This category covers important items for growing, caring, and display of cacti, succulents, and other houseplants. They include potting soil, planters, fertilizers, terrariums, artificial lights, potting mixes, and other things that can enhance the well-being and beauty of your houseplants.
Coco coir and peat moss are both popular products used in container gardening and hydroponic growing. They are all processed and sold as potting media, soil amendment, or mulch. Let’s compare coco coir and peat moss in terms of their characteristics, benefits, sustainability, and effectiveness. Peat moss is harvested from bogs containing sphagnum moss and…
Most plants grown in a closed terrarium have adapted to thrive in humid conditions. Therefore low humidity can have negative effects on the health of the plants and the overall ecosystem. That’s why it’s important to keep monitoring the terrarium moisture levels and adjust as needed. On the other hand, excess moisture is potentially damaging….
Closed terrariums can be a beautiful addition to any space including home and office. They are usually sealed to create a self-sustaining ecosystem where plants grow and thrive with minimal care. The container is usually transparent, allowing in light and you can also observe the plants inside. The closed terrarium works on the principle of…
Closed terrariums are typically easy to care for than potted plants. Since they are enclosed, they recycle moisture and this reduces the need for watering. However, they require regular monitoring for moisture levels, pruning to control plant growth and occasional cleaning of the glass. The first step in creating a low-maintenance closed terrarium is to…
Springtails are known to feed on fungi, algae, or decaying organic matter. If you have a closed terrarium with live plants, springtails can be helpful in keeping the ecosystem clean and healthy. They also aerate the soil thus making air, moisture, and nutrients easily available to the plant roots. Terrariums are typically enclosed, which means…
The growth of mold in your terrarium is not just unhealthy for your plants but also a risk to your family members. Mold produces spores and other airborne toxins which may cause allergic reactions when inhaled. In this guide, I’ll explain what causes mold in the terrarium, its signs, and how to get rid of…
Cacti are generally hardy plants but are not ideal for a closed terrarium. However, you can get the desert theme on your tabletop by creating an open cactus terrarium. It’s no longer rocket science as long as you can provide proper airflow, well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and minimal watering. When choosing cacti for a…
When choosing a location for a plant, it is important to consider the amount and intensity of sunlight that the plant needs. Some plants, such as cacti, need direct sunlight to thrive while others prefer indirect sunlight. So, is the light through the window direct or indirect? Light through the window is considered indirect only…
Insecticidal soap and neem oil are popular organic insecticides used for treating different types of pests on plants, including aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and scale insects. While both of these organic insecticides are considered safe on plants and animals, they have different properties and abilities. In summary, here’s what to know about neem…
Gardeners are encouraged to repot their container plants every 1 to 2 years to prevent problems arising from overcrowded roots, depleted nutrients, pests, and diseases. Fresh potting soil is definitely expensive, and it can be burdening when dealing with many plants. So, can you reuse potting soil? Yes, reusing potting soil can be cost-effective and…