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!
Hoya Hindu Rope is an epiphytic semi-succulent with very curiously shaped leaves and incredible clusters of pink and white star-shaped flowers. Native to East Asia and Australia, the Hoya Hindu Rope (or Hoya Carnosa Compacta) is both drought-tolerant and humidity-friendly. The succulent aspect of the plant enjoys dry soil and stores its water in its leaves like other succulents. Keep its roots dry to avoid root rot! The epiphytic (air plant) aspect of the plant likes to absorb some of its moisture through its leaves, so it appreciates some humidity (think a humidifier, tray of pebbles and water, or misting).
Another of its many unique and fun traits is its growth habit. Hoya Hindu Rope is a vining plant, but it will also trail. It does well in a hanging pot, or climbing up a pole, and can even be trained around strong shaped wire. This plant loves bright, indirect sunshine but will tolerate low light as well. This means that Hoya Hindu Rope will not die from lower light conditions, but you will likely not see its incredible flowers unless it’s in bright indirect light. It also does well with artificial light if you do not have a sunny spot for it.
Plant Hoya Hindu Rope in a smallish pot as it prefers to be slightly root bound, and is even known to be more likely to bloom if its roots are nice and snug. Use a lightweight and very well-draining soil. Remember, these plants would simply grab onto a tree or another plant with their roots in the wild. Water Hindu Hoya Rope when the soil is completely dry to the touch. You can also use the “squish test” with this semi-succulent to see if the plant needs water. (Succulents store their water in their leaves rather than drinking it only from the soil as they need it, so if the leaves are soft and give when you gently squish them, they are no longer full of water and could probably use some.) When watering Hoya Hindu Rope, drench the plant with running water for a few minutes and then make sure it’s not sitting in any standing water before you put it back in its home. If your pot doesn’t have any drainage, take extra care to not over-water, and use a Moisture Meter to see if the soil at the bottom of the pot is dry.
Hoya Hindu Rope is said to be air cleaning, and is pet safe, so options for placement are great for this plant. Because it likes a bit of humidity, it would do well in a bathroom or with a humidifier or tray of pebbles and water nearby. Overall the plant is really quite easy to care for, so we consider Hoya Hindu Rope to be great for beginners.
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!
Jade Plant, or Crassula ovata, is a very common succulent that is extremely easy to take care of and can live for generations. In fact, Jade plants are often handed down to family members, or even found at estate sales, because they can live such long lives. Like most succulents, Jade requires little care and just wants to bask in strong sunlight. For these reasons, it’s an excellent choice for anyone just beginning to learn about succulent care.
When caring for a succulent, the most important thing to know is when to water. With Jade, and with most succulents, we like to use the leaves to tell us when we should water. You can choose to water when the soil dries out completely (all the way down to the bottom of the soil), or you can use the squeeze method.
Succulents store their water in their leaves and fill up those leaves every time you water, unlike houseplants who take water in through their roots as they need it. Because of this, most succulents have thick leaves that are nice and firm when they have enough water. If you give them a squeeze and they feel nice and firm, they don’t need water. If your succulent’s leaves begin to feel soft (and they are still a nice healthy color and not brown or limp), and the soil is dry, it’s time to give them a drink. If you were to over-water your succulents, you risk Root Rot.
When succulent roots sit in soil that is over-saturated, the roots are deprived of oxygen and become suffocated by the soggy soil closing in around the roots. If you see the leaves of your succulent becoming very soft and brown, your plant has likely succumbed to Root Rot. To avoid Root Rot, use a well-draining pot, a Cacti/Succulent blend soil, and water only when the soil is dry and when the leaves give a bit when you squeeze them. If you don’t have a pot that drains excess water away through the bottom of the pot, you’ll want to use a Moisture Meter to check the soil to see if it’s still moist or ready for watering. Take extra care when watering if your pot does not drain so that you don’t give it too much water. For pots with good drainage, just “drench and drain” when you water, meaning you will pour a lot of water into the pot and let it finish draining completely before placing it back on its saucer or tray.
