Once the last flower drops from your orchid, it’s easy to assume the show is over, but what you do in the following weeks determines whether the plant reblooms well or struggles for the next year. Post-bloom care varies a bit by orchid type, so it helps to know what kind you’re growing before you…
Why Start with Phalaenopsis Orchids? If the word “orchid” conjures images of finicky, temperamental plants that require a greenhouse and a botany degree, the Phalaenopsis orchid, commonly called the moth orchid, is here to change your mind. Phalaenopsis hybrids are by far the most widely available orchids, sold everywhere from garden centers to grocery stores,…
Flowering plants have different nutritional needs than foliage plants, and the wrong fertilizer — or simply too much of it — can leave you with lush green leaves and few blooms. Here’s how to feed flowering plants correctly through the summer growing season. Look for a Bloom-Boosting NPK Ratio Fertilizer labels show three numbers for…
Few houseplants combine elegance and ease of care as successfully as the Phalaenopsis, or moth orchid. Its arching sprays of flat, waxy blooms can last for months, and unlike many orchids, Phalaenopsis is genuinely well suited to average home conditions once you understand a few key habits rooted in its life as a tree-dwelling epiphyte…
Anthurium — Caring for the Exotic Flamingo Flower The anthurium, also known as the flamingo flower, is one of the most eye-catching flowering houseplants. With its heart-shaped, brilliant red bracts and striking yellow flower spike, it draws attention wherever it’s placed. Originally native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, it has become…
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) produces some of the most spectacular blooms of any bulb, sending up thick, sturdy stalks topped with enormous trumpet-shaped flowers in red, white, pink, or striped patterns, often perfectly timed for the winter holiday season with proper planning. Planting the Bulb Choose a pot only slightly larger than the bulb itself, with good…
The moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) is the most widely grown houseplant orchid, prized for its long-lasting, elegant blooms. Despite their exotic reputation, orchids are not especially difficult to keep alive once you understand that they grow very differently from ordinary potted houseplants — in the wild, most are epiphytes that cling to tree bark rather than…
The Peace Lily – Elegance and Air Purification in One Plant The peace lily, botanically known as Spathiphyllum, is one of the most versatile flowering houseplants around. Its elegant white bracts, reminiscent of delicate sails, paired with deep green foliage bring a calming presence to any room. But the peace lily offers more than good…
African Violets – Colorful, Beautiful Blooms for Your Home The African violet, botanically Saintpaulia ionantha, is one of the most rewarding flowering houseplants you can grow indoors. With its compact growth habit and velvety, heart-shaped leaves, it fits on any windowsill. But the real attraction is its vibrant flowers, which appear in colors ranging from…
Anthurium – Properly Caring for the Exotic Flamingo Flower The anthurium, also known as the flamingo flower, is one of the most striking flowering houseplants. With its heart-shaped, brilliant red bracts and its distinctive yellow flower spike, it draws every eye. Originally native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, it has become…
