Ghastly Houseplants for October!
The goosebump factor of these exotic and unusual plants is high! They are perfect for creating Halloween vibes and look gorgeous the rest of the year too. Embrace the gothic spirit of the season and surround yourself with slightly sinister plants!
Bringing Houseplants Indoors for Winter
If you let your houseplants vacation on the back deck or front porch this summer, then by early September it’s time to get them ready to move back inside for the winter. Letting your indoor plants spend their summer at “camp” is a great way to give them extra air circulation, increased surround lighting, and […]
10 Peperomias We Love!
Peperomia (Piperaceae) is an amazingly vast plant family of leaf shapes and textures! There are dozens of varieties to choose from but here are our favorites: Despite the huge difference in appearance, there are commonalities that all peperomias have. This makes it easier to care for a collection! To start, consider the tropical native habitat […]
10 Hoyas for Your Houseplant Haven!
Hoyas, also called wax plant or porcelain flower, are regaining popularity as beloved houseplants. It’s hard not to end up a collector as each one is uniquely different with foliage color, size, shape, and heavenly-scented bloom. If there’s a plant with the reputation for being one anybody can grow… it’s a hoya. They seem to […]
Use Root Stimulator in All Seasons!
You know you’re supposed to stop, or drastically cut back, fertilizing your plants between September and March to aid in their necessary dormant period. But, did you know you can work on root health all year long? Because root stimulators are a hormone that encourages root growth, rather than a chemical that forces plant growth, […]
Build Imaginations with Fairy Gardens
Building a fairy garden is a delightful way to explore an imaginary world with your children. With just a few household and gardening items — and a belief in the magic of fairies — together, you can create a unique, whimsical fairy garden. A fairy garden can be thought of as a tiny safe oasis […]
Splashes, Dashes, and Dots: A Brief Explanation of Leaf Variegation!
There has been a shifting trend in houseplants lately, from flowers to foliage. As more and more leaf variegation has been encouraged by growers and plant propagators, the blooms aren’t the stars of the sill that they used to be! But not all leaf variegation is created equally, and there are a few things to […]
Unique Plants for Lower Light Areas
Are you coveting the brightly lit living room jungles you see online, but feel disheartened by your lack of southern exposure windows? No fear, we’ve put together a list of plants that will turn your darker corners into the lush indoor wilderness you’ve been longing for…
10 Phenomenal Philodendrons!
When you hear ‘Philodendron’ you might think of a basic green houseplant… well these philos are anything but basic, and never boring! Perfect plants for medium light situations (though variegated types need brighter light), you can find climbers, trailers, and standing varieties to suit your design dreams.
Alluring Alocasias!
We’ve noticed an increased interest in a particularly pretty plant group. This week we’re exploring the wild and wonderful world of Alocasias. We’ll start with an overview of the genus and then touch on some of the capable cultivars and spectacular species that make up this charismatic collection of plants. Made up of 97 accepted […]
Cold Hardy Carnivorous Plants
You might remember that back in late fall we took an introductory look at carnivorous plants. Some of you may even have dreamed of a botanically bountiful bog of your own, lamenting our northern, wearisome winters. Rejoice! We too can create a tantalizingly tropical-like bog to adorn our landscapes that, with a little help, will […]
Tissue Culture Explained!
We’re living in technologically tantalizing times, and with all of these scientific strategies slipping into our daily lives it can make common practices seem complicated and confusing. So, in this week’s blog, we’re tackling the topic of tissue culture. No need to nab your buddy Webster, we’ll walk you through the jargon for a clearer […]
Bonsai Trees and Pots: A Beautiful Pairing
It’s a new year and you’ve decided this year you’re delving into the botanical bastion of bonsai. But with so many plants and pots to choose from, where do you start? Worry not and read on as we guide you through the process of pairing plants and pots for bonsai. We’ll begin at the heart […]
Holiday Cactus Hints!
