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
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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...
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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...
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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...
Monstera is a genus of plants that are most noted for their uniquely shaped leaves. These broad leaves have holes and gaps, giving them an abnormal look, which is the reason for their taxonomic name. These holes are called fenestrae and have the function of distributing the amount of available light to as many...
The different types of chestnuts fall into three basic categories of American, Asian and European chestnuts. All chestnuts are from the genus Castanea, related to plants such as oak and beech trees as they are in the family Fagaceae. Edible chestnuts are often an abundant nut which is very important to...
The Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants which are part of the Malvaceae family. They have about 150 species. They are tropical plants, highly valued for the bright colors of their five-petaled flowers. They range in color from white and purple, to orange, yellow and pink. It is also very common to use...
Hummingbirds are one of nature's most fascinating and enchanting creatures. With their iridescent feathers, lightning-fast movements, and ability to hover in midair, these tiny birds are a delight to watch. If you're a bird lover or gardener, you might be interested in attracting these stunning creatures...
Some of the most common types of carnations are the Carthusian pink (Dianthus carthusianorum), common carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), wild carnation (Dianthus broteri), sweet William (Dianthus barbatus), China pink (Dianthus chinensis) and many more that we share in this guide to the different types...
Rose bushes are a stunning addition to any garden or landscape, but when their leaves start to turn yellow, it can be a cause for concern. While it's normal for older leaves to yellow and drop off, yellowing of younger leaves can be a sign of a problem.
In this article from thedailyECO, we'll explore the...
Although we associate plant leaves with being green, some of the most beautiful foliage on our plant comes from plants with colorful leaves. These plants may incorporate green, but they also use a wide range of colors which we do not always associate with the leaves of plants. We know there are flowers...
Cymbopogon is a genus of grasses which have many different names. They are sometimes known as lemongrass, despite not being related to the citrus fruit at all. The smell they give off is very similar to lemon, leading to some types of citronella being used in cooking, being especially associated with Asian...