Gardening & plants
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Although there are some exceptions, the air outside is usually cleaner than the air inside the home. This is because there is less ventilation and our use of the home creates air pollution. Whether this is from cooking, heating the home or even from our bodily waste, there are harmful chemicals which can...
Thyme is a fragrant herb which is grown naturally in warm climates. It is a hardy and resistant plant which can be grown in various climates. This is in comparison to other common kitchen herbs such as basil or mint which have more fragile leaves. Despite being so resistant, it will decay over time once...
low difficulty
low difficulty
Watering your plants is an essential part of maintaining your garden, but you may wonder when to begin watering your flowers. In the spring, it is somewhat difficult to establish a watering routine, especially if we live in areas where it often rains at this time of year. Generally, it's not too hot...
We should be aware of how versatile cinnamon can be in the kitchen. We may even know some possible benefits it can provide our body as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. It is less well known that cinnamon also has various benefits for our plants. Its composition include minerals such as...
Often if we have a problem with our plants, we first notice it in the tips of their leaves. If they have started to turn dry and become brown in color, it is a problem which needs to be resolved. If it is not, it may result in the death of the plant. You may think you may not need to worry if only the...
As every plant lover knows, plants can talk. It is important to observe them, because they show whether they are healthy and developing well or, on the contrary, if there is something wrong with them. There are a number of factors that can cause a plant's leaves to wrinkle, curl up and turn yellow.
In...
Sulfur is a chemical element. Moreover, it is an essential macromineral for the correct development of all living beings. This does not exclude plants. It works by intervening in various cellular processes that take place within any organism. Sulfur is present in the substrate of plants, the substance which...
A poinsettia is a plant which is most commonly associated with the festive period. This is why it is often referred to as a Christmas plant. It is a beautiful red flowering plant which is noted for blooming during the colder months of the year. They bring joy to any home, but will need to be cared for...
Rice water has many benefits in various applications, including those for your skin and haircare routines. It is present in natural toners and masks, for example. You may not be aware it can be just as valuable in horticultural usage, especially when used as a natural fertilizer. It can benefit the well-being...
Within the ficus genus of trees, there are many individual species. While they bear various similarities, it doesn't mean they all require the same care. One of the most widely appreciated is Ficus benjamina, commonly known as the weeping fig. This is a very forgiving plant and can be ideal for a small...
One of the easiest plant varieties to cultivate and care for are the succulent plants found in the Lithops genus. It is also one of the most striking and beautiful plants we can have at home. Originally from South Africa, these plants can now be found all over the world. Their popularity is, in part,...
Milk is the first source of nutrition for mammals, even though many lose their tolerance later in life. Although we associate cow's milk and other types of milk as being beneficial to humans and animals, some see potential similar benefits to plant life. These benefits are said to stem from their nutritional...
Every leaf is a particular color due to the type of pigmentation found in the cell vacuoles. The most common green leaf is due to the presence of chlorophyll. Darker leaves or leaves of a different color will also contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis, but they also contain other pigments. In the case...
Potassium soap is a special type of soap which has two functions. Firstly, as a soap, it is used to clean. Secondly, it is an insecticidal agent. This means it has the power to kill insects. This makes it very useful for plants. It can kill aphids and other pests, but it does not contain chemicals which will...
While the basic care of plants requires us give them enough light, water appropriately and even fertilize them from time to time, cleaning their leaves is not something all home gardeners think to do. This is because it isn't always a necessary part of their care. But indoor plant leaves can get dirty, something...
Yellowing leaves is a common problem with houseplants, but it can happen in the garden just as easily. While a plant can suffer some yellow spotting and recover, leaves turning yellow is usually a sign of a problem which needs remedied. For us to help the plant, it is important we know why it is turning...
The hydrangea is a very recognizably flower according to its petal structure and shape. However, some people can be a little confused when they see one in a different color than they are used to. This is simply because hydrangea plants can be found in various colors. Regardless of color, they will need...