Do you have a holiday cactus? Have you been puzzling over its poor performance during that oh-so-magical flowering period? Are your flights of floriferous fancy infringing on your focus? Then gear up and get excited because it’s time for a Holiday Cactus Hootenanny! We’ll share some tips and tricks to boost your plant’s flower power. […]
Isopods in Terrariums: The Ultimate Desk Pets!
Have you been smitten with Isopod Insanity? Then look no further because we’ve got an assortment of cute, carapaced critters to calm your chitin cluttered mind. Not sure what the hubbub is about? Take a dive with us as we explore the unbearably adorable world of isopods. Isopods are crustaceans that have rigid, segmented exoskeletons, […]
Succulents: The Dormant Season
The sun is dipping before dinner, its last degrees of heat are being squeezed out and Snow Miser has finally reared his icy head. It’s winter and if you haven’t already, it’s time to deal with your tender succulents (we’ll address their cold hardy counterparts in another blog). Wintertime can be challenging for succies indoors […]
Carnivorous Plants at Home!
When you hear the phrase “carnivorous plants” you likely think of the iconic Venus flytrap but were you aware that there are 582 other species of carnivorous plants and counting? About 3 species a year since 2000 have been discovered to be carnivorous. The fun doesn’t stop there. Snap traps like those utilized by the […]
Our Favorite Green “Strings of Things!”
We dream of walking through a living curtain of hanging succulent strings! There are many types of trailing succulents that have common “strings of things” names and we love them all. Aptly named for their shapes, these plants all need bright light (will tolerate a few hours of direct sun) and low water. You can […]
The Basics of Succulent Care
Though they are quite low maintenance with their modest care requirements, succulents can seem daunting to indoor gardeners used to growing leafy tropicals. There are basic habitat considerations, as with all plants, but succulents are truly an optimal beginner’s plant and their beautiful colors and textures attract even the most well-seasoned houseplant enthusiast. Here are […]
Hanging Houseplants for Any Light Situation!
Running out of space for plants on your shelves and sills? Look up! Just imagine all the available real estate for future hanging jungles. Indoor plants are really having a moment right now and there’s no reason to stop collecting your dream list just because you’ve used up your counter space. No matter what your […]
5 Live Mosses and Lichens for Terrariums!
Create a serene woodland oasis in miniature by bringing a variety of live mosses and lichens into your home. We recommend adding them to your terrariums and vivariums, giving them their own mossarium, or highlighting an especially gorgeous piece under a glass cloche. Keeping live moss looking green and lush can be intimidating but with […]
Air Plants Explained: Xeric v.s. Mesic
Tillandsia, commonly known as air plants, are fascinating plants that are among the easiest indoor foliage to grow. To get the best results, as with all plants, it helps to know what their native habitat is like and in the case of Tillandsia, there are two types: Xeric and Mesic. Xeric Air Plants Xeric conditions […]
High Light Plants for The Sunnier Side of The Sill
Light, light, and more light… If you’ve got it, flaunt it! These high light plants create a seamless indoor-outdoor vibe in a sun-filled room. Just keep an eye on the plants you place in these brightest spots. A “High Light” plant is not always a “Direct Sun” plant. So if you see some crispy tips […]
Medium Light, Maximum Beauty!
“The dappled morning light peered in through the eastern window and cast her gaze upon the Stromanthe sanguinea in the aged terracotta pot”… is how our medium light houseplant novella will begin someday. The words “diffuse” and “indirect” will be used often. Do you have a northern or eastern windowsill? It’s a perfect spot for […]
