Plant care and cultivation

If you go to the grocer to buy some mint, you are not likely to have much of a choice. There is often more variation in types of mint found in gum than in our fresh produce. This is contrary to the fact there are many different types of mint plants which can be grown and used for various purposes. While...

When we talk about the plant known as thyme, we are referring to plants from the genus Thymus. Not all plants from this genus are known as thyme, only those which are used as herbs or ornamental plants. While we most likely know thyme for its leafy stalks used to flavor various culinary dishes, many of the...

The tulip flower is known throughout the world for its spectacular beauty, both in form and color. Over the years, garden enthusiasts have developed new varieties and types of tulips, which are becoming more and more eye-catching and have very different morphologies. However, most people do not have a terrace...

With its cheerful red bracts and delicate yellow flowers framed by velvety green leaves, this plant is an undeniable symbol of Christmas. We are talking about Euphorbia pulcherrima, also known as poinsettia. Poinsettias can be a challenging flower to care for, which is why people often believe they are...

Purple is a color that is not only very striking and pleasing to the eye, but also exudes tranquility and harmony. For this reason, garden and decor lovers are regularly on the lookout for purple or lilac flowers to add a relaxing touch to any space. They are very eye-catching in the garden, and you can...

Vermicompost is the process by which worms blend decomposing organic matter on the ground. This happens in nature and is very beneficial to the soil as it allows for nutrients to be developed and spread. In turn, this allows for better plant growth and greatly benefits various ecosystems. This is thanks...

Euphorbia milii, popularly known as crown of thorns, Christ plant, or Christ thorn, is a species of flowering plant native to Madagascar. The species is commonly associated with the crown of thorns that Christ wore. The plant has small leaves with predominant thorns and colorful flowers. The crown of...

Geranium is one of the most common ornamental plants in gardens around the world. Geranium is a genus with 422 species of annuals, biennials, and perennials, also known as cranesbills. This plant is very aesthetically pleasing with its numerous, eye-catching flowers, which range from red, pink, and white...

Rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinalis, is a fragrant evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves. Rosemary's popularity dates back to the ancient Greeks, who valued it as a sacred plant. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, as it is attributed numerous properties. Although native to the...

Rosemary is a very well-known aromatic plant throughout the world. Its properties are many, from its use in the kitchen for seasoning food to its medicinal properties. In addition, it gives a pleasant aroma to any room. Rosemary is a very hardy plant that can withstand high temperatures and cold winters....

Lavender is a type of shrub that is easily recognized by its characteristic violet color. Many of us are just as acquainted with its characteristic smell since lavender essence is used in various household products. Lavender is from a genus of plants called Lavandula which is made up of more than 45 different...

We all want our plants to look healthy, but some discoloration on the leaves is normal. This is particularly the case if the seasons change or there are other certain climatic events. When the changes are black spots on the leaves, it can be worrying. Even if the plant appears otherwise healthy, the...

Native to the sun-drenched regions of Mexico, this distinctive succulent, commonly known as Burro's Tail or Donkey's Tail, has become increasingly popular among plant enthusiasts for good reason. It combines show-stopping visual appeal with relatively straightforward care requirements, making it accessible...

If you’ve ever walked through the gardening section of a store or browsed tips online, you’ve probably seen peat moss mentioned, but what exactly is it? Peat moss is a popular soil amendment that can help your garden retain moisture, improve soil texture, and support healthy plant growth. It has undeniably...

Looking to add a burst of long-lasting color to your garden or patio? Calibrachoa might be exactly what you need. These spectacular flowering plants have exploded in popularity over the past decade, and for good reason. Their abundant, trumpet-shaped blooms create cascades of color from spring through...

Palmer's Stonecrop (Sedum palmeri) is a lovely succulent from Mexico that's become a favorite for its looks and how easy it is to care for. Its clusters of spoon-shaped leaves on woody stems, plus those cheerful yellow flowers you get in winter and spring, mean it looks good all year round in gardens...

