Plant care and gardening
Explore plant care and gardening insights: unlock eco-friendly tips, nurture biodiversity, and transform your garden into a thriving green sanctuary.
202 articles
Caring for cattleya orchids requires abundant light, minimum daytime temperature of 18 ºC/64.4 ºF, tree bark substrate, and moderate watering that increases during the growth stage. To recover a cattleya orchid that is drooping, the light, soil, and water conditions must be improved, in addition to cutting...
Vinegar, a common ingredient found in most kitchens, has proven to be more than just a culinary staple. In the world of plant care, vinegar has emerged as a versatile tool, offering a range of benefits for nurturing and enhancing the well-being of our beloved plants. This humble ingredient, derived...
Coffee grounds can be good for plants when used as fertilizer for the plant or a compost for the soil. This is thanks to the various benefits coffee grounds can have for plants, including contributing more nitrogen to the soil, stimulating rooting, and generally improving the quality of the substrate....
The sight of wrinkled leaves on your Christmas cactus, a plant known for its vibrant blooms and captivating foliage, can be a disheartening experience. Wrinkled leaves, which often appear puckered or shriveled, indicate that your plant is in trouble. To make sure your Christmas cactus recovers and remains...
From the genus Schlumbergera, there are various species plants known as Christmas cactus which have very similar properties and characteristics. Also known as crab cactus or holiday cactus, these plants are succulents which can be affected by various problems affecting their development and even killing...
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, have captivated the hearts of plant enthusiasts worldwide, becoming one of the most beloved and widely adored houseplants. Their enduring popularity stems from a unique blend of aesthetic charm and practical benefits that make them an ideal addition to any home....
Kalanchoe farinacea care requires full sun exposure, well-drained soil and low irrigation. Propagation is done by dividing cuttings or by seeds. Kalanchoes are succulent plants native to dry areas of the African tropical belts. Due to their easy care and peculiar round leaves, they are highly sought after...
Caring for a topsy turvy succulent plant (Echeveria runyonii) is relatively easy since it needs minimal watering and is known to survive in harsh conditions. It does require full sun exposure and soil with good drainage to prosper. The reproduction of topsy turvy plants can be done by leaf cuttings...
Alocasia x amazonica is a popular hybrid known by the name of the African mask plant. Its care required filtered bright light, a minimum ambient temperature of 15-18 ºC (59-64.4 ºF), nourished soil with good drainage and high humidity. Yellow leaves in the African mask plant are due to excess watering, low...
Chayote squash, also known as mirliton or chocho, is a pale green summer squash with a pear-like shape. It originates from Central America and belongs to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, making it a close relative of cucumbers, melons, and zucchini. This versatile vegetable can be consumed both raw and...
Some people think that growing pumpkins can't be done indoors, but it is perfectly possible as long as we have the right conditions. We can even start by sprouting our seeds in a pot and then transferring them to a large patch of soil. If we want to grow multiple pumpkins, then outside is usually best....
Mosquitoes are a nuisance, and they can also be dangerous. They can carry diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and Zika virus. If you're looking for a way to keep mosquitoes away from your home and family, consider using plants. There are many different plants that can repel mosquitoes and other insects....
Caring for Shrek ears plants (Crassula ovata ‘gollum’) requires full sun exposure, porous soil with good drainage, and moderate watering. In addition, its propagation is carried out through stem or leaf cuttings.
The plant we know as Shrek ears plant is a succulent which is a cultivar of the species...
As summer draws to a close, many gardeners are wondering what to plant in fall. Fall is a great time to plant in your garden, especially if you live in a climate with mild winters. Many vegetables and leafy greens can be planted in the fall and harvested throughout the winter months.
In this article...
Also known as desert cabbage, flapjacks and white lady, the paddle plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) requires full sun exposure, low irrigation and a rich substrate with good drainage. We can also propagate the paddle plant via seeds or plant divisions. With all this care information for paddle plants,...
Some of the most common types of pumpkins are chilacayote (Cucurbita ficifolia), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata), giant pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), cushaw squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma), calabash (Lagenaria siceraria), ch'ako (Cucurbita galeottii) and ash pumpkin (Benincasa...
