OK, this will get us started on a glossary of the horticultural terms we most commonly use and their definitions. As stated in other sections of this website we have had a lot of help compiling the information found here. Over the coming months and years Show Quality Plants will try to compile a list worthy of your bookmark.

We hope you find this information helpful, if you would like to share your expertise with us feel free to send us your suggestions to me at plantguy@showquality plants.com. If we use them we will be sure to give you credit and a link back to your website and send you a nice gift as well.

Cacti and Succulents - are considered to be one of the most specialized groups of plants that exists. Everything about their form, roots and lack of leaves is aimed towards conserving water. Some cacti and succulent roots are shallow, barely beneath the soils surface, others deeply penetrating.

Caudiciform - Caudiciform succulents are plants that survive periodic drought by means of a swollen, perennial, watery storage organ from which arise slender, usually annual photosynthesizing organs.

Horticulture  -  the cultivation of a garden, orchard, or nursery; the cultivation of flowers, fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants. The science and art of cultivating such plants.

Water Garden -

Hydroponics Gardening -

Xeriscaping -

Rock Garden -

pH - pH means the potential of Hydrogen, is the measure of alkalinity or acidity. In horticulture, pH refers to the pH of soil. The scale measures from 0, most acid, to 14, most alkaline. Seven is neutral. Most plants prefer a range between 5.5 and about 6.7, an acid range, but there are plenty of other plants that like soil more alkaline, or above 7. A pH of 7 is where the plant can most easily absorb the most nutrients in the soil. Some plants prefer more or less of certain nutrients, and therefore do better at a certain pH.

Tolerant - refers to a plant's ability to tolerate exposure to an external condition(s). It does not mean that the plant thrives or prefers this situation, but is able to adapt and continue its life cycle.

Drought Tolerant - Very few plants, except for those naturally found in desert situations, can tolerate arid soils, but there are plants that seem to be more drought tolerant than others. Remember, plants that are drought tolerant still require moisture, so don't think that they can go for extended period without any water. Drought tolerant plants are often deep rooted, have waxy or thick leaves that conserve water, or leaf structures that close to minimize transpiration. All plants in drought situations benefit from an occasional deep watering and a 2-3 inch thick layer of mulch. Drought tolerant plants are the backbone of xeriphytic landscaping.