The luscious Heartleaf Philodendron is not only gorgeous, but also easy to grow Thursday, 05 September 2024 15:47
Philodendron 'Brazil'The ‘Heartleaf’ or ‘Sweetheart Philodendron’ was named for its lovely heart-shaped leaves but this indoor pot plant has won the hearts of gardeners for its ease of growth. It does well in lower light conditions and thrives under artificial lighting, making it ideal for homes and offices, and best of all, it’s a strong air purifier. Learn everything you need to know about caring for this tropical beauty.
Make a splash with the quirky Corkscrew Rush Tuesday, 03 September 2024 14:36
Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' Picture courtesy Sue Luxton from flickr'Spiralis' is a quirky indoor pot plant that adds a touch of elegance to any room, and is easy to grow if kept moist. It can also be grown in any aquatic landscape because it thrives in both still and flowing water, and can be grown partially or fully submerged in both fresh and saltwater aquariums. In this article I cover its ideal growing conditions, both indoors and outdoors, including: sunlight, temperature, humidity, watering and water depth, soil requirements, fertilisation, pruning, propagation, and other tips for maintaining a healthy and vibrant plant.
Pansy Orchids command attention Friday, 23 August 2024 10:17
Miltoniopsis Orchid Picture courtesy Manu Vilela from flickrTo be successful with pansy orchids you must try to simulate the conditions enjoy in their natural habitat, and their annual growth cycle. Your reward for providing them with what they need will be a display of colour that will command the attention of anyone who walks into the room. Learn everything you need to know about growing and caring for these orchids, and how to mount or grow them as potted plants.
Lady's slipper orchids make intriguing potted plants Tuesday, 20 August 2024 12:19
Lady's Slipper Orchid Image by Simon Bardet from PixabayLady's Slipper Orchids are popular among orchid enthusiasts because they make excellent pot plants that are easy to grow in lower light areas of the office or home, and the flowers can last for up to three months. Some can also be grown outdoors in shady garden beds. Learn where these orchids will thrive, and what they need to flourish and bloom beautifully.
Why you should only grow the Goose Foot as a potted plant Thursday, 15 August 2024 13:53
Syngonium 'White Butterfly'Worldwide the goose foot vine remains a very popular indoor pot plant for very good reasons. It is not just good looking but also extremely quick and easy to grow, and for a tropical plant is very forgiving, tolerating bouts of neglect, and low humidity and light conditions. Learn how to care for it indoors.
Crucifix orchids are great beginner's orchids Wednesday, 14 August 2024 15:21
Yellow Epidendrum Picture courtesy Laurent Capy from flickrCrucifix orchids with their long lasting flowers are a great beginner's orchid because they are tough and easy to grow indoors, and in our humid subtropical regions, they will thrive outdoors in full sun. They are wonderful in pots or hanging baskets, mounted on trees or driftwood, and they can even be planted in the soil amongst rocks.
Meet the Dancing Lady Orchids Monday, 12 August 2024 18:09
Oncidium lineoligerum. Picture courtesy Bernard DUPONT from flickrDancing lady orchids are excellent for beginner orchid growers because they won’t be damaged by occasional changes in temperature and will forgive you if you forget to water them every once in a while. If they are watered correctly and are provided with sufficient light and the right temperatures and humidity, they will put forth a profusion of flowers in graceful, long sprays. Learn everything you need to know to grow them successfully indoors and outdoors.
How to grow and care for ‘Elatior’ Begonias Saturday, 10 August 2024 10:16
Begonia Elatior Image by Nowaja from PixabayDress up your indoor spaces or a shady garden, balcony, porch or patio with the colourful, rose-like blooms of Begonia ‘Elatior’ Hybrids. Tuberous begonias are ideal for growing in garden beds, hanging baskets, window boxes and pots for vibrant summer displays. Learn how to grow and care for them indoors and outdoors.
African Violets can flower continuously Wednesday, 07 August 2024 12:25
African violets are simply irresistible, and with their attractive leaves and endearing blooms in a lovely range of colours, they remain the most popular of the continuously flowering houseplants. If you can give them a good balance of light, water and food, they will reward you with blooms all year long. Learn all about caring for these little beauties below, but beware, you may become hooked on them!
Why you need to add Broccoli to your list of winter veggies Monday, 22 July 2024 16:54
Broccoli Image by Nataly from PixabayBroccoli is not only highly nutritious but also so easy to grow during the winter months, and best of all its taste improves during cold weather. Although it’s too late to sow broccoli seed now, in cold regions established plants can still be planted out for a late winter or early spring crop. Learn more about broccoli and how to grow it below.
Selection of indigenous trees to bring colour and wildlife into your winter garden Saturday, 13 July 2024 13:06
Calodendrum capense Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryArbour week is just around the corner, highlighting the need to plant more of our own trees, not only for their beauty but also to attract and sustain wildlife. Food becomes harder to find during the cold winter months, so consider planting winter fruiting or flowering trees this arbour week, and by next season they will be established enough to add some winter colour, but best of all attract all kinds of wildlife into your winter garden.
Important things to consider before purchasing a tree Thursday, 04 July 2024 15:11
Fever Tree (Vachellia xanthophloea) Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryThroughout the ages humans have planted trees for food, fuel, shelter, and medicine, and today we are encouraged to plant trees not only for their aesthetics but also for their ability to improve land, water and air quality, and to sustain and attract wildlife to the garden. Learn about climate amelioration and the important role trees play in the ecosystems of our cities and rural areas, and what you need to know before purchasing trees for the garden.
Shrubs to colour your winter garden Tuesday, 18 June 2024 15:17
Camellia sasanqua' Henrietta' Picture courtesy horti.co.zaYour garden should never be drab and especially not in winter, so if it doesn’t inspire you at this time of the year, or you just want to add a little more winter cheer and colour to certain spots you will find this article helpful. Planting shrubs which flower or produce showy fruits in winter is an economical way to add colour to your garden each season without breaking the bank, and if you plant some now, you will reap the rewards next season. Gardening requires patience and planning ahead is the name of the game. Find some inspiring winter winners below.