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Popularly known as the Devil’s Ivy, Golden Pothos is a houseplant with lush, heart-shaped leaves adorned in vibrant green and golden yellow shades. The plant’s glossy leaves add an extra touch of elegance to spaces.

Besides the visual appeal, people love the Golden Pothos since it is low maintenance. It can survive in direct sunlight, infrequent watering, and pests. Even better, this plant helps remove toxins from your indoor air.

Assuming you intend to keep the Golden Pothos, Nick’s Garden has provided tips for growing and caring for this houseplant.

1. Light

The Golden Pothos thrives well under bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the plant’s delicate leaves. The Golden Pothos leaves develop unsightly brown patches with regular exposure to direct sunlight.

So, it matters to place this plant near a north or east-facing window where it can bask in gentle, filtered sunlight. If your home is dimly lit, don’t worry. The Golden Pothos can still survive, albeit at a slower growth rate.

2. Watering

Since the Golden Pothos is fairly drought-resistant, it can survive even with infrequent watering. Typically, you should water the Golden Pothos once the top inch of soil dries up. Note that overwatering can lead to root rot.

For this reason, you should let excess water drain from the pot, just in case you overwater. Moreover, you should use a general-purpose potting mix since it retains just enough water for the Golden Pothos.

You can buy the potting mix at most leading garden centers in Denver. As an alternative, you can make a potting mix by combining equal parts of vermiculite, perlite, and potting mix.

3. House Location

Different from many houseplants, you can position the Golden Pothos in any room. The room of choice just needs to have adequate light. So, you can use this indoor plant to revamp your kitchen, bedroom, or living room.

You shouldn’t position this houseplant plant near heat vents or drafty areas. The heat from vents can cause withering or, at worst, drying. Likewise, the temperature fluctuations at drafty locations can compromise the plant’s vitality.

4. Disease Prevention

The Golden Pothos has superb resistance to diseases and pests. However, this houseplant can get root rot in case you overwater it. Use a pot with adequate drainage holes to eliminate chances of root rot.

Besides root rot, mealy bugs can invade this plant when there is high humidity indoors. When you realize the infestation, dip cotton swabs in alcohol and wipe the bugs off your plant’s leaves or stems.

Things to Look Out For

Even with the most diligent care, your Golden Pothos may not maintain peak health throughout its lifespan. The plant will develop issues due to fluctuations in environmental conditions, lapses in care, or overwatering.

The most common problems to watch out for when keeping a Golden Pothos include:

• Brown leaves. The browning of leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or too much direct sunlight.
• Yellow leaves. Yellow leaves can be a sign of nutrient deficiency or root rot.
• Drooping leaves. Drooping leaves can be a sign of underwatering or shock from moving to a new location.

Get Your Golden Pothos From Nick’s Garden Center

When purchasing Golden Pothos, get it from a reputable garden center. The garden centers have healthy and well-maintained plants that will thrive without issue. Moreover, the garden centers have experts to advise you on caring for your plant.

Nick’s Garden is where to get the Golden Pothos and other houseplant. We have knowledgeable gardening staff to assist you in every step of the gardening journey, from selecting the right plants to maintaining them.

Contact us to order a Golden Pothos or any other houseplant.

Native grasses are well adapted to Denver’s local weather conditions. As a result, they thrive well even when exposed to the region’s cold winters, hot to mild summers, occasional snowfall, and low humidity.

Besides their superb adaptability, native grasses need minimal maintenance. Nick’s Garden Center sheds more light on Denver’s native grasses. Learn what varieties are available, their benefits, and how to maintain them.

Understanding Native Grasses

Native grasses are those grasses that were not introduced to Denver by landscapers. They have been growing wild in this region for thousands of years. As a result, the plants have developed the resilience necessary to survive the local climate.

In particular, the grasses can tolerate temperature fluctuations and low humidity. Moreover, these grasses thrive in drought, which helps you conserve water. With the grass, you’ll not have to water your lawn frequently.

Popular Native Grass Varieties for Denver

Denver has a variety of native grasses. So you can always find a type to give your lawn the desired aesthetic appeal.

Below is an overview of the grasses that thrive in the region’s climatic conditions:

• Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis). Blue grama is a small, clump-forming grass with blue-gray leaves. The foliage adds a striking golden-brown color to your lawn in the fall.

• Buffalo Grass (Bouteloua dactyloides). Buffalo grass has fine, blue-green leaves and dense, low-growing turf. With its robust root system, the grass survives dry areas without problems.

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). This ornamental grass has silvery-blue stems and leaves and purple-bronze seed heads. These natural hues make the grass an excellent addition to your lawn.

• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Switchgrass boasts slender green leaves and pinnate flower panicles. Denver gardeners often use it to prevent erosion.

• Side-Oats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula). This side-oats grass has slender, blue-green leaves with distinctive oat-like seed heads. It is an excellent, low-maintenance option for a prairie-style lawn.

• Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans). Indian grass has tall, slender stems with graceful flower panicles that turn golden-orange in the fall. It is among the most decorative native grasses in Denver.

• Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis). This perennial grass has delicate, arching foliage and delightful, fragrant seed heads. It is often used to add elegance and charm to prairie-style landscapes.

‌Benefits of Native Grasses in Landscaping

Native grasses are characterized by one benefit – their excellent adaptability. The grasses maintain top shape even in Denver’s not-so-friendly garden conditions.

Other reasons why landscapers prefer native grasses include the following:

• Drought tolerance and water conservation. Many native grasses go dormant to survive extended periods without rainfall.
• Low maintenance requirements. Denver native grasses rarely need watering and fertilizing. Furthermore, the grasses are resistant to pests and last for years.
• Erosion control and soil stabilization. The dense root systems of native grasses hold the soil in place. No wonder Denver gardeners use them to prevent erosion from wind and water.
• Wildlife habitat and biodiversity support. Grasses are not only useful for landscaping. They also provide habitat for native wildlife such as songbirds and rabbits.
• Aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Many native varieties feature colorful leaves, stems, and seed heads. They’ll give your landscape an incomparable beauty.

Native Grass Care and Maintenance

Although native grasses are low maintenance, they still need some maintenance. The care helps them remain hardy enough to reach their full potential. So how do you care for your native grasses?

• Watering and irrigation practices. During the dry season, water your native grass so that it receives enough moisture. As a rule, irrigate the lawn late in the evening or early in the morning.
• Fertilization and weed control. Apply grass fertilizer to your lawn in late spring or early summer. The fertilizer will boost healthy growth. Weed as soon as weeds emerge to avoid competition for nutrients.
• Pruning, mowing, and seasonal maintenance. Cut back grass in late winter or early spring to remove dead parts. Furthermore, mow in late spring or early summer when the grass looks overgrown.

Get Your Native Grasses at Nick’s Garden Center

Since 1987, Nick’s Garden Center has been a trusted source of grasses, shrubs, and herbs. We also offer insider tips to maximize your gardening and landscaping success. Contact us to learn more about Denver’s native grasses.

Caring for houseplants takes work. You have to water, prune, fertilize, and repot the plant often. However, you can avoid some of these care challenges with air plants; they do not need soil to thrive. Moreover, they do not need regular watering and fertilizing.

Tillandsia Tectorum is one of the most famous air plants for homes. This plant boasts silvery white leaves covered with dense trichomes that give the plant a unique velvety appearance. It is native to Peru and Ecuador and naturally thrives on rocks and outcroppings.

How to Care for Tillandsia Tectorum

Although Tillandsia tectorum is low maintenance, you must care for it. Otherwise, it will wither and eventually die. All in all, caring for Tillandsia Tectorum is easy-peasy with the following tips.

1. Watering

Tillandsia tectorum is watered once a week. Soak the air plant in water for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove your Tillandsia from the water and shake off the excess water. Place your air plant upside down on a towel so it dries completely.

2. Light

Tillandsia tectorum thrives well under direct sunlight. For this reason, you should place this plant near a window that receives the most sun. Preferably, Tillandsia tectorum should receive sunlight for at least half a day. If your home lacks sufficient natural light, keep the plant under a bright grow light.

3. Fertilizer

Tillandsia tectorum naturally grows on nutrient-poor surfaces. As such, it can thrive with little fertilizing. However, to support its health, fertilize the air plant once every one to two months. Use a complete fertilizer diluted to ¼ its strength.

4. Temperature

Tillandsia tectorum grows well within a temperature range that matches its native environment. Specifically, the air plant grows well in temperatures ranging between 10 °C to 27 °C. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can damage the air plant.

5. Humidity

Tillandsia tectorum thrives well in areas with moderate to high humidity levels. For this reason, you should grow this plant in spaces with a relative humidity level of around 50% or higher. You can keep the plant near a humidifier or mist it often to meet its humidity demands.

6. Air Circulation

Tillandsia tectorum thrives well in places with excellent air circulation. The air plant needs air circulation to disperse excess moisture from its trichomes. Without adequate air circulation, your Tillandsia tectorum would end up rotting.

