Olena Shmahalo

Close-up of a velvety leaf belonging to Calathea warscewiczii. Family: Marantaceae. Not to be confused with Calathea zebrina, which has a different pattern: striped, like the animal its name alludes to. Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, NYBG, 2016.

Spotted, snake-like Calathea lancifolia foliage. Common: "rattlesnake plant". Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, NYBG, 2016.

Calathea fasciata 'Borrusica' foliage and ID tag at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, NYBG, 2016. The leaf shape, pattern, and growth habit is similar to Calathea orbifolia, but the latter bears dense, thin, white stripes.

Close-up of striped Calathea zebrina leaves. Family: Marantaceae. At the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, NYBG, 2016.

Close-up of Costus malortieanus. This "ginger"'s leaves are covered in thin trichomes (hairs) which give it a plush, fuzzy, velvety look and feel. Family: Costaceae.  Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, NYBG, 2016.

Dew drops on a Costus malortieanus. This "ginger"'s leaves are covered in thin trichomes (hairs) which give it a plush, fuzzy, velvety look and feel. Family: Costaceae. Background: magenta-veined Fittonia albivenis (common: "nerve plant") and mossy rocks. Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, NYBG, 2016.

Various plants potted in terracotta and a glass bell jar / dome terrarium on shelves in a greenhouse.

Strelitzia sp. (common: "Bird of Paradise") plant in a sunny greenhouse.

Sunny window and antique rocking chair in a dark room.

Fuzzy, silver/grey Senecio haworthii (common: "Cocoon plant") in a terracotta pot among other plants and succulents in a greenhouse.