The Pinstripe Calathea (Calathea Ornata) is a stunning houseplant known for its elegant pink-striped leaves and tropical beauty. While this plant adds a touch of sophistication to any indoor space, it also requires proper care, the right watering routine, and attention to leaf health to thrive. Many...

Skimmia japonica, with its glossy evergreen leaves and vibrant berries, brings year-round interest to the garden. This versatile shrub, hailing from the woodlands of Asia, offers more than just good looks; it's a resilient and relatively low-maintenance addition that thrives in a variety of conditions....

Calathea Orbifolia is a stunning houseplant known for its large, striped foliage and tropical appeal. However, keeping this plant healthy requires proper care, from the right watering routine to correct propagation and transplanting techniques. One common issue plant owners face is brown leaves, which can...

A type of climbing plant, heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is a common houseplant prized for its large leaves which are shiny bright green in color. While it is a flowering plant, only mature plants in the right conditions will develop an inflorescence at home. While they are a relatively...

Sphagnum moss is a non-vascular plant that is used in gardening for various uses. While it can be appreciated for its own aesthetic, it is a plant which is most often employed to help other plants reach their full potential. One of its main uses is to provide the correct growth environment for other...

Many of the plant care guides we provide at thedailyECO are for potted plants or those we place in a flowerbed. Climbing hydrangeas are special because they need to be planted in a way which allows them room to bloom. These beautiful flowering plants have an inflorescence of several four-petaled flowers...

Rhipsalis Baccifera, also known as the mistletoe cactus, is a stunning, low-maintenance houseplant perfect for any indoor garden. With its cascading stems and unique appearance, this epiphytic cactus adds a touch of greenery to any space. But how do you ensure it thrives? In this article by thedailyECO, you'll...

Both meteorological and astronomical spring begin in March. It is a time of new life as nature wake from its wintery slumber. This is seen in the animals that emerge from hibernation, the birth of animals conceived when it was colder and the blooming of new flowers. Not all flowers bloom in spring, but...

For millennia, people have valued the aromatic and adaptable plant oregano (Origanum vulgare) for its use in both cooking and medicine. This resilient plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region and southwest Eurasia, is well-known for its strong flavor, abundant essential oils, and many health...

Orchids often get a reputation for being fussy, but they're not necessarily any harder to care for than other houseplants. Like any plant, they can experience problems, and yellowing leaves are a common sign something's amiss. This article by thedailyECO answers your questions about yellowing orchid leaves,...

Also known as the UFO plant, missionary plant or pancake plant, the Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) is a flowering plant in the nettle family. Despite this, they are not a type of stinging plant and are completely safe to keep in the home. They are easy to care for, requiring infrequent watering,...

In our increasingly urbanized world, connecting with nature can sometimes feel like a challenge. But even if you don't have a garden, you can still experience the joy of nurturing living things and witnessing the miracle of growth. Growing bulbs in water is a fun and easy way to do it. You'll get to watch...

The different varieties of dahlia all belong to the same genus of the same name. All dahlias are perennial plants with tuberous roots, but the different species have flowers which can vary greatly in appearance. Some have a single ring of florets, others have many rows of petals which flower like an artichoke...

Is your pothos looking lackluster instead of lush? Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as pothos or devil's ivy, is celebrated for its easy-going nature and reliable growth. However, even these resilient plants can experience growth issues that leave plant parents puzzled. Whether your pothos has stopped...

A calathea's leaves can have some yellow due to their variegation. When they are healthy, they will be bright and vibrant. They will be thick and sturdy to the touch. Calathea leaf color will vary depending on the species, but these characteristics should always be present with a healthy plant. When calathea...

There are various reasons why you will need to report a plant. Some may simply want to do it for aesthetic reasons, preferring the design of one pot over another. Others are not a matter of choice and will need to be done to better ensure the health of the plant. Even when the plant looks fine above...

Banana trees can grow to be very large in the right conditions, but they can make surprisingly good houseplants. This is because we can maintain the indoor environment in such a way that limits their growth and provides a lovely potted plant for indoor spaces. Their presence is dominated by their large,...

