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Jan 11
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Aloe Vera

Facts About Aloe Vera & How It Treats Your Skin

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Aloe vera is a stemless succulent plant species of the genus aloe with fleshy leaves. It originated in the tropics of the African continent and established its popularity around the globe. They have been grown for years for medicinal and decoration purposes. Read more to learn about the various types of aloes, how to care for them, and their benefits for the skin. 

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ALOE

There are approximately 600 species of aloe. One can tell one aloe from another by leaf color, shape, tooting flowering style, or the plant’s height. Some of the most popular types include:
•    Aloe Vera
•    Aloe Aculeata
•    Aloe Barbadensis Miller
•    Aloe Marlothii
•    Aloe Maculata
•    Aloe Crosby’s Prolific
•    Aloe Rubroviolacea
•    Aloe Microstigma

HOW LARGE CAN AN ALOE VERA GROW

The aloe vera plant is a lovely succulent with distinctively spiky leaves. The plant can actively grow up to 3 feet in height. However, the average height for most aloes is 1-2 feet. 

ALOE VERA PLANT CARE TIPS

Aloe vera brings life into any indoor space. Aloes are extremely low-maintenance plants. All aloe species can be grown indoors, provided they are properly cared for and have enough space to grow. Here are some aloe plant care tips.
•    When potted indoors, place it in a spot with bright and indirect sunlight. It grows well in partial shade and full sun. 
•    The plant does well in temperatures between 55 to 81 degrees Farenheit. The temperatures of most homes are ideal for aloe vera. 
•    Aloe vera is a succulent, meaning it can store water for long periods. Most aloes can endure minimal watering. Thus, water the plant when the topsoil is completely dry or every two weeks. Aloe vera is at risk of rot if overwatered.
•    The plants are relatively pest-free, but aloe mites are common in some. If you notice signs of mites, cut out the diseased tissue to avoid the spread of mites. Avoid overwatering to prevent the worsening of this disease. 
•    Fertilize the plant sparingly. Give it fertilizers after a month of growing and not more than once a month. 
•    Harvest by chopping off the leaves closest to the base. 
•    Ensure the soil pH is neutral before potting.

BENEFITS OF USING ALOE VERA ON THE SKIN

Aloe vera is a common houseplant widely known for its skin-healing properties. The gel-like liquid found in the leaves has amazing benefits when used on the skin. Here are the benefits of using aloe vera. 

SOOTHING SUNBURN

Compounds such as polysaccharides that are found in aloe vera gel help encourage the growth of new cells and skin repair. Aloe vera helps to heal sunburn by cooling the skin and hydrating it. 

REDUCES SKIN INFLAMMATION

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin. Inflammation could be in the form of eczema, psoriasis, or lichen planus. It can treat these conditions since it contains compounds that suppress inflammation.

ADDS MOISTURE

Aloe vera leaves contain mostly water. Its leaves can be used to hydrate dry and flaky skin types. Aloe contains mucopolysaccharides which help bind moisture to the skin giving it a greasy feel. 

FIGHTS AGAINST SKIN AGING 

As one ages, the skin loses its elasticity, and saggy skin is more noticeable. The plant contains antioxidants and vitamins that improve the skin’s natural firmness. Aloe vera gel helps reduce visible wrinkles and smile lines on the skin.

With the endless benefits of aloe vera, you may want to consider owning one. Nick’s Garden Center is your go-to plug when you need indoor and outdoor plants. If you want to add aloe vera to your collection of plants, contact us today.

Dec 08
0
Snake Plant

Eight Indoor Plants That Can Tolerate Low Light

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Being a plant parent is a lot of work; keeping a plant alive and healthy requires commitment and patience. Worry no more if you are afraid of growing houseplants simply because a particular room has insufficient light. Even if your room does not have big windows that allow sunlight, you can still grow indoor plants. Below are eight indoor plants that perform well under little to no sunlight and how to care for them. 

1.    SNAKE PLANT

This is a plant with an upright architectural shape. Snake plants need little attention and can grow up to 3 feet long and 36 inches wide. It prefers to grow in partial shades and can thrive for years. Due to their succulent nature, the plant is sensitive to overwatering. Before adding water to the plant, ensure that the soil is dry. Because of its toxic nature, keep the plant away from pets.

