Month: September 2023

Tips for Indoor Hibiscus Cultivation

Origin: China

Height: 6 ft (1.8 m) or more if not pruned

Light: Bright light with some direct sun. Plants that don’t receive enough light will grow tall and leggy with few blooms. Cultivating hibiscus in a sunny spot outdoors during the summer will increase its blooming power. Just be sure to bring it back inside before the temperature drops to 50°F/10°C at night. It’s tropical, not cold-hardy; try to move your plant back inside gradually. Sudden changes in light can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off; increasing the humidity around the plant can help.

Water: Water thoroughly and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Put it in a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

Humidity: Moderate. If relative humidity falls below 50%, mist the foliage and place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles. Discover easy ways to increase humidity for your tropical houseplants.

Temperature: Average to warm 65-85°F/18-29°C during the growing season; 60°F/16°C in winter.

Soil: Use a fast-draining potting mix. You can use an all-purpose mix and add a couple handfuls of perlite.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer specially made for hibiscus (at half the recommended strength) while the plant is growing and flowering.

Propagation: Take 3 in (8 cm) stem tip cuttings in spring or early summer. Cultivating hibiscus from cuttings can take several weeks.

Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum.

The “secret” to growing basil is to provide it with full sun and moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Growing basil in the winter can be challenging because it prefers hot, humid, sunny days. It is much easier to meet its needs in the summer unless you use a grow light.

Get to know the Basil plant

Sweet Basil is a tender annual herb. The species is a vigorous, fast-growing plant with oval, bright-green leaves that are 1-2 inches long and have deeply indented veins.

Tall spikes of small, white flowers appear at the stem tips in late summer. It is recommended to pinch off these flowers as soon as they are seen to prolong the plant’s life and to preserve its flavor.

More than 150 varieties of Basil are available, but the basic methods for how to grow Basil are the same for all types. The Sweet Basil plant, pictured here, is the most widely grown variety for use in fresh tomato sauces and in pesto. Purple Basil makes a wonderful flavored vinegar. Many scented Basil varieties, such as cinnamon, lemon and licorice, are used in fruit salads and for garnish.

Varieties of Basil

Many types of Basil are widely available for purchase. Select the one you prefer—the care tips for growing Basil are the same.

O. basilicum ‘Minimum’ is known as Greek Basil and is a dwarf variety that reaches 1–1.5 feet tall. Its leaves are just 1/2 inch long. Other tiny-leafed cultivars include ‘Green Bouquet’ and ‘Spicy Globe’—they’re even smaller and reach only 1 foot tall.

‘Purpureum’ has striking purple leaves and lavender-pink flowers.

‘Purple Ruffles’ Basil is similar in color, but its leaves have curly, toothed edges—it makes an attractive plant.

Pinch growing tips to encourage branching. If you eat Basil regularly, you’re automatically doing a big part of Basil maintenance—pruning. You’ll keep your herb well-groomed and producing tasty, tender new leaves.

Harvesting and Storing Basil Leaves

Harvest leaves from mature plants every week. Harvesting basil leaves first thing in the morning will capture their best flavor. The best leaves are from young stems that have yet to flower.

Don’t worry about wasting a bountiful supply—freezing basil is a great way of preserving basil for cooking. Gently wash leaves, then pat dry. Chop fresh leaves by hand or in the food processor. By chopping them finely, they’ll be the right size for adding to soups, sauces or other recipes. Store them in freezer bags.

Drying basil is a convenient way for storing it. Don’t know how to dry basil? It’s easy. Cut off stems and tie in 1 inch bunches with string, leaving a loop for hanging. Hang them upside down and allow them to dry naturally in a cool, dry, dark place.

Anthurium is a tropical plant species that originates from Colombia, growing up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) tall, although compact cultivars can reach only 12 inches (30 centimeters). Tall flower stems may require support.

For Anthurium to bloom, it needs bright light exposure. The plant should receive at least four hours of bright indirect light each day, year-round. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and cause them to dry out and turn brown, so Anthurium should be kept out of direct sunlight. A sunny window with a curtain filter is ideal for Anthurium to receive the right balance of indirect sunlight and warmth.

