Jianjun Chen

0000-0002-0293-4574

Tropical Foliage Plant Development: Origin of New Cultivars

Richard J. Henny, Richard J. Henny, andJianjun Chen

There are three main avenues for new tropical foliage plants to enter the commercial trade: (1) plant acquisition and collection from the wild, (2) selection of natural or induced mutations from established commercial populations, and (3) hybridization.

Tropical Foliage Plant Development: Breeding Techniques for Anthurium and Spathiphyllum

Richard J. Henny, Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, andTerri A. Mellich

Anthurium and Spathiphyllum are popular tropical ornamental plants. They have lush leaves and exotic flowers and are prized for interior decoration in both residential and public settings.

Chilling Injury in Tropical Foliage Plants: I. Spathiphyllum

Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, andRichard J. Henny

The genus Spathiphyllum, commonly known as Peace Lily, has about 36 species. Most species originate in Central and South America, but two have their native habitat in the Malay Archipelago. Because of their elegant white spathes, deep green foliage, and ability to tolerate low light, Peace Lily has become one of the most popular ornamental foliage plants (Chen et al. 2005).

New Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: Pothos 'Pearls and Jade'®

Richard J. Henny, Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, andTerri A. Mellich

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is enjoyed as an indoor houseplant for many purposes, including hanging baskets, small desk plants, totems, and dish gardens. In frost-free zones, it may also be used outdoors as a groundcover.

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Hedera

Dennis McConnell, Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, andKelly C. Everitt

The genus Hedera belongs to the family Araliaceae and comprises about 11 species. Among them, H. helix, commonly known as English ivy, is native to temperate regions of Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia and is probably the most significant species used worldwide as a foliage plant. It is commonly grown as a potted (Figure 1) or hanging basket plant and can be used effectively in dish gardens and other combination planters. In large interior plantscapes, English ivy makes a good ground cover or it can be trained into formal shapes on trellises or made into topiary figures.

New Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: 'Emerald Bay' Aglaonema

R.J. Henny, J. Chen, and T.A. Mellich

Cold Protection of Foliage Plants in Shadehouses and Greenhouses

Robert H. Stamps, Robert H. Stamps, Jianjun Chen, Seenivasan Natarajan, Andhra Pradesh, andLawrence R. Parsons

New Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: Aglaonema 'Stripes'

Richard J. Henny, Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, andTerri A. Mellich

Aglaonema are members of the plant family Araceae, and are commonly called Chinese evergreens. They are indigenous to Southeast Asia and include 21 species. Aglaonema species and cultivars are valuable ornamental foliage plants because of their tolerance of environmental conditions in commercial and residential interiorscapes.

Tropical Foliage Plant Development: Breeding Techniques for Aglaonema and Dieffenbachia

R.J. Henny, J. Chen and T.A. Mellich

New Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: 'Orange Hot' Anthurium

Richard J. Henny, Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, andTerri A. Mellich

Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden ex Andre (Family:Araceae) has historically been bred, developed and grown for cut flower production. The showy red, orange, pink or white spathes are prized as exotic, high-value cut flowers (Kamemoto and Kuehnle 1996). The large overall plant size, long petioles and tall peduncles of the cut flower varieties generally preclude their use as containerized potted plants. Since the beginning of the millennium, however, new Anthurium varieties have been developed to emphasize a smaller overall plant size combined with a highly prolific flowering habit. This new direction is intended for flowering potted plant production. Anthurium X 'Red Hot' was one of the first such hybrids that produced numerous, attractive, bright red spathes and a compact, well-branched growth habit (Henny 1999). Anthurium X 'Orange Hot' is a mutation found in a large population of tissue cultured, propagated A. 'Red Hot'.

Florida Foliage House Plant Care: ZZ Plant

Richard J. Henny, Richard J. Henny, andJianjun Chen

Florida Foliage House Plant Care: Adenium swazicum

Richard J. Henny, Richard J. Henny, andJianjun Chen

Adenium swazicum is a species of desert rose whose gray-green leaves appear folded and are velvety to touch (Figure 1). It is sought after by collectors for its graceful, weeping branches and delicate flowers that occur in various shades of pink (Figure 1 and 2). Adenium swazicum is a smaller plant with weaker branches and stems compared to other Adenium species such as Adenium obesum or Adenium arabicum.

Spathiphyllum Flowering—Keys to the Future

Richard J. Henny and Jianjun Chen

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)

Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, andRichard J. Henny

Provides guidelines for commercial production of this colorful, velvety foliage plant: propagation, cultural requirements, common problems, and recommendations for interior use.

