A striking houseplant growing on a piece of lava. Position: bright but indirect light Rate of growth: average Hardiness: tender (indoors only) Current height: approximately 20cm (+ or - 10% including the pot) This fab little combination looks a bit like a bonsai - but it's not as difficult to look after, and each one will be unique. That's because the piece of lava the plant is growing on will vary in shape, while the roots of the plant will form their own pattern as they grow down over it. This is a unique way to grow the ever-popular umbrella tree, which is loved for its lustrous, finger-like foliage that radiates out from a central point. Home care: It is vital to keep the tray three-quarters full of water at all times or the plant will be unlikely to survive. The plant takes up water via capillary action, with the porous rock soaking up moisture which is then absorbed by the plant’s roots. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight as this will quickly deplete the store of water, and ideally use only filtered or rain water to prevent limescale turning the rock white. Mist the leaves regularly with water to improve the humidity around the plant, and feed with a diluted liquid fertiliser (only one quarter the recommended strength), when watering from late spring to early autumn. Maintain temperatures above 15°C.

70cm pot