With their foul, rotting meat smell, Stapelia plants have the reputation of being one of the most distasteful of flowering plants. But do not let this smelly fact keep you from adding them to your plant collection. They make up for their foul odor with their stunning and gorgeous blooms. And to add to their […]
How to Grow and Care for Stapelia (Carrion Flower) Read More »
The reason why cactuses make good house plants, aside from their undemanding nature, is their peculiar, often awe-inspiring visual impact. Their shapes and forms produce an ornamental quality as seen on the ‘Fairy Castles’ cactus. Resembling a miniature cluster of towers on top of each other, one can almost expect fairies and tiny magical creatures
How to Grow and Care for Fairy Castle Cactus Read More »
Most colored succulents do not occur naturally. They are diligent but sometimes accidental results of various cultivation and breeding practices and usually take years to achieve. These succulents are not just visually appealing but are also tough plants since they are the result of combining the desirable traits of their parent plants. One colored succulent
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ Read More »
Spines are some of the identifying features of cactuses. They usually appear as pointed protuberances covering the body of the cactus, making the plant look intimidating, albeit characteristically fascinating. However, not all cacti are covered in prickly spines. Some species have a less threatening appearance like the Old Man Cactus. The unique morphology of its
How to Grow and Care for Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis) Read More »
One of the most fascinating things about plants is their symmetry. Often observed in the formation of flowers that are visually appealing to both animal pollinators and humans, this symmetry usually resembles cosmic patterns and shapes. But this is not limited to flowers alone; plant symmetry is also present in the leaves, roots, and stems
Astrophytum asterias (Star Cactus): Types and How to Grow and Care Read More »
A remarkable plant with an apt name, the Candelilla is one of those succulents that will light up any houseplant or garden collection. It is versatile and holds an exceptional form that sets it apart from the rest of its group of plants. It also possesses utilitarian properties that make it such an invaluable succulent
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla): How to Grow and Care Read More »
Spines have always been associated with cacti. They are highly modified stems that protect these plants from animals that want to feed on them. They also prevent them from losing too much moisture in their extremely hot natural growing environment. But as plants were cultivated for ornamental and agricultural purposes, the spines have become less
Spineless Cactus (Opuntia varieties): How to Grow and Care Read More »
The Golden Barrel Cactus (Golden Ball Cactus), along with other kinds of the same Cactaceae family such as Arizona barrel cactus and California barrel cactus, is one of the most popular landscaping plants for dry desert climates. It displays a characteristic spiky golden globose shape that when installed en masse in desert landscapes, creates a
Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii): How to Grow and Care Read More »
The cactus family is known for their distinct spines, areoles, and plump, often ribbed stems. Most cacti come in different shades of green and although unique-looking, they can blend well with other plants, in the wild or indoors. They are not necessarily vibrant-looking and the colors are often brought about by their showy blooms. But
The spiky appearance of cacti makes them appear as dangerous plants. In fact, this is one of their defense mechanisms—to drive away most animals that will attempt to consume them. But because people are adventurous, and we have a need to survive, the cacti group is explored for their digestible properties. Several cacti species actually
How to Grow and Care for Dragon Fruit Cactus (Hylocereus undatus) Read More »
