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Quickly Revive A Dehydrated, Dry Orchid With Black Tea
Do you have a dry, dehydrated orchid that looks like it has seen better days? So much so, that you even fear it may be dying? Does your orchid display dehydrated, limp and floppy-looking leaves? Upon closer inspection, do you notice dry, dehydrated roots? If so, it sounds like your orchid needs something to revive it, and fast. Believe it or not, one of the best things to revive your orchids may be sitting in your kitchen cupboard right now -- black tea. That's right-- the same cup that you may enjoy everyday just might be exactly what your orchid needs to revitalize and rehydrate it back to its former…
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How To Grow Orchids In Wood Baskets (With Pictures)
Growing orchids in slat wood baskets is one of the best ways to grow and display this spectacular specimen of the plant world. First, cultivating orchids in hanging open-air baskets is an easy way to display your orchid's beauty, showcasing its gorgeous cascade of flowers, whether hanging on your lanai, from a tree, or near a bright window. Even more importantly though, growing orchids in baskets closely mimics the way orchids grow in the wild, making caring for them easier than when growing orchids pot-bound. In this post, I discuss why and how to grow your orchids in hanging baskets to maximize their health and blooming potential. Why Grow Orchids…
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How To Make A Tropical Wreath
It may be spring but summer is just around the corner, and what better way to welcome everyone's favorite season than with tropical, summer-inspired decor. Few things are more evocative of summer than a favorite vacation on a tropical island paradise. And what better time than now to create your own paradise at home starting with a one-of-a-kind, beachy yet elegant, island-inspired wreath for your front door. But don't limit the sunny tropical island vibes to just your front door...
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Easiest, Best Hummus Without Tahini – The Perfect, Quick Poolside Dip
It goes without saying that hummus is everywhere these days. Readily available in your grocery store refrigerator aisle, it's hard to believe it was not too long ago that hummus was an exotic dish that could only be found at your favorite Middle Eastern or Mediterranean taverna. While ubiquitous in 2021, sadly, much of what's available is not very good, is filled with preservatives, and is often ridiculously expensive. Here I bring you a simple but ultra-delicious hummus recipe you can easily whip up in your own kitchen. And it's made extra special with the addition of one simple but transformative ingredient - smoked paprika.
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Stimulate Root Growth On An Orchid With No Roots: How To Grow New Roots On An Orchid
There are few things worse for an orchid grower than to discover your delicate plant suddenly appears to have no living, viable roots, and you are helpless as to how to save it. Shriveled roots on an orchid are a source of stress for every orchid grower because without roots your orchid will dehydrate and, eventually, die. In previous posts, I discuss a number of measures you can take to avoid reaching the point where your orchid's roots start dying. In articles about re-potting an orchid and trimming an orchid's dead roots, I discuss the importance of these preventative, prophylactic measures in preventing root rot. However, unfortunately, bad things do…
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How To Grow Succulents On Rocks For A Unique, One-Of-A-Kind Garden
Who doesn't love succulents? Quirky yet eye-catching, these "camels of the plant world" thrive on minimal water, making them easy to grow and care for. But did you know that you could actually grow your succulents in and on rocks, and they will survive? Yes, you can! Just by following some simple rules, you can successfully grow succulents in rocks and rock crevices, under the proper conditions. In this post, I will show you exactly how to do just that to create a one-of-a-kind garden that will have your friends and neighbors ask, "How did you do that?"
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Why Are The Leaves Of My Vanda Orchid Turning Yellow? Five Causes & How To Save A Dying Vanda
Caring for Vanda orchids can sometimes feel like a gardener's version of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." Always trying to avoid "too much" or "too little" in the quest to arrive at what is "just right" for this temperamental yet beautiful plant. At least that's what I've experienced, and have heard voiced by many Vanda-growing friends. As cultivators of this finicky plant, we always seek to do the right thing, and with Vanda, it's sometimes hard to know exactly what that is. So, in the quest to share knowledge in the ever-growing orchid community, I am starting an Orchid series that answers specific questions. While I have a more comprehensive…
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Jane Iredale Enlighten Plus Under-Eye Concealer Review & First Impression
I have not done much in the way of beauty product reviews, however, thanks to a chance encounter with a free sample, I think I've found a product worthy of some attention. In this Jane Iredale Enlighten Plus Under-Eye Concealer review, I will share my thoughts on how this concealer measures up in term of color correction, wear, and skin-soothing ingredients for sensitive skin. Like many of you, when it comes to cosmetics, my goal is to look natural and healthy while using as few products as possible. Plus, in my ongoing attempt at becoming a minimalist, I am quite particular with the products I choose. Therefore, when I stumbled…
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Easy Homemade Ginger Ale Sweetened Naturally – How To Make It & Why You Should
Why ginger ale? Well, as one of the best "classic" soft drinks, the unique flavor of ginger gives its namesake ale a distinctive warm, spicy, yet invigorating taste no other soft drink has. But, this recipe is no ordinary mix of ginger, sugar and water. What truly makes this ginger ale something special is the combination of ginger with other earthy and exotic spices like cardamom, allspice and vanilla. It's that blend of rich and spicy flavors that takes this ginger ale over the top, and will make guests ask for seconds. Throw in a splash of zesty lime or lemon juice and you have the ultimate refreshing summer soda…
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How To Trim An Orchid’s Dead Roots & Why You Should: A Step-By-Step Guide With Pictures
Have you looked at your orchid's roots lately? Your plant may appear healthy on the surface, but what lies beneath can be frightening. In this post, I discuss how to trim an orchid's dead roots & why it may benefit your orchid. If you look at your orchid's roots, whether while repotting or by chance, you may be disturbed by what you see. Brown, shriveled, desiccated shells now hang where once plump, silvery green roots flourished. A disturbing sight I know, but you are not alone as it's something every orchid grower must face at some point. As part of an ongoing orchid series for the home gardener, I am…