Living in a Northern climate ,such as upstate NY, has given me a better appreciation for tropical settings. Tropical plants are a way to brighten my home during the cold winter months and my mood. However, keeping tropical plants happy in a cold environment has its challenges. Here are some tips to keeping them happy and healthy. Water: Tropical plants enjoy moisture. Typically requiring more often waterings during the warmer months. Usually 2-3 times a week when the top soil is dry. Water less frequently during the fall and winter. Leaves are great indicators of a plants needs. Leaves that are brittle and dry may indicate the plant needs more water or humidity. Yellow or mushy leaves may indicate overwatering. Light: Tropical...
Desert Cacti: Light: Place these plants in the brightest spot possible especially during the winter months. They enjoy full sun outside or placed indoors in a sunny location. Water: Between spring and summer water when the soil dries out. During the colder months these plants can last weeks or even months without a drink. Water just enough to prevent shriveling. Temperature: Cacti can tolerate temperatures as low as 40° to 95°+. Because of this, cacti can be kept cool during the winter months and tolerate the heat during the summer. Caring for a Cacti Terrarium One of the wonderful characteristics of a cactus is that they are extremely low maintenance. Some even thrive off of neglect. They make wonderful open...
Tillandsias or commonly known as "Air Plants" belong to the Bromeliaceae family. (Fun Fact: that makes them related to the Pineapple Plant) These unique plants are found in mountains, deserts and forests of the Americas. Commonly seen in Florida is the Spanish Moss (Tillandsia Usneoides) that overflow on the trees. Unlike your typical house plant, Tillandsias absorb their nutrients through their leaves from the air rather than their roots. Their roots allow them to anchor themselves on trees. Determining the care of your Air Plant will depend on which type it is. Xeric or Mesic. Xeric Tillandsias are native to desert climates. Characteristics of these types are pale green leaves to absorb the direct light, often flat leaves, may have fuzzy trichomes (hair)....
Lets get to the basics of how to care for our beautiful succulents! What makes a plant a succulent? "By definition, succulent plants are drought-resistant plants in which the leaves, stem, or roots have become more than usually fleshy by the development of water-storing tissue. Other sources exclude roots as in the definition "a plant with thick, fleshy and swollen stems and/or leaves, adapted to dry environments".' Less is truly more when it comes to their needs. You will notice that a succulent appears stronger when it is neglected. However, there are 1000s of different types of succulents. Each type have specific requirements for their optimum health. The following are general rules that apply to most varieties. Water: Less is more. Watering can be...
