by Connie Oswald Stofko
Get bargains on houseplants and succulents during Foliage Friday and Succulent Saturday, March 19 and 20 at Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Sale prices will be in effect both days for both houseplants and succulents. Shop early for the best selection.
The entire collection of more than 100 varieties of succulents will be on sale. Succulents in a three-inch pot will be $2.99 each; regularly $3.99. The pots are grouped according to light requirements and are clearly labeled so you can explore new specimens.
For houseplants, there will be three specials:
Tradescantia or wandering dude
The multi-colored leaves are the attraction of Tradescantia or wandering dude.
(Another common name is wandering Jew, but that name has an offensive history. The gardeners I know are nice people who don’t like to hurt anybody’s feelings. Let’s use wandering dude instead.)
This plant has vining tendrils that cascade over the edge of the pot, making it an excellent choice for a hanging basket. The tendrils can be managed by cutting them back, if you desire, and planting them back into the soil where they will take root and help create a fuller-bodied plant.
Wandering dude likes bright light. Water when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch.
Mischler’s carries three varieties of Trandescantia:
- Zebrina ‘Silver Plus’ (purple and silver)
- Zebrina ‘Burgundy’ (purple and green)
- Fluminensis ‘Variegata’ (green and white)
Tradescantia will be available in three-inch pots for $2.49; regularly $2.79.
Spider plant
One of the easiest houseplants to care for is the spider plant. This plant looks great even when it’s small, but it’s outstanding as it matures and “baby” spiders hang down over the pot. Place the spider plant on its own stand or in a hanging basket to get the full effect.
Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light. They do best in well drained soil; let the soil dry between waterings.
Spider plants will be available in three-inch pots for $2.49; regularly $2.79.
Philodendron ‘Birkin’
The pinstripes on green leaves is what people like about philodendron ‘Birkin’. The leaves start out green, but as they get bigger, the leaves get narrow stripes of white or creamy yellow.
‘Birkin’ likes bright light and well drained soil; allow the soil to get slightly dry between waterings.
During the sale, the philodendron ‘Birkin’ in a six-inch pot will be $29.99; regularly $39.99.