Are you ready to bring succulents into your home but not sure where to start? Laura from Garden Answerhas you covered! In this video, she shares her top seven beginner-friendly indoor succulents and simple care tips to help them thrive. Laura recommends starting with a high-quality organic potting soil like Espoma Organic Cactus Mixand feeding with an organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Cactus! Liquid Plant Food.
When planting onions from seed, Espoma Organic Seed Starter is a key component in promoting root growth and improving moisture retention. Check out how Garden Answer uses it!
Laura from Garden Answer got her hands on some gorgeous new caladiums just in time for Christmas. Follow along for some keys to transitioning to holiday decor using Potting Mix!
‘Tis the season of poinsettias! These jolly red plants are a classic holiday gift and household decoration all across the country during the winter months. Unfortunately, for many people, the leaves quickly turn lackluster and the plant dies soon afterward. But you can avoid this outcome with proper care and maintenance! Here are 4 ways yours can thrive this holiday season, as told by Garden Answer.
1. Get a healthy start
Did you know poinsettias are actually tropical plants? These festive spurges have somehow become a staple during the colder months, but they very much still appreciate their native climate! That means you should try to avoid the ones that are placed near the entrance of your local grocery store, since the draft from outside and the dry heat from inside are already harming the plants’ health. If you find them elsewhere, be sure to check that the foliage has solid colors and is not showing any green as this could mean they’re finished flowering for the season.
2. Give them a loving home
Since poinsettias appreciate that tropical climate, be sure to place them somewhere with lots of light that’s away from cold glass. As mentioned before, keep them away from any drafts — warm or cold. Be sure to check their soil moisture regularly as heated homes often lack moisture in the air. You can water them when the top layer of soil feels dry. As a finishing touch, feel free to mist them regularly and use Espoma Bloom! to give them a boost.
3. Stay safe this holiday season
A widely believed myth is that poinsettias are incredibly toxic to pets and humans. But the truth is that you would have to ingest an exorbitant amount of it for it to actually be dangerous! You should still err on the side of caution since the white sap that’s produced when the stems break can be a skin irritant, and it’s best to set them somewhere pets and kids can’t reach as with all houseplants.
4. Start anew next year
No matter how devoted you are to your beloved poinsettias, you should still think of them as annual plants that need to be replaced each year. It can be very difficult to get them to bloom again a year later and it involves much stricter care than the tips listed above.
Check out this video from Kevin @Epic Gardening for some additional tips and tricks to get the most out of your poinsettias.
Now that you have all the necessary knowledge, go find the biggest and brightest poinsettias you can locally buy — and rest assured that they’ll last much longer than last year’s!
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/annie-spratt-H0IhIwdJpc0-unsplash.jpg17581280Danielle Kirschnerhttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngDanielle Kirschner2020-12-16 16:15:442024-10-21 10:35:094 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Poinsettias
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Stop-killing-cuttings-yt-thumbnail-1.jpg10801920Danielle Kirschnerhttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngDanielle Kirschner2020-12-04 10:24:442020-12-18 16:29:20Video: Epic Gardening: How to Transplant Water-Rooted Cuttings Without Killing Them
With fall underway and winter on our heels, you’re probably putting away your gardening tools for the season and taking the last bits of veggies and fruits you can harvest before the ground freezes over. And if you’re anything like us, you’re probably sad to see all the greenery and colors go. But don’t let that crush your spirits! While you’re waiting for spring to arrive, you can stay busy raising colorful houseplants.
This plant has green leaves with red, yellow, and orange hues in them, so you get the greenery and some beautiful colors all in one! Direct sunlight may burn their leaves, but bright light will produce the beautiful red and pink colors — so be sure they’re receiving bright indirect light. But don’t fret if your home is low light! Your Aglaonema can still grow, it will just be less colorful.
1. Colorful Aglaonema
2. Prayer Plant
Don’t have space on the windowsill to put the plants? Try hanging them up! Prayer plant is a favorite of ours because it has the habit of sprawling out. It can make any room you put it up in look cozy! It has dark green leaves and purple-mauve stems and veins that give your space a classy look.
3. Neon Pothos
If you’re someone who’s going to get the blues in winter from the lack of color outside, this plant is just what you need! Neon pothos adds a pop of color to your living space and will brighten up your day every time you look at it. This will also present a good contrast to any darker-colored plants like the prayer plant or calathea. It’s an easy to grow plant that you can hang up or put it on your coffee table and let the vines take over. It needs direct sunlight to grow, but you can swap that out with fluorescent lights if your house isn’t very sunlight-heavy.
