Plant care and gardening

Plants with bell-shaped flowers are some of the most beautiful options for our home and garden. We can recognize different plants in different ways, but often a flowering plant's most distinctive feature is the flower themselves. Although not always in bloom, when they do come out to enjoy the sun, their...

Composting and fertilizing are two of the most popular methods to improve soil quality and promote plant growth. Both techniques involve the use of organic material, but differ in how they are produced and applied. Although compost and fertilizer are often used interchangeably, they are not the same...

Akadama is a type of clay-like soil commonly used in the art of bonsai. It is highly prized for its use in growing miniature trees in trays. Although naturally occurring, it has been specifically adapted for use in bonsai soils due to its many benefits. One of its most important benefits is its seemingly...

Some of us may not have been aware there are different types of edible succulents and cacti. Those of us who like these types of plant usually enjoy them for their low levels of care requirements and their beautiful appearance. Although they have been known to many cultures for their culinary uses and...

When natural flowers are dried, the moisture is removed from the fresh flowers to preserve their beauty and allow them to be used for decorative or ornamental purposes. Dried flowers have been used for centuries to preserve the beauty of flowers and prolong their life. The process of drying flowers can be...

Flowers are fascinating not only because of their beautiful colors, but also because of their unique shapes. Star-shaped flowers are especially fascinating because of their distinct shape, which resembles a star. These flowers are characterized by their petals that radiate outward, creating a star-like...

Spring is the perfect time to get outside and start gardening. With warmer weather and longer days, it's the ideal season to start planting bulbs that will add vibrant colors and beautiful fragrances to our gardens and homes. Some popular spring bulbs to plant include lilies, water lilies, and gladioli....

Hydrangeas are flowering shrubs native to Asia and America. They are popular in gardens and landscaping because of their large, showy flowers and their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. Hydrangeas can be grown in a range of soil types and light conditions, but generally prefer moist, well-drained...

The plant known as Chinese bellflower or balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is the only species of the genus Platycodon. They are a plant with beautiful blue flowers which bloom in the shape of a bell, hence their name. Native to Asia, they are a perennial plant with a natural habitat of mainly mountains...

Cacti and succulents are two types of plants that are often grouped together because of their common ability to store water in their leaves or stems. Although both types of plants have adapted to dry and arid environments, there are some important differences in their appearance, growth habit, and native...

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...

One of the reasons we love growing flowering plants is the range of bright colors they can provide our garden. Among the green foliage, they cause bright bursts of blooms to catch the eye and evoke a bucolic idyll. One color we might not associate with such idyllic scenes is black. They do not appear...

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...

Due to their beauty and unique fragrance, roses are among the most popular flowers in gardens and flower stores. They are characterized by the fact that they have many petals, which are close together and under which stamens and pistils are hidden. They all belong to the rose genus and there are about...

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...

For those who want to have a house full of plants but travel a lot or have problems with watering, growing plants in water can be a good -and chic- solution. The technique, which allows plants to be grown without soil, is called hydroponics. Also, by not using soil, we get rid of mosquitoes and other...

Ornamental or garden plants are plants that are grown primarily for their beauty, but also for their properties such as fragrance or interior decoration. Ornamental plants and garden varieties are usually specially bred varieties that improve on the original species in terms of color, shape, fragrance,...

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...

Cultivating aromatic indoor plants has various benefits for the home. Firstly, the foliage and flowers of these plants can add an aesthetic beauty which even those with a poor sense of smell can enjoy. Those blessed with sufficient olfactory ability will also enjoy the lilting aromas which can turn...

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...

Many of us think that starting a homemade fertilizer is only for the serious gardeners among us. Some may also be wary about having to maintain what may be a time consuming and odorous project. In reality, making homemade fertilizer is not only inexpensive and easy, it is one of the best ways to ensure...

Using white flowers to decorate your garden has many advantages. White is a color often used in framing other features. By adding white flowering plants to a hedgerow or flowerbed, we can allow other colorful plants to distinguish themselves. This does not mean white flowers are not beautiful in their own...

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...

Humidity accumulation in closed spaces, such as apartments or houses, is an evil that affects us all too often. Dampness can occur if the house is poorly ventilated, wrongly orientated, or if you simply live in places with a humid climate. This excess moisture, in addition to causing bad odors, can be very...

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....

Keeping plants indoors means we are able to establish, monitor and adjust the atmosphere around them. We can have plants from all over the world since we can mimic the climate of their original ecosystems. Unfortunately, we are not able to have such control if we want to keep our plants outdoors, whether...

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...

Have you ever noticed how the world seems to explode with color in May? After months of cold weather and bare branches, suddenly gardens, parks, and even roadside ditches burst into bloom. What makes May flowers so special isn't just their beauty. Each one has an amazing story, how it evolved, which insects...

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...

There's something magical about white flowers blooming indoors. They bring a touch of purity, brightness, and sophistication to any space while creating a sense of calm that's hard to match with other colors. Whether adorning a sunny windowsill, brightening a coffee table, or adding life to an office desk,...

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....

Spring is associated with blooming flowers, but not all flowering plants will bloom in the springtime. Some may wait until later in summer and some won't even show their flowers until the winter comes around. This makes April one of the most important months for gardeners to consider. Choosing the right...

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...

Trees are a vital part of our landscapes, offering shade, beauty, and improved air quality. However, when a tree shows signs of decline, it can be difficult to determine if it's truly dead or just struggling. Accurately identifying a dead tree is crucial, not only for the aesthetics of your property...

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,...