If someone gifted you a Christmas cactus or you managed to snag one yourself—but it won’t bloom or flowers in a strange way—don’t panic or assume something’s wrong with the plant. It’s entirely possible you’re not dealing with a Christmas cactus at all, but a completely different species. The Christmas cactus, also known by its…
When you’re growing succulents, it’s common for the stems to get too long and look awkward, right? At times like this, you can restyle them or propagate more plants using a method called cuttings. This article walks you through exactly how to do succulent cuttings and how long it takes for roots to appear—so give…
Aloe vera is a common indoor succulent, prized for its unique look and healing properties. It originates from South Africa, where moisture usually comes during the rainy season. Over its evolution, aloe has adapted to go a long time without water. But proper watering is still needed for the plant—it’s the key to its health….
For seedlings to grow well, not stretch out, not overgrow, and be ready for transplanting into the ground at just the right time, you need to sow seeds at the optimal moment—sounds obvious, right? But how do you figure that out for different crops? What factors affect the sowing date, and does it vary between…
Peace lilies are cherished by both beginner and experienced houseplant owners for their gorgeous green foliage and numerous added benefits. Although these plants are famously easy to care for, you might occasionally notice their leaves drooping or wilting. Fortunately, there’s no need to panic—drooping leaves are often a sign of a problem that can be…
Panicle Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea, Smooth Hydrangea, Groundcover Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea—no matter which of these beauties you grow on your property, with proper care, they’ll reward you each year with those lush clusters of white, blue, or pink blooms. If you’ve followed my tips on cultivating hydrangeas, you probably already know all about their varieties, planting,…
Sometimes, I want to share so much about plants that it’s hard to pick a place to start. But with the White Fusion (commonly known as the White Fusion Peacock Plant), it was easy—no doubt about it. What do you love most about your plant? Let me guess… those beautiful white patches on its leaves,…
When you give hydrangeas regular, proper care—which is simpler than it might seem—they reward you with spectacular blooms in big, rounded or conical clusters. If your hydrangea refuses to bloom, you may need to adjust its growing conditions. I’ve tackled the most common questions about caring for hydrangeas both outdoors and indoors, and I’m excited…
Mealybugs are among the most dangerous pests indoor gardening enthusiasts can face. These tiny insects look like little bits of cotton, and they multiply fast. They feed on plant juices and weaken the plant’s immune system. If you don’t act quickly, mealybugs can wipe out your entire collection of houseplants—and not just those! How can…
Croton (commonly called “Joseph’s Coat” or by its botanical name Codiaeum) is part of the Euphorbiaceae family. Among gardeners, the name “Croton” is more widely used than its Greek-derived scientific name “Codiaeum,” which means “head.” No one is entirely certain what the word “Croton” actually signifies; it might come from the name of a town…