Also known as fittonia, nerve plants (Fittonia spp.) are a partial-shade plant which are very popular houseplants across the world. While they can be grown outdoors, they often best thrive in indoor conditions where the environment can be better controlled. This means a temperature over 13 ºC/55.4 ºF,...
An eternal garden is a small ecosystem that is grown in a closed space which has to meet certain requirements. For example, it needs to let light in, but not allow moisture to escape out. This is why a glass bottle is a commonly used to make eternal gardens since it meets these requirements well. Once...
Syngonium care requires warm temperatures, filtered light, soil with good drainage, fertilizer during growth, moderate watering, and pruning if it grows too tall. Syngonium plants belong to various species from the genus Syngonium. They are very popular ornamental plants known for their large, heart-shaped...
Plants need sunlight to photosynthesize, but the sun requirement varies according to the natural environment to which they belong. Some plants grow in the open and can tolerate long periods of sun, especially if they are from tropical regions. Others need minimal sun and will thrive in low-light environments....
Air plants are plants from the genus Tillandsia. They are one of the most curious types of plants due to the environment they need to grow. This is because they do not need soil for nourishment, instead growing on various surfaces which we would not necessarily associate with plant growth. Although...
Also known as the Mexican hens and chicks plant, the ghost echeveria (Echeveria lilacina) is a beautiful succulent that requires full sun, low watering, soil with good drainage and removal of withered leaves. Propagation is carried out by leaf cuttings.
Echeverias are succulents that are highly sought...
Some of the best small cacti species include Blossfeldia liliputana, peyote (Lophophora williamsii), Rebutia minuscula, Frailea castanea, pinecone cactus (Pelecyphora strobiliformis), Hester's foxtail cactus (Escobaria hesteri), Epithelantha micromeris, Sneed's pincushion cactus (Escobaria sneedii), guanaco...
The care of Echeveria pulvinata requires full sun exposure, low irrigation, substrate with good drainage. This applies to all types of Echeveria pulvinata, the most common of which are Echeveria pulvinata frosty and Echeveria pulvinata ruby. These are some of the most beautiful cultivars of this plant, all...
Basil, known for its pleasant aroma and versatile use in cooking, occupies a significant role within the realm of herbs. Its historical roots trace back to ancient times, and this fragrant plant has become deeply ingrained in global culinary practices, cultural customs, and even traditional medicinal...
Caring for a portulaca plant requires full sun exposure, moderate watering, and sandy soil with good drainage. Reproduction is done by seeds during the spring.
Invariably known as moss rose, Mexican rose, sun rose, rock rose, or even eleven o'clock, Portulaca grandiflora is native to Brazil and Argentina,...
Most of us know cabbage as a leafy green vegetable which is important for various cuisines around the world. Many of us know might not know about its popularity as an ornamental plant. Although we may enjoy various different types of cabbage in the kitchen, they are all from the same plant known as...
Some of the most common cherry tree varieties include the Japanese cherry (Prunus serrulata), wild cherry (Prunus avium), Sargent's cherry (Prunus sargentii) and wild black cherry (Prunus serotina). All types of cherry tree bloom early in the spring, usually in the months of April and May. To do so, they require...
Plants with flowers that bloom all year round are less common in botany. It is also rare that a plant will have flowers for a full 365 day period. The plants with flowers that bloom all year on our thedailyECO list are those that have the potential to bloom throughout any period of the year. This doesn't mean...
Known as bottlebrushes due to the cylindrical shape of their flower, Callistemon citrinus is a species often known as common bottlebrush. This is because it is one of the most widely cultivated types in gardens and homes across the world. There are also many varieties of bottlebrush known as cultivars....
Commonly called balsam in the US and busy Lizzie in the UK, Impatiens walleriana is a flowering plant which is native to Africa, but is now used as an ornamental plant all over the world. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, depending on whether its essential care needs are met. They can grow quickly...
During the scorching summer months, there are natural methods to transform your home into a more pleasant and refreshing oasis. For those curious individuals like you, who value eco-friendly practices and wish to create a healthier environment, we are thrilled to introduce some amazing plants that can naturally...
Many of us regularly cook rice in our households, yet we tend to overlook the water that remains after the process. However, little do we realize that this water holds immense potential as a valuable resource for plant care. Rice water is not just a baseless claim or myth; its benefits have been proven time...
