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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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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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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…
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Why Every Garden Needs An Arbor & How To Choose The Right Arbor For Where You Live
The garden... the word alone invokes not only thoughts of serenity and the promise of abundant fruit and vegetable crops, but also something magical, mystical and yes, mysterious. As with your home, the entrance to this magical place, which is the first thing a visitor sees, needs to make an impression. And that is just one of many good reasons why every garden should have an arbor, a distinctive entryway that lets guests know they are about to enter someplace very special. Of course, enhancing visual curb appeal and increasing your property value is important, too. However, there are few better ways to create a charming, serene escape from the…
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How To Care For An Indoor Majesty Palm & How To Quickly Recognize & Treat Signs Of A Dying Majesty Palm
Majesty palms can be one of the most challenging plants to grow indoors, but will be rewarding if you master it. The challenge stems from the fact that many of the majesty palm's preferences, including bright light, moist soil, and high humidity, are conditions not typically found, or desired, in the typical home. In this article, I'll discuss how to care for an indoor Majesty palm, seven common mistakes home growers make, and how to quickly recognize and treat signs of a sick or dying Majesty palm. But first, let's discuss a few reasons to make a Majesty palm an addition to your home. Bring A Touch Of The Tropics…
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How To Repot A Phalaenopsis Orchid: A Definitive Step-By-Step Guide to How, When & Why You Should Repot Your Monopodial Orchid
Like all orchids, the Phalaenopsis has an impressive lifespan, during which it will experience changes that will necessitate "repotting" to improve and refresh its overall living conditions. Some of these changes include the degrading potting conditions that happen over time, as well as its need for space and proper ventilation. As a grower of these unique and beautiful plants, you will want to accommodate these changes by knowing how to repot a Phalaenopsis orchid, and when and why you should. While not a complicated process, there are some important steps you need to follow in order to create the best and most comfortable and healthy home for your orchid. **How…
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How To Care For A Zebra Succulent AKA Haworthia: An Easy Step-By-Step Guide To Everything You Need To Know Plus How To Save A Dying Zebra Succulent
The Haworthia AKA Zebra Succulent Plant - Striking Looks & Low-Maintenance Care The Haworthia succulent is a family of striking and low-maintenance plants that have become a ubiquitous sight on social media and in home offices everywhere. With distinctive, simultaneously cute and exotic looks that harken to a certain striking African equine, the Haworthia or Zebra succulent has become the ideal photogenic yet low-maintenance houseplant for minimalists everywhere. In this post, I will discuss some quick and easy tips on how to care for your Zebra plant and also how to diagnose and treat one that shows signs of distress or dying. But first, some basic information on your exotic…