Anthurium needs consistent watering throughout the year. In spring and autumn, the soil should be kept evenly moist, while in winter it should be slightly drier. Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering, so it is important to use a pot with drainage holes and water thoroughly, then empty the drainage tray. Avoid allowing the soil to become sodden as this can kill the plant.

This South American rain forest native plant requires high humidity year-round. It is essential to maintain a relative humidity of at least 50%. Avoid using a plant mister as drops of water can cause leaf blight that will result in brown spots on the leaves. The best way to increase humidity for your tropical houseplants is with a cool-mist room humidifier.

The temperature range for Anthurium is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 27 degrees Celsius). The plant prefers stable warm temperatures just like us. It should be protected from cold blasts from doorways, windows and air conditioning vents.

For soil, Anthurium grows best in peat moss-based potting mix with added perlite for good drainage, or African violet potting mix is also suitable.

Fertilization: Feed Anthurium every two weeks during spring and summer with a high-phosphorus water-soluble fertilizer.

Propagation: When repotting is necessary, divide the crowded clumps carefully. If a plant grows a new crown near the main plant, gently pull it away and plant it separately in a small container, ensuring that the crown of the plant remains above the soil line. New plants should flower within about a year.

Miniature Rose Care: Simple Steps for Indoor Growing

Indoor miniature rose cultivation doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are a few simple steps to ensure the success of your plants:

1. Ensure Adequate Sunlight: Miniature roses need several hours of direct sunlight every day to ensure proper growth and flowering. If you don’t have a sunny window in your home, you can use grow lights to provide the necessary light.
2. Regular Watering: Watering is essential for the health of your miniature roses. Check the soil moisture daily or every other day and make sure it’s neither too wet nor too dry. Overwatering can cause root rot while underwatering can lead to dehydration of your plants.
3. Deadheading: To keep your miniature roses blooming all season long, deadheading is essential. Remove spent flowers promptly after they fade away. This will encourage the plant to produce new flowers and maintain its appearance.
4. Pruning: Pruning is necessary to maintain the health and appearance of your miniature roses. New plants won’t need pruning, but established plants may need some attention. Remove dead or crossing branches and prune back hard in fall after the flowering season is over. Yearly pruning will promote vigorous new growth and improve the overall health of your rose.
5. Repotting: If you have multiple plants in one pot, now is the time to divide them and repot. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove a portion of the original soil, tease apart roots, and plant each plant in its own small pot with drainage holes. Repot in fall after the flowering season is over.

With these simple steps, you can ensure the healthy growth and beautiful appearance of your miniature roses indoors.

Miniature Rose Care: Overwintering Your Plant

Roses go dormant in winter and will drop their leaves, but overwintering your miniature rose plant doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. Here are a few tips to ensure the health and safety of your plant during the colder months:

Provide Rest Period: Giving your miniature rose a rest period in winter is essential for maintaining its health and longevity. The plant will drop its leaves as it goes dormant, but don’t be alarmed. This is normal.
Cool Temperatures: Keep your miniature rose cool during the winter rest period. They’re cold-hardy, but don’t subject them to freezing temperatures. If you’re growing your rose outdoors, cover it with a layer of mulch to protect it from the elements.
Container-Grown Roses: If you’re growing miniature roses in containers, move them to a basement or garage for the winter. This will protect the roots from freezing and ensure they stay healthy for next year’s blooming season.
Blackspot Control: Miniature rose plants are susceptible to blackspot, a fungal disease that affects the leaves. If you notice blackspots developing on the leaves, cut off the affected leaves immediately and treat the foliage with a fungicide specifically made for blackspot control。 Fortunately, newer rose hybrids are more and more resistant to diseases.
Yellow Leaves: Yellow leaves that drop off can be a sign of lack of sunlight, dry soil, or dry air. If your miniature roses begin to shed their leaves, resume good care by providing them with adequate sunlight, watering regularly, and ensuring good air circulation.
With these tips, you can overwinter your miniature rose plant successfully and ensure it remains healthy and happy during the dormant season.