Jade Plants like full sunlight, and prefer at least 4 hours of full sun per day. They will survive in lower light conditions, but they will not flourish. Jade Plants will grow in a tree-like habit, even developing a woody “trunk” when very mature, up to 5 feet tall. They have thick, bright green oval-shaped leaves, but rarely flower indoors. Keep Jade away from chewers, both human and animal, as it can be harmful if ingested. Jade can help remove harmful substances from the air around it. Keep Jade happy with temperatures around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Jade can be kept outdoors during warm and sunny months, but keep it away from drafts or cold windows indoors. Jade will need water less often in the winter and spring than it does in the summer and fall, so don’t worry if your plant seems like it needs water less often during the last and first quarters of the year. Jade can be sensitive to salt in our water, so consider using distilled water when watering this plant. Jade is considered to be a lucky plant, so this easy-to-care-for plant makes a great gift.
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!
Feathery and Fairy-like, Maidenhair Fern’s ethereal foliage makes it worth the attention the plant requires. All things considered, Maidenhair Fern is not terribly hard to care for. Its main requirement is attention to keeping its soil consistently moist.
Maidenhair Fern, or Adiantum pedatum, needs bright indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate direct sun, but the stronger the sunlight, the greater its watering needs. As previously mentioned, proper watering is the key to a healthy and happy Maidenhair Fern. It prefers a humid atmosphere, but not because its foliage need moisture. Maidenhair Fern’s fronds are actually somewhat waterproof and shed water. In the case of this particular fern, humidity is needed to help keep the soil evenly moist. Because of the repellent nature of Maidenhair Fern’s leaves, there is no need to mist the plant’s fronds.
Plant Maidenhair Fern in a smaller pot than you might typically choose as it prefers to be snug and dislikes being repotted. Use a soil that will maintain moisture, but never let the soil become soggy. While Maidenhair Fern needs to be consistently moist, it is prone to Root Rot. When it comes to watering Maidenhair Fern, a Moisture Meter is the best way to keep track of the moisture level in the soil. When you first acquire the plant, check the soil daily and keep track of the length of time between waterings. This will help you to develop an idea of how long you can go between waterings (on average 2-3 day), but it’s still best practice to check the soil daily. To water Maidenhair Fern, follow the “Drench and Drain” method by allowing water to run over the soil for a few minutes and then allow the water to drain away completely.
Use a pot that has proper drainage holes for Maidenhair Fern. It’s also recommended that Plant Parents avoid pots that are bare ceramic or clay on the inside. These pots pull moisture away from the soil more quickly than pots that are glazed on the inside. If your pot is lined with bare ceramic or clay, use a plastic liner to help keep the soil away from the walls of the pot. Keeping Maidenhair Fern in a bathroom is a great way to help keep the soil moist due to the regular humidity in the air, and it can also make it easier to properly water the plant.
Don’t worry if you see the occasional frond brown and drop – think of it as the plant occasionally shedding fronds much in the same way that we occasionally shed hair. It is uncertain whether Maidenhair Fern specifically is pet safe, but most ferns typically are safe for pets. Maidenhair fern is, however, believed to be air cleaning. The Maidenhair species contains many variations, but most of them will do well following these guidelines. Because of the advanced watering requirements necessary to keep Maidenhair Fern happy, we recommend this plant to Intermediate Plant Parents.
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!
Money Tree is a great plant for giving as a gift. It doesn’t require a whole lot of maintenance and can be placed in medium to bright indirect light. Best of all, it’s said to be lucky!
Money Tree, or Pachira aquatica, typically comes from northern South America. According to lore, luck becomes “trapped” in the braided trunk. Although Money Tree does not naturally grow in its braided form, growers will actually train the young, pliable “trunks” of Money Tree into a braided shape. Money Tree is also said to be good for Feng Shui as the five sections of its palmate leaves represent the five elements (earth, fire, air, wind, and metal). As if that weren’t enough interesting information, this little indoor tree is related to cotton and hibiscus as a member of the Malvaceae! This particular member of the Malvaceae family can be expected to grow up to 6 feet tall indoors, but will not bloom.
