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How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Red Creeping Thyme

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Red Creeping Thyme

Red creeping thyme (Thymus praecox) spreads quickly to make a lush carpet of small leaves and bright blooms! When touched or crushed, the soft green foliage releases an aromatic scent. In early summer, hundreds of bright pink and red flowers bloom, enhancing the already pleasant aroma. Butterflies and bees are drawn to the flowers because of the nectar they produce. Red creeping thyme is an excellent low-maintenance addition to any garden. As it spreads, it grows densely, crowding out undesirable weeds. Keep reading this article to learn the ins and outs of caring for red creeping thyme so it thrives in your garden. Botanical Name: Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’ Common Name: Red creeping thyme, crimson thyme, mother of thyme Family: Lamiaceae Plant Type: Woody perennial Hardiness Zones: 4 – 9 (USDA) Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline Height: 3 to 6 inches Bloom Time: Summer Flower Color: purple, deep-pink, red Quick Guide: Planting, Growing & Caring for Red Creeping Thyme Red creeping thyme requires full sun to grow and bloom Plant in well-prepared sandy loam with good drainage Do not overwater and allow it to dry between waterings Frequent pruning is essential to maintain this stunning ground cover… Read more

March 19th, 2023 Comments Off on How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Red Creeping Thyme

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Alocasia Black Velvet – Full Guide

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Alocasia Reginula Black Velvet

The Alocasia Black Velvet, common name Black Velvet Elephant Ear, is becoming increasingly popular as an indoor plant due to its remarkable visual appeal.  This plant, botanical name Alocasia Reginula, is a rare dwarf variety highly sought after for its velvety leaves and deep green coloration. It grows slowly and remains compact, making it an ideal addition to any indoor garden or houseplant collection. Botanical Name: Alocasia Reginula Common Name: Alocasia Black Velvet, Black Velvet Elephant Ear Family: Araceae Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial Hardiness Zones: 10+ (USDA) Sun Exposure: Bright indirect light, outdoor shade Soil Type: Loose, well-draining potting mix Soil pH: 5.5 – 6.5 (Slightly acidic) Height: 1.5 ft Bloom Time: Spring and summer, unlikely to flower indoors Flower Color: White Native Area: Southeast Asia What’s an Alocasia Black Velvet This Alocasia is one of several species native to Southeast Asia, with this plant likely coming from Borneo’s jungle.  English plant collectors gathered the Black Velvet Alocasia and its relatives during the 1860s, who scoured different jungles around the world looking for orchids and houseplants. Often referred to as jewel Alocasias (because it is considered a small gem) or Little Queen, the Black Velvet Alocasia belongs to the Araceae family of tropical origin.  It is an… Read more

March 18th, 2023 Comments Off on How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Alocasia Black Velvet – Full Guide

Wandering Jew: Complete Plant Care and Growing Guide

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wandering jew house plant

Wandering Jew makes for some beautiful houseplants that are sure to brighten up any room in your home. Contrary to popular belief, Wandering Jew is not a single plant, but rather the common name for a variety of Tradescantia species. The Tradescantia genus contains 75 herbaceous perennials that are collectively known as wandering jew, or wandering dude. Among these are the well-liked houseplants Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Quicksilver’, Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart’, and Tradescantia zebrina ‘Tricolor’, each of which is known by a variety of different common names. Regardless of which particular variety piques your interest, each of these species is hardy, grows quickly, and requires little care and attention. The plant care instructions are the same for all three common types as well. These plants look particularly striking in hanging planters or in any area of your space that could use a splash of color because their eye-catching colorful foliage will trail, spread, or climb. However, some members of the Tradescantia family are toxic to pets, so keep them away from your furry loved ones. Interestingly, wandering jew is considered invasive in many parts of the world when grown outdoors, but its vining habit makes it ideal for the indoors. Read… Read more

March 17th, 2023 Comments Off on Wandering Jew: Complete Plant Care and Growing Guide

Easiest Hummingbird Food Recipe: Ideal Ratio Plus Handy Tips

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Hummingbird flying to feeder

You can attract beautiful hummingbirds to your garden every year with this hummingbird food recipe and some glass feeders. One of the simplest ways to get in touch with nature is to attract hummingbirds to your garden by providing them with nectar, an abundance of red flowers, and suitable habitat. Not only do kids love them, but I’m sure you’ve heard adults squeal with joy too when they’re around! You’ll have hummingbirds returning to your garden each spring if you provide them with nectar and flowers that suit their habitat requirements. In the past, people used to simply boil water, add white sugar and red food coloring, and then pour the syrup into a plastic hummingbird feeder. However, things are different now. Today’s sugar is tainted with pesticides and herbicides and is also genetically modified. Plus, in the presence of sunlight, the plastic feeders release BPA, a hormone-disrupting chemical. While red food dye can cause cancer. When we put out our hummingbird feeders, no one intends for the birds to be harmed in any way. Then what exactly are we supposed to feed them? This article shares the perfect hummingbird food recipe along with tips to help you feed these… Read more

