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!
Aloe Vera might be the best-known of the succulent family. You have probably seen it listed as an ingredient in many skin care products – especially after-sun lotions used to help soothe burns. For this reason, and because they are very easy to care for, Aloe Vera is a great plant to keep around the house. To use Aloe Vera for mild skin irritations, trim a leaf close to the base of the plant. Split the leaf down the center, rinse away the “latex” (a yellow substance that can cause skin irritation), and rub the gel over inflamed or irritated skin. Unused portions of the leave can be frozen and thawed for later use. Aloe Vera is said to have soothing qualities for mild burns, and some have even used it as an acne or psoriasis treatment with effective results (but always consult a physician!). Aloe Vera can be harmful if ingested, so only use topically and keep away from pets and children (and anyone else in your family that likes to gnaw on plants). As long as only a small portion of the plant is removed at a time, a healthy Aloe Vera plant will continue to produce new leaves.
Aloe Vera is the common name of Aloe barbadensis, but “Aloe” is a common name used to refer to over 400 types of the Aloe plant. Part of the Asphodelaceae family, Aloe Vera is native to Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. Aloe plants have either small or non-existent above ground stalks, and its leaves grow up to two feet long and high in a rosette fashion. Aloe will sometimes produce small bell shaped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and pink, but they are rare. Aloe prefers medium to indirect sunlight (Aloe can be grown using artificial sunlight, too), and can actually get a tan in too much sun! If your aloe plant starts to brown and the leaves are still firm, just move in further away from its light source and it will return to its minty green shade. Aloe Vera prefers temperature between 65 and 85 degrees, and is perfectly happy in dry climates.
Plant Aloe Vera in Cacti and Succulent soil, and water it very sparingly. Aloe is a succulent and therefore needs very infrequent waterings. As with most succulents, Aloe stores its water in its thick leaves. The best way to tell whether or not Aloe needs water is to give the leaves a little squeeze. If they are nice and firm, no water is needed. If the leaf is still green and gives a little, go ahead and water it. The leaf gets a bit squishy when it’s low on water, much like an air mattress when it’s low on air. Be sure that your pot is well-draining as succulents who sit with their roots in soggy soil will most likely fall prey to root rot. If your pot does not have good drainage, buy a Moisture Meter and take care when watering to avoid soggy roots.
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!
Another member of the Marantaceae family (the “Prayer Plant” family), Calathea Ornata is unique due to the pale pink and delicate pinstripes running through its dark green oval leaves (hence its nickname of “Pinstripe Plant”). Much like other Calathea plants, Ornata can be a bit finicky, so we recommend this plant be taken in by Plant Parents who have some existing experience with tropical houseplants. Calathea Ornata is native to Africa, the West Indies, Thailand, Central America, and South America. As a result, and like its cousins, Ornata prefers and needs a humid place to live. If you live in a dry climate like the one we have here in Colorado, the bathroom is a great place for Calathea plants as long as it’s well-lit. If you don’t have good light in your bathroom (or if you already have too many ferns and calathea and other humidity-loving houseplants in there), place a humidifier near the plant, or put the entire pot (including the tray) on a dish of pebbles, and keep the dish filled with water. As the water evaporates out of the dish, it will rise as humidity to help quench the plant’s thirst. You can also give the leaves a good spritz often to help combat dryness. Your Calathea Ornata will help you out by letting you know that it’s not getting enough humidity by developing brown edges around the outside of the leaves. Just carefully trim these brown edges and add some more moisture for your thirsty plant.
Calathea Ornata likes bright, indirect sunlight. If left too long in sunlight that is too bright, Calathea Ornata’s leaves will lose their trademark colors and can develop brown burns or sunspots (though Calathea Ornata’s stripes will change from pink to white as the plant ages). The movement of the sun will cause your Calathea Ornata (and other Calatheas, as well) to open and close its leaves. They open in sunlight, and close in darkness. When your Calathea plant’s leaves are closed, you’ll be able to see the trademark dark purple undersides of the leaves.
