Tag Archive for: caring for houseplants

VIDEO: Hydrangea Care Tips 🌿🌸 with Summer Rayne Oakes

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Hydrangeas have a way of stopping gardeners in their tracks—those full, dreamy blooms that shift from creamy whites to rosy pinks or cool blues. Summer Rayne Oakes @flockfingerlakes takes us through her upstate New York garden to explore five types of hydrangeas and how to help them flourish year after year.

Throughout her tour, Summer highlights two of her go-to Espoma Organic products:

  • Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier – for achieving those iconic blue blooms naturally

  • Espoma Organic Potting Mix – for building strong, healthy roots in containers

Each supports her eco-friendly approach to gardening—feeding the soil, not just the plant—while keeping the process safe for people, pets, and the planet.

Learn more about Flock Finger Lakes here:

Website: flockfingerlakes.com

Instagram – @flockfingerlakes

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Espoma Organic Holly-tone Organic Fertilizer for all acid loving plants Espoma Organic Potting Mix

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10 Time-Saving Tactics for a More Efficient Garden | Growing Joy with Maria

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Has your garden started to feel like a tedious task on your never-ending to-do list? Here are 10 ways to avoid garden burnout by making gardening more efficient and simple, so you can enjoy it without feeling weighed down.

This blog is inspired by Episode 266 of the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast, where Maria chats with CaliKim, YouTube gardening educator and author of The 10 Minute Gardener. Together, they share time-saving hacks to help you enjoy gardening again—without the stress.

Start Small, Stay Consistent

One of Kim’s foundational philosophies is to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable ones (3-, 5-, 8-, 10-, or 30-minute jobs), which is the basis of her book. The 10 Minute Gardener also organizes these by season (early, mid, late, dormant), so you can adapt them no matter where you garden.

Practical Time-Saving Tactics You Can Try Today

3 minute tasks

3-Minute Gardening Tasks

  • Fertilizer Fridays – Every Friday, while your tea kettle is boiling or you’re sipping coffee, take 3 minutes to fertilize your plants with an organic liquid fertilizer like Espoma Organic Indoor! Houseplant Food. You can also water them or pick off brown leaves.

  • Swift Growth Seed Sowing – Keep a small basket of seeds handy by your back door or in your pocket. During a quick break, pop a few pea seeds along a trellis or lettuce seeds into a container to keep succession planting going.

  • Three-Minute Tool Tidy – Clean and oil a few garden tools, like pruners, that may be getting rusty or sticky.

5-Minute Gardening Tasks

  • Tie-Up Tuesday (and Thursday!) – Dedicate a few minutes twice a week to trellis plants like cucumbers. Keep tie tape or twine in your pocket so you can do this quickly while walking through the garden.

  • Shade Cloth Oasis – Pre-clip shade cloth to trellises so you can dash out and cover plants when the sun is blazing.

  • End-of-Season Cleanups – Pull out dead plants and toss them into nearby trash bins or pop-up bins to keep your garden tidy.

8 & 10-minute tasks

8- & 10-Minute Gardening Tasks

  • Summer Salad Station – Plant a container with salad greens, a tomato or cucumber, and herbs for a quick, ready-to-harvest dinner garden.

  • Hustle & Bustle Garden Bed Prep – In spring, refresh your garden beds with soil amendments like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost and worm castings.

30 min tasks

30-Minute Gardening Tasks

  • Compost Pile Refresh – Toss together kitchen scraps and yard waste to build your compost pile. Give it a splash of water, then walk away and let nature do the work.

  • Tree Branch Trellis – Gather a few sturdy sticks and lash them together to create a simple, rustic trellis for climbing plants.

Be Consistent and Keep Things Within Reach

The key is to keep everything handy and accessible. You don’t need complicated strategies to make gardening easier. Keep a basket of seeds by the door, stash pruners in multiple spots, and have tie tape at the ready. Making tools and supplies accessible ensures you stay consistent and efficient.

Listen to the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast

For more time-saving tips, listen to Episode 266 of the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast!

