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. 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...

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...

With the scientific name Juglans regia, the common walnut is a large fruit tree that is highly appreciated not only for its large size and beautiful aesthetic appearance, but also for its valuable fruits. From these fruits we derive walnuts, one of the most popular nuts all over the world thanks to its extraordinary...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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, 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...