To care for Money Tree, start by planting it in a well-draining pot with soil that is also well-draining, and preferably somewhat sandy. Place Money Tree in a spot that will get medium to bright indirect light, and is typically between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch out for drafts, vents, and cold windows as Money Tree very much prefers a consistent environment. If Money Tree is relocated or if something in its environment changes, you’ll likely see it drop some leaves. Money Tree is pet safe and air cleaning, so combined with the ability to survive with only medium indirect sunlight, this plant has greater flexibility than many other houseplants when it comes to where it can be placed. It does, however, prefer humidity, so it might end up needing a humidifier or to be placed in a bathroom with at least medium sunlight (though Money Tree can also tolerate artificial light, so you can add light as needed.)
Money Tree is also great for a gift or for beginner Plant Parents because it has much lower watering requirements than most houseplants. While the majority of houseplants need to be watered when the top one to two inches are dry, you can wait until the top 4 inches of Money Tree are dry to water it. To water Money Tree, go with the standard “Drench and Drain” method of allowing water to pour over the soil for a few minutes, then allowing all of that water to completely drain out of the bottom of the pot before placing it back in its home. If your pot does not have drainage at the bottom, we highly recommend a Moisture Meter. This tool can help you to determine the level of moisture at the bottom of the pot before you water, and it can also help you gauge how much water to give your plant since it won’t be able to run out the bottom. Never let a plant sit in soggy soil!
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!
Orange Prince is a relatively new plant on the houseplant scene. Discovered in the early 2000s, this philodendron has made a name for itself with its incredible coloring. It’s signature leaves start out yellow, warm up to a bright orange, and then before turning green develop a dark tint turning the leaves a copper color. These leaves grow from the center of the plant, unlike most philodendrons whose leaves grow along a trailing vine. Typically, Orange Prince Philodendron (whose name has many variations) can grow to be up to 3 feet tall and wide.
Orange Prince is very easy to care for, and has minimal requirements when it comes to its environment. It can handle everything from bright indirect light to shade, and will tolerate artificial light, as well. Watch your plant for fading colors, as this is a sign that it is getting too much sun (some plants fade in the sun much like some hair colors will lighten in the sun). Take caution when placing Orange Prince when it comes to pets as it is not a pet safe plant.
Water Orange Prince when the top two inches of soil are dry, and take care not to overwater, or to let the plant sit in water. Use the “Drench and Drain” method of watering. This means you will let the water pour over the soil and run out the bottom for a few minutes before turning the water off and allowing excess water to flow out of the bottom of the pot. Don’t allow the plant to sit in water in a tray or saucer as this can cause root rot. If your pot does not have drainage in the bottom, use a Moisture Meter to detect the level of moisture in the bottom of the pot both before and during watering to avoid adding too much water. If you do add too much water, gently tip the pot to the side and allow excess water to run out, but take care not to allow the soil to run out of the pot.
A Cactus and Succulent soil is a great option for Orange Prince as it will allow the roots plenty of room to breathe, and allow excess water to run out of the soil quickly. As mentioned above, a pot that is well draining is important, but no other precautions need to be taken when choosing a pot. Rotate Orange Prince regularly to encourage regular and even growth, and take a damp cloth to the leaves every now and then to keep them glossy and free of dust. Keep Orange Prince within a temperature range of 65-80. Overall this plant is very tough and only really at risk of being overwatered. We think it’s a great plant for beginner Plant Parents.
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!
All Peperomia make for an interesting and showy houseplant, and as a result are a very popular plant family with Plant Parents. Peacock Peperomia, or Peperomia Piccolo Banda, is no exception! Because Peacock Peperomia is a “semi succulent,” its care is fairly simple, making this a great plant for beginner Plant Parents.
A member of the Piperaceae family (that’s right – peperomia is a member of the pepper family!), Peacock Peperomia’s foliage is its claim to fame. The main color of Peacock Peperomia’s foliage is dark plum, and it has a very faint streak running through the center, topped off with a sort of pearlescent sheen. On top of its coloring, the leaves tend to ruffle just a bit, as well. With fancy foliage like this, it’s no wonder that Peperomia Piccolo Banda is known as “Peacock” peperomia! Peacock Peperomia will not flower indoors, but this beautiful plant doesn’t even need flowers in order to attract attention.
