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!
Happy Plant Parenting!
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.
Happy Plant Parenting
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.
Happy Plant Parenting!
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.
Happy Plant Parenting!
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!
Triostar Stromanthe, also known as Tricolor Stromanthe, is one of the few colorful houseplants, as the name suggests! Its green leaves are streaked with pinks both dark and light, and white. The underside of the leaves are usually a magenta color, which helps the plant to absorb sunlight more efficiently. For that reason, you’ll often notice your leaves turning their undersides to face the sunlight! Fun fact – it will fold its leaves up at night! This member of the Marantaceae family (the “Prayer Plant” family) comes from the Brazilian jungle, and for that reason, it prefers high humidity. Triostar will tell you if it’s not getting enough humidity with brown, crispy leaf tips and edges. A warm, bright, steamy bathroom window is a great place for Triostar, but having a humidifier nearby is another option to keep it from drying out.
Triostar will usually grow to be around two to three feet high and one to two feet across. This colorful little plant is both pet safe and air cleaning, so the only restrictions for placement of Triostar would be light and moisture – plenty of humidity and medium to bright indirect light. Temperature shouldn’t be an issue either as Triostar likes the same temperatures as most of us humans, between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn Triostar a quarter turn every now and then to make sure it grows evenly. You can plan to turn once a week, or just take notice when you see it beginning to grow more on one side. Do take care to keep it away from drafts and vents. Water Triostar when the top inch of soil has dried out, but make sure it never dries out completely. You’ll want to make sure it has both well draining soil and pot. As always, we recommend a moisture meter for any pots that do not have drainage. Soil can seem dry at the top, but still be wet at the bottom when no drainage hole is present, and soggy roots can kill many plants, including Triostar.
Don’t be alarmed if you see a few leaves dying every now and then on Triostar. It’s normal to lose a leave or two every now and then. However if the leaves have brown spots on them (actual round spots), or are brown around the edges, you’ll want to make some changes. Round spots mean the sunlight the plant is getting is too strong, so move it into a place with more indirect exposure. As previously mentioned, those crispy edges mean the plant is in need of more humidity. With the right spot and some humidity and/or misting, this colorful little plant is very low-maintenance and perfectly suitable for a beginner Houseplant Parent.
Happy Plant Parenting!
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!
Begonias are catching up quickly to plants like Monsteras and Fiddle Leaf Figs as favorite house plants. This is due in large part to the Rex Begonia and the Polka Dot Begonia. This blog will cover the Rex Begonia, and you can find information about the Polka Dot Begonia in the house plant section of our website.
Rex Begonia, known to the scientific community as “Begonia rex-cultorum,” generally has large, arrowhead shaped foliage, and is a member of the Begoniaceae family. You may also hear Rex Begonia referred to as Painted-leaf Begonia or Fancy-leaf Begonia. What makes Rex extra special is that it is available as many different hybrids. Some popular varieties of Rex Begonia are the Escargot with its snail-shell-swirled coloring, Shadow King with its almost-white outer edges and darker inner leaf, and Salsa which starts in the center with a watermelon red color, has a middle the color of watermelon rind, and a rim of dark green (maybe we should rename it Watermelon Rex Begonia?).
Most commercially sold Rex Begonias are native to Eastern Asia with “roots” in Northeastern India, Southern China, and Vietnam. Most varieties of Rex Begonia will have flowers similar to garden-variety begonias – shaped like a rounded fan that opens up to display a little yellow center – but they are not avid bloomers. For this reason, they will do well with artificial light, such as a grow lamp. They can be somewhat picky when it comes to watering, and for this reason we have rated Rex Begonia as a houseplant best for those with intermediate houseplant experience. The good news is that Rex will, as with many plants both indoor and outdoor, let you know when it’s running too low on water. It gets a bit dramatic and droops its leaves to let you know it’s thirsty. To keep the drama at a low (because we all need less drama in our lives wherever possible), water Rex when the top inch or so of soil in the pot is dry to the touch. Rex does not like to have its leaves misted directly as this can lead to powdery mildew, but it would benefit from a nearby humidifier in dry climates.
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If you have your eye on a pot that’s a little more shallow than others, Rex might be a good option as a resident. Use a somewhat porous soil that will drain easily, and be sure not to overwater. Pots that have good drainage can be watered just until the water starts to run out of the bottom, but don’t let a lot of water stand in the tray (some is okay, as it will evaporate). If your pot does not have good drainage, be extra careful to not over-water as the dramatic nature of Rex will become dire if over-watered. If you don’t have a drainage hole in your pot, put down a layer of rocks in the bottom of the pot before you plant. To keep Rex in good spirits, use a moisture meter to determine the saturation level of the soil at the bottom and middle of the pot.
Rex is neither pet safe nor air cleaning, but is definitely worth it (if you can keep it away from your four-legged friends) for the rare pops of color that the many varieties of this houseplant can bring to the mostly-green indoor plant family. Place Rex where it can get plenty of bright, indirect sun, and keep it in a place that’s safe from drafts and vents, and will be at a steady temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In the right conditions, Rex will grow in a mounding habit to be between 12 and 18 inches high and wide, making it a great plant for smaller spaces.
Happy Plant Parenting!
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!
