Plant care and gardening

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 qickly...

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-scneted 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 plats 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 much as 6.5'...

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...

Plant stems are not always rigid and upright. In fact, you may have observed that some plant stems bend or lean in various directions. The phenomenon of 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...

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 right level...

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...

Some flowers are more expensive than others for various reasons. These include rarity, availability and even seasonal factors. Location is also a very important factor since some flowers will be cheaper in their native countries, but be more expensive in areas where they need to be grown in conditioned...

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 in them which give them an abnormal look, the reason for their taxonomic name. These holes are called fenestrae and have the function of distributing the amount of available light...

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...

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...

Kiryuzuna is a substrate of Japanese origin used in bonsai that serves for water drainage, water retention, maintaining pH levels, root aeration and iron contribution. Bonsai cultivation is a complex art that requires the skillful use and knowledge of techniques such as cutting, wiring or pruning. Each individual...

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 is has been specifically adapted for use in bonsai soils due to its many benefits. One of its most important benefits its seemingly...

Trees are an essential part of our ecosystem and play a critical role in maintaining the balance of our environment. From providing shelter and food to purifying the air we breathe, trees have numerous benefits that cannot be overlooked. With over 60,000 different species of trees in the world, each...

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...