Category: Indoor Plants

Low-light Crocodile Fern is a must-have houseplant

5/7/2020

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crocodile fern (Microsorium musifolium 'Crocydyllus')

Ferns are fabulously fun!

Native to Australia and tropical regions, the crocodile fern has spear-like, wrinkled leaves mimicking a crocodile's hide.

The light green, segmented leaves are puckered with dark green veins that give off a an elegant, even graceful appearance. Agree?

So aptly named for the scale-like texture the leaves display, the crocodile fern (Microsorium musifolium 'Crocydyllus') is an incredible low-light houseplant to own.

But know what blows my mind? This epiphytic fern grows on things in the wild like tree trunks and between rock cracks. The crocodile fern plant will absorb all nutrients and water it needs through the air, rain, or tree.

So grow your crocodile plant in a container but also consider affixing it to a wooden plank on your wall. Hello green vertical flair!

The crocodile fern's wavy edges will certainly win your heart especially with the little fuss this fern causes. Talk about an easy indoor plant to grow.

Here's all you need to know for the crocodile fern to survive and thrive in your space now because this pandemic is causing us all to invest in houseplants!

Your indoor space must be relaxing so spirits can revive and thrive!

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Why the low-light, drought tolerant Starfish Snake Plant is the star of the show!

3/24/2020

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starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

Aha. The starfish snake plant. Say that ten times fast. Go ahead. I dare you!

This regal plant is like a kingdom. A crown of thorns. A dinosaur crest. Giant fingers. Do you follow?

How else to describe my newly acquired starfish snake plant or more properly known as a Sansevieria Cylindrica plant?

Starfish snake plants have unique fan-shaped light-green foliage with dark-green concentric circles top to bottom. The plant can also bear small flower spikes arising from the base of the spears.

Its stiff, tubular leaves emerge from the basal rosette and can grow to a maximum length of about 10 inches. Growth is near vertical without branching.

Boasting silvery green foliage, this compact, low-light and drought tolerate plant will be the center of attention at your next party.

So if your work desk needs a plant pick-me-up and you're so over the lucky bamboo, look no further than the starfish snake plant to sizzle your space!

Here's some fun facts and trivia you'll want to share!

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The whole scoop on the Monstera Swiss Cheese Vine Plant and why you need this low-light indoor houseplant now!

3/10/2020

Swiss cheese vine, Monstera adansonii (friedrichstehlii)

Plant favoritism. It's real, folks!

As a mom of three, you'd think I'd have learned by now that favoritism in wrong. But no, it's surfaced in my life.

My Swiss cheese vine, Monstera adansonii (friedrichstehlii) is an exotic beauty. A rare find and the apple of my eye.

The Swiss cheese plant is in stiff competition with my Chinese money plants whom I also dearly love. Somebody help me.

Cascading in a hanging pot, my Monstera adansonii (friedrichsthelii) is always in view. And it's there to stay reigning supreme between the kitchen and den.

As to anyone who comes over and fails to admire said plant....my stern eye is dire. How dare they?

An amazing plant that puts you in the tropics without leaving home. Or pay the exorbitant price for a plane ticket.

Here's why you simply must get a Monstera adansonii (friedrichstehlii) and how to best care for this plant.

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12 more must-have hospitable houseplants!

2/24/2020

Thanksgiving Cactus

Today, I'm back on my plant platform. What can I say? I need plants. You need plants.

Where you live plays a big roll in how soon you can grow outdoors.

We have long and bleak winters here in Buffalo, NY. Holiday decor from Hobby Lobby does help but only up to a point.

And I've read over and over again how working with plants increases positive mood, self-esteem, feeling of calm and optimism, and gives a sense of stability.

Sounds cheaper than therapy to me. Just like having a cat, NASA studies have indicated that plant people have tested for lower blood pressure and heart rate. Not too shabby.

So if you missed part I of my must-have plant series, you'll want to start here.

Otherwise, keep reading to learn what other plants you need to get your hands on soon to boost your morale!

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13 eye-popping houseplants with hoopla!