Miniature Roses: Tips for Successful Growth

Miniature roses are a popular choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants that offer beautiful and fragrant blooms year-round. Here are some tips to ensure your miniature roses thrive and remain healthy:

Selecting the Right Varieties: Choose miniature roses that are adapted to your growing conditions and provide the desired color and flower size. Check the rose’s growing requirements and ensure it is suitable for your climate and growing space. Miniature roses are often smaller in stature than full-size roses, but they still need room to grow and spread their branches.

Planting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the rose’s root ball, mix in some organic matter such as compost or manure, and fill with water. This will help to moisten the soil and create a good foundation for the rose. Set the rose in the hole, spreading out the roots, and firm the soil around the roots. Water again thoroughly to ensure the soil is thoroughly moist.

Watering: Miniature roses need regular watering to maintain their health and flowering ability. Watering should be enough to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. During hot weather, watering should be increased to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly. Avoid getting water on the leaves as this can lead to blackspot disease.

Fertilizing: Miniature roses need regular fertilization to provide necessary nutrients for growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer that contains both nitrogen and phosphorus is recommended. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1/4 cup per 10 square feet of garden space every few weeks during the growing season.

Pruning: Miniature roses need regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage new growth and flowers. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or diseased branches and shaping the plant to its desired size and shape. This will help to promote healthy growth and prevent the plant from becoming overgrown or leggy.

Blackspot Control: Miniature roses may be susceptible to blackspot, a fungal disease that affects the leaves. Control blackspot by removing infected leaves and spraying the plant with a fungicide specifically made for blackspot control. Good air circulation and regular watering will help to prevent blackspot from developing.

pH Level: The pH level of the soil is important for miniature rose growth. pH levels can affect the availability of nutrients in the soil, so it’s important to maintain a neutral pH level (pH 7) for best results. If needed, add pH-adjusting fertilizer or lime to adjust the pH level of your soil.

Pest Control: Miniature roses may attract pests such as aphids, mites, and slugs. Control pests by spraying with a weak solution of soap and water or using organic pest control products such as Neem oil or GarlicGuard. Avoid using chemical pesticides as much as possible to ensure a safe environment for your plants and pets.

overwintering: Miniature roses may need overwintering if temperatures drop below freezing in your area. If necessary, mulch around the plant with organic matter such as leaves or straw to provide insulation and prevent frost damage to the roots. Remove mulch in spring when the threat of frost has passed and watering can resume.

Propagation: If you want to multiply your miniature rose, propagate new plants by taking stem tip cuttings in early summer. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone powder before planting in moist soil or potting mix. Maintain high humidity and keep soil slightly moist until new roots develop. Rooted cuttings will grow into new plants that will flower in their second year of growth.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow beautiful miniature roses that will provide years of enjoyment in your garden or container collection.

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Plant Care: Easy Guide to Keeping Your Flaming Katy Alive and Blooming

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana, commonly known as Flaming Katy, is a unique succulent plant that is prized for its vibrant flowers. The plant features clusters of red, orange, yellow, white, purple or pink flowers that last for several weeks. The flowering period can be extended by pruning the spent flowers.

Flaming Katy is a frost-tender plant and is considered one of the few succulents that can be grown indoors. The plant thrives in a sunny location with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers a well-draining soil mix that contains peat moss and perlite.

To care for Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana, start by providing it with the right amount of water. Watering should be done weekly, but avoid overwatering the plant. Watering should be enough to moisten the soil mix but not soaking it. Flaming Katy plants store water in their fleshy leaves, so overwatering can cause root rot and lead to the plant’s death.

Regular fertilization is also essential in Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana care. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the spring and summer months to promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilizer should be diluted to half the recommended strength and applied to the soil weekly.

Flaming Katy plants need good air circulation to prevent damping off and powdery mildew. Keep the plant in an area with good airflow and avoid overcrowding it with other plants. The Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana plant should be protected from drafts and cold temperatures to prevent it from becoming stressed.

