Plant care and gardening

Plant stems are not always rigid and upright. In fact, you may have observed that some plant stems bend or lean in various directions. Stem bending in plants can occur due to several factors, and understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effective plant care. Whether you are an avid gardener,...

Pothos, also known as devil's ivy or golden pothos, is a popular indoor plant known for its glossy green leaves that can trail or climb. While pothos plants are relatively easy to care for, yellow leaves can indicate underlying issues. It's important for plant owners to understand the potential causes...

Also known as Geraldton waxflower, the Geraldton wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum) is a flowering plant from Australia that is growing in popularity among professional horticulturists and amateur gardeners alike. It has different varieties with their own flower colors, ranging from white to pink, with several...

Is your aloe vera looking less vibrant than usual? Aloe vera is known for being a fairly resilient plant, but it's not completely resistant to everything. It can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests, especially if not cared for properly. By identifying the cause, you can unlock the right solutions...

Azaleas are small shrubs or bushes which are part of the Rhododendron genus. They are distinguished from other types of rhododendron by many differences, but one of the easiest ways to tell them apart is that azaleas have about half as many anthers in their flowers. Although there is much variety within...

The best indoor plants for the living room include the male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Panama rubber tree (Castilla elastica), golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum), polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya), song of India (Dracaena marginata), moth orchid (Phalaenopsis...

Vines are plants which have the ability to trail or climb, doing so with tendrils, aerial roots or twining stems. While not all climbing plants are vines, vines are some of the most commonly used in homes and gardens across the world. As they are able to adhere to and grow on a variety of surfaces such...

Monsteras, with their stunning fenestrated (holey) leaves, have become a must-have for modern plant lovers. Whether you favor the sprawling M. deliciosa or the charming M. adansonii, these beauties are generally easy to care for. However, even the most low-maintenance plant can throw you a curveball....

Peat moss is one of the most used materials as a substrate both in gardening and agriculture. There are different types of peat used in gardening, but all of them are known as peat moss. Although it is made from similar organic material, the peat moss used in gardening is different from the peat used as a...

With its unique appearance, the mikado plant is a beautiful addition to many indoor spaces. It is a cultivar of Syngonanthus chrysanthus, specifically Syngonanthus chrysanthus ‘Mikado’. It is an easy-to-grow plant which can thrive in various conditions. Its distinct form means it can be a very special addition...

Canary Island ivy (Hedera canariensis) is a woody climbing plant, endemic to the Canary Islands and the Atlantic coast of North Africa. While its origins are in these hot regions, they have become a popular plant in homes and gardens around the world, especially when used to decorate walls and trellises....

Renowned for their vibrant colors and diverse shapes and sizes, tulips are beloved ornamental plants. Gracing gardens and adorning homes as cut flowers, these stunning blooms offer a fleeting beauty. Fortunately, drying allows us to capture their essence and enjoy them beyond their natural lifespan. In...

A cyclamen can have yellow leaves for various reasons, including excess humidity during its dormancy period, incorrect watering, high temperature and other causes. The solutions may vary depending on the cause, but placement, watering and soil are all important factors if you want to have a healthy sowbread...

Also known as creeping fig or climbing fig, Ficus pumila is an evergreen type of fig that is often used in homes and gardens. Its common names are related to the fact they are a type of vine, meaning it can be used to adorn walls, trellises and other spaces. Since it can climb, this means creeping figs...

Mealybugs, despite their fluffy appearance, are a significant threat to various plant species. These soft-bodied insects weaken plants by piercing their tissues and feeding on vital sap, leading to stunted growth, leaf yellowing, and even plant death in severe cases. Fortunately, several effective natural...

Brown leaves on kentia palm plant may be due to excess sun, lack of water, impoverished soil, very dry air, parasite infestation or friction with the plant. To treat it, you must keep it under filtered light with moderate watering. Fertilize the soil once a month in summer, spray water frequently on...

Think pumice is just a volcanic rock? Think again! This lightweight, porous material offers surprising benefits for your garden, especially for succulents. Not only does it promote healthy plant growth, but it's also budget-friendly, making it a valuable tool for gardeners of all levels. Formed during...

Some of the most beautiful flowering climbing plants include the black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata), clematis (Clematis spp.), bougainvillea (Bouganvillea spp.), morning glory (Ipomoea spp.), trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), wisteria (Wisteria spp.), golden trumpet (Allamanda cathartica), blue passionflower...

Caladium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. Captivating hearts with their vibrantly colored, heart-shaped leaves, Caladiums have become a darling of the indoor plant world. These tropical beauties bring a touch of exotic elegance to any space, but like all living things, they need proper...

Hydrangeas are plants of the Hydrangea genus with small flowers that are grouped in sphere-shaped inflorescences. They can exhibit petals in colors of blue, purple, pink or white, something which changes depending on the pH of the soil. Their great beauty invites you to immortalize them, something many...

The hellebore is a plant that produces elegant flowers during the winter in a range of beautiful colors. Hellebores are plants that belong to the genus Helleborus, meaning there are various different species which bear this name. However, they all share certain characteristics which determine their care...

Some examples of the different kinds of plum varieties include the European plum (Prunus domestica), Japanese plum (Prunus salicina), damson plum (Prunus insititia), apricot plum (Prunus simonii), Italian plum (Prunus cocomilia), American plum (Prunus Americana), cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) and sand...

Orchids are popular indoor plants for their delicate beauty. Such aesthetic delicacy does not mean they are naturally less resistant than other flowering plants if they are given the right care. This is often the problem with orchids as they require specific care and environmental conditions to thrive....

Once cherished by Ottoman sultans, tulips mesmerized Europe with their enchanting beauty and vivid hues. Beyond their captivating visual appeal, these delicate blossoms carry a rich tapestry of symbolism. Symbolizing love in its myriad forms, from the gentle flicker of new romance to the profound depths...

The poinsettia, beloved for its vibrant red bracts during the festive season, often meets a sad fate after the holidays. But did you know it can thrive year-round with proper care? Forget throwing away your cherished plant! This guide unravels the secrets to keeping your poinsettia alive and blossoming...

Ever wonder why some plants thrive while others struggle? The secret often lies beneath the surface, within the magic of soil additives. These special ingredients act like vitamins for your garden, influencing everything from moisture retention to nutrient availability. Whether you're a seasoned gardener...

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...