By Justin Hancock, Costa Farms Horticulturist
Photographs courtesy of Costa Farms
I love looking at the seed catalogs as they arrive in January, pouring over new varieties and dreaming about what I’m going to add to my garden. While there are always lots of new annuals and perennials (and trees and shrubs and roses) introduced every year, you don’t tend to hear a lot about houseplants. So check out these new-for-2022 varieties!
Baltic Blue Pothos
Pothos is a tried-and-true houseplant loved by generations of plant parents. There have been a few new varieties that have come out over the years, and 2022 brings in a special one – Baltic Blue (Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Baltic Blue’). What makes this plant special is that it features dark green leaves with a blue tint. The foliage fenestrates (develops monstera-like cuts) at an early age, giving you a dramatic look on an exceptionally easy-care plant.
Geo
It’s been decades since a brand-new genus has been introduced into the mainstream houseplant world. Geo (Geogenanthus ciliatus) may not be familiar to most, but it should be! This stunner sports dark, purple-black leaves with a rich shine, so it stands out from every other plant in your collection. It’s fairly easy to grow, too, loving medium to bright indirect light and moist potting mix. Like a peace lily (Spathiphyllum), it wilts dramatically when dry, but recovers quickly when its thirst is quenched.
Global Green Pothos
While Baltic Blue is a different species than good-old golden pothos, Global Green (Epipremnum aureum ‘Global Green’) is a variation of it. This new selection, which originated in Japan and was patented by its breeder, shows off green-on-green variegation, rather than the gold, cream, or white found on other varieties. It’s just as easy to grow as golden pothos, but looks more upscale.
Hurricane Fern
Bird’s Nest Fern is a classic houseplant for its lush, Victorian look. 2022 brings a new look with the cultivar Asplenium ‘Hurricane’, which features fronds that curl as they grow, giving the plant a spiral pattern (much like a hurricane illustration on a weather map). It’s an elegant tabletop plant you can also enjoy mounted on a slab of wood or in a terrarium.
Pink Star Calathea
Pink-variegated plants continue to be trendy going into 2022, as do Calathea varieties. Pink Star, a brand-new variety out of Europe, brings the best of both! This selection shows off bright pinkish-red foliage edged in dark purple-green. There are older varieties with a similar look, but this selection holds onto its bright color longer without fading, even in low light conditions.
Few bulbs are easier to grow than amaryllis-and few bloom with greater exuberance and beauty. But many just toss them at the end of their initial show.
Importantly there are tricks to get them to bloom again. Click here for an informative article about extending the life of amaryllis.
Click here to sign up for our monthly NEWSLETTER packed with great articles and helpful tips for your home, garden and pets!
