Recently Mr.McGregor's Daughter invited us to participate in the 2010 Houseplant Census. Now that was all done and dusted in the squeeze of a lemon for me. I have never had much joy with houseplants so I quickly tallied my count as five i.e. two orchids, one African violet and two amaryllises. I am getting quite excited about the latter as they are cybister hybrid. I have never grown these before so I can't wait for the for flowers to show but that is another story. What I forgot to do was to include 'The Thing' in my count. Shame on me for this is the most obliging houseplant that I have ever grown. In a nutshell it spends the summer months outside and comes indoors for the winter. A bit like me. During the summer it seems to be quite happy doing its own thing although it does need some shade. In the winter it survives on the south facing kitchen windowsill. Occasionally it is treated to a short spray of tepid water. It is a bit of a thrill seeker at times, getting caught up in the blinds when I open them and taking a fairground ride to the very top. It has survived these journeys unmangled so far I am pleased to report.
'The Thing' came to me via my Mum - she got her piece from a friend in Italy who holidays in Argentina and who bought a plant home with her. If anybody can put a name to it I would be delighted to be able to refer to this perfect houseplant with due respect. On the subject of naming plants if you have not had a peek at Teza's and Friends Garden Forum do pop in. February's debate is all about what lingo to use when describing plants. I don't think that 'The Thing' would object whether I addressed it either in botanical Latin or by it's common name. Anything has to be preferable to the 'The Thing'!
The thing is so cute! And you say it's easy, too. We must find its name... so that I can get one, too. (Houseplants are not my forte.)
ReplyDeleteThe Thing? T is right. It looks like Tillandsia. Common name - air plant, for obvious reasons. Does yours flower?
ReplyDeleteHow funny, the ride up the blinds! Diana got it, it is a Bromeliad, tillandsia. I don't know the rest of the name, but have a collection of them too. I tie them to a trellis in the summer with fishing line and they winter in the greenhouse in a tub, just piled on top of each other. What easy plants, and sometimes they will bloom, very exotic looking too.
ReplyDeleteFrances
I think part of 'The Thing's appeal for me is the mystery of not knowing! It looks so cute! :D
ReplyDeleteAnna, I rather like the name 'Thing' ! It seems to fit too. What a funny ride you give it on your blinds! But I suppose with its coming to you as it has ... so worldly ... Thing might be a bit downgrading... why not ask Mum? Yes indeed your forum @ Teza's is well worth the read! Most entertaining and convincing. Carol
ReplyDeleteHi Anna~~ "The Thing," how funny! I love how you're housing it in such a pretty teacup. It seems to be very happy.
ReplyDeleteMethinks it is Thingius adorabilis! Truly, it reminds me of something that Addam's Family might have growing on a window ledge!
ReplyDeleteAs much as my garden is a paradise, I don't much fancy houseplants. Never have done. I do love your Thing, though, and especially the cup! :)
ReplyDeleteI like 'The Thing' it's cute :)
ReplyDeleteThe Thing is very cute! I just google it by its name, and I see that it grows very pretty flowers.
ReplyDeleteDoes yours have flowers?
Dear Anna, I really believe you to be a professional where houseplants are concerned, and certainly in comparison with me. I have none. I am therefore completely incapable of giving you any help with the identification of this plant.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of The Forum to debate gardening related topics is excellent. The current one is the first I have seen and I much enjoyed all the contributions.
I would stick with the Thing, because I don't know anything about plants! I also like giving things names, just as a point of reference.
ReplyDeleteI also find it very fitting that the Thing resides in a tea cup.
I love the name "Thing" for such an adorable little character in a cup. If you wanted to be kindly, you could call him "Cousin Thing", in honour of the hairy Cousin Itt from the Addams family. :-)
ReplyDeleteVery cute!
Thanks for the link love! I don't know what The Thing is, but it looks lovely in the teacup planter. It's a neat little plant.
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful in that teacup!!! I've got one and it's so easy I almost forget it's here in my kitchen. Funny yours takes a ride in the blinds : )
ReplyDeleteThingy is a Bromeliad. That or a Puya laxa, all the same, I like it.
ReplyDelete