2.    POTHOS

Pothos, a Southeast Asia native, is a trailing plant that can grow up to 10 feet long. Pothos is very tolerant of dark interiors and works well in hanging vases. It grows its vines even in adverse conditions, which makes it perfect for indoors with little light. Pothos comes in various colors, including yellow-green, white-green, and dark green. Water the plant only when the soil is dry. Pothos are poisonous, so keep them away from children and pets. When handling it, ensure you have gloves on, as the sap can cause a rash on sensitive skin.

3.    ZZ PLANT

ZZ plant prefers bright indirect sunlight. The plant can tolerate even fluorescent light in your home. If you travel frequently, this is the plant to get. It can tolerate dry conditions. Its glossy leaves and upright stem, which grow up to 3 feet tall, make it excellent for a poorly lit room. Before watering a ZZ plant, check the moisture level by sticking your finger in the soil. If the soil is still wet, wait a few more days before watering. 

4.    RUBBER PLANT

You can never go wrong with this low-maintenance plant. Ensure you consistently prune dead leaves and place the plant in a room with indirect sunlight. Watering should only be done once a week when the soil is completely dry. A natural way to fertilize the rubber plant is to hydrate it with leftover water from boiled eggs. 

5.    OYSTER PLANT

The plant is incredibly easy to grow and care for. Ensure you water once a week and prune any leaves that have aged. When potting an oyster plant, tuck a damp sponge at the bottom of the pot before filling it with soil. This will ensure that it does not dry out too quickly. 

6.    BOSTON FERN

Boston ferns love humidity. It survives best in a room that is kept cool. Therefore, mist them often to reduce leaf drop. Water the plant occasionally until you notice new fronds, then increase its water supply. Only apply fertilizer during the active growing seasons, i.e., spring to fall. Boston ferns can be fussy in winter. 

7.    MONSTERA

Monstera is a houseplant known for its large split leaves. The plant is excellent for creating a tropical getaway in your home. Monstera grows so quickly, so ensure that you place it in a spot with plenty of space. It is recommended to report the plant once a year to freshen the soil and promote growth. Fertilize a monstera once a month during spring. 

8.    PEACE LILY

The peace lily is a nice addition to your indoor plant collection. Also known as the closet plant, it is excellent for purifying the air. Peace lily can tolerate a lack of light and water. Keep the plant away from direct sunlight. For more flowers, expose the plant to a brighter part of the room. Repotting a peace lily is best just before the growth begins, especially in spring. 

 

Nick Garden Center is your go-to plug if you are considering purchasing your first indoor plant. Contact us today if you want to add life to your house. 

Oct 02
0
Tall Sedums

The Best Perennials for Fall Blooms in Denver, Colorado

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As summer’s last stages and fall approaches, gardens can sometimes appear rumpled. Utilizing plants that blossom, produce brilliantly colored fruit, or have vibrant foliage color in late summer and fall is a terrific way to maintain the appearance of your garden.

Choosing the ideal perennial can be challenging, especially if you are a beginner gardener. To simplify things for you, we have compiled a list of the best perennials for your Denver  garden:

  • Anemone   

Anemones are an excellent choice for the shadier portions of your landscaping. Although they are not as drought-resistant as the other plants on this list, they thrive with afternoon shade and moderate water.

  • Tall Sedums 

Sedum is cultivated for its distinctively fleshy foliage. Tall Sedums are available in various shapes, including erect and groundcover varieties. It is a dependable, resilient, and simple-to-grow perennial. Star-shaped flowers are typically arranged in clusters or sprays that change color frequently throughout their blooming period.

  • Hummingbird Flower

The Hummingbird Mint or Hyssop is an ideal addition to any hummingbird garden and landscaping. The varieties of the mint family produce brilliant, fragrant, and long-blooming flower clusters.

  • Furman’s Red Salvia

The Salvia genus contains many unique and beautiful plants that make outstanding additions to your low-water landscaping. We have praised Furman’s Red Salvia numerous times, and it never fails to enthrall us with its lovely profusion of red blooms that cover these plants from summer heat to fall frost. 