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Aglaonema

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Anthurium

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Multi-Cavity Collection: A Method for Sampling Bulk Solutions from Plug Media

Jianjun Chen

Plugs have become an important method for the production of floriculture crops (Styer and Koranski 1997). Seeds are sown, tissue cultured plantlets are transplanted or cuttings are rooted in medium-filled, multi-cavity cells of plastic trays (Chen and Stamps 2006). After a few weeks, roots become adhered with medium. Seedlings, liners or rooted cuttings pulled from cells are called plugs. In other words, plugs are containerized transplants with self-enclosed root systems (Figure 1).

Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: 'Diamond Bay' Aglaonema

Richard J. Henny, Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, Terri A. Mellich, andM. S. Brennan

Potential of Collected Stormwater and Irrigation Runoff for Foliage and Bedding Plant Production

Jianjun Chen, Richard C. Beeson, Jr., Robert H. Stamps, Thomas H.Yeager, and Liz A. Felter

Key Plant, Key Pests: Chinese Fringe (Loropetalum chinense)

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, Caroline R. Warwick, andJianjun Chen
other_contacts: Brooke L. Moffis

This document is one in the Key Plant, Key Pests series. It helps identify common pests found on the Chinese fringe. 

Compost-formulated Media for Foliage Plant Production

Jianjun Chen, Dennis McConnell, andDennis B. McConnell

Composts have been widely used for vegetable, fruit, and field crop production because compost amendments improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil and suppress diseases. Another potential market for compost application is the formulation of container media for ornamental plant production. Once the plants attain marketable sizes, they and their container substrates are sold to consumers. Growers then must use new substrate materials for the next crop.

New Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: 'Red Hot' Anthurium

Richard J. Henny, Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, andTerri A. Mellich

Anthurium X 'Red Hot' (Figure 1) is an interspecific hybrid developed by the Foliage Plant Breeding and Genetics Research Program at UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Educational Center—Apopka as a flowering potted foliage plant. Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden ex Andre (family: Araceae) has been traditionally developed and grown for cut flower production because of its showy red, orange, pink, or white spathes (Kamemoto and Kuehnle 1996). The large overall size, long petioles and peduncles on the cut flower selections generally preclude their use as container plants. Recently, new Anthurium varieties are being developed to emphasize a smaller overall plant size, a propensity to produce basal shoots and a highly prolific flowering habit. Such hybrids are readily adaptable for flowering pot plant production. Anthurium X 'Red Hot' is one such hybrid with numerous attractive, bright red spathes and a compact, well-branched growth habit.

Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: Aglaonema 'Moonlight Bay'

Richard J. Henny, Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, andTerri A. Mellich

Tropical Foliage Cultivar Development: New Ornamental Introductions Drive Plant Markets

Richard J. Henny, Richard J. Henny, andJianjun Chen

Florida is now the leading state in the production of foliage plants, accounting for more than 55% of the national wholesale value since the 1960s(Chen et al. 2002). Florida growers have cultivated Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) since 1912. Heartleaf philodendron vine was introduced into production in Florida in 1928. Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) and rubber plant (Ficus elastica) were commercially grown in Florida by the 1930s. A large upswing in foliage plant production occurred during the back-to-earth, back-to-nature movements of the 1970s. Innovative plant breeding techniques developed during the 1980s and new tissue-culture technology enabling faster propagation fueled the market as new varieties became available through the turn of the millennium (Table 1). The wholesale value of foliage plants in the U.S. rose from $29 million in 1969 to $585 million in 2001.

Chilling Injury in Tropical Foliage Plants: II. Aglaonema

Richard W. Henley, Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, Richard W. Henley, andRichard J. Henny

Aglaonema, commonly called Chinese evergreen, is a member of the family Araceae and comprises 21 known species that are native to southeast Asia where they grow in the humid, heavily shaded tropical forest (Huxley 1994). Cultivated in the East for centuries, Aglaonema was believed to bring fortune to life and probably was introduced to the western world in 1885 (Brown 2000). Currently, Aglaonema are among the most popular tropical ornamental foliage plants because of the attractive foliar variegation, low light and humidity tolerances, and few pest problems (Chen et al. 2005).