Although commonly known as philodendron xanadu, the xanadu plant (Thaumatophyllum xanadu) is no longer considered a type of philodendron. This is because it has been reclassified as being of the genus Thaumatophyllum, as have other plants in this genus. We can see the confusion since there are various...

Commonly known as periwinkle, plants of the genus Vinca are beautiful flowering plants that need semi-shade, moderate watering and universal soil. They do not require intensive care, making them great plants for beginners, although expert gardeners will keep them around due to their beauty. Their ornamental...

Fir trees are known for being beautiful and strong, but sometimes their needles start to dry out. This can be a sign that something is wrong, but it doesn't always mean the tree is going to die. If you act quickly and take good care of the tree, it can often recover. This article by thedailyECO explains...

Fertilizer burn can quickly turn your thriving plants into struggling specimens, but understanding this common gardening problem is the first step toward preventing and treating it. When plants receive too much fertilizer, they can develop distinctive symptoms that signal distress. This comprehensive...

Growing new Christmas cactus plants doesn't require expert-level gardening skills or special equipment. These popular houseplants, native to Brazil's rainforests, are easy to propagate at home using simple cutting techniques. Whether you're looking to expand your own collection or share a beloved plant...

For centuries, gardeners have treasured holly for its glossy leaves and bright winter berries. These classic beauties can transform any landscape, but even these hardy plants aren't immune to trouble. Your holly might start dropping leaves, develop mysterious spots, or attract unwanted visitors that can threaten...

While there are different types of indoor fern plants, they all share the same basic needs in terms of care. In nature, ferns are part of the class of plants known as Polypodiopsida. Not all types of fern will make good houseplants, but plants like the Boston fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata) and bird's-nest...

Also known as the cathedral windows plant, the peacock plant (Calathea makoyana) is a common houseplant which is known for its beautiful leaves more than its blooms. Although it can produce flowers in the right conditions, this does not often occur in the home environment. This doesn't detract from its...

Repotting an orchid might seem daunting, but knowing when and how to give your plant a new home makes all the difference between a thriving plant and a struggling one. Whether your orchid has outgrown its pot or its potting mix has broken down, this guide walks you through every step of the repotting...

Some plants will die if they do not have plenty of natural sunlight during the day, but others will die because of this light. These low-light plants will need shade or semi-shade to ensure their leaves do not burn and the entire plant doesn't dry out. Fortunately, many houseplants fall under this category...

Peace lilies are types of lily from the genus Spathiphyllum. Sometimes known as spath, peace lilies require semi-shade, warm temperatures, porous substrate, high watering and high ambient humidity. They are reproduced by division in spring. The conditions required for a healthy peace lily can be difficult...

Pruning the roots of a plant is an often overlooked aspect of gardening and plant care. It is a job which can help a plant to develop into a healthy mature specimen or it can help return an impoverished plant back to health. Unfortunately, it is something which is often disregarded by many plant owners....

Pruning is an often overlooked aspect of gardening and plant care, but it may make the difference in your plant surviving another season. Those of us that do prune our plants may not always be using the right technique to help the plant. This is understandable, since pruning is one of the most technical...

Aloe vera is a popular plant, known for its thick, gel-filled leaves that offer a range of health and skincare benefits. Many people cut aloe leaves to harvest this gel, whether for soothing sunburns, moisturizing skin, or using it in DIY remedies. But what happens after a leaf is cut? Can the same leaf...

Peace lilies are flowering plants which make up the genus Spathiphyllum, of which there are around 60 individual species and many other cultivars. In addition to their dark green, glossy and elliptical leaves, peace lilies are known for their beautiful blooms. While they are still beautiful without inflorescence,...

Dumb Cane, also known as Dieffenbachia, is a popular houseplant known for its striking, broad leaves and easy care. However, if you’ve noticed your Dumbcane’s leaves turning yellow, it could be a sign that something’s not quite right. Yellowing leaves can be caused by a variety of factors, including watering...

The cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi) is a notorious pest that can wreak havoc on a variety of plants, especially citrus trees. They feed on plant sap, causing direct damage to the plant tissue. Heavy infestations can lead to severe sap depletion, weakening the plant and stunting its growth. Characterized...