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Land and Sea Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid fertilizer

 

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How to Care for Alocasia | Growing Joy with Maria

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Do you think it’s difficult to care for Alocasia? They are so easy to fall in love with because of their alien-like leaves and colors, but many plant parents feel confused when they suddenly drop leaves or look unhappy. This is particularly true if you’re not a Mindful Plant Parent (find your Plant Parent Personality Here). But the answer is no. Alocasia isn’t a difficult plant; it’s just particular. 

This blog is inspired by Episode 219 of the Growing Joy with Plants podcast with Maria Failla. After years of trial and error, she finally cracked the code on keeping Alocasia alive indoors, and now you can too.

Why So Many People Struggle with Alocasia

Alocasia isn’t “difficult.” It just has high standards. They are native to Southeast Asian rainforests, so they are used to high humidity, indirect light, and evenly moist soil. So most modern homes are not exactly a match. But if you can recreate that environment indoors, your Alocasia will gift you with its stunning leaves that you see all over Pinterest and social media..

How to Care for Alocasia

1) What light do Alocasia need?

Alocasia like bright indirect light

Bright, Indirect Light

This means “filtered sunlight,” not direct rays. Alocasias prefer to be a few feet from a sunny window or under a grow light. If it’s only holding onto 2 to 3 leaves, that’s a sign it’s starving for more light.

2) How often should I water an Alocasia?

Alocasia like even moisture

Keep the soil evenly moist at all times.

Alocasia like even moisture, so make sure you’re using quality organic soil like Espoma Organic Potting Mix. Let only the top inch dry out before watering. It stores water in little tuber-like roots that look like mini potatoes, so don’t be alarmed when you see them while repotting!

3) What type of humidity does my Alocasia need?

Alocasia like 50% to 70% humidity

High Humidity is Everything

Crispy tips? Curling leaves? That’s low-humidity talking. Alocasia loves 50%–70% humidity, which is achievable with a humidifier, a grouped plant setup, or a closed terrarium. Note that misting is not enough and can even cause fungal issues.

4) When do I fertilize my Alocasia? 

Fertilizer with Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid plant food

Fertilize When It’s Growing

Whenever new leaves appear, it’s time to feed. You can feed them using Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid plant food for greener leaves! Simply dump a capful into your watering can. Many Alocasia under grow lights continue growing through winter, so adjust your fertilizer routine to match the plant and not the calendar.

5) Do Alocasia go dormant? 

Not exactly….In winter, Alocasia may drop a few leaves. This is a natural rest period (also known as quiescence) and not a full dormancy. So don’t freak out if you see a few yellow or dropped leaves come wintertime. It’s natural.

Troubleshooting Common Alocasia Problems

 

1) Why does my Alocasia have yellowing leaves? 

Yellow leaves on Alocasia are likely due to overwatering. Trim the leaf and let the soil dry slightly before watering again.

2) Why is my Alocasia drooping or wilting?

Drooping or wilting is likely due to underwatering, overwatering, or low humidity.

3) Why can’t my Alocasia grow more than 3 leaves at a time?

It likely needs more light to support a larger leaf system..

4) Why are the edges of my Alocaisa leaf crispy and brown? 

This is usually due to dry air and humidity.

Favorite Alocasia Varieties to Try

If you’re ready to bring one home, here are the top picks for you:

  • Alocasia Ninja – almost black leaves with bold stripes.
  • Alocasia Cuprea (Red Secret) – copper-toned leaves with deep purple backs.
  • Alocasia Dragon Scale – pale green leaves with deep veining!
  • Alocasia Polly (African Mask) –  small, classic that you’ll see in so many garden centers.
  • Alocasia Lola – taller than Polly
  • Alocasia Watsoniana (White Vein) – Glossy leaves with striking white veins.
  • Alocasia Stingray – wild, tail-shaped leaves that really do look like a stingray.

The Alocasia isn't difficult to grow, give it a try! (graphic)

Give Alocasia a Try

The Alocasia is a diva… in the best way. It isn’t impossible to care for, but it just wants what it wants. Give it good light, humidity, and care, and it will grow and give you stunning leaves and be the envy of all your plant friends! Think of it as a little green alien that just needs the right home environment to feel at peace.

