bromeliads

One of the easiest plants to care for is the bromeliad, which creates the most spectacular of all house plant displays. One of the most popular of the bromeliads is Aechmea Fasciata (A. Rhodocyanea) shown in the photograph above. The method of watering this plant is most unusual in that you water into the central rosette rather than into the compost. Then there is the unusual flowering habit - as the flower head opens, the parent rosette begins to die, although it may survive for a further year or two. So propagation after flowering is necessary if you wish to preserve your collection.

The native home of the bromeliads is the American jungle where they live among orchids in the trees or on the forest floor. These plants thrive well indoors or outdoors in balmy climates away from direct sunlight. They should be kept in small pots with drainage holes, and a peat-based compost. Remember that they do have a tiny root system, so over-potting or over-watering can be fatal, just as with any other indoor plant.

Bromeliad Facts

Temperature: High temperatures (above 75 degrees) may be required to bring plants into flower, but average warmth (minimum 50 degrees) is satisfactory for foliage types or plants in flower.

Light: Most bromeliads require a brightly-lit spot away from direct sunlight. Pineapple and the Earth Stars variety will thrive in full sun.

Water: Never overwater, and ensure that there is a good drainage. Keep the 'vase' filled with water - use rainwater in hard water areas. Empty and refill 'vase' every 1-2 months. Water the compost only when it dries out. With non-vase varieties keep the compost moist, but never wet.

Air Humidity: Mist leaves in summer. Feeding through the leaves is the natural method of nutrition, so occasionally use dilute plant food such as Miracle Gro instead of water in the sprayer.

Repotting: Rarely, if ever, necessary.

Propagation: Offsets appear at the base of the plant. When the offset is several months old remove it with some roots attached and plant shallowly in compost. Keep warm until established.

The above information and much more can be found in the book The House Plant Expert, a great resource for caring for your indoor plants.

low calorie fettucine with creamy ham sauce

OK, so the new year is well and truly here, and it's time to wonder why exactly we ate all that food over the holidays. It's calorie counting time, so here is a recipe that is not only quick and easy to make, it's low in calories and can be made with fettucine, or for even fewer calories use cooked spaghetti squash. This recipe is taken from the amazing New Dieter's Cookbook (Better Homes & Gardens (Paperback)).

Preparation time: 20 mins; Cooking time: 10 mins; Low Fat; Low Cholesterol
344 calories with fettucine; 230 calories if using spaghetti squash

Ingredients
1 12-ounce can evaporated skim milk
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese (1 1/2-ounces)
1 cup sliced fully cooked lean ham, cut into thin strips (about 5 ounces)
1 cup cooked broccoli or cauliflower cut into bite-size pieces
2-1/2-ounce sliced mushrooms
6 ounces fettucine, cooked and drained (3 cups cooked)*
2 tablespoons sliced green onions (optional)

Method
1. In a medium saucepan stir together milk, cornstarch, mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat till thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more.

2. Add cheese; stir till melted. Stir in ham, broccoli or cauliflower, and mushrooms. Cook and stir until heated through. Pour over hot pasta. If desired, garnish with sliced green onions. Makes 4 servings.

Microwave Directions
In a 1-1/2-quart casserole combine milk, cornstarch, mustard, salt and pepper. Micro-cook on 100% power (high) for 4 to 6 minutes (6 to 8 minutes in low wattage ovens) or till thickened and bubbly, stirring after every minute. Add cheese, stirring till melted. Add ham, broccoli or cauliflower, and mushrooms. Cook 2 to 3 minutes more (4 to 5 minutes in low wattage ovens) or till heated through. Serve as directed above.

* Note: If desired, omit the fettucine and serve the ham mixture over 3 cups cooked spaghetti squash. This reduced the calories per serving to 230.

Nutrition information per serving: 344 calories, 24g protein, 49g carbohydrate, 5g fat, 31mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 619mg potassium.