Like many houseplants, Calathea needs to be watered when the top inch of soil is dry, but not allowed to dry out completely. While Calathea Ornata can handle over-watering, it can’t handle sitting in puddles of water, so make sure to pour out any remaining water left in the pot’s tray. Avoiding watering until the first inch of soil is dry will cut down on the amount of tiny gnats you have flying around your house, as they nest in wet soil surfaces. Plant Calathea Ornata in soil that retains moisture well but is also going to drain off excess water – consider bark or moss as additions to the soil to achieve this goal. Use a pot that has good drainage to avoid root rot. If your pot has no drainage, use a Moisture Meter to check the soil in the bottom of the pot. If the soil in the bottom is still showing as “Wet,” it’s not time to water yet. Also take care with how much water you use to avoid too much water pooling at the bottom.
Keep Calthea Ornata at a temperate between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep it away from drafts and vents. Not only does this disrupt the preferably consistent atmosphere around the plant, but it can also add to drying out the air around it. Calathea Ornata is considered to be an air-cleaning plant, and is also pet-safe, so no need to worry about keeping it away from pets or children who might decide to snack on the plant as you consider the best place for it.
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!
Golden Pothos might be the perfect plant for the first-time Plant Parent, but even experienced Plant Parents can appreciate its simple yet striking beauty. Its heart shaped leaves are green with yellow variegation, and its foliage grows in a trailing habit and can grow up to ten feet long with the right conditions. While Golden Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, isn’t vining and will not cling on its own, it can be trained along ceilings and walls or around stair railing.
A member of the Aaraceae family, this easy-going plant can be placed just about anywhere! It will tolerate any level of light, though it will do best in bright, indirect light. Too much light can cause Golden Pothos to fade, and too little light can cause the variegation to revert back to green. Adjusting the amount of light the plant gets will correct either of these conditions. Keep in mind that the brighter the light, the more water Golden Pothos will need. These facts combined with the fact that Pothos also has no humidity requirements make for a wide array of placement options, but do take care to keep Golden Pothos away from children and pets as its sap is irritating and can be harmful.
Water requirements for Golden Pothos are also very simple – allow the soil to dry out completely before watering. Golden Pothos is very forgiving when it comes to missed waterings, making perfect for anyone just learning how and when to water houseplants. Golden Pothos makes a great hanging plant (which will help keep it out of the reach of chewing little ones), so a hanging pot is perfect for it. To create a bushier plant, trim Golden Pothos’ vines now and again. If you prefer a plant that stretches to great lengths, just allow it to grow normally.
Golden Pothos will not flower, but it is said to be an excellent plant for helping to purify the air. If it begins to drop leaves and all proper care has been taken to provide the ideal environment for Golden Pothos, it could mean that the plant has become root bound. Fully yellow leaves often mean the plant is getting too much water, and crispy brown leaves mean the soil is getting too dry between waterings.
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!
Even those very familiar with Hoya plants may not recognize Grass Leafed Hoya, or Hoya Retusa, as a Hoya plant. This member of the Apocynaceae family, with its thin wispy leaves is indeed a Hoya plant despite its dramatically different appearance. Where other Hoyas have thick, waxy leaves, this plant’s common name is an apt description of its leaves which look somewhat like green stick bugs. It does, however, share a trailing growth habit with its Hoya cousins, and will typically grow to a length and width of about 15 to 20 inches. Hoya Retusa also differs from its cousins in how its flowers grow – most hoya plants will grow umbrella shaped clusters of flowers, while Grass Leafed Hoya will grow single flowers in more random places.
Grass Leafed Hoya needs water more often than its cousins, but can still go longer than most houseplants between waterings. Allow the first three inches of soil to dry out between waterings, but never let it completely dry out. As we like to mention with all of our house plant guides, make sure that you are using a pot that drains well. Hoya Retusa should get a good soaking once the top three inches of soil are dry, then be allowed to drain completely before setting it back in a tray or saucer. If your pot does not have drainage, use a Moisture Meter to determine whether or not the soil at the bottom of the pot is still moist, and take lots of care when watering to avoid over watering.
