These are insectivorous plants with sensitive leaf hairs which, when a fly lands on them, induce the leaf to close up slowly and trap the fly inside. The plant feeds on all manner of insects in this way and an incredible number of gullible people buy this plant fondly thinking that they are going to take it home and sit indoors watching this wonder of nature methodically gobbling up all the flies in the room.

They had grown to some 3 ft. 6 in. in height and, incredibly enough, had lost practically no leaves in this time, while similarly aged individual plants had long since passed their best. Later experiments with equally difficult plants were tried and it seemed proved beyond doubt that the majority fared very much better when placed in larger containers with moist sphagnum moss packed around the pots.

Many plants are sold purely on account of a gimmick and this must surely be one of the most successful as far as the supplier is concerned – and one of the least successful from the point of view of the purchaser. Perhaps the information attached to the plant label may tell you how wonderfully well they will do on the ordinary window-sill, and what splendid fly catchers these amusing plants will prove to be. But, take it from me, that’s just a lot of eyewash : these plants require conditions much more specialised than the average window ledge if they are to grow at all.

Introduced a few years ago, D. Tropic Snow is similar to amoena in habit of-growth, but has much more variegated and stiffer leaves, which makes the plants more delicate to handle. However, in spite of the supposed improvement, my preference still lies with amoena which seems much less stiff and formal.

However, having been told how unsatisfactory they are as house plants many would-be purchasers will still not be deterred from at least giving them a try, so for those who won’t take advice – let me offer a little more!

For exhibition work and startling effect when grouped together there are few plants that can be more effective. Because of the lack of chlorophyll in the leaves it has always been a difficult plant to manage, so we were more than pleased when we found what seemed to be at least a partial answer to the problem, an answer that could well apply to plants other than this dieffenbachia.