Essentially, Furman’s Red Salvia is not as hardy as other plants. Therefore, plant it in a warm microclimate area, considering it is only hardy to zone 6. 

  • Blanket flower 

Although blanket flowers bloom abundantly in the summer, they do so well into the fall, giving their vivid yellow, orange, and red hues to the short autumn days.

  • Goldenrod

The Goldenrod depicts Solidago rugosa’ Fireworks.’ Who would object to these explosions in their autumn landscape? This native plant from North America adorns your landscape with several panicles of brilliant yellow flowers. Although it is not as drought-resistant as some plants, it is adaptable to most circumstances in Colorado. 

  • Asters

Asters are simple to cultivate and are popular among gardeners, both as perennials and annuals in warm areas. The plants enliven the yard in late summer and autumn by providing late-season nectar necessary for pollinators. Their star-shaped flower heads are colored in various hues, from purple to white to blue.

  • Cabbage 

These decorative varieties bring luster to your fall garden. They are annuals but bloom for months until a severe frost. You can also select ornamental and culinary kinds that bring brilliant green, purple, and white hues to your autumn landscape. The best part is that a touch of ice can intensify their shade.

  • Coneflowers 

Coneflowers are common in many flower gardens. At all times, butterflies and bees are near these magnificent perennials. This sun-tolerant perennial flower is simple to cultivate and produces gorgeous purple flowers. The plant has a towering backdrop or repeating rows of large, frequently six-inch-wide, violet daisy-like flowers. The sturdy stalks rarely require staking or bending to retain an upright position.

  • Plumbago

Plumbago plants are valued for their profusion of blue phlox-like flowers, considering it produces the flowers for long periods. The plumbago thrives in hardiness zones of between 9 and 11. Always consider the area you are planting plumbago plants as they need plenty of room to thrive.

Best Perennials in Denver: Nick’s Garden Center 

Even with the many climates and hardiness zones of Colorado, the perennial plants and flowers on this list can sustain this type of environment. While some perennials do better than others depending on your location within the state, most of these perennials make your garden glamorous year after year.

Are you looking for perennial beauty that will return year after year to your garden inDenver? Perennial flowers and vegetation are your ideal selection. Nick’s Garden Center has an extensive collection of Colorado-friendly, high-quality plants and flowers that look beautiful in your yard. Contact us for more information.

Jul 27
325

Nick’s Green Chile Recipe

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Nick’s New Mexico Green Chile  

Serves 6

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups water
  • 4 cups roasted & peeled chopped green
  • Chile peppers
  • 10 oz. canned tomatoes crushed with juice
  • 2 cloves – fresh garlic minced
  • 1/8 Cup bacon drippings or lard
  • 1/8 Cup Flour
  • Salt to taste
  • 2lbs. Cubed cooked pork or meat of choice. (Cook Beforehand)

Directions:

In a dutch oven, heat bacon drippings until hot.  Add flour until it looks like elmer’s glue.  You may not need all the flour.  Brown flour until caramel brown; if you don’t brown well enough, chile will look chalky.

Add water, whisking until all lumps are gone.  Add tomatoes with juice, chilies, garlic and salt.  At this point, chile may still be too thick; add a little more water; not too much.  Add meat and let Simmer for 10 minutes.

Ta Da and Enjoy.

Watch our video to see how easy it is to make Green Chile

Mar 08
300

Houseplants 101: Best Low Light Plants

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Houseplants. We love them. We need them. We want them all.

As houseplant care and collection continues to grow as a hobby, Nick’s wants to help you navigate the waters of houseplant care and selection! This blog series will help answer your questions and introduce you to various popular houseplant types, as well as help you learn how to care for them.

One of the most common questions Nick’s receives about house plants is, “Which houseplants are good in low light situations?” The answer is: lots of them! In this post we’ll talk about some houseplants that will do well in low light situations. If your favorite houseplant requires more light than you have available in your home, remember that sun lamps might be a good option. Nick’s carries sun lamps and can help you find the right product for you. 

10 Best Low Light Houseplants

ZZ Plant

This popular house plant has stunning foliage arranged in a very symmetrical form. The leaves are a bright dark green, and have a shiny finish. They require very little care, so they make a great starter plant for those looking to begin their houseplant collection.