Extra Tips for Owning the Tillandsia Tectorum

From choosing a healthy air plant to showcasing it, it is common to feel overwhelmed when planning to buy Tillandsia tectorum. Therefore, we have answered common concerns to let you buy and keep the air plant with confidence.

1. How to choose a healthy Tillandsia Tectorum

A healthy Tillandsia tectorum plant has bright, silver-grey leaves that are firm to the touch. Avoid plants with yellow or brown leaves, as those are signs of underwatering, nutrient deficiency, or dehydration.

2. How to display Tillandsia Tectorum

There are endless ways to display Tillandsia Tectorum. One of the most common is mounting the air plants on decorative surfaces like driftwood. Moreover, you can showcase this air plant in a glass terrarium. Place the terrarium on shelves, coffee tables, or window sill.

3. How to propagate Tillandsia Tectorum

Propagating Tillandsia Tectorum is straightforward. Get small offsets that grow at the base of the parent plant. Afterward, place the offsets in a place with adequate light and water and let them grow.

4. How to troubleshoot common problems

Like any houseplant, the Tillandsia Tectorum plant is prone to several issues. These problems can result from overwatering, inadequate light, and low humidity. The most common issues you’d encounter include:

• Soggy leaves. The problem is a result of overwatering.
• Browning leaf tips. Browning leaf tips result from under-watering or low humidity.
• Failure to produce pups. This problem occurs when the plant gets inadequate light and nutrients.

Order Your Tillandsia Tectorum From Nick’s Garden

Tillandsia Tectorum is less common in traditional plant stores due to its high demand and specialized care requirements. However, plant collectors seeking this exquisite air plant in Denver can always buy from Nick’s Garden Center.

We offer healthy and well-cared-for Tillandsia Tectorum plants and many hard-to-find species. As an extra, we provide professional support to help you grow and care for your air plant.

Contact us to order a Tillandsia Tectorum for your indoor space.

The Front Range of Colorado is generally semi-arid, hence not conducive to many popular outdoor plants. The good news, however, is that many low-maintenance plants do well in this region when it comes to landscaping.

Learn how to choose low-maintenance outdoor plants from Nick’s Garden Center.

Characteristics of the Front Range Climate

The Front Range region of Colorado has a semi-arid climate with about 300 days of sunshine. Similar to many regions, the Front Range experiences four seasons including summer, winter, spring, and fall. Each season has different climatic conditions.

• Summer. In summer, the Front Range region of Colorado is often dry and sunny. Occasionally, thunderstorms occur in the area, characterized by heavy rainfall.
• Spring. In spring, conditions vary in the Front Range. Some days may be snowy and rainy. Other days may be sunny or mild.
• Winter. The Front Range region gets a freezing winter. In addition to freezing temperatures, winters in the Front Range are also characterized by winter storms and strong winds.
• Fall. Cool to mild temperatures prevail in the Front Range of Colorado during the fall. Occasional rain showers and early snowfall might occur during fall.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Outdoor Plants

The fluctuating and sometimes harsh weather in the Front Range is unsuitable for all outdoor plants. The only plants that thrive here are those that can survive temperature fluctuations. Some factors that can help you choose the best outdoor plants are:

Drought Tolerance and Water-wise Gardening

Since the climate in the Front Range is very dry, outdoor plants must be drought resistant. These plants have adaptations such as deep root systems and succulent leaves that help them survive with minimal watering. If the plants are not drought resistant, they should tolerate water-conserving gardening techniques.

Cold Hardiness and Frost Tolerance

The Front Range of Colorado experiences cold winters. As such, an excellent outdoor plant should withstand these conditions. Such plants have thick bark, hairy stems, and evergreen foliage that protects against frost.

Soil Adaptability and PH Requirements

The soil in the Front Range is alkaline. Therefore, outdoor plants in this region should have exceptional tolerance to alkaline conditions. In particular, they should withstand the mineral imbalances associated with alkaline soils.

Sun Exposure and Shade Considerations

The Front Range has many sunny days a year. For this reason, it would matter to select plants that can thrive under direct sunlight. However, if a plant cannot tolerate full sun, it should be able to thrive in complete or partial shade.

Native and Adaptive Plant Species

Native plants have evolved and adapted to the local environment. They can withstand the climate and soil conditions of the region. However, if you want non-native plants, choose those that are adaptive. Although non-native, adaptive plants can withstand the climate in the Front Range.

