Gardening is a pastime relished by many people. There’s something about planning and cultivating a garden and seeing your efforts come to fruition. It’s a gratifying feeling.
Growing the wrong plant species can dampen the joy of that experience. Avoid these plants and flowers to have a garden you’ll always enjoy and be proud to show off.Â
1. Aloe Vera
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
A popular succulent known for its moisturizing and healing properties, the juice from the aloe vera plant is toxic if eaten by pets, causing symptoms such as depression, diarrhea, vomiting, and tremors. So if you have pets, it’s best not to grow this plant at home.Â
2. Castor Bean Plant
Image Credit: Canva.
The castor bean plant is grown primarily for medicinal purposes. It’s an anti-inflammatory, kills bacteria and parasites, aids in healing wounds and ulcers, and is a laxative.
However, the leaves and seeds contain numerous toxic compounds. For example, the poison ricin is found in castor beans, which, if digested, can harm small pets and livestock like horses, cattle, and sheep.Â
3. Eucalyptus Tree
Image Credit: Canva.
With a growth rate of up to ten feet a year, the shade provided by the eucalyptus is a gardener’s dream. But the tree requires a lot of water, has invasive roots and weak branches, is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, and is prone to toppling over.
4. Bamboo
Image Credit: Canva.
Bamboo is one of the world’s most rapidly growing hard grasses, used in construction as a strong and stable building material and in home gardens for privacy walls.
Bamboo’s rapid growth makes it one the most renewable of construction materials. Impervious to herbicides, bamboo is tough to contain in one area, making it one of the most aggressively invasive species in the world.Â
Planting bamboo in your garden means there is a likelihood that it’ll take over your entire yard and encroach on your neighbor’s yard, too. Your best bet is to plant bamboo within a contained space like a pot or bed.Â
5. Mint
Image Credit: Canva.
Mint is an herb with many uses: in food, beverages, and as an aromatic. It appeals to beginners because it is an easy-to-grow hardy plant. However, that resilience is a double-edged sword because its roots are highly invasive unless grown in a contained space like a pot. Â
6. Bradford Pear
Image Credit: Canva.
Bradford pear trees are a standard in many gardens due to their fast growth and abundant flowers. Despite their aesthetic appeal, these trees have two significant drawbacks, including weak branches and flowers that smell bad.Â
7. Amaranth
Image Credit: Canva.
Also called amaranthus, this short-lived perennial is a gorgeous addition to any garden but produces a lot of pollen. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, this plant will make your garden a less enjoyable experience.Â
8. Belladonna
Image Credit: Canva.
Commonly known as deadly nightshade, this flowering plant is pretty but lethal, as the name implies. As one of the most toxic plants in the world, belladonna is dangerous to grow in a home garden since its sweet berries may appeal to small children and pets, who may accidentally eat them.Â
9. Euphorbia
Image Credit: Canva.
This resilient perennial succulent is easy to care for and is an ideal plant for beginners. Large in size and visually appealing, euphorbia is an invasive species with a sap toxic to humans, cats, and dogs if ingested and can cause minor or severe skin irritation.Â
10. Wisteria
Image Credit: Canva.
A lovely climbing vine that grows like a tree, the wisteria plant strongly appeals to gardeners with its waterfall-like purple flowers. It not only requires constant pruning, but it’s also an invasive species that can live for centuries.Â
While these plants may not be ideal, many other available species will make your garden beautiful.Â
11 Best Indoor Plants of 2023 (Easy, Low-Maintenance Plants)
Photo Credit: Dreamstime.
Looking for the perfect indoor plant that’s easy to care for and won’t take up too much of your time? Look no further! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 best indoor plants of 2023 that are low-maintenance and sure to thrive in any home environment. From air-purifying plants to those that add a pop of color, there’s something for everyone. Discover the joy and benefits of bringing nature indoors with these beautiful and hassle-free plants.
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Shampoo Ginger Lily
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Have you ever wanted to grow your own shampoo ginger lilies? These tropical plants not only add a beautiful touch of green to any garden, but they also produce a natural shampoo that’s great for your hair! In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about planting, growing, and caring for shampoo ginger lilies. From selecting the right soil and sunlight to tips for maintaining their health and getting the best results, we’ve got you covered. Discover the joy of growing these versatile and useful plants and take your gardening skills to the next level.
How to Grow & Care for Monstera Adansonii | Swiss Cheese Plant
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Looking for a striking plant that’s easy to care for and will add a touch of tropical flair to your home? Look no further than the Monstera Adansonii, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about growing and caring for this popular houseplant. From tips on soil and watering to advice on pruning and propagation, we’ve got you covered. Discover the secrets to keeping your Monstera Adansonii healthy and thriving, and take your indoor gardening skills to the next level. Don’t miss out on the chance to add this stunning plant to your collection!
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Calathea Plant Indoors
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
If you’re a plant lover looking for a new addition to your indoor garden, the Calathea Plant is an excellent choice! Known for its stunning foliage and air-purifying qualities, this tropical plant is a popular choice for any home. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about planting, growing, and caring for Calathea Plants indoors. From selecting the right pot and soil to tips for maintaining its health and beauty, we’ve got you covered. Discover the secrets to keeping your Calathea Plant thriving and add a touch of nature to your home. Don’t miss out on the chance to add this beautiful plant to your collection!
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Calathea Plant Indoors
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Are you a plant lover looking to expand your collection? Look no further than the Pothos plant! With its easy-to-care-for nature and stunning foliage, this tropical plant is a popular choice for any indoor garden. But did you know there are over 15 different varieties of Pothos to choose from? In this article, we’ll explore the various types of Pothos plants and provide tips for growing and caring for each one. From the classic Golden Pothos to the unique Jade Pothos, there’s a variety for every style and taste. Discover the beauty and versatility of the Pothos plant and take your indoor gardening skills to the next level!
This thread inspired this post.
This originally appeared on Planet Natural.
Melissa Askari is a biologist and master gardener who is known for her contributions to the field of sustainable living. She is a regular contributor to Planet Natural, a website that provides information and resources for gardening, composting and pest control. Melissa's work focuses on promoting environmentally-friendly practices and helping people create beautiful, healthy gardens using natural methods. With her expertise in both biology and gardening, Melissa is able to provide valuable insights and advice to gardeners of all levels. Her passion for the natural world is evident in her writing and her dedication to promoting sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.
Copyright © 2004-2023