Peperomia

These plants are one of the most sought-after plants right now. They come in many different colors and shapes. A member of the peppercorn family, Peperomia prefer indirect light due to the fact that in their natural habitat they can be found on the forest floor. Peperomia are air-cleaning plants that like humidity, so place them near a humidifier or in the bathroom. 

Golden Pothos

One of the easiest plants to care for. Even when neglected for a short time, they bounce back quickly. This vining plant with heart-shaped and variegated leaves is also an air-cleaner. As it requires low light, it would do well in nearly any area of your home. 

Nerve Plant

These little guys are a great option if you’re looking for some color.This plant is native to tropical climates, so it will do best in a place where it will receive some humidity, as well. (Tip: Is your house cooled by an evaporative cooler? Place this plant in the room where the evaporative cooler originates, making sure to place it far enough away from the cooler that the plant doesn’t get over-cooled.)

Begonia

Begonia is available in many different colors, shapes, and forms as well. It makes a great hanging plant, and does well on a covered or shaded patio in the summer. Tuberous Begonia (Begonia X tuberosa) flowers are edible and have a flavor much like a sour citrus candy! (Always research your particular variety of plant and make sure no pesticides have been used on the plant before ingesting.)

Snake Plant

Snake plant is just about bulletproof. Like the ZZ Plant, it’s a great starter houseplant. With thick leaves that grow tall and straight and have light greens and yellows running through them, this plant makes a great floor plant, and will do well in corners with no or low light. As a bonus, Snake Plant is another plant that helps to clean the air in your home.

Tradescantia

This vining plant, also known as Spiderwort, is available in many different varieties. The most common variety is Tradescantia zebrina – a dark mixed with light green and vibrant dark purple plant with shiny leaves. Tradescantia are typically very easy to grow and require little light. For a fuzzy option, try “Speedy Jenny,” Tradescantia chrysophylla. Spiderwort is a hardy plant that can survive some neglect. Like the Pothos, it may brown and dry up in places, but it typically bounces back well if a few waterings are missed.

Dracaena

If you’re looking for something tall and low-maintenance, Dracaena is your plant. Incredibly tough, Dracaena Massangeana can survive neglect and bounce back from a few brown leaves like a champ. The leaves are waxy and bright, and benefit from a quick dusting now and again to retain their shine. This plant, too, will help purify the air in your home.

Monstera

Perhaps the most popular plant at the moment, Monstera does not require much light to survive (though it will benefit from and grow better if placed in indirect sunlight). Monstera likes to make a big statement, so put it in a place in your home where it will have lots of space to spread its leaves. Water about once a week, when the soil is fairly dry. 

Staghorn Fern

The first thing to know about Staghorn Fern is that it definitely needs humidity. Staghorn Fern is an epiphytic plant – meaning it grows by attaching itself to the branches of other plants. This means that Staghorn Ferns do not need to be potted, but can be mounted on a plaque, placed in a shadow box, or hung in a moss ball. In Colorado, the best bet for a Staghorn Fern is to place it in a bathroom with indirect natural light. There it will be kept warm and have the best option for the humidity it needs to survive.          

Mar 04
300

Houseplants 101: Best Houseplants for Beginners

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Best Indoor Plants for Beginners

By Jessica Kendall

In our last Houseplant 101 post we talked about the best houseplants for low light situations. In this article we’ll introduce you to some plants that are great for those just starting out with houseplants. The great news? A lot of these plants overlap with the houseplants we recommend for low light situations!

The Top 10 Houseplant Varieties for Beginners:

Sweetheart Hoya

The Sweetheart Hoya’s heart shaped leaves make this plant an instant hit. It will tolerate low light, but will grow better with some exposure to sunlight. It requires very little attention and, like most succulents, only needs to be watered once or twice a month. If the soil is nearly dry, it’s time to water. Succulents are very tough plants, but the number one reason that succulents don’t make it is over-watering. Their roots are very susceptible to root rot, so it’s important to make sure the soil drains very well. This is why succulent and cactus soil always contains a heavy balance of small rocks.