As with many Peperomia, you can expect a compact and bushing growth habit. Peacock Peperomia can grow to be around two feet tall and twelve inches across. Its foliage grows along a central stem and bushes out from there. Peacock Peperomia is pet friendly, and is said to be air-cleaning as well. Plant Peacock Peperomia in any well-draining soil, and place it in a spot where it will get medium to bright indirect light. Because Peacock Peperomia does not have any specific humidity requirements, and due its pet friendly nature and forgiving light requirements, Peacock Peperomia can be placed in many areas in which other more tropical houseplants would not do well. In fact, Peacock Peperomia is even able to tolerate low light, though it will not flourish quite as much as it would with medium to bright indirect light.
Water Peacock Peperomia after the soil has almost completely dried out. Use the “Drench and Drain” method of watering (allow the water to run over the soil for a few minutes, and then allow the water to completely drain out of the bottom of the pot before replacing the plant). If your pot doesn’t have good drainage, we recommend a Moisture Meter to help you determine moisture levels both before and while watering. Keep in mind also that the more light a plant gets, the more water it will need.
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!
Like most Peperomia, Red Tree Peperomia is one of the easier houseplants to care for. Tolerant of different levels of light and forgiving where watering is concerned, Red Tree Peperomia is great for the Plant Parent who has mastered philodendrons and is ready to level up to something a little more exotic looking, but still manageable.
Red Tree Peperomia, or Peperomia Metallica, is another showy member of the Piperaceae family. Its dark green and deep maroon foliage has a metallic sheen to it that is sure to catch the eye. This peperomia is rather compact, growing in a bush habit to around 8 inches in height. Red Tree Peperomia will not flower, but it is pet safe and is said to be air cleaning. Note, we assume it is pet safe because other peperomia are, but as this particular peperomia is still new, we’re not completely sure about some things. For that reason it’s best to avoid taking chances.
Red Tree Peperomia likes bright indirect light, but it will tolerate medium light as well. Red Tree Peperomia is slow growing, so don’t worry if you don’t see a lot of growth. Plant Red Tree Peperomia in a soil that will drain well and let the roots breathe – Orchid or African Violet soil are great options. This plant likes humidity, and for temperatures to be around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Any well-draining pot will do, just try to choose one with good drainage holes. Let the soil dry out about halfway before watering. You can also watch Red Tree Peperomia’s foliage for signs that it’s time to water – the leaves will begin to droop when it needs a drink. Use the “Drench and Drain” method to water. Allow the water to flow over the soil until the water runs out the bottom of the pot. Leave it running for a few minutes and then allow the excess water to drain. Never let a plant sit in soggy soil or in standing water. If your pot does not have drainage holes in the bottom, use a Moisture Meter to keep track of the moisture level before and during watering to avoid overwatering. If you do add too much water, tip the pot carefully to the side and allow excess water to gently drain out of the pot, but be careful to avoid spilling the soil.
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!
Sansevieria Samurai is an easy to grow succulent that asks little and takes up little space. What makes this plant special is the way its spiked leaves grow in a spiraling fan-shaped manner. While most Sansevieria (think of plants you might know as “Mother in Law’s Tongue” or “Snake Plant”) grow with their thin, sword shaped leaves pointing up to the sky, this particular Sansevieria has thicker and shorter leaves that grow out toward the edges of the pot, and stack on top of each other. From the top they look like a spiral, and from the top they look like a fan.
Sansevieria Samurai is a member of the Asparagaceae family. It typically will grow to be around six inches tall. This plant is not pet safe, so keep it out of reach of pets and other little ones who might like to chew on things. Sansevierias are known to be plants that clean the air around them, so it’s a great plant to keep around for fresher air indoors. Plant Sansevieria Samurai in Cactus and Succulent soil, and put it in a spot where it will get bright indirect light.
They like to be kept in temperature between 60 and 80 degrees, and while they like humidity, they don’t require it. Keep Sansevieria Samurai in a place free from drafts and vents. Wait until the soil has dried out to water Sansevieria Samurai. Any pot will do, but make sure it’s well draining. Succulents are known for being especially susceptible to root rot if they are left in soggy soil, or if their pots are left in trays or saucers with standing water. Watch for leaves that become brown and soggy as this could indicate that root rot has taken hold. If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, use a Moisture Meter to test the moisture levels at the bottom of the pot both before and during watering in order to avoid overwatering. If you do happen to add too much water, carefully tip the pot sideways and allow the excess water to drain away. Just take care with the soil and the plant as they can both easily become dislodged. Succulents have small root systems and are unable to hold onto the soil and stay in the pot as well as plants with bigger roots systems.
