Exotic flowers heliconias stand out for their impressive colorful flowers that resemble fire, dragons, birds or a bird's beak. In short, everyone will find their own likeness in them. In addition to the original appearance, these tropical plants from Central and South America play important role in the ecosystem. They provide shelter for insects and small birds and are also a source of food for birds, bats and hummingbirds.
Since these are tropical plants, growing them at home is more difficult than for other flowers. But if you give them plenty of indirect light, humidity and temperature around 25 °C, you will grow unconventional exotic plants that will decorate your home.
If you want to put a crown on your home flora, plant Royal Protea (Protea cynaroides). Proteas are shrubs and trees that have inhabited the planet since the times of dinosaurs, and today you only encounter them in the wild in Australia and South Africa. For their beautiful inimitable flowers, they are grown all over the world and people love to plant them in gardens. For their prosperity, you need acidic and dry soil, plenty of sun and air. You will also come across atypical proteas in flower bindings — in the world of floristry they fall into luxury goods, not only due to its uniqueness, but also durability.
Protea also boasts other specifications. It is pollinated not only by birds and insects, but also by small mammals, the so-called African spiny mouse.
Another genus on which nature has taken great care of is Oxalis. They are herbs that are used for medicinal purposes, they can be eaten and still look like a work of art. The most famous variety in our region is the Triangular Sorrel — a sour natural snack that we used to chew on as children between playing the game of tag and hide and seek. These tiny plants also deserve admiration for their appearance. At first glance, they can seem unobtrusive, often they even hide in nature so as not to attract attention. Their leaves look like gorgeous butterfly wings preparing to take off.
These tiny plants are popular for planting in gardens. Their cultivation is simple, tiny colorful flowers will decorate the rock garden and stand out even in a window box.
You will hardly find more impressive plants for your terrace or balcony. Weeping begonias (Begonia pendula) are overhanging houseplants with teardrop-like flowers, for when water runs down them, they look like tears are shed. On the contrary, it conjures a smile on the face of its owners. In addition to its beauty they have a number of health benefits.: they purify the air of harmful substances such as formaldehyde and benzene and release moisture into the air, which can be beneficial for people suffering from respiratory problems.
Attention! Although begonias are beneficial to health, both their leaves and flowers are poisonous to humans and pets. So plant them for admiration on the balcony or terrace, but be careful that their brightly colored leaves do not attract the silent tongues of children or animals.