February 27th, 2023 Comments Off on Easiest Hummingbird Food Recipe: Ideal Ratio Plus Handy Tips

Money Plant: How to Grow, and Care for Chinese Money Plant

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Money Plants in Pots

If you’re looking to add wealth and prosperity to your life, then consider adding this stunning money plant to your indoor plant collection! Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) is a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow plant that even beginners can work with! It gets its name from the distinct coin-shaped leaves and is known to have a long association with wealth and abundance in Feng Shui. It’s an easy plant to propagate, so once you have one, you’ll have one or more for life (and your friends and family probably will too!). Read on to learn exactly how to grow and care for money plant at home. Scientific Name: Pilea peperomioides Common Name: Chinese money plant, coin plant, pancake plant, UFO plant, friendship plant, sharing plant Family: Urticaceae Plant Type: Perennial Hardiness Zones: 9 – 11 (USDA) Sun Exposure: Partial sun Soil Type: Well-draining Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0 (Acidic, neutral) Bloom Time: Spring Flower Color: White Native Area: China Quick Guide: Planting, Growing & Caring for Chinese Money Plant Money plant is an easy-to-grow, no fuss, low maintenance plant Find a spot with bright indirect light to help it grow well and avoid direct sunlight Average household temperatures and humidity work well… Read more

February 26th, 2023 Comments Off on Money Plant: How to Grow, and Care for Chinese Money Plant

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Shampoo Ginger Lily

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shampoo ginger lily flowers

The Shampoo Ginger Lily plant (Zingiber zerumbet), also known as Awapuhi Kuahiwi, red pinecone ginger, and bitter ginger, is a plant that you may not be familiar with unless you’ve visited Hawaii. It is native to India, but Polynesian settlers brought it to Hawaii, where its flower head produces ginger-scented fluid that is still used in shampoos and conditioners. The roots have traditionally been used as medicine and dried to make a fragrant powder. The roots of the plant, called rhizomes, can be eaten and used like ginger, though they are more bitter hence the reason why it’s also known as bitter ginger! In Java, the leaves were used to add flavor to meat that was baked. Fortunately, you can easily grow this plant both indoors and outdoors to enjoy its stunning, exotic looks that can add a flair to any landscape or utilize it for its innumerable uses. Read our guide for shampoo ginger lily to learn everything you need to know to maintain a healthy, thriving plant. Botanical Name: Zingiber zerumbet Common Name: Shampoo ginger lily, Awapuhi Kuahiwi, shampoo lily, red pinecone ginger, bitter ginger Family: Zingiberaceae Plant Type: Perennial herbaceous Hardiness Zones: 8 – 12 (USDA) Sun… Read more

February 25th, 2023 Comments Off on How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Shampoo Ginger Lily

13 Free DIY Greenhouse Plans (By Type of Greenhouse)

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13 Free DIY Greenhouse Plans

Do you dream of growing your own tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables all year long? Then a DIY greenhouse is what you need! Having your own greenhouse can help you extend the growing season and allow you to enjoy your favorite hobby even during winter and cold climate! Sure, you can buy a greenhouse kit and go with that, but there’s nothing like being able to build your own DIY greenhouse and customize it according to your budget and needs. It’s not only satisfying but incredibly rewarding and will allow you to have the backyard greenhouse of your dreams! Greenhouses keep seedlings and plants warm in the winter and cool in the summer, allowing you to enjoy your favorite hobby all year. The list of free greenhouse plans contains all the information you need to build your ideal greenhouse in any size and style, including diagrams, illustrations, photos, written building instructions, frame materials, and tools. Building a DIY greenhouse may almost always be more affordable to finish on a budget than purchasing a premade version, depending on what size you want especially if you can find recycled materials such as old windows, used glass panels, and more. We’ve shared 13 free… Read more

February 8th, 2023 Comments Off on 13 Free DIY Greenhouse Plans (By Type of Greenhouse)

FULL GUIDE: White Bird of Paradise Care (Strelitzia Nicolai) + FAQ

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White Bird of Paradise Flowers (Strelitzia Nicolai)

The white bird of paradise plant (Strelitzia Nicolai) belongs to the bird of paradise plant species. The white bird of paradise is native to South Africa but has also been grown in Florida, California, and other locations. Botanist refers to it as the queen of the indoor plant world and the giant bird plant grows up to 7-8 feet tall. The white bird of paradise is a landscape plant that beautifies the home and environment. Read on to learn everything about the white bird of paradise! Description of the White Bird of Paradise Roots: The white bird of paradise develops thick, tuberous roots and is invasive as it spreads rapidly though not aggressive. Stem: The white bird of paradise grows in clusters of erect woody multiple stems of 20 ft outdoors and up to 7 ft when grown indoors; the branches are numerous, growing from a single base. Leaves: The white bird of Paradise plants have huge leaves measuring as wide as 1.8m and grow from clumping stalks. The leaves are fan-like and get more prominent as the plant matures. The old leaves fall off to expose the plant’s trunk while sprouting out new leaves. Flowers: The flowers of the… Read more