If you are new to growing Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana, it is recommended to purchase a healthy plant from a reputable nursery or online retailer. Select a plant with bright leaves and plenty of unopened buds as a sign of good health. Flaming Katy is propagated through seed and grafting and can be expensive to purchase from some growers, but the investment is worthwhile when you see its beautiful flowers bloom.

When buying Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana, look for symptoms of damping off, root rot or other fungal diseases. Avoid plants that show signs of stress or damage from insects or mites. The best Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana plants will be disease-free and healthy looking, indicating they are likely to thrive in your home environment.

Flaming Katy plants are easy to maintain once they are established in their containers or gardens. Regular watering, fertilization and sun exposure are key to maintaining healthy Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana plants that will bloom for years to come.

Caring for Kalanchoe Plant – Problems and Solutions

Deadhead spent blooms. You’ll get the most flowers by deadheading during the flowering season. Cut off flower stems after the blooms have faded to encourage more blooms. Cut them at the base of the plant to keep the plant looking its best.

Wondering whether to repot…or not? It’s not necessary. Never repot a plant while it’s blooming because it stresses the plant and may cause its flowers and flower buds to fall off. If you want to cover up a plain nursery pot, just slip it into a cachepot — a decorative pot without drainage holes. It’s a good idea to put small rocks in the bottom of the cachepot to keep the inner pot above drainage water.

Wilted leaves? You overwatered. If you’ve been watering regularly and the leaves are soft and limp, the plant is likely suffering from root rot. Slip the plant out of the pot and take a peek at its roots. Are they soft and mushy? If so, you can toss out the plant — it likely won’t recover. If flaming katy is wilting for no apparent reason, it may be infested with root mealybugs. (See “Something bugging your plant?” below).

Yellow, wrinkled leaves are caused by dry soil. Cut off any affected leaves. Water thoroughly to ensure all roots are moistened, then empty drainage tray.

Something bugging your plant? Few pests bother flaming katy. Mealybugs are the most common invaders. Watch for white, fuzzy patches near the leaf axils and under the leaves. Root mealybugs could be the cause of a wilted plant. Ease the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots for these pests. Treat any infestation as soon as you see them to prevent pests from invading your other indoor plants. If it’s badly infested, get rid of it. It’s easier to replace your plant than it is to get rid of infestations from your other plants.

Although this compact, little house plant is easy to grow, getting it to re-bloom can be a challenge.

To help the kalanchoe plant bloom again, it requires specific care and conditions.

Firstly, long days of sunshine are necessary to promote flower budding. However, shorter hours of daylight are also needed to trigger the process.

If you bring the plant outside during the summer months, make sure to keep it in the shade. Morning sun is acceptable.

Starting from early October, you need to keep the plant in a dark room for 14 hours each night for a period of 2 weeks. During the day, give it moderate light exposure.

Minimal watering is recommended during this period, and avoid fertilizing the plant. Shriveled and yellow leaves are a sign that the plant is too dry.

Flower buds should appear within about 6-8 weeks. Once they appear, you can resume normal care. Flowering may be erratic, but the foliage will still be attractive.

By following these guidelines, your kalanchoe plant should bloom again under the right conditions.

Flaming Katy Plant Care Instructions

Origin: Madagascar
Height: 8-15 inches (20-38 cm)
Light: Bright light to full sun.
Water: Keep the soil mix barely moist. Avoid overwatering Kalanchoe, which can cause leaves to wilt and may lead to root rot. Use a pot with drainage holes; water thoroughly, then allow the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry out before watering again. However, don’t allow the soil to dry out completely. Dry soil can cause the leaves to shrivel and turn yellow. Water sparingly after it stops flowering.
Humidity: Average room (around 40% relative humidity).
Temperature: Average room temperatures 65-80°F/18-27°C.
Soil: Mix 2 parts all-purpose potting mix with 1 part horticultural sand or perlite.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly from late spring to early fall with balanced water-soluble fertilizer.
Propagation: Take stem cuttings in late spring.

Plants need air for two primary reasons: photosynthesis (making food) and respiration. Plants need to breathe for the same reason people and animals must breathe – they need oxygen to convert food into energy. The relationship between air and indoor plants is crucial to keeping your plants looking their best.