Listen to episode 209 of the Growing Joy with Maria Podcast

To learn more about Alocasia care, listen to Episode 219 of the Growing Joy with Plants podcast, all about Alocasia, with Maria Failla.

Learn more about Growing Joy with Maria:

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Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid fertilizer Espoma Organic Potting Mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Planting 🍅 Tomatoes, 🫑 Peppers & 🌿 Herbs with Wyse Guide

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Watch as Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide refreshes his raised beds and herb containers. He tops off his raised beds with Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix and mixes in Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost to improve soil structure and health. He plants heirloom tomatoes and peppers using Espoma Organic Tomato-tone and Bio-tone Starter Plus to give his new plants the nutrients they need to develop strong roots and big blooms.

Kaleb fills terracotta pots with Espoma Organic Potting Mix and mixes in Bio-tone Starter Plus to support healthy growth of basil, rosemary, thyme, and more.

Kaleb’s Top Plant Care Tips:

  • Refresh raised beds as needed—especially if the soil has settled or it’s time to replant—using high-quality organic soil like Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix and compost like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost to improve soil structure, boost microbial activity, and maintain healthy growing conditions.
  • Feed tomato plants with a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Tomato-tone, which provides calcium to help support proper fruit production.
  • Whether planting in the ground or containers, mix in an organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to encourage strong root growth and quick establishment.
  • Regularly harvest herbs to stimulate continuous growth.
  • Ensure containers receive consistent watering to prevent drying out.

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Learn More about Wyse Guide:

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Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Potting soil Mix Big bagEspoma Raised Bed Mix bag Espoma Organic Land and Sea Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag ImageEspoma Organic Tomato-tone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Tending to 🍇 Fruit, 🌽 Veggies & 🌸 Blooms with Garden Answer

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In midsummer, when the sun beats down and gardens are in full swing, our plants need us more than ever. That’s why Laura from Garden Answer spends the day fertilizing her container trees, row crops, raised beds, and flower beds.

Container Plants Need a Helping Hand

Unlike plants rooted in the ground, container-grown edibles and ornamentals depend entirely on us for nutrients and water. “They have nowhere to draw from,” Laura explains, as she tends to her grape trees and miniature peaches and nectarines. To keep these potted trees healthy and productive, she applies Espoma Organic Holly-tone as a midseason maintenance feeding.

Even though Holly-tone is crafted for acid-loving plants, it still offers a gentle, balanced boost—perfect for these fruiting favorites when Tree-tone isn’t on hand. “Honestly,” Laura laughs, “I use whatever tone I have in the back of the Gator,” and with Espoma, that flexibility works. Each Tone is crafted with premium organic ingredients and enhanced with Bio-tone® microbes for slow-release, soil-building nutrition.

Garden Beds, Grains, and Greens Get Garden-tone

Out in the raised beds and dirt garden, Laura gives her corn, potatoes, onions, and garlic a second round of nutrients with Espoma Organic Garden-tone. This midseason feeding ensures her crops stay vigorous as they push toward harvest, supporting everything from root growth to fruit development.

She skips feeding the crops she plans to harvest this week—like cabbage, broccoli, and lettuce—focusing her efforts on what’s still maturing. It’s a smart reminder: timing matters, and so does listening to your plants.

Starting New Flowers With Strong Roots

In a forgotten corner near a thirsty willow tree, Laura refreshes the space with drought-tolerant sedum and her favorite Super Bells. While she typically reaches for Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to reduce transplant shock and encourage strong root growth, this time she used Holly-tone, which she had on hand. It’s still a great choice, providing essential nutrients to help these new plantings settle in and thrive.

“It’s like planting insurance,” she says, echoing a sentiment we hear often from gardeners nationwide.

Why Feeding Organically Matters

Laura’s approach is simple but powerful: feed plants what they need, when they need it, and choose fertilizers that build soil health over time. Each Espoma Organic product she uses nourishes more than just the plant. With slow-release nutrients, enhanced microbial life, and no synthetic fillers, they improve the garden’s long-term vitality too.