January 19th, 2023 Comments Off on FULL GUIDE: White Bird of Paradise Care (Strelitzia Nicolai) + FAQ

How to Grow an Indoor Vegetable Garden: A Beginner’s Guide

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How to Grow an Indoor Vegetable Garden: A Beginner's Guide

Growing an indoor vegetable garden can be a great way to enjoy fresh, healthy produce year-round. With the right setup and care, you can create a thriving vegetable garden in your own home. If you don’t have an outdoor space to grow your own vegetables or live in a small apartment, you may believe that you can’t have the vegetable garden of your dreams! But that isn’t true at all! You can grow your own lettuce, tomatoes, kale, herbs, and even small lemon trees indoors. And if you do with an indoor vegetable garden system instead of growing your own from scratch, then you’ll have the option of growing more than 150 different veggies with minimal input and effort. If that all sounds exciting, then this guide is perfect for you! We not only share exactly why you should consider growing your own indoor vegetable garden but also discuss the two most common ways of doing that and go into detail to share with you everything you need to have a successful indoor vegetable garden. Affiliate Disclosure:  Planet Natural editors review and select each product mentioned in the article independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn a… Read more

January 18th, 2023 Comments Off on How to Grow an Indoor Vegetable Garden: A Beginner’s Guide

10 Best Indoor Garden Systems of 2023 + Factors to Consider

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Indoor Garden Systems

Indoor Garden Systems are designed to allow you to grow fresh produce all year round in the comfort of your own home. This means that you can grow your favorite plants even if you don’t have a sunny backyard space! These garden systems are ideal for busy people or those who feel that they lack that natural green thumb. We now have a wide range of smart garden systems that do most of the work for you, and some are even app-enabled, sending alerts right to your phone when you need to top off the water. If this is the type of indoor garden system you’re looking for, then this article is perfect for you! In this article, we not only discuss what factors to consider when buying an indoor garden system but also share our top 10 picks by category to help you find the right system for you, your needs, and your budget! Affiliate Disclosure:  Planet Natural editors review and select each product mentioned in the article independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn a commission which will help support our website. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links may be… Read more

January 17th, 2023 Comments Off on 10 Best Indoor Garden Systems of 2023 + Factors to Consider

ULTIMATE GUIDE to Stephania Erecta Care from Dormancy to Sprouting – All You Need to Know!

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Stephania Erecta Plant

Stephania Erecta, also called Stephania pierrei, is a native of Thailand. The Stephania Erecta plant has a large potato-shaped woody bulb called a caudex that can grow to be seven inches wide. Several long slender stems grow from the caudex, topping out at three feet tall. These are topped by green leaves about two inches in diameter and shaped like parasols. It has yellowish flowers in the spring and summer. Rare and Collectable Stephania used to be a rare plant but it is gaining in popularity. It is still uncommon enough to be considered rare and collectable. These are strictly indoor plants in zones cooler than 10a. Stephania erecta care is moderately difficult but you can grow it with a little extra effort. How to Plant Stephania Erecta Most people receive a Stephania caudex (the potato part) with no roots or leaves. You will need to pot the caudex before it can grow. Stephania erecta bulbs need to be soaked for 24 hours in warm water before potting. Well Draining Soil Mix Use a succulent potting mix for your Stephania. Water retaining soil will cause problems. Use a pot that has drainage holes, as the plant will get root rot… Read more

January 16th, 2023 Comments Off on ULTIMATE GUIDE to Stephania Erecta Care from Dormancy to Sprouting – All You Need to Know!

33 Perfect Gardening Gifts For Mom (That Are Also Unique!)

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Gardening Gifts for Mom

Does your mom enjoy herself the most when she’s in her garden? Then surprise her one of these incredible gardening gifts for mom and watch her glee with joy! Whether your mom was born with a green thumb or has started getting into this new hobby, you’re bound to find the perfect gift for her here. It’s filled with a variety of gardening gift ideas ranging from basic gardening tools to more splurge-worthy ideas, to give you a variety of ideas and options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for the best mother’s day gift, or the perfect gift for her birthday or the holidays, you’re going to absolutely love all the options we have in store for you. Excited? Then let’s get started! Affiliate Disclosure:  Planet Natural editors review and select each product mentioned in the article independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn a commission which will help support our website. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these links. 1. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook Whether your mom… Read more

January 9th, 2023 Comments Off on 33 Perfect Gardening Gifts For Mom (That Are Also Unique!)