Snake Plant

Previously covered in our “Low Light Houseplants” blog, Snake Plant is a nearly-indestructible plant that will almost always survive, even if you can’t remember the last time you watered it…

Jade Plant

Jade is another great succulent option. Said to attract money and wealth, this plant has pleasing waxy dark green foliage, and can grow to be quite massive or be easily shaped by trimming new growth. Like other succulents, it can tolerate lower light but will grow better with exposure to sunlight.

(Tip: Wondering if your succulent needs water? Succulents hold all of their water in their leaves – it’s why they’re squishy and thick! Succulent leaves will be firm if the plant does not need water – because the leaves are full of water – and will be quite soft if they do need water – because the water stored in the leaf has depleted. If you find your leaves are squishy and you’ve been watering it recently, it’s likely the plant is experiencing root rot.)

Spider Plant

Spider Plant might be called the rabbit of the houseplant world – it reproduces like crazy! You’ll see healthy spider plants producing “pups” that can be removed and transplanted to become new plants. Spider plants like low-light, and are also subject to root rot, so water them once the soil is nearly dry, but don’t let the soil dry out completely.

Peace Lily

These houseplants produce showy white flowers and can grow up to three feet tall. Peace Lilies can tolerate lower light and will even thrive under grow lamps. They can grow quite large, both vertically and horizontally. Much like succulents, Peace Lily will tell you when it needs water. Keep an eye on your plant, and when you notice that the foliage is starting to droop a bit, it’s time to water. Peace Lilies will also benefit from having its foliage spritzed with water in the summer.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

One of the most in-demand plants at this time, Fiddle Leaf Fig is certainly a stunner. A member of the Rubber Plant family, Fiddle Leaf Fig is both easy to care for, and a big statement-maker. You’ve probably seen this plant in many different settings – from corporate offices to trendy plant posts. With the potential to grow up to six feet tall, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a perfect floor plant. This plant does need sunlight, and prefers a filtered bright window. Fiddle Leaf Fig wants water once the top inch of its soil is dry, but don’t let it dry out completely before watering.

Aloe Vera

Another succulent, Aloe Vera is not just beautiful and easy to care for – it’s also useful! The gel-like substance contained within the leaves is used frequently to help treat sunburn. Did you know that Aloe plants themselves can get a tan? If you notice that your aloe leaves (while healthy and well) are turning brown shade, move them a little ways away from their source of light and they will revert to that beautiful minty-green color once again.

Prayer Plant

The coloring of these plants set it apart from the majority of houseplants. In general, most houseplants are mainly made up of varying (and beautiful!) shades of green. Prayer Plant can be found with shades of reds, pinks, and bright yellows running through them, as well as varying shades of green from deep to almost white. They only grow to be about 8 inches high on average, so they’re a good option for smaller spaces like desks and shelves. Prayer Plant will tolerate lower light areas and prefers to be out of direct sunlight (too much direct light can scorch the leaves). These plants like to be well-watered. Avoid watering if the top inch of the soil is still moist to avoid fungal problems and gnats, but don’t let the plant dry out. Water a little less often in winter.

Money Tree Plant

Most often seen with decorative braided trunks, these plants are said to bring good fortune. These trees don’t like too much direct sun and should be rotated if placed in direct sun. They can tolerate fluorescent light, so if you don’t have a lot of natural light this might be the perfect plant for you. Money Tree should be given a good drink of water once the soil has dried out, but don’t let it dry out for long periods. As the plant grows, you can continue to braid the trunks by braiding and tying them loosely, or let them grow naturally.

Golden Pothos

Maybe the easiest of all houseplants (right up there with the Snake Plant), Golden Pothos is a very forgiving plant for those just learning to take care of houseplants. Pothos will tell you when it’s getting too much water by yellowing its leaves, and it’ll tell you when it’s not getting enough water with browning and crunchy dead leaves, but the plant itself is quite hardy and will survive as you learn. The vines can grow to be very long in a relatively short period of time, so it’s perfect for anyone wanting to have lovely drapey greenery in their space.