Place Hoya Retusa in a well-lit area where it will receive bright, indirect sun. Watch for browning or curling leaves as this could indicate that the plant is getting too much sun. Use any pot with good drainage for best results (this is a great plant for a hanging pot!), and plant Grass Leafed Hoya in a soil that is also going to drain well. Hoya Retusa’s leaves contain a substance referred to as “latex” that can be harmful if ingested, so keep it out of the reach of pets and tiny humans. Because of its trailing growth habit, Hoya Retusa is a great candidate for a nice tall hanging pot that your children, be they two-legged or four-legged, can’t reach. You’ll want to also make sure you’re placing Grass Leafed Hoya in a spot that is protected from drafts and vents, and in a place where it can enjoy some humidity. To add humidity into the air for Hoya Retusa, a humidifier will probably be your best bet (or place it in a well-lit bathroom). Grass Leafed Hoya should not give newer Plant Parents much trouble, so we feel beginners would do just fine with this plant.
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.
Another member of the Marantaceae family (the “Prayer Plant” family), Calathea Ornata is unique due to the pale pink and delicate pinstripes running through its dark green oval leaves (hence its nickname of “Pinstripe Plant”). Much like other Calathea plants, Ornata can be a bit finicky, so we recommend this plant be taken in by Plant Parents who have some existing experience with tropical houseplants. Calathea Ornata is native to Africa, the West Indies, Thailand, Central America, and South America. As a result, and like its cousins, Ornata prefers and needs a humid place to live. If you live in a dry climate like the one we have here in Colorado, the bathroom is a great place for Calathea plants as long as it’s well-lit. If you don’t have good light in your bathroom (or if you already have too many ferns and calathea and other humidity-loving houseplants in there), place a humidifier near the plant, or put the entire pot (including the tray) on a dish of pebbles, and keep the dish filled with water. As the water evaporates out of the dish, it will rise as humidity to help quench the plant’s thirst. You can also give the leaves a good spritz often to help combat dryness. Your Calathea Ornata will help you out by letting you know that it’s not getting enough humidity by developing brown edges around the outside of the leaves. Just carefully trim these brown edges and add some more moisture for your thirsty plant.
Calathea Ornata likes bright, indirect sunlight. If left too long in sunlight that is too bright, Calathea Ornata’s leaves will lose their trademark colors and can develop brown burns or sunspots (though Calathea Ornata’s stripes will change from pink to white as the plant ages). The movement of the sun will cause your Calathea Ornata (and other Calatheas, as well) to open and close its leaves. They open in sunlight, and close in darkness. When your Calathea plant’s leaves are closed, you’ll be able to see the trademark dark purple undersides of the leaves.
Happy Plant Parenting!
Water requirements for Golden Pothos are also very simple – allow the soil to dry out completely before watering. Golden Pothos is very forgiving when it comes to missed waterings, making perfect for anyone just learning how and when to water houseplants. Golden Pothos makes a great hanging plant (which will help keep it out of the reach of chewing little ones), so a hanging pot is perfect for it. To create a bushier plant, trim Golden Pothos’ vines now and again. If you prefer a plant that stretches to great lengths, just allow it to grow normally.
Happy Plant Parenting!
Grass Leafed Hoya needs water more often than its cousins, but can still go longer than most houseplants between waterings. Allow the first three inches of soil to dry out between waterings, but never let it completely dry out. As we like to mention with all of our house plant guides, make sure that you are using a pot that drains well. Hoya Retusa should get a good soaking once the top three inches of soil are dry, then be allowed to drain completely before setting it back in a tray or saucer. If your pot does not have drainage, use a Moisture Meter to determine whether or not the soil at the bottom of the pot is still moist, and take lots of care when watering to avoid over watering.
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).
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.
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.
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