💚 Pro Tip from Laura: “Fertilize container plants regularly—they rely on you for everything!”

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Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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VIDEO: Agave Repot & Care Tips 🪴 with Summer Rayne Oakes

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Follow along with Summer Rayne Oakes as she repots and cares for agave plants and succulents, including cold-hardy varieties that can withstand Zone 5 conditions (–20°F). She highlights the importance of using high-quality organic soils and fertilizers—like those from Espoma Organic—to help these resilient plants thrive.

Key Planting and Repotting Tips for Agave:

  • Soil Mix: Summer recommends blending Espoma Organic Cactus Mix with Espoma Organic Perlite and Espoma Organic Bonsai Mix to create a gritty, well-draining soil that helps prevent root rot.
  • Container Choice: Choose terracotta or fluted-edge pots to promote airflow and support strong root development.
  • Watering: Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent overwatering.
  • Fertilizing: Summer prefers high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Cactus! Liquid Fertilizer for steady, healthy growth and vibrant plants.

Take a cue from Summer and give your agaves the best start with Espoma Organic.

*****

Learn more about Summer Rayne Oakes here:

Website: homesteadbrooklyn.com

YouTube: @summerrayneoakes

Facebook: facebook.com/homesteadbrooklyn

Instagram: instagram.com/homesteadbrooklyn

 

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Cactus Mix Espoma Organic Bonsai Mix

Espoma Organic Cactus - organic Liquid Fertilizer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Hanging Baskets for Shade 🌿🌸 with Skye Hamilton

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Watch Skye Hamilton @hamiltonhousedesigns as she shares her go-to strategy for full, eye-catching hanging baskets in spaces with dappled or minimal sunlight. She adds a creative twist on the classic “thriller, filler, spiller” method—think filler, spiller, and longer spiller! Skye recommends using a strong, high-quality organic potting soil like Espoma Organic Moisture Mix to help retain moisture, as hanging pots can dry out quickly.

While Moisture Mix is Skye’s go-to for hanging baskets, Espoma Organic Potting Mix is also a fantastic option for all container planting. 

Skye’s top tips for successful shade baskets:

1) SKyle likes to use 16” baskets and adds a plastic liner (snip a drainage hole) to help retain moisture.

2) Choose shade-loving annuals—these plant types can thrive in shady conditions and often have smaller root systems, letting you plant more closely.

3) Aim for 5–7 plants per basket to create a full, cascading look.

4) Focus on “fillers, spillers, and longer spillers” to build depth and interest.

5) Let trailing plants cascade over the sides for that overflowing feel.

6) Water consistently and use soil that helps with moisture retention, like Espoma Organic Moisture Mix.

Bonus Tip:

When planting, Skye adds Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to provide the nutrients needed for strong root growth and big, beautiful blooms. 

*****

Learn More about Skye Hamilton:

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Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Potting Mix Espoma Organic Moisture Mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Porch-Perfect Ferns: 🌿 Planting Hanging Baskets with Wyse Guide

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There’s nothing quite like a porch full of lush, thriving greenery to welcome in the warmer months—and no one brings that vision to life quite like Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide. In his latest video, Kaleb shares how he transforms his sunny front porch into a shaded retreat using one of our favorite combinations: Boston ferns, Kimberly Queen ferns, and a trusted mix of Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix and Holly-tone.

Ferns Chosen with Purpose

Kaleb’s front porch faces south, which means intense sunlight, reflected heat, and the occasional gusty breeze. Instead of fighting nature, Kaleb leans into it—selecting Kimberly Queen ferns for their upright habit and sun tolerance, while reserving traditional Boston ferns for shadier spots near the house.

His secret to keeping these ferns happy? It starts with the soil.

Kaleb’s Planting Tips:

Kaleb chooses our Espoma Organic Potting Mix because it offers the perfect balance of drainage and moisture retention—critical for ferns, which love even moisture but hate soggy roots. This mix includes:

  • Perlite for improved aeration

  • Organic compost for slow-release nutrition

  • Natural, eco-safe ingredients—no synthetic fillers or plastic beads here

As Kaleb puts it: “It holds on to the moisture needed but also drains really well.”