Dec 30
300

Kalanchoe Hildebrandtii or Silver Teaspoons Plant Care

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You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

Kalanchoe Hildebrandtii, or Silver Teaspoons, is a member of the Crassulaceae family, just like its more well-known cousin, Mother Of Thousands. Silver Teaspoons is very different in appearance from Mother of Thousands, however. As the name suggests, Kalanchoe Hildebrandtii’s leaves are a very light gray in color, and shaped like spoons. Silver Teaspoons should be grown as a houseplant in our climate, as it will not tolerate our low winter temperatures. However, it can be moved outside into the sun in the summer for an extra boost. It can handle direct or indirect light, but like most succulents it does need plenty of bright light. Too little light will leave the plant “leggy,” which means that the leaves become more spaced out on the stem than is preferred. This does not hurt the plant, but does indicate a deficiency in the plant’s needs. If the plant does become leggy, prune it to encourage a more bushy shape (but never take more than 30% of a plant when pruning).

At its happiest, Silver Teaspoons can be expected to grow to about 36 inches tall, and will grow in a bush-type habit. It will also produce white bell-shaped flowers in Spring if it is very happy. Water Silver Teaspoons as you would most succulents – allow the soil to completely dry out before watering and don’t let the plant sit in water. Use a Cacti and Succulent soil and a pot that has good drainage. If your pot does not have adequate drainage, use a Moisture Meter to check the moisture level at the bottom of the pot before and during watering. If you happen to add too much water, gently turn the pot on its side and let some water drain out, but be careful to avoid dislodging the soil or the plant.

Kalanchoe plants are considered to be air cleaning, but they are not pet safe, so keep them out of reach of pets. Silver Teaspoons will tolerate dry air, so no humidity is necessary to keep it happy. Silver Teaspoons is also tolerant of varying temperatures as long as those temperatures don’t drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Because its nature as a succulent makes it tolerant of dry air, dry soil, and varying temperatures, we rate Silver Teaspoons as a plant that is perfect for beginner Plan Parents and Plant Parents who are often on the go and unable to commit to a rigorous watering schedule. If giving Silver Teaspoons as a gift, make sure the new owner is aware that it should be kept away from pets.

Place Silver Teaspoons in the midst of other houseplants that are bright or dark green in color to help add interest to a houseplant display and to make Silver Teaspoons pop!

Don’t forget to save our Plant Parent Chalkboard photo for a quick reference later on!

 

Happy Plant Parenting!

Dec 10
300

Plant Parent Blog – Mimosa Pudica the Sensitive Plant Care

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You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

What’s better than a plant that does stuff? We love carnivorous plants because many of them move when touched. While it’s not carnivorous, Sensitive Plant, or Mimosa Pudica, does react to touch! When touched, Sensitive Plant will fold up its leaves along the stem. We don’t know exactly why this takes place, but we suspect it’s a kind of defensive mechanism.

This feathery, fern-like plant is prevalent in some tropical areas (like Hawaii) to the point of being considered a weed, but in our climate Sensitive Plant is a humidity-loving houseplant. As a houseplant, expect Sensitive Plant to grow to be about 18 inches tall in a somewhat shrub shape. When the right growing conditions are met, Sensitive Plant will produce fluffy globe-like flowers in shades of pink and yellow and purple.

Sensitive Plant needs to be kept moist at all times. It also benefits from humidity. Sensitive Plant needs bright light, and can even handle direct sunlight. If you are short on natural light sources (remember, windows block between 10 and 20 percent of UV rays), Sensitive Plant will do well with artificial lights. Use a soil that is loamy or sandy, and plant Sensitive Plant in a well draining pot. As previously mentioned, keep the soil moist, but don’t let the plant sit in water. Try to wait until the soil is dry one inch from the surface to avoid creating a habitat for gnats.

Sensitive Plant likes to be kept in temperatures around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. It would do well in a bathroom with a bright window. Keep it away from drafts and vents that could cause a fluctuation in temperature or blow dry air around the plant.

