Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) or zygocactus is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant that can brighten up your home during the winter. It is commonly called the false Christmas cactus because it blooms around the same time as the true Christmas cactus. There are a few differences between the zygocactus and the Christmas cactus which is…
Zygocactus also known as Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is a popular holiday plant that blooms in late November. It commonly sells as a “Christmas cactus” in various stores during the holidays and most people fail to differentiate it from the true Christmas cactus. The main difference between zygocactus and Christmas cactus is in the shape…
The pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) also known as fire stick or milk bush is a small succulent tree native to semi-arid tropical climates of Africa and India. This plant releases toxic sap when bruised, which can cause skin irritation, eye pain, and a burning sensation in the mouth. Euphorbia tirucalli has smooth cylindrical stems with…
Potting soil also known as potting mix is made from a mixture of organic and inorganic materials which provides nutrients and proper drainage that plants need to grow. When choosing potting soil, it’s important to consider its shell life, what your plants need and the ingredients used. Using contaminated or expired potting soil can severely…
Soils naturally contain various organisms including fungi, bacteria, pests, and weed seeds, some of which can harm or kill your newly grown plants. Sterilizing the soil helps in killing these organisms to give plants a better chance of survival. Unfortunately, sterilizing soil can also kill beneficial microorganisms that are essential for the health of the…
Self-watering pots sound like a great deal for people who travel frequently or who have extremely busy schedules to the point of forgetting to water their plants regularly. As the name suggests, these are pots designed to water plants whether the plant owner is around or not. Before you know how self-watering pots work, don’t…
Worm casting tea has proven effective in improving the health and vigor of plants. It can help to boost plant growth, improve flowering, and boost resistance to pests and diseases. Worm tea is a safe and all-natural fertilizer that can benefit any type of plant, including cacti and succulents. This fertilizer tea is made by…
Cacti are native to arid and semi-arid regions, where water and other resources are scarce. Most desert cacti have spines that help reduce water loss from the plants. The sharp pines also protect against predators and sometimes stick on animals to help disperse the cactus seeds. Over time, some cactus species have evolved to lose…
Christmas cacti are beautiful plants that make great gifts. If you have a friend or family member who loves these holiday cacti, you can propagate cutting from your plant and gift them. You can also get more plants by dividing a bigger Christmas cactus into several portions. The easiest way to propagate Christmas cactus is…
Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera bridgessii) are known for their colorful blooms, which typically appear in late fall or early winter. This makes them a popular choice for holiday gifts and decorations. While they are less demanding festive plants, most people don’t know what to do when a Christmas cactus blooms. Under proper care, Christmas cactus blooms…