Air Above Ground

Air is often taken for granted as it is invisible and seems readily available to plants above ground. However, even though air is abundant in our atmosphere, there are factors that can disrupt the availability of fresh air to a plant. Stagnant air may be low on vital gases such as oxygen and high on other gases that may harm the plant.

For example, when plants are placed indoors, fresh air is depleted over time and can cause the build-up of toxic gases. A good example of this is a banana wrapped in a plastic bag. When wrapped in the bag, fresh air is depleted quickly. Oxygen levels drop and ethylene is released by the banana. The ethylene causes the banana to ripen faster than it would if it was sitting out in the open. These same types of reactions may happen to foliage plants if not exposed to fresh air, resulting in damaged or dead foliage.

Interior plants can accumulate dust, dirt, debris and other accumulates on their leaves. These accumulates can decrease gas exchange on the leaves as well as block much needed light from hitting the surface of the leaves. Keeping plant surfaces clean not only keeps them looking good aesthetically but also helps them perform better.

In some interior spaces, air movement is highly limited, causing stagnant air to build-up. The lack of fresh air may be insufficient in oxygen or other gases needed by the plant. It may also be high in gases that may harm the plant.

Air Below Ground

Plants need air primarily to allow their roots to breathe. If roots are unable to access air, they may fail. Root failure is a very common cause of plant stress, but often goes unnoticed because roots are not visible unless the plant is taken out of its container.

Root failure is a significant problem for indoor plants. When roots fail, they cannot function properly. This can result in yellow or brown leaves, plant stress, and a reduced lifespan of the plant.

Roots are denied sufficient air when the soil does not allow for air exchange. The two main causes of this are overwatering and soil decay. Soils that are heavily saturated with water have almost no air available. When this occurs, roots cannot breathe, leading to root failure. When a growing medium is compacted, air pockets are squeezed out and replaced with compacted soil. Soil compaction is common with aged growing media. Over time, most organic soils decompose and decay, causing them to compact. The compaction squeezes out air from the soil, making insufficient air available to the roots.

The Pachira aquatica, also known as the money tree, is a tropical tree native to Central and South America, where it thrives in swampy habitats. The moniker “money tree” reportedly originated from a poor man who prayed for money and stumbled upon the Pachira aquatica, took it home, and began earning income by selling seeds of the plant. Unfortunately, adding this attractive indoor plant species to your desk will not result in a windfall of gold.

While money may not literally grow on this tree, many cultures view it as a plant that brings good luck and harmony to one’s life and home. Feng Shui, for instance, recommends placing the money plant in the southeast corner of your house because that area is believed to be ruled by greenery and wood. The leaves of the plant are reminiscent of coins, serving as a symbol to inspire prosperity in your life.

The money tree is not a guaranteed solution to financial problems in your life but rather a way to make you feel calm and content in spirit. With care and attention, the money plant can thrive in your home for decades, providing a domino effect of positive returns. Additionally, besides harmonizing with your life, you can pass your wealth to family or friends by gifting them with cuttings of the plant.

The money tree, also known as Pachira glabra, is a common indoor potted tree plant marketed as one of the plants within the Pachira genus. The difference between the Pachira aquatica and Pachira glabra is easily observable through their flower and fruit characteristics. The Pachira glabra flower has creamy-white stamens and a smooth green fruit surface, while the Pachira aquatica flower has red stamens and a brown rough fruit surface.

Although the money tree plant is considered lucky and calming, it will only bring those benefits to you if it is thriving, so it’s essential to follow a few care tips. Firstly, when planting the money tree, use rich soil and a pot with good drainage. They should be located in areas with limited or indirect sunlight. Money tree plants should be watered every 7 to 10 days to keep the soil moist, and fertilizer should be applied once every 3 months with a timed-release fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients.

Whether it’s in your home or business, a money tree plant is a great way to keep both employees and customers relaxed. A positive indoor environment leads to increased efficiency in the office, while beautiful plants in retail spaces encourage shoppers to spend more time browsing in your store—the next best thing to a money-making tree!