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Calathea

Jianjun Chen and Dennis B. McConnell

Chilling Injury in Tropical Foliage Plants: III. Dieffenbachia

Jianjun Chen

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Ficus

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Florida Foliage House Plant Care: Adenium obesum

R. J. Henny and J. Chen

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Spathiphyllum

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Dieffenbachia

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Philodendron

Dennis B. McConnell, Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Dennis McConnell, Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, andDennis B. McConnell

'ZZ' plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), like Aglaonema and Dieffenbachia, is a member of aroid family. Because of its unique appearance (Figure 1), ability to tolerate low light levels and drought, and resistance to diseases and pests, 'ZZ' is emerging as an important foliage plant for interiorscaping (Chen et al., 2002). Morphologically, 'ZZ' bears little resemblance to any other members of the aroids. It has pinnate leaves and round tapering petioles, and appears similar to the cardboard cycad (Zamia furfuracea), which is why 'ZZ' is also called 'Aroid Palm' or 'Cardboard Palm'. Its naturally glossy leaves are so shiny that the plant appears to have been polished.

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of African Violets (Saintpaulia ionantha)

J. Chen and R. J. Henny

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Fire Flash (Chlorophytum amaniense)

Dennis McConnell, Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, andRichard J. Henny

'Fire Flash' (Chlorophytum amaniense) is a foliage plant introduced to Florida from Thailand in the late 1990s. Bright coral petioles and midveins contrast with deep green, ovate-lanceolate leaves making an exotic appearing and exciting new plant (Chen et al. 2002).

Commercial Production of Ornamental Tropical Foliage Plants: Micropropagation

J. Chen and R. J. Henny

Florida Foliage House Plant Care: Spathiphyllum

R. J. Henny and J. Chen

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Epipremnum

Dennis B. McConnell, Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Syngonium

Dennis McConnell, Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, andKelly C. Everitt

Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: Dieffenbachia 'Sparkles'

Richard J. Henny, Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, andTerri A. Mellich

Key Plant, Key Pests: Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Juanita Popenoe, Jacqueline Bourdon, Caroline R. Warwick, Caroline R. Warwick, andJianjun Chen
other_contacts: Brooke L. Moffis

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Dracaena

Dennis B. McConnell, Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Using Gibberellic Acid and Ethephon to Induce Flowers on Tropical Foliage Plants

R. J. Henny and J. Chen

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

New Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: Aglaonema 'Leprechaun'

R. J. Henny and J. Chen

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Kratom: Botanical Insights and Cultivation Practices for a Conspicuous Medicinal Tree Species

Mengzi Zhang, Annabella Lyndon, Brian Pearson, Brian J. Pearson, Christopher R. McCurdy, Abhisheak Sharma, andJianjun Chen

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a member of the family Rubiaceae, a group of plants known for producing diverse bioactive metabolites. Arguably, the most popular member of the Rubiaceae family is coffee (Coffea arabica), which yields seeds (coffee beans) that contain bioactive metabolites, including the central nervous system stimulant caffeine. Unlike coffee, kratom is a facultatively deciduous tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Other species closely related to kratom include M. hirsuta, M. diversifolia, and M. parvifolia. This publication offers educational insights into the horticultural aspects of kratom based on empirical scientific research for anyone interested in cultivating it.

Jaboticaba: A Unique Fruit Tree for Florida Home Gardeners

Ajay Das andJianjun Chen

Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) is a slow-growing, ornamental fruit tree suited to Florida’s climate (Zones 9a–11). It thrives in acidic, consistently moist soils under partial shade, producing fruit with nutritional and medicinal value. Its unique cauliflory and flaking bark make it a distinctive addition to home landscapes. Moreover, once established, the tree is relatively low maintenance. For home gardeners, the publication provides an overview of growing jaboticaba in Florida and a brief review of the fruit's nutraceutical value. Florida gardeners can enjoy increased pollination and biodiversity in the yard, as well as fruit with health benefits.

Swirski Mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Arachnida: Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae)

Mahmut Dogramaci, Garima Kakkar, Garima Kakkar, Vivek Kumar, Vivek Kumar, Jianjun Chen, andSteven P. Arthurs
other_contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Planting and Propagation of Snapdragons in Florida

Heqiang Huo and Jianjun Chen

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Yacon, a Potential Tuberous Crop for Florida

Sergio Marcelo Gutierrez Laredo, Jianjun Chen, and Guodong Liu

The purpose of this article is to introduce yacon as a potential crop to Florida growers and the Extension community by providing information on its propagation, production, and utilization as well as nutritional value. It is anticipated that the availability of such information will support the establishment of yacon as a higher-value crop and promote yacon production and utilization in Florida. Written by Sergio Marcelo Gutierrez Laredo, Jianjun Chen, and Guodong Liu, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 5 pp.

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata 'Bostoniensis')

Bill Schall, Heqiang Huo, and Jianjun Chen

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems