Fiddle Leaf Ficus (Fig)There always seems to be a lot of interest in and questions asked me about growing Fiddle Leaf Ficus as a houseplant. Along with questions, there is also a lot of confusion as to exactly what sort of houseplant the Fiddle Leaf actually is.
Adenium RepottingAdeniums are grown not only for their beautiful flowers, but also for their unusual caudex formation. Manipulating the plants when young might produce different caudex results.
Growing Adenium PlantsAlthough the Adenium ("Desert Rose") has all the looks of a succulent, with a water-reservoir trunk and root form, it is not grown the same way as a typical succulent.
Temporary GreenhouseMany people don't have the room for or don't want to/can't spend the money for a permanent greenhouse. Building a temporary one outside can be challenging because high winds can literally blow it away. Here is a solution to that dilemma.
Garlic, Part IIII have covered some of the history of garlic, some of the misconceptions related to garlic, and the growing/harvesting/storage of garlic. Let's now look at some of the more readily available varieties so that we understand what characteristics they will have and how they are similar yet different in bulb/clove color, size, flavor, and pungency.
Garlic, Part III have grown heirloom, gourmet garlic for several years. Here is some information on garlic you might find in your grocery store, how to grow and harvest garlic, and how to store it.
Garlic, Part II have grown heirloom, gourmet garlic for several years, and over that time have learned some of its history, some of the myths/misconceptions associated with it, and what garlic grows where. In a second article I will discuss some aspects of the particular varieties, how to grow it, and how to store it.
Air-LayeringOften, we want to propagate a special or valuable plant but find seeds are hard, if not impossible, to find and/or have failed at rooting cuttings. Air-layering may be the answer to this problem.
Light Spectrum's Effects on Plants -- Part IIPreviously I wrote about light spectrum ranges and how those ranges affect plants. This light range is measured in nanometers, or what's called Kelvin (the K number is printed on fluorescent tubes/bulbs). What is also important is the light intensity. If the light intensity is not great enough, it really won't matter much what the Kelvin number is. Light intensity is measured in lumens.
Are Vermiculite and Perlite the Same?It seems that many people believe that vermiculite and perlite are similar products used for similar purposes. This is not true.
How-To Guide for Mounting EpiphytesLots of people grow epiphytic plants, but most of them are grown in pots, simply because that's the way we are used to growing houseplants. However, that is not the way most of these plants grow in nature. Though they might grow on rocky outcrops or even electrical and/or telephone wires, the vast majority will be found growing in trees. Why not mount some of your epiphytes, so that they grow the way they do in nature?
Staghorn and Elkhorn FernsDecades ago, most growers and sellers of Staghorn Ferns were as likely to call them Elkhorn Ferns as they would Staghorn Ferns. Those two terms are not quite as likely to be used (on labels) for the same plant today, but the confusion still exists. I think the majority of people still believe that Staghorns and Elkhorns are the same plant. Staghorn Ferns are epiphytic plants and Elkhorn Ferns are terrestrial plants. Though they are of the same family of plants (Polypody), they are different genera and really are nothing alike.
Sphagnum Moss vs. Peat MossIf there ever is confusion concerning plant products, interpreting the labeling of sphagnum moss and peat moss is high on the list.
Fiddle Leaf FicusHave you ever wondered why Ficus lyrata, aka Fiddle Leaf Ficus, is so hard to find? Well, here's the scoop.
GingersGingers, also called "ginger lilies," make great landscape or patio plants. They are tolerant of temperature extremes, will grow in poor soil, and can even grow in those wet areas where little else will grow. Most species are grown for their beautiful, fragrant flowers, but there are varieties used as condiments and varieties used as natural shampoo/conditioner in Hawaii.
What Do I Do with My Big-Box-Store Orchid?When I lecture to organizations, I always have a "Question and Answer" session at the end. Always, and I do mean always, someone asks: "My orchid (usually one bought at a big-box store such as Lowe's or Home Depot) was in bloom when I purchased it and it has never bloomed again," or "My orchid was in bloom when I purchased it and within six months, it was dead." "What did I do wrong?"
Light Spectrums' Effects on PlantsLight requirements vary from species to species and they even vary within the species themselves. Lumens measure light intensity whereas light spectrum measures wavelength.