10 Seriously Cool Ceropegia!
Ceropegias make up a large portion of our “Strings of Things” list, second only to the Senecio family. They are great at storing water in their leaves even when the soil is dry, so wait and watch for them to deflate a bit before watering. Give your ceropegias bright, indirect light and a warm room […]
Top Things to Do In Your Garden… Early Spring
Spring is the time to begin thinking seriously about your garden. Learn some tips and solutions for many gardening problems. PREPARE YOUR SOIL Give your garden soil the energy it needs to sustain bountiful crops by preparing it now. Using last year’s soil without adding in new nutrients is like asking a racecar driver to […]
Mycorrhizae: Down and Dirty with Symbiotic Fungi
Whether you’re brand new to the world of plant care, have had your hands in the soil for years, or you’re somewhere in between, one of the most important things you can do to understand and support the health of your plants is to learn about their relationships with the organisms around them. Especially when […]
10 Amazing Aloe Facts!
Our favorite spiky green gem of a houseplant has a history spanning myriad cultures who used the plant’s moist middle to treat many physical complaints. Ancient civilizations, among them the Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians, American Indians, and Meso-Americans, used aloe vera to treat everything from baldness and insomnia, to burns, wounds, and fever. Here are ten […]
Waking Up Indoor Plants for Spring!
If houseplants could yawn, stretch their limbs, and look sleepily around like a bear coming out of hibernation, the end of February would be the time! Days are getting longer, which is noticeable to indoor plants, letting them know it’s time to come out of dormancy. Because you love your plants and are responsible for […]
The Fascinating Codonanthe Plant!
Walk by a hanging basket of Codonanthe devosiana and you’ll probably admire the unassuming yet sweet cascading plant in the African violet family. It certainly is pretty with its covering of delicate white or pink trumpet-like blooms. But there is an amazing story to this species of tropical epiphyte. In its natural habit, the Codonanthe […]
10 Pettable Houseplants
If you are one of those people who can’t walk by a fuzzy plant without petting it… this is the list for you! Imagine filling your home with huggable plants! We certainly dream of it. Here are ten of our favorite hirsute houseplants:
The Wonder of Roots
When we look at a maple tree in its autumn glory, or smell an eye-catching rose, or profess admiration for a friend’s lush philodendron, we are rarely as aware of the magnificent roots happening right below. “Out of sight, out of mind” is the hard truth for many gardeners, indoors or out, but the wonder […]
10 Plants for your Vivarium!
We get many questions about which plants are safe to use in an animal-inhabited terrarium (vivarium). Depending on the climate you’re trying to re-create, the light you have available, and allowing for potential growth, we have a great and varied list for you! Anthurium: Also known as flamingo flowers or spathe flowers, anthuriums have a […]
Considering Containers
It’s the age of creative containers for your beloved houseplants! Designers are making stunning pots out of ceramics, metals, woods… and plant lovers are going wild for them. So wild, that we get many wonderful questions each day about sizing and functionality. Sometimes the cutest pot you’ve ever seen doesn’t have a drainage hole but […]
How to Build a Fantastic Terrarium!
As autumn puts outdoor gardens to bed, put your creative mind to work by building a tiny magical garden indoors. Terrariums are a great way to keep green in your life, year-round! Materials Glass container with lid Small pebbles Horticultural charcoal Indoor potting mix Terrarium-appropriate plants Fun decorations, accessories, and figurines Humidity-loving plants for your […]
The World of Epiphytic Houseplants
Epiphytes are a fascinating type of plant! In the wild they grow on tree trunks, in the forks of branches, on the sides of rocks, and even in aquatic settings. Common epiphytes are some types of ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and cacti. Because true epiphytes don’t require much soil, if any, they make excellent houseplants. Here is […]
Safest Non-Toxic Houseplants for Cats and Dogs
We get a lot of questions about which plants are safe to grow around your pets. Finally you can bring some green into your home without the worry! We do want to preface this list by saying that any plant ingested in large quantities can cause severe problems. If you believe that your animal is […]
November and December Garden Checklist for Northern Colorado