In the world of gardening, roses have always held a special place. Their beauty and fragrance has not only made them a beautiful addition to many gardens, but their symbolism for love and other traits mean they are one of the most popular flowers in the world. Another factor in the rose's popularity...
Even expert gardeners who take very good care of their plants can see white mold grow on plant soil from time to time. Outdoor plants are especially susceptible to this phenomenon. Some more amateur gardeners might not think it is something to worry about and let it lie on the soil. However, it is something...
Large-leaved plants are especially beautiful and eye-catching both indoors and outdoors. If you are looking for something to spruce up your garden with broaded-leaved plants, we have options for you here which come in various shades of green. Do remember that wherever you place these large-leaf plants,...
We take it for granted that a garden or some sort of fauna is a part of the home. Whether you have massive lawns or a tiny balcony, using plants to decorate our homes has many benefits. It not only looks beautiful, but it keeps our air fresher and helps to instill a sense of calm. Since there are so many...
Pansy flowers are hybrid plants derived from Viola tricolor, the wild pansy. Scientifically known as Viola x wittrockiana, they interbred naturally in Northern Europe and became what we now call the garden pansy. At present, there are a large varieties and types of pansy, varying in size and color. In addition,...
Bulb plants have been able to evolve and adapt to climatic conditions. Such adaptation allows them to survive less favorable periods and to flower strongly when the climate is more suitable. The fact their water and food reserves are underground means they have a greater capacity to survive even when...
Although it may seem simple, in order to be successful in caring for houseplants it is important to know the finer details. Many people complain their plants grow very slowly and this may be due to various factors. These include the type of irrigation, exposure to the sun, temperatures of the home or the...
Maybe you have the luxury of a large outdoor space, but the job which affords you said luxury is keeping you busy. While we all wish we could spend all our time in the garden, it is tricky to find time to maintain our home indoors, keeping the outdoors up to scratch can be difficult. Whether you want...
Thanks to globalization, we are able to grow exotic plants in climates which are vastly different from their native homelands. Our homes and gardens are filled with flora which show how beautiful nature can be and it is a privilege to get to enjoy them. However, one of the reasons we are able to do so...
All plants need various forms of care to enjoy good health, grow and flourish. The string-of-pearls plant (Curio rowleyanus, syn. Senecio rowleyanus) is no exception. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and stands out visually for hanging down over its pot, gaining popularity in the world of this rare appearance....
Plant care takes many forms. Giving them enough sunlight and water are considered essentials, but protecting them from potential parasites is also vital. If we neglect this aspect of their care, they can destroy the plant and it won't matter how much water or light we provide. One of the most common are...
The bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae) is a plant of tropical origin, specifically from Baja California (the Mexican state). It is visually striking and well-known for its distinctive orange sepals and blue petals which give the plant its name. This is because it looks like the beak of certain...
Before purchasing a plant to bring home, you need to know whether you have a home which can accommodate it. This means having the correct environment for them, but it doesn't necessarily mean we have to live in the climate of their origin. Since we can control the climate of our home, keeping indoor plants and...
All plants need the correct care to grow properly. Plants in the wild will grow according to their environment. Even slight changes in said environment can affect growth and reproduction. We need to be able to replicate the ideal conditions for each plant, whether in the garden or indoors. The ponytail...
Not only is having a plant in your home somewhat therapeutic but incorporating nature inside the home can change the entire atmosphere for the better! Plants can help deter illness, clean air and are a great type of home decoration.
Larger and taller plants are great if you are wanting to separate spaces...
The silver satin satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus), sometimes known as the silver vine, is an example of a wild plant which has become popular inside the home. As this plant is a ‘climber’ it can grow up to 10 foot tall in the wild. Climbers are vines which means they can spread over certain areas, but...
According to the theory of Feng shui, there are certain plants that attract negativity or positive energy into your home. Feng shui is a philosophical Chinese system of laws that aims to create a positive influence on people and space. With furniture or element placement, it is believe that the flow of energy...