4. Anthurium
Want a plant that’ll bloom every season? If you take care of this plant right, you can have shades of pink and red residing in your house all year long! All you need to do is keep it in a well-lit place and water it regularly. This valentine’s day favorite will definitely give your house a more quirky look.
5. Monstera
You might’ve seen this one on aesthetic Instagram accounts or have it pinned on one of your “dream room” Pinterest boards. This plant has been a popular go-to for a lot of people in recent years, and we totally get why. It’s a plant with big green leaves that can be placed anywhere without taking up too much space! They can also grow in almost any atmosphere. If you’re looking to add some simple green to your room, monstera is the way to go.
Ready to head to your local plant shop yet? Stock up now so you can sit back and relax with your indoor green space this fall and winter. They’re sure to bring colorful life to your home and remind you of the upcoming spring and all of the beautiful outdoor blooms that are yet to come!
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/inna-yatsun-e9Q17z21zGA-unsplash.jpg17072560Danielle Kirschnerhttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngDanielle Kirschner2020-10-22 13:20:402024-10-22 14:04:02Unusual Houseplants to Add Life to Your Home This Fall
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-29-at-9.59.14-AM.png397806Danielle Kirschnerhttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngDanielle Kirschner2020-09-29 10:22:172024-09-26 15:55:18Video: Time for Fall Wall Planters with Garden Answer
Apartments or small spaces are invitations to get creative with décor. There are many different ways you can grow indoor plants. There are plenty of ways to keep houseplants nearby.
To maximize space, design and style, utilize a few small potted plants. Take advantage of vertical spaces with hanging baskets or a green wall. Even small DIY projects such as terrariums or kokedama can instantly perk up a small space.
These houseplants are a small space gardener’s best friends:
Haworthia ‘Big Band’
A big name for a small plant, but the deep green leaves with white stripes really stand out. They look very modern in small containers with a layer of white gravel on top of the soil. Keep them out of direct light. They grow 2-8 inches tall and wide.
Moth Orchid
Moth orchids have long, thin stems and large flowers that create a big impact in small places. Plus, they flower for an incredibly long time. These are the easiest orchids to grow, even if you are a beginner. Bonus, they are actually more likely to flower when rootbound, so no need to add more space anytime soon. Water well once a week, then let drain completely. Feed regularly with Orchid! liquid plant food.
African Violet
The colorful blooms of African violets instantly add color to any room. They’re known to bloom continuously, even throughout the darker winter months. Slightly root bound plants will continue to bloom, but be sure to repot using Espoma’s African Violet potting mix at least once a year. Water African violets from the bottom to prevent leaves from rotting and never let them sit in standing water.
Photo courtesy of Costa Farms
Fittonia
Also known as nerve plant, Fittonia adds a pop of color with leaves that have bright pink, white or red veins. Its petite size allows for it to be placed almost anywhere. Fittonia prefers medium to low light, but tolerates direct sun if the light is filtered through a sheer curtain.
Echeveria
The echeveria is one of the most common types of succulents. Little plants like these are commonly found on office and home desks due to their easy care and small size. A common cause of death, however, is overwatering. Make sure to let your plants’ soil dry completely before giving them another drink. Feed regularly with Espoma’s Cactus! liquid fertilizer for best results.
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/shutterstock_491195248.jpg29224384espomahttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngespoma2019-11-20 08:00:302022-12-08 14:42:49The best indoor plants for small spaces
Houseplants are so much more than decorations. They help reduce stress and tension and create a relaxed and happy atmosphere. They absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen while purifying the air by removing toxins. They say we spend a third of our life sleeping, so let’s do it in the best possible environment, a room full of house plants.
The best plants for a healthy night’s sleep.
Photo courtesy of Costa Farms
Snake Plant
Snake plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen at night. It is also one of the easiest and most forgiving houseplants you can grow. Whether you have bright or low light, a snake plant will adjust to it. It doesn’t require much water and even if you forget to water it for a couple of weeks, it will still look great. Overwatering it is really the only way to kill it.
Photo courtesy of Costa Farms
Golden Pothos
A study from NASA shows that pothos removes toxins, mainly carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from the air. This low-maintenance plant grows well in low light. Water it only when completely dry. Always pot your houseplants in quality potting soil like Espoma’s Potting Mix or a mixture of potting mix and Cactus Mix for plants like this that require excellent drainage.