Overall, Sansevieria Samurai’s requirements are perfect for beginners but still have the look of a plant kept by a seasoned Plant Parent.
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!
String of Dolphins might be the cutest succulent in existence. This plant, whose scientific name is Senecio peregrinus, has leaves that are shaped like little dolphins leaping out of the water. These little dolphins grow on trailing vines like other “String of” plants such as hearts, bananas, turtles, pearls, etc. String of Dolphins is actually bred from the cross-pollination of Senecio Rowleyanus (String of Pearls) and Senecio Articulatus (hot dog cactus)These vines can grow to be around three feet long, and look wonderful spilling out of a hanging basket or trickling down over bookshelves or the edge of a stair rail. Part of the Asteraceae family, the flowers that grow from String of Dolphin plants (when the plants are very happy and in just the right conditions) are daisy-ish and are said to smell like cinnamon.
While most succulents rarely need water and like as much light as possible, String of Dolphins does better in medium indirect light, and needs water a bit more often than its cousins. String of Dolphins can, in fact, develop a sunburn in too much sun. The good news is that they are tolerant of artificial light as well as medium indirect sunlight, which allows them to be placed in a better variety of places within the home or office than some houseplants. Just keep in mind that String of Dolphins is not pet safe, so you’ll want to keep this plant away from pets and small children (and anyone who likes to chew on things).
When watering String of Dolphins, use the “Drench and Drain” method. Give them a nice long drink by allowing the water to run over the soil (use Cactus and Succulent soil for String of Dolphins) for a few minutes, and then allow excess water to run out the bottom of the pot. You’ll want to let the soil dry out completely, but you can use the “squish test” to determine just how thirsty your Dolphins are. Since succulents hold their moisture in their leaves, they will be nice and firm when they’re full of water, and get a little squishy when they need a refill. However, if they become brown and squishy, that could be indicative of root rot setting in.
Follow these instructions and keep String of Dolphins in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees, and even our beginner Plant Parents should have few if any issues with String of Dolphins.
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!
Unlike other Peperomia plants, Peperomia Hope grows in a trailing habit, earning it the nickname “Trailing Jade.” It’s a fairly easy plant to grow. It is a succulent and as such has some specific watering requirements, but they are simple requirements to follow.
Peperomia Hope is a combination of two different Peperomia plants, earning it the name Peperomia deppeana×quadrifolia. This plant comes from Central and South America, and prefers higher levels of water and humidity. Because the plant is a succulent and as such prone to root rot, it’s important to find a balance when watering. The recommended watering method is actually quite simple: keep the soil relatively moist in Summer and Spring (during the grown period), and allow it to dry out between waterings in the Fall and Summer. As the plant grows, it will use more water more frequently, and during the winter the growing season will end and the plant will rest and use less water than it did during the previous seasons.
Its thick foliage grows on a long trailing vine, and is coin shaped and bright green with faint light green stripes. Peperomia Hope will not flower, but its attractive foliage makes up for the lack of flowers. Like other trailing vines, it can be trained up walls, across ceilings, or around stair rails. The young vines will first grow up, and then with time, flop over and begin to trail.
Water Peperomia Hope using the “Drench and Drain” method – allow water to run over the soil for a few minutes and then allow any remaining water to drain from the bottom of the pot. If your pot does not have drainage holes in the bottom, take care when watering and use a Moisture Meter before and during watering to assess the level of moisture at the bottom of the pot. If you add too much water, gently tip the pot on its side and allow as much excess water as possibly to run out without disturbing the plant or the soil. Peperomia Hope will let you know early on if it is getting too much water by developing scab like growths on its leaves.
Peperomia Hope will do best in low to medium indirect light, and is even tolerant of artificial light. It is both pet safe, and said to be air cleaning. All of these factors make Peperomia Hope the perfect plant for those darker places in your home or office that are in reach of tiny humans or pets that have a tendency to want to sample the flavor of houseplants. Peperomia Hope thrives when rootbound, so you won’t need to worry about repotting this one for a while.