Orchids are beautiful and elegant flowers, perfect to create a unique decorative touch in any domestic space. But besides their beauty they are very delicate plants that require precise steps of care to keep it in good condition and looking perfect throughout the flowering period. Growing orchids indoors...
medium difficulty
Ginger is a plant from the zingiberaceae family, whose underground stem is a horizontal rhizome prized for its aroma and spicy flavour. Furthermore, ginger is a food with many beneficial health properties and can help with certain ailments and conditions. The tuber can also be used to season our recipes and...
Flowers are always considered to be a perfect medium to express emotions and to show expressions that words can’t. They have been used since ages to communicate feelings without words. Among the millions of flowers in this nature, roses have captured our attention since times immemorial. No other flowers...
low difficulty
Rue is a very lively-looking perennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter high. It is very pretty with alternating leaves, stems shaped like branches that are blue-green and striking yellow flowers. There has always been a magical power attributed to this plant, in fact it was thought that if it dried...
medium difficulty
Devil’s ivy is an extremely easy-to-grow plant that adapts to almost all indoor environments. It can survive well without any soil or sunlight. Whether you keep it in a warm or a cool room, it will serve well in a hanging basket or a tabletop planter. It has big heart shaped leaves that may have yellow...
low difficulty
low difficulty
Roses are the most romantic and sensual flowers in the world. They are a great example of love and affection and therefore bouquets of roses are among the most common gifts between couples. There are different colours of roses and, besides the classic red rose we can also find blue Roses, yellow, white,...
low difficulty
Roses are some of the most common plants in homes and gardens, which is why you see them everywhere. Roses, with their unmistakable fragrance and diversity of colours, make them also a favourite for giving as gifts. Therefore, planting roses at home is a great idea, but you should know what care this...
medium difficulty
medium difficulty
Known as "impatiens", jewelweed or just touch-me-not, these plants, which come in different colors, are very common in terraces and gardens. Coming from tropical areas, in winter it is necessary to take into account some considerations for these plants so they manage to survive at low temperatures. If...
medium difficulty
Tulips bloom in spring generating an explosion of colour in your garden. If you plant them correctly and with proper care you can enjoy these beautiful spring flowers year after year. Tulips provide a variety of colours and textures, ranging from miniature tulips grown in small spaces to the giants that...
Apparently, indoor air quality may be worse that the air we breathe outside. Fumes from indoor appliances, perfumes and air diffusers are contributing to creating highly toxic homes. One of the reasons you should decorate with plants is that they may help to freshen up the air and absorb the chemicals by bringing...
low difficulty
low difficulty
A widely used vegetable in our kitchens is eggplant, also known as aubergine; a purple vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, as there are many ways to cook an eggplant. However, often when we go to the store or supermarket, we find aubergines at exorbitant prices or that just don't look...
low difficulty
Carnations are one of the most commonly used flowers as a decoration in many homes and gardens, as they are very striking and require very little care to grow properly. There are countless varieties of carnations, among which we can highlight the so-called common carnation, the Chinese carnation or the dianthus....
low difficulty
low difficulty
Flowers are always a wonderful gift, because they allow us to convey feelings such as love, affection or happiness in a subtle and delicate way. They are also a decorative element that many people like to have at home to give the place a much warmer, more natural look. But before choosing the color...
low difficulty
low difficulty
Tomatoes can have those fat worms that are green with white stripes and a horn at the end of the tail, called a rhino horn. They are very easy to miss as they camouflage themselves on your tomato plants and can be overlooked, and they are called hornworms. You'll no doubt have noticed holes in the leaves...
low difficulty
low difficulty
Plant terrariums - a miniature ecosystem in a beautiful container - have been popular from the Victorian Age, and it's no surprise. Terrariums make stunning centerpieces, and they create a different environment in a small bubble. Moreover, they are a great craft to make with children and they can be a...
If you follow design and photography blogs, you'll have seen that succulent plants are all the rage in gardening and decoration, and it's no surprise. Succulents, also called fat plants, thrive on arid soils and sunlight, but they're sturdy enough to survive the most clueless of rookie gardeners. Their...
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