There’s one succulent plant that gardeners love to cultivate indoors because of its gel. The soothing gel of the aloe plant (Aloe barbadensis) is used as a topical treatment for burns, cuts, and small abrasions. It is also a major ingredient in many beauty products such as moisturizers, shampoo, hair conditioners, and body lotion. The …
Best Potting Soil for Aloe Vera – What You Need to Know Read More »
Dischidia plants are exotic and easy-to-grow houseplants. Most varieties are trailing which means they grow long stems that can climb and hang about. This characteristic makes larger varieties perfect for hanging containers where their stems and foliage spill out over the rim. Smaller varieties do well in countertop containers and terrariums. These are epiphytic plants …
Dischidia is a genus of epiphytic succulents with over 80 different unique species. In the wild, these plants are known to grow in tropical areas of the globe, in countries like India, the Philippines, New Guinea, and even Australia. An epiphyte is a plant that grows on the surface of another object, such as on …
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 …
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 »
