At my house, there’s no houseplant that generates more questions than the fishbone cactus. Its funky appearance and unique growth habit earns it a place of pride on my plant shelf. This fascinating succulent cactus bears the scientific name of Epiphyllum anguliger (sometimes also Selenicereus anthonyanus) and is a native of the tropical rainforests of Mexico. Yes, you read that right – a cactus that thrives in the rainforest (there are others, too!). In this article, I’ll share all the secrets of growing the fishbone cactus and how to help your plant thrive.
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Butterfly host plants: How to provide food for young caterpillars
If I see a butterfly flitting about my yard, I’ll stop everything I’m doing to watch it. I feel so happy knowing my garden is a haven for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. And I’m mindful of trying to incorporate plants for a butterfly’s entire life cycle. That’s where butterfly host plants come into the picture. There are lots of articles about planting pollinator gardens to provide nectar to butterflies and other insects. Adding host plants will help to support the caterpillar stage.
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Perennial onions: 6 types of perennial onions for vegetable gardens
My motto is to garden smarter not harder, and growing perennial onions is an easy way to ensure a reliable annual harvest. There are many fuss-free types of perennial onions that provide flavorful bulbs, greens, or stalks. Read on to discover six of my essential perennial onions as well as information on how to plant, grow, and harvest each type.
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Jewel orchid care: How to grow Ludisia discolor
Looking for an adorable, no-fuss houseplant with beautiful foliage, an easy disposition, and cute-as-a-button flowers? Look no further than the jewel orchid! Also known as the Ludisia orchid, these little gems are quickly becoming a popular choice for growing in terrariums and on windowsills. Unlike other orchids that grow in trees, jewel orchids are terrestrial orchids that grow in the soil under the shade of the tropical forest. In this article, you’ll learn all about jewel orchid care and why you should consider adding one (or more!) of these cuties to your collection.
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Types of geraniums: Annual pelargoniums for the garden
When you’re strolling around the garden center, geraniums are among those common, dependable choices in the annuals section that are perfect for both flowerbeds and containers. But have you ever been confused when you wander among the perennials and find geraniums there, too? There are both annual and perennial geraniums. For the purpose of this article, I’m going to focus on annual types of geraniums, which are actually pelargoniums.
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Growing edamame in a vegetable garden: From seed to harvest
Buttery and delicious, edamame beans are an easy-to-grow crop for a home vegetable garden. Also known as soybeans, the compact plants of edamame produce a generous harvest of bright green pods filled with two to three nutritious beans. Bags of frozen edamame are available in supermarkets, but the flavor of fresh picked homegrown edamame just can’t be beat. Keep reading to learn more about growing edamame.
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