2/4/2020

Kalanchoe (succulent)

Have you heard? Houseplants are seriously trending for 2020. Savvy interior designers are all giving houseplants two thumbs up this year.

But what kind? Which types will actually survive and thrive in your space?

We don't have time for fussy plants and neither do you. So today we're giving you the plant rundown to help you reap what you sow.

The benefits of plants are quite numerous ranging from filtering and freshening the air to relieving stress...not to mention the aesthetic aspect of having living green art in your space.

Hooray for houseplants. Here's 13 you don't want to miss out on!

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The extraordinary Chinese Money Plant ~how to grow & propagate this easy & photogenic plant you can't kill!

1/10/2019

pilea peperomioides - Chinese money plant

You can't kill a Chinese money plant. No matter how hard you try. Don't even bother.

And I shouldn't admit this having a garden blog and all....

Yet when some of my indoor plants bite the dust it doesn't bother me. Inwardly, I think to myself, "at least I don't have to water that one anymore!"

Not so with my Chinese money plants, the pampered ones.

Thanks to Cheri, a very special reader, I am the proud owner of 7 Chinese money plants. Even more now as I have learned to propagate them.

Excellent because they are expensive to buy but easy to propagate.

I'm talking $20-$30 for a tiny 2-4 inch plant! Yikes. And I hope you are not eating right now because you will gag when you see the shipping rates.

So find a friend who has some! Or shoot me an email come spring when they multiply again.

Minimalist and modern, the Chinese money plant is truly mobile home decor! Here's the scoop....

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Indoor plant survival guide (let's stop killing our plants!)

1/30/2017

Orchids and cacti happily growing on a windowsill.

We've all killed plants. Especially during the winter. We take our houseplants out in May and bring them back indoors when fall hits, but by November many are dead. Why is this I ask myself? Light and water issues. Although I want to blame pests, insects and diseases; I'm at the root of the problem! I'm still sad over a Mandevilla plant that I bought back from down South only to kill. We can't afford to fly to Florida and so we drive. This allows me to bring back tropical plants. They cost a fraction there of what I'd pay locally in Buffalo, NY. Then I get busy and those plants tend to bite the dust for lack of water. Pathetic Laura! So I've also learned over the years to keep it simple. Know the plants' needs and meet them. Now let's talk about houseplants, how-to water them, the light they need and that last under-discussed factor.....drum roll please.....humidity. Let's kill fewer plants starting today!

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5 plants to put you to sleep & help you beat insomnia

1/16/2017

I don't sleep. Much. Ever since having a baby 7 years ago and being forced out of bed 5-6 times a night to nurse...my body revolted against rest. Now that my daughter is older, I just get up that 5-6 times to pee. Makes me wonder. Does anyone out there actually get 8 hours of straight sleep at night? And I want a natural night's sleep. Agree? No meds. Did you know that incorporating just a few plants in your bedroom can put you out at night by creating a more restful environment? Just think how you feel after a good night's sleep. Like you can conquer the world. Right? But visa versa? Uh-huh...you're tossing and turning unable to catch any zzz's with that racing mind. All you can think about is everything you didn't get done the previous day. Awful. Then you wake up miserable and cranky unable to face the day! Well we have five plants to try today to help you gain a a more natural night's sleep. Here's the rundown!

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Growing fragrant paperwhites indoors

3/3/2016

It's a good time to "force" your paperwhites. That is, time to plant these stunning bulbs in an indoor pot. Paperwhites planted in small vases make the best shower or wedding party favors. This project is easy and inexpensive to do. Fragrant paperwhites just need to be potted and watered. That's it! Have an elderly aunt, grandma or even a sick friend? Ever need a hostess gift? Perfect. Tall, elegant, and striking in appearance they will be appreciated. And the fragrance? Mind-blowing. So let's enjoy a few blooms before our outdoor spring flowers blossom.

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The Secrets of Succulents

2/12/2015

Succulents are for the fleshpots. Lush, stiff and spiny or smooth and sleek, some succulents are even furry! Like people, succulents come in a myriad of colors, shapes and sizes. It's no wonder succulents are like your own family, and a surprising number of plant families are represented among them. Let me tell you how.

32 Comments