Download this article as a PDF Northern Colorado’s winter weather is rarely predictable. From warm sunshine, to frequent snow storms and freezes, the temperatures and the weather conditions in our area present unusual gardening challenges. In order to stay ahead of these challenges, flexibility is the key. Use the following tips to help guide your […]
January and February Garden Checklist for Northern Colorado
Download this article as a PDF Temperatures typically dip to their lowest during the months of January and February across the front range. Average low temperatures for Northern Colorado range from 15-19F with high temperatures ranging from 43-47F. Additionally, our area is known for its ‘semi-arid’ climate. Combine low temperatures and dry conditions, and you […]
Overwintering Annuals
Annual Bulbs Did you plant any Dahlias, Cannas, or Elephant Ears this spring that you absolutely adore? Are you thinking about overwintering them? Here’s our quick guide on overwintering annual bulbs. After digging up the bulbs, place them into a baggie with shredded newspaper or wood shavings (something that will hold moisture). Moisten the medium […]
Common Disease Problems in Colorado House Plants
Houseplants can be susceptible to disease. Some examples are: Chlorosis Dropsy or Edema Gray Mold or Botrytis Leaf Drop Leaf Scorch Powdery Mildew Root Rot Solutions for fungal diseases:Good cultivation practices are important. Fungal spores need a wet surface to germinate so keep plant matter as dry as possible. Do not use overhead watering, or […]
Common Insect Problems in Colorado Houseplants
Having insects in your plants can be frustrating. Many times you will have to create a better environment for the plant to be able to save it and get rid of the insect. Some examples are: Aphids Fungus gnats Mealybug Scale Spider Mite Thrip Whitefly Solutions for aphids include: Neem oil, insecticidal soaps, horticultural oil, […]
Selecting Your Houseplant
An important key to your success will be to start with a healthy plant. Avoid plants with off color or abnormally yellow foliage and check the underside of the leaves for signs of pests. LIGHT: Your foliage plant will decline very quickly if placed in an area where light intensity is too low. If light intensity […]
Houseplant Highlight: Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera genus) Named “Christmas Cactus” because of its habit of blooming during the winter holiday season. Called a cactus but is actually an epiphyte originating in Brazil. Epiphytes grow in/on trees and prefer humidity and filtered bright light. Christmas cacti don’t like drafts and can drop their buds before opening if exposed to […]
Houseplants are Great for Your Health!
While most people who love gardening in Colorado appreciate houseplants for their ability to add life to long winter days, few understand just how healthful it is to have these green beauties inside of the house. Houseplants have been shown to increase happiness, speed up the healing process and even lower blood pressure; all by […]
Kokedama Tutorial
Kokedama, or moss balls, are beautiful living planters you can enjoy for years! Using very basic materials you can create your own indoor garden. Display balls in saucers or hang them to make a “string garden.” Materials List: Sheet Moss Soil (a mix of potting soil and bonsai soil is preferred due to the clay […]
Biologicals: “Good” Bugs for the Greenhouse and Garden!
Biological control is the release of natural predators to manage plant-harming insects. Biologicals help greenhouses and gardeners avoid the need to use pesticide sprays and dusts! Many beneficial insects are already in your garden, patrolling for (and munching on) unwanted pests like aphids and borers. You can also purchase sachets and egg cases of different […]
The Vanilla Bean Orchid
Everyone knows the scent and taste of vanilla… at the very least we smell it in perfumes and enjoy it in ice cream! But did you know that all vanilla comes from the fruit of an orchid? Of the tens of thousands of orchids known to the world, Vanilla planifolia is the only orchid to […]
Orchids
There are few flowers more widely desired than the orchid. With their delicate, graceful beauty and tropical appearance, orchids carry an unmatched implication of elegance. One of the oldest recognized flowers, orchids are cultivated in a wide variety of colors and delicately shaped blossoms. Different cultures throughout history have believed orchids to possess healing, disease-fighting, […]
Winter Care for Houseplants
Were you aware your houseplants sense changing seasons too? Although much slighter than in outdoor gardens, the changes in light and temperature do affect your indoor plants and can have fairly drastic consequences for some of the more delicate foliage. Here are some coping strategies to keep your houseplants happy this winter! Watering Over-watering is […]