Polka Dot Begonia, also known as Trout Begonia, Clown Begonia, and Spotted begonia is the common name for Begonia Maculata – a showy houseplant belonging to the family Begoniaceae. Polka Dot Begonia can reach heights of up to five feet, and has a vertical growth habit. Its leaves are a deep olive color with bright white and somewhat uniform spots. They are a narrow arrowhead shape, and have burgundy undersides.
In the right conditions, Polka Dot Begonia will produce small flowers similar in shape to other begonia plants. They are a white rounded fan shape with a small yellow center. Polka Dot Begonia are not pet safe (and can be harmful to humans if ingested, as well), but the good news is that they are air purifying. They prefer bright, indirect or dappled sunlight, and like to stay relatively moist compared to most houseplants – let only the top half inch or so of soil dry out.
Polka Dot Begonia may seem picky, but once you get it settled into a good place with light and water (and away from heat and AC vents), it is relatively easy to care for. For this reason, we’re rating this houseplant as suitable for beginners. Like most houseplants, Polka Dot Begonia likes temperatures similar to human-preferred temperatures – between 65 and 75 degrees, but no higher than 85 degrees. Keep temperatures even with minimal fluctuation to keep houseplants happy.
Polka Dot Begonia can tolerate higher levels of light, but be prepared for accelerated growth with more frequent waterings and fertilizer. If you notice a loss of color in the leaves followed by yellowing and ultimately the loss of the leaf, try moving it into more sun. Yellow leaves are also a common sign of overwatering, so make sure your plant is not sitting in water. Moisture Meters are a great way to test the bottom of the pot to make sure it’s not saturated (which can cause root rot in most houseplants). Crispy, brown spots on the leaves can indicate that the plant is getting too much sun.
Overall Polka Dot Begonia is an easy-to-care-for houseplant that brings a rare pop of color and flowers into your home.
Happy Plant Parenting!
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!
Maybe the most popular houseplant ever (we can pretty much guarantee you’ve seen Monstera Deliciosa’s leaves depicted in some way over the last year or two!), this popular 70s houseplant is making its comeback due to its giant leaves with natural holes. These leaves can grow to be up to three feet in length, making them very impressive both on and off the vine. In its native tropical habitat, Monstera Deliciosa is a climber that will wind its way up trees and other tall plants to gain access to sunlight. In fact, if kept in too dark of a location inside, Monstera Deliciosa will actually grow toward the dark after a while, because the plant thinks it is growing towards the shade of another plant that it can climb in order to reach the sun!
This vining member of the Araceae family can grow to be around seven to ten feet tall indoors. That’s a massive houseplant! What’s even more impressive is that in the wild it can grow to be dozens of feet tall and up to two feet wide! That being said, even the very large house plant sized Monstera Deliciosa will need plenty of space near a bright window that gets high levels of indirect sunlight. If you’re looking for a Monstera but don’t have the space for a Deliciosa, never fear! Monstera Deliciosa’s cousin, Monstera Minima, is a great option for tight spaces.
Monstera Deliciosa is not safe for pets and is poisonous to any species (including humans) if ingested, but it is said to be helpful for cleaning the air in your space. It’s a fairly easy plant to grow, and for this reason we’re putting it in the beginner category. Just give it water when the top inch or two has dried out, and be careful to not over water. Don’t worry if you don’t see holes in the leaves right away, unlike Monstera Minima, Deliciosa develops its famous holes as the leaves mature. Rotate Monstera Deliciosa to encourage regular growth, and make sure it lives in a pot with good drainage (use a Moisture Meter to check the moisture levels at the bottom of the pot before watering if your pot does not drain). To give it an extra boost of happiness, give Monstera Deliciosa some humidity with a humidifier, and keep it away from vents and drafts.
Happy Plant Parenting!
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!
A native of Southern Thailand and Malaysia, Monstera MInima is a compact version of the popular Monstera Deliciosa. With similarly shaped leaves of a smaller size, this vining plant grows sideways, but can be trained to grow upward. Unlike Deliciosa, Minima’s leaves show cuts at a “young” age Monstera Minima is a rapid grower, and the vines will typically grow to between 6 and 12 feet in a growing season. This member of the Aracae family is also known as Dwarf Monstera, Monstera Ginny, and Mini Monstera, and its scientific name is Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma.
Monstera Mimina likes bright, indirect light and will tolerate some lower light. Plant Monstera Minima in well-draining soil with plenty of aeration, and plant it in a pot that also has plenty of drainage. As with most houseplants, Monstera Minima does not like for its roots to sit in wet soil. If your pot does not have a drainage hole, we recommend a moisture meter that will help you test the moisture level at the bottom of the pot before watering. In general, you’ll want to let the first inch or so of soil dry out before watering, but don’t let the soil get completely dry.
Monstera Minima is not pet safe, but it is known to be air cleaning. For both of these reasons, it’s a great plant to hang and train to “crawl” across a ceiling or wall, out of the reach of your furry friends. You can use any type of pin or hook to train the plant by resting the vines on the hooks or pins as they grow.
Keep Monstera Minima in a place out of reach of vents and drafts at around 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Monstera minima can tolerate dry air, but it prefers a little humidity. Try adding a humidifier to the room your Monstera lives in, or putting the Monstera in a bathroom with a sunny window. Overall, Monstera is fairly easy to care for, so beginners shouldn’t have much trouble.
Happy Plant Parenting!
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