husband and wife tandem are frequent speakers in horticulture shows .

a lady in Philippine terno  bedeck with an array of  Tillandsia ionantha , Tillandsia schiedeana, Tillandsia usneoides

Tillandsia usneoides was used as a wig in the lady mannequin . Locally called buhok ni ester ( hair of ester ) or buhok ni sabel ( hair of sabel) The plant looked -like an entangled mass of grey hairs  .  This tillandsia species was said to have been introduced to the country during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade in the late 16th century. Most of the plants were used as stuffing in cargoes arriving  from Acapulo, Mexico.

The husband and wife are also well- known collector of rare Tillandsia species . I have bought several varieties of Tillandsia ionantha from the couple during the last Flora 2009 exposition. Their exhibit is one of the most photographed booth in the exposition.  A foreign visitor said ” It was on of the most bizarrely beautiful exhibit that i have seen ”  .

Note: All photos are taken by the author, any person who wish to use them for any reason can take them , but please cite this blog or link as a source.

For those who wanted to be update with Flora Filipina 2012 expo, Here are the links to other articles :

https://renz15.wordpress.com/2012/02/24/flora-filipina-2012-exhibits/

https://renz15.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/flora-filipina-2012-opening-highlights/

https://renz15.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/flora-filipina-2012-pre-opening/