Cyperaceae

   Superficially similar to, but not the same as true grasses. Sedges have triangular, solid stems and small, inconspicuous, green flowers.

   Carex

   DESCRIPTION: C. elegantissima, from Japan, is, as its name indicates, an elegant, water-loving plant which resembles tufts of tall-growing grass, white-striped along the margins. It is of limited use in the indoor garden except in terrariums with other plants which like wet soil and semi-sunny to semi-shady lighting.

   Cyperus

   DESCRIPTION: C. alternifolius, to 4 ft., from Madagascar, is the well-known "umbrella plant." For indoor use, its dwarf form, gracilis, to 2 ft., is generally preferred. C. diffusus, from Mauritius, suckers freely, has fairly broad leaves, is a rapid grower, and will fill a pot nicely within a short time. C. elegans, from tropical Africa, is very similar, but has narrow leaves. C. papyrus, from Egypt, is the Egyptian paper plant. If you find yourself the owner of this cyperus, pot it in a large tub and give it room to grow -the stems often exceed 8 ft. in height!

   CULTURE: Light, semi-sunny to semi-shady. Temperature, on the cool side in winter. Humidity, 30% or more, with enough fresh air to discourage red spider mites. Soil, equal parts loam, sand, and peat moss; keep wet at all times. Propagate by division at any time.

   Elaeagnaceae

   Generally hardy trees and shrubs with smooth-edged leaves, golden or silver underneath, and inconspicuous flowers. Only one genus is of interest to indoor gardeners.

   Elaeagnus

   DESCRIPTION: E. pungens, from China and Japan, is known in its form called aureo-variegata as an evergreen shrub with oval, wavy-edged leaves bordered with yellow, the undersides silvery. The fragrant white flowers flare above a cylindrical tube, and are borne in clusters arising from the leaf axils.

   CULTURE: Light, semi-sunny to semi-shady. Temperature, cool to average house. Humidity, 30% or more. Soil, equal parts loam, sand, and peat moss; keep evenly moist. Propagate by cuttings taken in the spring and kept warm, moist, and in high humidity.

   Ericaceae

   Mostly evergreen shrubs from the north temperate zone, widely cultivated outdoors in American gardens. Only the rhododendrons known in commerce as azaleas are of interest to the indoor gardener.

   Azalea

   DESCRIPTION: Growers force these cool-growing perennials for bloom at Christmas, on through the winter to spring and Easter. Coolness (50-60 °F.) will help the flowers stay on longer, and the foliage to stay greener. Syringe the plants daily with room-temperature water. In mild climates, greenhouse-forced plants may be planted outdoors in spring in a semi-shaded place where there is humusy soil enriched by quantities of sand and peat moss. There they will resume their natural perennial habit.