Because it is believed to be good luck, and due to the ease of care, we rate this plant as being perfect for beginner Plant Parents, and also as a great plant for gifting.
Jade Plant, or Crassula ovata, is a very common succulent that is extremely easy to take care of and can live for generations. In fact, Jade plants are often handed down to family members, or even found at estate sales, because they can live such long lives. Like most succulents, Jade requires little care and just wants to bask in strong sunlight. For these reasons, it’s an excellent choice for anyone just beginning to learn about succulent care.
When succulent roots sit in soil that is over-saturated, the roots are deprived of oxygen and become suffocated by the soggy soil closing in around the roots. If you see the leaves of your succulent becoming very soft and brown, your plant has likely succumbed to Root Rot. To avoid Root Rot, use a well-draining pot, a Cacti/Succulent blend soil, and water only when the soil is dry and when the leaves give a bit when you squeeze them. If you don’t have a pot that drains excess water away through the bottom of the pot, you’ll want to use a Moisture Meter to check the soil to see if it’s still moist or ready for watering. Take extra care when watering if your pot does not drain so that you don’t give it too much water. For pots with good drainage, just “drench and drain” when you water, meaning you will pour a lot of water into the pot and let it finish draining completely before placing it back on its saucer or tray.
Happy Plant Parenting!
Feathery and Fairy-like, Maidenhair Fern’s ethereal foliage makes it worth the attention the plant requires. All things considered, Maidenhair Fern is not terribly hard to care for. Its main requirement is attention to keeping its soil consistently moist.
Use a pot that has proper drainage holes for Maidenhair Fern. It’s also recommended that Plant Parents avoid pots that are bare ceramic or clay on the inside. These pots pull moisture away from the soil more quickly than pots that are glazed on the inside. If your pot is lined with bare ceramic or clay, use a plastic liner to help keep the soil away from the walls of the pot. Keeping Maidenhair Fern in a bathroom is a great way to help keep the soil moist due to the regular humidity in the air, and it can also make it easier to properly water the plant.
Money Tree, or Pachira aquatica, typically comes from northern South America. According to lore, luck becomes “trapped” in the braided trunk. Although Money Tree does not naturally grow in its braided form, growers will actually train the young, pliable “trunks” of Money Tree into a braided shape. Money Tree is also said to be good for Feng Shui as the five sections of its palmate leaves represent the five elements (earth, fire, air, wind, and metal). As if that weren’t enough interesting information, this little indoor tree is related to cotton and hibiscus as a member of the Malvaceae! This particular member of the Malvaceae family can be expected to grow up to 6 feet tall indoors, but will not bloom.
To care for Money Tree, start by planting it in a well-draining pot with soil that is also well-draining, and preferably somewhat sandy. Place Money Tree in a spot that will get medium to bright indirect light, and is typically between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch out for drafts, vents, and cold windows as Money Tree very much prefers a consistent environment. If Money Tree is relocated or if something in its environment changes, you’ll likely see it drop some leaves. Money Tree is pet safe and air cleaning, so combined with the ability to survive with only medium indirect sunlight, this plant has greater flexibility than many other houseplants when it comes to where it can be placed. It does, however, prefer humidity, so it might end up needing a humidifier or to be placed in a bathroom with at least medium sunlight (though Money Tree can also tolerate artificial light, so you can add light as needed.)
Happy Plant Parenting!
Orange Prince is a relatively new plant on the houseplant scene. Discovered in the early 2000s, this philodendron has made a name for itself with its incredible coloring. It’s signature leaves start out yellow, warm up to a bright orange, and then before turning green develop a dark tint turning the leaves a copper color. These leaves grow from the center of the plant, unlike most philodendrons whose leaves grow along a trailing vine. Typically, Orange Prince Philodendron (whose name has many variations) can grow to be up to 3 feet tall and wide.
