Understanding the root system of succulents is crucial for their optimal growth and survival. Contrary to many plants, succulents exhibit a unique, predominantly shallow root system. Stem succulents tend to have shallow but long fibrous roots that grow horizontally to quickly absorb water from intermittent rainfall in hot, dry climates. Those with tap roots are […]
Which Succulents Have Shallow and Deep Roots? (Explained) Read More »
Fancy growing a pineapple plant at home, but unsure if it’s cared for like your favorite succulents? The question is intriguing: Are pineapples actually succulents? Although they share water-saving features, pineapple plants are not succulents because they do not store water as most succulents do. They also produce fruits and prefer a tropical growing environment.
Are Pineapple Succulents? (Explained) Read More »
The snake plant, with its upright, sword-like leaves, and attractive variegation is an iconic presence in many homes and offices. But, is it actually a succulent? Although they have different growth habits, many snake plant species are succulents, as they have water-storage tissues, shallow horizontal roots, and carry out CAM photosynthesis, all of which allow
Are Snake Plants Succulents? (Explained) Read More »
Using rice water, the starchy water left over from rinsing rice, to water plants has been widely practiced in many Asian cultures as a natural fertilizer for plants. But is it a myth or is there real science behind it? Rice water is a rich source of macronutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins that can act as
Rice Water for Plants: A Look at Studies Read More »
Are you planning a vacation but worried about the fate of your thriving seedlings? You can keep your seedlings watered while you are away using hydrogel crystals, plant bath, automatic watering system, wick system, plastic bag greenhouses, topdressing/mulch, cluster setup, and help from friends and neighbors. In this article, we will navigate through these 8
8 Simple Ways to Water Seedlings While on Vacation Read More »
When you see a Christmas cactus burst into a range of pink, red, and white hues, you can be sure that winter is around the corner, as that’s their typical blooming period each year. But sometimes it can also surprise you with flowers during the hot summers. A Christmas cactus can bloom out of season
5 Reasons Why Christmas Cactus Blooms Out of Season Read More »
Can garlic be the savory secret to a bug-free garden? Companion planting with garlic, using garlic sprays and powder on plants can repel and even kill pests because of its potent smell and sulfur-containing compounds, making it a powerful natural insecticide and fungicide. However, it can also repel beneficial insects. In this article, we will
Why Bugs Hate Garlic: A Look at the Studies Read More »
Meet the giants of the cactus world—the Saguaro Cacti (Carnegiea gigantea). In this article, we’re unpacking 28 little-known facts about these iconic plants that showcase their unique characteristics and stories, offering a deeper insight into what makes Saguaros far more than just prickly giants in the desert. 1. Arms growth A saguaro cactus typically starts
Saguaro Cactus: 28 Little-Known Fun Facts Read More »
Imagine stepping into your garden, only to find your eggplants struggling while their neighboring plants flourish. This is a consequence of mismatched companion planting. Eggplants struggle when planted together with nightshades (e.g. tomatoes, potatoes), brassicas (e.g. broccoli, cabbage), squash, cucumbers, asparagus, fennel, and corn due to incompatible soil requirements, nutrient competition, shared pests, and chemical
9 Bad Companions for Eggplants (Compatibility Alert) Read More »
Ever mistake a weed for your prized arugula? In this article, we’ll help you separate your treasured arugula from its deceiving lookalikes. We’ll explore differences in size, leaf shape, and flower color for a variety of similar plants, including some that can be toxic if consumed. If you are interested, also check out our guide
Arugula vs. 11 Weed Lookalikes: A Visual Guide Read More »