Sensitive Plant is not pet safe, and it is not air cleaning. It has sharp spines on its stems, so it’s best to keep out of reach of tiny human hands as well. Because it likes humidity and to be consistently moist, Sensitive Plant would work great under a cloche and could be a very beautiful statement piece! It would also be a great plant for a terrarium as a terrarium would also facilitate the constant temperature, humidity, and soil moisture levels that Sensitive Plant needs. If Sensitive Plant is placed under a cloche or in a terrarium, care for the plant should be fairly simple, but if the plant is placed on its own, we rate it as a plant best kept by intermediate level Plant Parents and those who will be able to keep up with its watering, lighting, and humidity needs.

 

Don’t forget to save our Plant Parent Chalkboard photo for a quick reference later on!

Happy Plant Parenting!

Nov 26
300

Spring Snowflake Plant – Plant in Fall for Spring Blooms!

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Scientific Name: Leucojum

Common Name: Snowflake

Common Species/Varieties: Generally only the one, but Snowdrop is a common sister plant

Common Colors: White blooms with green dots on all petals

Plant Type: Flower, from bulb

Annual or Perennial: Perennial

Hardiness Zone: 3-9 USDA

Self-Seeding: No, but they can self-propagate if left in the ground

Bloom Season: Spring

Grows Best In: Full Sun or shade

Fun Fact: Unlike most plants that grow from bulbs, Snowflake loves lots of moisture!

ABOUT SNOWFLAKE:

A part of the Amaryllidaceae family, Leucojum (Snowflake) is related to its Christmas Cousin, Amaryllis. Unlike their smaller sister, Snowdrop, Snowflake is one of the latest Spring bloomers. Snowflakes are also much larger, mainly taller, than the Snowdrop. Their foliage can last long after the blooms fade and shows up as a lovely, decorative grass. Snowflake will spread and propagate in the soil more quickly than others and will fill their own space, but they will not take over your garden like mint or other invasive plants. Similar to the meaning of Crocus plant, Snowflake’s meaning seems to take after the time in which it blooms. Like Spring, Snowflake plant represent hope and rebirth. Although Squirrels might try to dig up the bulbs, once the plant blooms, Snowflake is avoided by deer and nearly all pests.

 

SNOWFLAKE PLANTING AND STORAGE:

Snowflakes begin as bulbs, and those bulbs are planted in the Fall. You can plant tulip bulbs directly into your garden (they make lovely path liners), or into a pot stored in a cool (but not cold) dry, dark place through Winter. A good example would be an unheated garage, or shed, or a cold frame. The idea is to keep them cool but safe from rapid changes in temperature. Snowflake bulbs can also be stored in a way that prepares them for being “forced” in glass vessels in Spring. Place them in a container and add soil, then a layer of bulbs stored close together but not touching, add a layer of soil deep enough to allow room for roots to begin to develop, and then plant another row, and so forth until all of your bulbs are planted. Moisten the soil and keep it from drying out, but do not over-water. Storing Snowflake bulbs in this way can help your bulbs survive and begin to develop roots in order to be able to “force” the bulbs in a glass vessel in the Spring.

Snowflake, and all bulbs that bloom in the Spring, need to make their home in soil that is kept moist. Unlike other bulbs, Snowflake likes heavy amounts of water. Never drowning, but always wet. These bulbs can be a favorite of squirrels, and they will often dig the bulbs up over the Winter for a nice big meal. To prevent this from happening, we have had success with staking hardware mesh over the areas that bulbs are planted in, and removing the mesh once the plants start to bloom. All bulbs should be planted in orientations and at depths specific to the plant. For Snowflake, plant the bulb pointy side up in a hole that is about 3 inches deep, and space them 6-10 inches apart. It’s a good idea to loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole, as well. Snowflake prefer a nutrient rich, well draining soil but will grow in full sun or part shade.

 

FORCING BULBS IN THE SPRING:

To “force” bulbs in the Spring, select either a vase created specifically for allowing these bulbs to grow and bloom without soil, or a tall, slender vase and line the base with a generous amount of stones, nearly to the top of the vase, and place your bulb on top of the pebbles. You will fill the water to just under the base of the bulb, and keep the water at that level until roots form. At that point, keep the roots in water at all times until the bulb has bloomed. To prepare the bulbs for blooming, place them near a very bright source of light (a grow light is best) until they begin to develop leaves. Make sure the area they are stored in to soak up the light is no warmer than 65 degrees Fahrenheit at any given time. They are now ready to go in your vessel to bloom!