Examples of Low-Maintenance Outdoor Plants for the Front Range

The climate of the Front Range in Colorado may seem to limit when it comes to outdoor plant options. Nevertheless, there are hundreds of plants you could use to lift the aesthetics of your outdoor space. Some top examples of low-maintenance plants that do well in Front Range include:

Low-Maintenance Flowering Plants

• Russian sage
• Blue flax
• Blanket flower
• Prairie smoke
• Coneflowers

Drought-Tolerant Succulents and Cacti

• Kalanchoe
• Agave
• Echeveria
• Prickly pear cactus
• Yucca

Evergreen Plants for Year-Round Appeal

• Colorado blue spruce
• Bristlecone pine
• Mountain Hemlock
• Dwarf Alberta Spruce
• Japanese Yew

Transform Your Outdoor with Low Maintenance Plants

With its unpredictable weather and drought, Front Range Colorado’s climate is unsuitable for many outdoor plants. Fortunately, you can still beautify your lawn with low-maintenance outdoor plants. These hardy plants can withstand the Front Range climate and provide year-round beauty and resilience.

Contact us to discover the best low-maintenance plant options for your outdoor space.

Air plants are aesthetically pleasing, and many people love them because they are affable. Moreover, air plants are easy to maintain since you do not have to water them regularly. In addition, these plants do not need replanting or repotting every two years. This article brings out the different air plants and highlights the ideal air plants for beginners.  

What are Air Plants? 

Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, grow in the air, living and flourishing without soil. These plants soak nutrients and moisture using their leaves rather than their roots. Air plants’ roots are used only for attaching plants to other plants or objects. There are over 600 air plant species most suitable for home decoration. 

Where are Air Plants Native? 

Many air plants are indigenous to the West Indies, South America, Mexico, and Central America. Some air plants wildly grow in the southern part of the United States and California. Spanish moss drips from centuries-old live oaks and bald cypress trees in Louisiana, attracting visitors. Spanish moss is a type of Bromeliad known as Spanish beard and tree hair. 

How Do Air Plants Grow? 

The misconception that air plants acquire all the nourishment and water they need from the air is not true. Air plants require water and light to grow like all other plants. They can die from less watering or over-watering. You must therefore consider the native environment of the plants and check that it offers the right humidity for growth.  

Unlike other plants that grow in soil, air plants use their leaves to absorb nutrients and moisture. The plants have tiny hair-like scales on the leaves known as trichomes, which function as reservoirs, absorbing water and nutrients from the atmosphere. 

• Light – Most air plants flourish in bright and indirect light, while some do well in direct sunlight. 
• Water – Some watering options for air plants include misting them every couple of days, bathing them each week, or drenching the plants until they are dripping wet.  

Soak the air plants in a bowl containing room temperature water for six to twelve hours to bathe. You should use tap water or filtered water that has been sitting for 24 hours, thus allowing chlorine to dissipate. You must not use distilled water because it will kill the plant! 

After watering the plants, turn them upside down and shake the excess water off lightly. Then, to help the leaves dry, place them on a towel in an area with enough air and light circulation. Leave the plants to dry for four hours before returning them to their displays. Please avoid touching the plant’s leaves, as skin oils can clog their delicate little trichomes. 

How Big/Small Can Air Plants Get? 

Air plants have unique characteristics whereby they only bloom once in their lifetime, signaling the end of their life cycle. Around the bloom time, the plants produce offsets or offspring. The offsets or pups are identical to the parent plant, starting at the bottom of the plant as tiny nodes.  

Before separating the offsets from the mother plant, you should allow them to reach at least 1/4-in, as they are very delicate when young. After separation, offer utmost care to the new plant. 

Ideal Climate for Air Plants to Survive 

Air plants do well in temperatures between 50 – 90 degrees because they are tropical plants. If you have the plants indoors, ensure they receive enough light and water to flourish. Always stay alert during cooler months when there is a consistent use of heaters, as it causes a lack of humidity, which can affect the plants. Some of the best air plants for beginners include: 

• Tillandsia aeranthos 
• Tillandsia butzii 
• Tillandsia capitata 
• Tillandsia caput-medusae 
• Tillandsia fuchsii 

How Do You Care for Air Plants at Home? 

Here are some of the ways to display and care for air plants at home: 

• Display air plants alone or together with lichen, mosses, or stones. 
• They can be hung or placed on walls, tables, or shelves.  
• Air plants of different colors, sizes, and textures can be framed to create lush vertical gardens and living paintings. 
• You can place them in vessels such as glass globes, bowls, classic pots, novelty pots, and more. 

Get the Best Air Plants in Aurora 

As a beginner, it might take a lot of work to know the best air plants and how to care for them. Fortunately, Nick’s Garden Center can help you through our gardening services and farm market. Contact us for the best air plants and guidance on how to purchase and care for air plants.