Photo courtesy of Costa Farms
Spider Plant
The spider plant removes formaldehyde from the air, which is a common carcinogen found in many household products and items. This is another easy to grow selection that enjoys bright light, but will adapt to low light situations. Like all house plants, a regular schedule of fertilizing will help keep spider plants in tip-top shape. Organic liquid fertilizer like Espoma’s Indoor! works beautifully and has an easy dose cap, meaning you’ll never use too much or too little.
Photo courtesy of Costa Farms
English Ivy
English ivy has the unique ability to clean the air of mold. Ivy is a trailing plant that you can train to grow up a trellis or let it cascade down from a shelf. It can be an aggressive plant outdoors, but inside it’s well behaved. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and give it a place with indirect light.
Photo courtesy of Costa Fams
Aloe vera
Aloe has been used as a medicinal plant to heal: sunburn, cuts, insect bites, minor burns, and dry skin. It’s also an air purifier. Aloe likes bright light. Water it well every two weeks or when the soil feels very dry. Fertilize with Cactus! monthly to give it nutrients.
Photo courtesy of Costa Farms
Peace Lilies
Peace lilies also made it on NASA’s list of toxin removing plants. They can absorb mold spores from the air into their leaves. It’s a pretty plant with calla-like flowers that likes bright light. Regular watering is a must (they’ll let you know when they’re thirsty by letting their leaves droop.)
Lavender
Lavender has been used for centuries for its soothing, sleep-inducing properties. Victorian ladies used to stuff their pillows with lavender to relieve stress. Today you can find a wide array of lavender products to help whisk you off to sleep. Lavender isn’t often sold as a houseplant but you can grow it outdoors and harvest the flowers for the bedroom.
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Ready for more relaxing? Check out these blogs for ideas.
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/timothy-buck-psrloDbaZc8-unsplash-scaled.jpg25602560espomahttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngespoma2019-11-13 08:00:042022-11-04 17:12:47Plants to Help You Get Some Rest
If you feel like
your collection of tried and true houseplants is looking a little, well, green,
then now’s the time to add some dramatic pink houseplants.
Millennial pink’s
reign has extended well beyond its Pantone 2019 Color of the Year status.
Choosing houseplants in this hue give it a timeless status.
Houseplant lovers
and interior decorators are embracing pink houseplants like never before. Want
or little pop of color to mix with your greens? Check out some of our
favorites.
Plus, these pink
plants will outlast any pink cut flowers.
Photo courtesy of Costa Farms
Colorful
Aglaonema
Traditionally known
as the Chinese evergreen, this houseplant has been bred to come deep green,
silver, pink and red. It is slow
growing, with large, narrow and glossy oval foliage. Keep
in mind the lighter the variegation, the more light it needs. If you opt for
dark green foliage, it can thrive in low light. Water when the top two inches
of soil is dry and add humidity around the plant in the summertime. Use Espoma’s indoor!
liquid plant food during the growing season to give it
the nutrients it needs.
Photo courtesy of Costa Farms
Fittonia
A small
houseplant like Fittonia fits practically anywhere — from a tabletop to a
window sill or a desk. It’s a good candidate for low-light spots in the home or
office, too. Pink-variegated fittonias like ‘Frankie’ and ‘Mini Pink’
capitalize on the pink hues. Fittonia is a thirsty plant that wilts quickly when
dry. Don’t worry, it will perk back up quickly after watering, but for the best
keep moist for best results.
Afterglow
Echevaria
This echeveria
truly lives up to its name. With beautiful pastel pink and purple leaves, this
succulent is a prize for any blush lover. Afterglow is perfect for indoor or
outdoor containers. When growing succulents in containers, be sure to use Espoma’s
Cactus Mix for best results.
Photo courtesy of Costa Farms
Earth
Star
There are more than 1,200 varieties of cryptanthus and they
come in many gorgeous shades of pink. It gets its common name from its star-like
spread and need to grow in soil (many other bromeliads are air plants.) Earth
star prefers low-water, bright light and an occasional feeding with an organic
fertilizer like Espoma’s Indoor! Like other bromeliads, each cryptanthus blooms only once in its
lifetime, and then it begins a slow dying process. Before it dies, new pups are
produced that can be replanted.
Photo courtesy of Costa Farms
Anthurium
Anthuriums
are elegant, easy-care plants with cheery blooms that last a long time.
Anthuriums are also efficient air purifiers, so a colorful Anthurium will bring
a pop of color and breath of fresh air to the room. This show-stopping plant is
a two-for for any romantic with its glossy heart-shaped, pink leaves. Anthurium
stands out of the crowd with blooms on and off all year. Its flowers will last
for months under the right conditions. This exotic plant loves warmth and
humidity.
Not ready for
such bright color just yet? Check out these low-light picks!