Water Orange Prince when the top two inches of soil are dry, and take care not to overwater, or to let the plant sit in water. Use the “Drench and Drain” method of watering. This means you will let the water pour over the soil and run out the bottom for a few minutes before turning the water off and allowing excess water to flow out of the bottom of the pot. Don’t allow the plant to sit in water in a tray or saucer as this can cause root rot. If your pot does not have drainage in the bottom, use a Moisture Meter to detect the level of moisture in the bottom of the pot both before and during watering to avoid adding too much water. If you do add too much water, gently tip the pot to the side and allow excess water to run out, but take care not to allow the soil to run out of the pot.
All Peperomia make for an interesting and showy houseplant, and as a result are a very popular plant family with Plant Parents. Peacock Peperomia, or Peperomia Piccolo Banda, is no exception! Because Peacock Peperomia is a “semi succulent,” its care is fairly simple, making this a great plant for beginner Plant Parents.
As with many Peperomia, you can expect a compact and bushing growth habit. Peacock Peperomia can grow to be around two feet tall and twelve inches across. Its foliage grows along a central stem and bushes out from there. Peacock Peperomia is pet friendly, and is said to be air-cleaning as well. Plant Peacock Peperomia in any well-draining soil, and place it in a spot where it will get medium to bright indirect light. Because Peacock Peperomia does not have any specific humidity requirements, and due its pet friendly nature and forgiving light requirements, Peacock Peperomia can be placed in many areas in which other more tropical houseplants would not do well. In fact, Peacock Peperomia is even able to tolerate low light, though it will not flourish quite as much as it would with medium to bright indirect light.
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Like most Peperomia, Red Tree Peperomia is one of the easier houseplants to care for. Tolerant of different levels of light and forgiving where watering is concerned, Red Tree Peperomia is great for the Plant Parent who has mastered philodendrons and is ready to level up to something a little more exotic looking, but still manageable.
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Sansevieria Samurai is an easy to grow succulent that asks little and takes up little space. What makes this plant special is the way its spiked leaves grow in a spiraling fan-shaped manner. While most Sansevieria (think of plants you might know as “Mother in Law’s Tongue” or “Snake Plant”) grow with their thin, sword shaped leaves pointing up to the sky, this particular Sansevieria has thicker and shorter leaves that grow out toward the edges of the pot, and stack on top of each other. From the top they look like a spiral, and from the top they look like a fan.
They like to be kept in temperature between 60 and 80 degrees, and while they like humidity, they don’t require it. Keep Sansevieria Samurai in a place free from drafts and vents. Wait until the soil has dried out to water Sansevieria Samurai. Any pot will do, but make sure it’s well draining. Succulents are known for being especially susceptible to root rot if they are left in soggy soil, or if their pots are left in trays or saucers with standing water. Watch for leaves that become brown and soggy as this could indicate that root rot has taken hold. If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, use a Moisture Meter to test the moisture levels at the bottom of the pot both before and during watering in order to avoid overwatering. If you do happen to add too much water, carefully tip the pot sideways and allow the excess water to drain away. Just take care with the soil and the plant as they can both easily become dislodged. Succulents have small root systems and are unable to hold onto the soil and stay in the pot as well as plants with bigger roots systems.
String of Dolphins might be the cutest succulent in existence. This plant, whose scientific name is Senecio peregrinus, has leaves that are shaped like little dolphins leaping out of the water. These little dolphins grow on trailing vines like other “String of” plants such as hearts, bananas, turtles, pearls, etc. String of Dolphins is actually bred from the cross-pollination of Senecio Rowleyanus (String of Pearls) and Senecio Articulatus (hot dog cactus)These vines can grow to be around three feet long, and look wonderful spilling out of a hanging basket or trickling down over bookshelves or the edge of a stair rail. Part of the Asteraceae family, the flowers that grow from String of Dolphin plants (when the plants are very happy and in just the right conditions) are daisy-ish and are said to smell like cinnamon.
When watering String of Dolphins, use the “Drench and Drain” method. Give them a nice long drink by allowing the water to run over the soil (use Cactus and Succulent soil for String of Dolphins) for a few minutes, and then allow excess water to run out the bottom of the pot. You’ll want to let the soil dry out completely, but you can use the “squish test” to determine just how thirsty your Dolphins are. Since succulents hold their moisture in their leaves, they will be nice and firm when they’re full of water, and get a little squishy when they need a refill. However, if they become brown and squishy, that could be indicative of root rot setting in.
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