I keep a ZZ plant in my windowless office because it survives under fluorescent lights that would kill most houseplants. Whether it filters the air significantly is hard to prove, but the dark green leaves make the space feel less artificial. What drew me to the ZZ plant was its reputation for improving indoor air […]
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Agave ‘Sharkskin’: The Tough and Stunning Desert Succulent My sharkskin agave came from a collector who had grown it for eight years in a shallow terracotta pot. The leaves are gray-green with a texture that feels like fine sandpaper, and the edges have small teeth that are sharp enough to snag fabric. What Makes This
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Growing Pincushion Cacti: A Beginner’s Guide to These Charming Desert Gems I found a pincushion cactus blooming at a garden center with a ring of bright pink flowers around the top. The plant was only three inches across but covered in flowers, which convinced me to buy it on the spot. What Makes Pincushion Cacti
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How to Move Houseplants: A Stress-Free Guide to Relocating Your Green Friends I moved my plants across two states last year by packing them in open boxes inside my car instead of the moving truck. The temperature swings in the truck would have damaged them, and keeping them within reach meant I could check on
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I keep a cyclamen on my desk that has been blooming since November. The flowers rise above the silver-patterned leaves on delicate stems, and removing spent blooms promptly keeps it producing new buds for months. Every bloom feels like a little celebration. Whether it’s the vibrant hues of an African Violet or the delicate petals
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THE OLD MAN CACTUS: A HAIRY CHARMER WITH PERSONALITY TO SPARE Let me tell you about my absolute favorite conversation starter in my succulent collection – the Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis). Trust me, once you see this fuzzy fellow, you’ll understand why it’s called the “old man.” Those flowing white locks would make any
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Why Shaping Matters: The Jade Bonsai Challenge I started shaping my jade bonsai after it grew into a single thick stem with all the weight on one side. A few strategic cuts forced branching, and within eighteen months it had a balanced canopy that looked like a miniature tree. The Jade Bonsai Difference Thick, fleshy
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My ZZ Plant Jungle Warrior was labeled as a new cultivar with darker, glossier leaves than the standard ZZ. The new growth comes in emerald green before hardening to a deep forest shade that looks almost black from a distance. Originating from Eastern Africa, the ZZ Plant is known for its drought-resistant rhizomes and air-purifying
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I propagated my first ficus from an air layer on a branch that was already too long for the windowsill. Six weeks later I cut below the moss ball and found a dense root system ready for its own pot. Propagation is a simple yet effective method to create new plants from your existing ones.
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I found a Ficus drupacea at a specialty nursery where it was labeled as burma ficus. The leaves are thick and glossy with a pronounced drip tip, and the tree has developed a woody trunk faster than my other indoor ficus species. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting out, this guide is
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