Aphids are common pests in gardens that feed by sucking the nutrient-rich sap, significantly weakening and distorting the plant. These pesky insects can enter a home through open windows, on cut flowers, or newly purchased indoor plants and become a threat to your houseplants. In most cases, aphids tend to hide in hard-to-reach areas of…
The totem pole cactus (Pachycereus schottii var. monstrosus) also known as the monstrous whisker cactus is a slow-growing cactus native to the desert regions of mainland Mexico, Sonora, and the Baja California peninsula of Mexico where they tend to grow in colonies on rocky hillsides. It is a spineless variant of the senita cactus (pachycereus…
The Silver Torch cactus (Cleistocactus strausii) also called Wooly Torch or the Snow Pole cactus is a columnar succulent native to mountainous regions of Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina. It is abundant in its native habitat since it has no threats to its survival. Silver torch cacti have spectacular features that make them attractive plants…
The pincushion cactus is a member of the Mammillaria genus comprising over 200 species. They are native to various countries, including Mexico, the USA, The Caribbean, Honduras, Guatemala, and Colombia. Related species are the old lady cactus, the owl’s eye, and the fishhook cactus. Mammillaria is great cacti to add to your indoor plant collection….
Monkey tail cactus, also known as Cleistocactus Colademononis or Hildewintera Colademononis, is a rare species native to the Bolivian countryside in Santa Cruz. It has long stems with white and soft, hairlike spines, which define its name. This cactus commonly grows on steep rocks and cliffs in the wild with stems hanging downwards. It is…
The rat tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) is an epiphytic plant native to Mexico. It has long trailing stems with short sharp spines. The plant is green when young but becomes a beige at maturity. It blooms in spring and early summer with just a few violet-red, pink, or orange flowers. In the wild, rat tail…
Dog tail cactus (Strophocactus testudo), also known as Pitaya De Tortuga, is an epiphytic plant with long tail-like trailing stems dotted with tiny spines. It is native to tropical South American forests and grows on tree branches. This plant blooms in summer or early fall, producing fragrant white flowers that open at night. It is…
Rooting hormone is a chemical substance applied to plant cuttings to stimulate faster and strong root development. The product also protects against fungal and bacterial infections that may affect the formation of new roots on the cuttings. While rooting hormones are perceived to increase the success rate of a propagation process, they are rarely essential,…
Root mealybugs are small, soft-bodied white or grey insects that feed on the sap of plant roots. They are serious pests that can weaken or kill the plant. Since they dwell in the soil, they are difficult to detect and control. However, signs of soil mealybugs include stunted plant growth, yellowing leaves, wilting, or a…
Fungus gnats are small insects that infest soil and other potting media. While adults don’t harm plants, their larvae can damage roots, stunt plant growth, or kill the plant. Fortunately, you can use neem oil to control the fungus gnats. But how do you use it? Neem oil contains azadirachtin as an active ingredient that…