He also adds a light sprinkle of Espoma Organic Holly-tone, our acidic plant food typically used for hydrangeas and evergreens. Since ferns thrive in slightly acidic conditions, Holly-tone gives them an extra boost without overstimulating growth—perfect for those who prefer a light-touch fertilizing routine.

🌱 Pro tip from Kaleb: Gently loosen or score the roots of pot-bound ferns before planting. It encourages them to branch into the fresh potting mix and establish faster.

Build Your Own Porch Sanctuary

Looking to create your own front porch oasis? Let Kaleb’s video be your inspiration. And when you’re ready to pot up your ferns, reach for the products trusted by generations of gardeners.

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VIDEO: Euphorbia Repotting 🌵 with Summer Rayne Oakes

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Join Summer Rayne Oakes as she repots her beautiful Euphorbia plants to prepare them for the summer outdoors. While Euphorbias and cacti may look similar with their spines and upright growth, they belong to entirely different plant families. Euphorbias are part of the Euphorbiaceae family and exude a white, often toxic latex sap. Cacti, part of the Cactaceae family, do not produce this sap and typically have areoles (small, cushion-like structures) from which spines, flowers, and new growth emerge—something Euphorbias lack. Often mistaken for cacti, Euphorbias are succulents native to Africa and require specific care.

Repotting:

Summer creates a well-draining soil mix using Espoma Organic Cactus Mix combined with Espoma Organic Perlite (70% Cactus Mix, 30% Perlite) to ensure excellent aeration and drainage, reducing the risk of root rot. To nourish the plants through the growing season, she applies Espoma Organic Cactus! Liquid Fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.

As a final touch, she tops off the containers with Espoma Organic Bonsai Mix, which helps protect the soil surface, reduces moisture loss, and adds a clean, finished look to each pot.

Summer also explains a common condition called “corking,” a natural process where the stems of Euphorbias become woody at the base due to aging, which is not a sign of disease.

Summer’s Euphorbia Care Tips:

  • Wear gloves when repotting to avoid skin and eye irritation.
  • Inspect roots and prune away dead or damaged areas.
  • Water thoroughly, then allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry out.
  • Fertilize regularly during the growing season, pausing in winter.

With Summer’s guidance and Espoma’s organic products, your Euphorbias will thrive outdoors this summer!

*****

Learn more about Summer Rayne Oakes here:

Website: homesteadbrooklyn.com

YouTube: @summerrayneoakes

Facebook: facebook.com/homesteadbrooklyn

Instagram: instagram.com/homesteadbrooklyn

Twitter (X): twitter.com/sroakes

 

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Cactus Mix Espoma Organic Bonsai Mix

Espoma Organic Cactus - organic Liquid Fertilizer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Prune & Feed Trees Like a Pro with Wyse Guide 🌳

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Watch Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide takes us through his springtime ritual of pruning and fertilizing fruit trees on his Iowa farm. Kaleb emphasizes the importance of proper pruning to encourage healthy growth and feeding with a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Tree-tone.

🌿 Why Espoma Organic Tree-tone?

Kaleb trusts Espoma Organic Tree-tone for its all-natural, slow-release formula that provides essential nutrients to the entire tree—roots, trunk, and canopy. Its exclusive Bio-tone microbes enhance nutrient absorption, promoting robust growth and fruit production.

✂️ Kaleb’s Top Tree Pruning Tips

  • Timing is Key: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

  • Shape Matters: Aim for an open center to allow sunlight and air circulation.

  • Clean Cuts: Use sharp tools to make precise cuts, reducing the risk of disease.

By combining these pruning techniques with the nourishment from Espoma Organic Tree-tone, Kaleb ensures his fruit trees are healthy and productive throughout the growing season.

*****

Learn more about Wyse Guide here:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WyseGuide 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WyseGuide/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WyseGuide/

Website: https://www.wyseguide.com/

 

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Espoma Organic Tree-tone

 

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