Pine trees are any of the plants in the genus Pinus. Although we most associate them with pine trees, this genus also includes shrubs. All are conifers and evergreen, meaning they are cone bearing and do not lose their leaves in winter. Pines have various characteristics with their unique scent being one...
If you're looking to add a delightful touch to your gardening endeavors, potted strawberries are a fantastic choice. These compact and versatile plants offer the joy of homegrown berries, even in limited spaces. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need vast expanses of land to cultivate these luscious...
Known variably as oyster plants, Moses-in-the-cradle and other common names, the species Tradescantia spathacea requires a certain level of care. These include filtered light, well-drained soil, moderate watering, and temperatures above 10 ºC/50 ºF. It can also be propagated through cuttings or by division....
Lemon, with its citrusy aroma, holds a special place in our hearts. It's a fragrance that resonates with everyone, from the subtle elegance of perfumes to the fresh scent of household cleaning products. We're drawn to its refreshing nature and find comfort in its familiarity.
This is why, in the following...
The main types of Echeveria are Echeveria amoena, Echeveria agavoides, Echeveria cante, Echeveria elegans, Echeveria affinis, Echeveria setosa, Echeveria gigantea, Echeveria pulvinata, Echeveria laui, Echeveria leucotricha and Echeveria 'Etna'.
Echeveria is a genus of succulent plants belonging to the...
Also known as lady of the night, night-scented cestrum or even poisonberry, the Cestrum nocturnum plant is a tropical shrub native to Central and South America. It is highly sought after in gardens because it produces flowers with a very intense aroma which is curiously only perceived at night. It grows...
Perennial larkspur is the common name for flowering plants within the genus Delphinium. It is not to be confused with plants from the genus Consolida, which are an annual plant with the same common name. The perennial larkspur has flowers which grow in clusters on a long central stem which can be as...
Creating a vibrant and colorful flower garden that can withstand the sun and thrive during the summer months is a wonderful way to enhance your terrace, garden, or outdoor space. Whether you have a green thumb or are a novice gardener, sun-resistant plants offer an accessible and rewarding way to create...
Potted ivy care differs from ivy vines you would keep outside in that it can be moved around indoors. This allows us to provide very specific care and means we don't have to surrender an entire wall to a creeping ivy plant. Ivy refers to one of various species from the genus Hedera. It can be a creeper...
One crucial element in nurturing healthy plants is ensuring they receive an adequate supply of essential nutrients. Among these vital nutrients, iron plays a significant role in plant growth and development. Iron sulfate, a valuable tool in plant care, offers a solution to address iron deficiency and its...
Cacti are plants which are in high demand. This is in a large part due to the fact they need relatively little care. It is also because they are beautiful and add a touch of the exotic to homes of all kinds. Unfortunately, many people avoid keeping a cactus in their home or garden because they don't...
Agapanthus care requires moderate watering, porous soils, warm temperatures, and minimal pruning. Sometimes known as lily of the Nile, this flowering plant is a beautiful addition to any home or garden. Although it is considered an exotic flower, it does not require expert care. It does require the...
Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) care is relatively easy, making it one of the most popular houseplants in the world. Despite its relative ease of care, there are many ways we can kill a prayer plant if we are not careful. As long as we meet the prayer plant's basic needs in terms of watering, light...
Different types of grapes have been cultivated since ancient times, going right back to the Bronze Age. Since this time, many more varietals of grape have been developed. One of the reasons for the great variety of grapes is the history of winemaking. Different types of grapes have been used to create...
Arlita, also known as expanded clay, is a baked clay material utilized as a substrate to enhance soil properties. It offers numerous benefits for plant growth and can be employed as a hydroponics or bonsai medium. Additionally, it is commonly used in conjunction with other components in mixed substrates....
Lava rock for plants is a substrate which can vary in size, but has the same properties and benefits for your garden. One of the reasons for this is because it is very porous and inert. Although many people use it simply as a form of decoration over a substrate, it can benefit the substrate itself and...
Orchids are a very special group of flowers due to their exotic appearance and impressive colors. Fascination with these plants is not a new phenomenon. Many of these plants can be found in florists and garden stores around the world, but some species are considered very rare. They are so rare that there...