You may reuse bulbs again and again, but they must be allowed to collect energy from the sun via their foliage. The easiest way to accomplish this is to plant the bulb in some soil and place it in a spot where it will get plenty of sun. Wait until the foliage has browned and withered, then dig up your bulbs and store them as before.

(Snowflake’s cousin, Snowdrop.)
Nov 20
300

Best Time Plant Crocus Bulbs for Spring Blooms!

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Scientific Name: Croceae

Common Name: Crocus

Common Species/Varieties: Dutch Crocus, Early Crocus, Golden Crocus

Common Colors: Purple, White, Yellow

Plant Type: Flower, from bulb

Annual or Perennial: Perennial

Hardiness Zone: 3-8 USDA

Self-Seeding: No, but they can self-propagate if left in the ground

Bloom Season: Spring

Grows Best In: Full Sun or shade

Fun Fact: Saffron spice is collected painstakingly from the stigma of the once-per-year blooming C. sativus, the Saffron Crocus – which blooms in the Fall!

ABOUT CROCUS:

Crocus is among the first of the Spring plants to bloom. Just behind Hellebore and neck-in-neck with Snowdrop, Crocus will add its sunny and cheerful blooms to your landscape even in snow-covered conditions – just make sure to protect any already open flowers from snow. There are over 90 variations of Crocus, but perhaps the most famous is the C. sativus – the Saffron Crocus. Just one ounce of Saffron requires over 4,000 stigma from this flower! Crocus is typically found in woodland or meadow settings and can be found from sea level to tall mountains. Crocus is believed to represent cheerfulness and youthfulness, which could stem from the fact the joy it brings as one of the earliest signs of Spring.

 

CROCUS PLANTING AND STORAGE:

Crocuses begin as bulbs, and those bulbs are planted in the Fall. You can plant tulip bulbs directly into your garden (they make lovely path liners), or into a pot stored in a cool (but not cold) dry, dark place through Winter. A good example would be an unheated garage, or shed, or a cold frame. The idea is to keep them cool but safe from rapid changes in temperature. Crocus bulbs can also be stored in a way that prepares them for being “forced” in glass vessels in Spring. Place them in a container and add soil, then a layer of bulbs stored close together but not touching, add a layer of soil deep enough to allow room for roots to begin to develop, and then plant another row, and so forth until all of your bulbs are planted. Moisten the soil and keep it from drying out, but do not over-water. Storing Crocus bulbs in this way can help your bulbs survive and begin to develop roots in order to be able to “force” the bulbs in a glass vessel in the Spring.

Crocus, and all bulbs that bloom in the Spring, need to make their home in soil that is kept moist but never soggy. These bulbs can be a favorite of squirrels, and they will often dig the bulbs up over the Winter for a nice big meal. To prevent this from happening, we have had success with staking hardware mesh over the areas that bulbs are planted in, and removing the mesh once the plants start to bloom. All bulbs should be planted in orientations and at depths specific to the plant. For Crocus, plant the bulb pointy side up in a hole that is about 3 inches deep, and can be planted in groups up to 9 in number. It’s a good idea to loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole, as well. Crocus prefer a sandy/loamy soil but will grow in full sun or part shade.

 

FORCING BULBS IN THE SPRING:

To “force” bulbs in the Spring, select either a vase created specifically for allowing these bulbs to grow and bloom without soil, or a tall, slender vase and line the base with a generous amount of stones, nearly to the top of the vase, and place your bulb on top of the pebbles. You will fill the water to just under the base of the bulb, and keep the water at that level until roots form. At that point, keep the roots in water at all times until the bulb has bloomed. To prepare the bulbs for blooming, place them near a very bright source of light (a grow light is best) until they begin to develop leaves. Make sure the area they are stored in to soak up the light is no warmer than 65 degrees Fahrenheit at any given time. They are now ready to go in your vessel to bloom!

You may reuse bulbs again and again, but they must be allowed to collect energy from the sun via their foliage. The easiest way to accomplish this is to plant the bulb in some soil and place it in a spot where it will get plenty of sun. Wait until the foliage has browned and withered, then dig up your bulbs and store them as before.