Nothing inspires more jealousy in me than a content, sedate, oxygen-gushing houseplant. I have had very few in my life. Mostly, I think, this is because I'm not very good about caring for them; I don't water regularly and there aren't a lot of sunny windows for them to bask in. But as the air grows cooler, I find myself becoming more of a kind and attentive mother. Our current roster is below, listed from most to least hardy:

Coleus (no scientific name; cutting was a gift from a friend) This thing WILL. NOT. DIE. - a great thing for an absentee owner like me! We've had it for about five years. The leaves are deep purple and fuschia in the summer, when it lives on the front porch; they fade to mostly-green in the winter, when we move it indoors. I've successfully started plants for friends by breaking off a stem and sticking it in some soil -- it's very reproduction-friendly. Sorry that I can't tell you the exact type, but I'd be glad to send you a cutting!

Purple Oxalis (Oxalis regnelli) Don't let the photo deceive you; I really tried hard to kill this one. I completely forgot about it for the first couple of months of the semester, and when I finally went to water it, there were only two sad spindly stems remaining. However, it has rebounded quickly in the Plant Hospital (the sunny basement window that seems to help just about any plant recover from neglect). The deep purple leaves are lovely, and you can see one lone flower starting to emerge from the center; they're light purple with long, sloping stems and delicate petals.

The cool thing about Oxalis is that they close up at night, folding neatly into what look like restful butterflies. In the morning, their leaves are spread out again, ready for more photosynthesis. They'd be a good plant for children to enjoy, as long as they're old enough not to put it in their mouths (oxalates are a mild toxin).

Primrose (I think? Maybe? Lost the tag) This was a hostess gift, and it's still here eighteen months after the guest departed! I'm vexed with myself for losing the tag, as it's a really lovely plant that blooms every few months or so (and more if I remember to deadhead). The flowers are a pretty bright pink, a sight for sore eyes in the drab brown days of winter.

Burgundy Ficus (Ficus Elastical Decora "Burgundy") I keep thinking this ficus is about to kick it, and then I see the magical burgundy spikes that signal the forming of a new leaf. There have never been more than 8 or 10 on the plant, but it stays healthy-looking all year (except when the temperature is too cool, as on the shady side of the house.)

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) I was so excited to finally get my own jade plant, the one I had heard would survive a nuclear holocaust. However, as evidenced by this photo, I have done something terribly wrong. I know overwatering is a danger, so I've resisted until the soil is bone dry several inches down, then given it a thorough soaking until the next time; but somehow the leaves always seem to be dropping off, and the stems slump in defeat. A real blow to my gardener's pride!

So, there's the motley crew we're hosting here. What are your favorite houseplants? And do you have any tips for, um, making sure they don't die?

In Alaska's darkest season, it's helpful to look forward to longer days of light, and of colorful winter blooms. Growing indoor flowers from winter bulbs is one common way to do just that. It seems fitting, too, as many bulbs need periods of dark, light - and cold - in order to bloom.

The manager of a local garden supply store shared her strategy for starting one or two bulbs each week for blooms that last throughout the winter. That seemed like a great idea at the time, until I saw the price of the bulbs - around $10 each. For that price, I could buy a small bouquet each week, but of course I wouldn't get the pleasure of planting and nurturing my bulb.



So I started with just one Amaryllis kit that came with:

• the bulb (larger than expected)


• one brick of growing "medium" (or "mystery dirt")


• green pot (ugly enough to justify buying a different one)


• instructions (easy, and in English!)

The planting process was very straightforward and easy to do with the kids. Unwrap the brick, add 4 cups of water, wait for it to soak in, and plant the bulb. In 6 to 8 weeks we should be seeing some color. The instructions also indicate that "this plant will bloom for many years." I just need to allow it to go dormant in summer, either inside or outside the house. If this actually works, I can see how a person could build a nice little collection over the years in order to perpetuate that constant-blooming cycle through winter.


The floating "growing medium," which looks kind of like a hamburger at this stage.


The planted bulb. Now, to keep it warm, moist, and out of direct sunlight.

Of course, this is bulb-basics 101. I understand that there are wonderful things that can be done with freezing and forcing bulbs to grow. Do you have any suggestions or comments on bulb growing as a winter gardening activity? What's your favorite or most consistently successful bulb?