Plant Basics

Cacti are members of the succulent family of plants, and as such have some special requirements. Most (but not all) cacti require a sandier, coarser soil. Fewer nutrients and less moisture are...

The Stephanotis is a climbing vine that needs fertilization during the spring and late fall seasons to prosper. To promote flowering and to keep away scale and mealy bugs, fertilization is an...

The Chinese Fringe plant, also known as Loropetalum Chinense, is a large evergreen plant that can grow to 12 feet in height. The original Chinese Fringe plant produces delicate white flower...

The agapanthus plant, also known as the lily of the Nile, produces clusters of blooms in blue, white or violet. Blooms generally appear from late spring to early fall. The name agapanthus is Greek...

Alliums require ample nutrients to develop properly. The soil where they will be planted should be turned with compost or other decayed organic matter and humus. Alliums require high nutrient...

If you live in the South, planting asparagus in the fall will make sense, because the young plants of this perennially popular favorite thrive in cooler climes, and would almost certainly perish...

Peace plants, with their attractive glossy large leaves and white flowers, are a natural choice for house or office plants. Found in the low-growing ground covers of tropical rain forests, they...

The hardy umbrella plant grows stems that are 2 to 4 feet high. The leaves on top of the stems fan out like an umbrella. The plant will produce a beige flower if it is cared for properly. The...

Peonies are perennials that can survive many years when cared for properly. The peony is both hardy and adaptable. Peonies come in a variety of colors and are fairly easy to maintain. When in...

Hostas, or praying hands plants, are perennials. They can be planted outdoors as fill or inside in a pot. The plant is hardy and requires some special care indoors but will do fine if left to fend...

Introduced in 2004., the Kong rose coleus has big vibrant leaves. Plants are available in scarlet, mosaic, rose and red, with yellow and green colors interwoven. Coleus plants are hardy, but they...

Vriesea splendens holds its green-red color and leaves year-round, and it is very easy to maintain. Vriesea plants do not require soil, although planting them in soil is fine also. In nature,...

Hostas are beautiful plants that make any property look classy and well kept. They tend to take care of themselves, which is one reason they're so popular. Occasionally they become diseased due to...

Canna lilies are tropical plants that are native to the tropical regions of North America. Gardeners who add canna lilies to a garden have a striking and dependable addition that will provide...

Paying just a little extra attention to your flowerpot garden will promote successful blooms on your plants. Any flowers grown in a garden can also be planted in a pot. Potted flowers are great...

Peat moss is a generic term referring to several species of sphagnum moss. Peat moss thrives in moist, shady, low PH environments, such as in bogs and swamps throughout temperate climates....

Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, so the term "plant food" isn't really accurate. Plants need water and sunlight to make their food. They also take nutrients out of the soil....

The muscadine fruit grows on a vine and is native to the southeastern United States. The plant prefers the hot, humid summer months and produces a dark purple berry with a thick skin. Muscadines...

Crotons are slow-growing plants that do well as either an outdoor or house plant. Their leaves come in a vivid array of colors, such as red, orange, yellow, purple or green. They are a...

All plants require consistent watering, but all water is not created equal when it comes to plants. Some tap waters contain additional chemicals, like chlorine or water softeners, which can harm...

Gourds are a wonderful addition to any garden. They take very little time to plant and are easy to work with. They not only add a decorative look to your garden, they can also be of use to birds,...

The agave is part of the Agavaceae family of succulent plants. The name comes from the Greek word "agauos," which means "of kings and heroes." More than 300 species of Agave have been described...

Azaleas are flowering bushes that produce bright fuchsia to electric violet blooms. These blooms appear all over the bush, so azaleas can stand alone as decorative plants. Several azalea bushes...

A longtime favorite for spring gardens and landscapes, the peony is a hardy and easy-to-grow perennial. Best planted in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, your peony will give you an abundance...

Caring for plants requires knowing the best strategies for giving them enough nutrients for them to thrive. Planting location, fertilizer and watering are essential ingredients for having a...

In an effort to "go green", many people are choosing to eliminate many of the toxic chemicals that have been traditionally been used in the home, and also to recycle the waste of the items that...

Trying to grow a plant from a seed to a blossoming beauty or simply keeping your adult plant from keeling over can be a daunting task for anyone---even people with a green thumb. After all,...

Evergreens, like all plant life, consume nutrients applied to and stored in the soil. In their natural habitat, evergreens are fertilized by leaves, needles and fruits that fall to the ground and...

Potted plants can be displayed indoors or outdoors. The right pot can transform a plant into a part of your room' s decor. Follow these five easy steps to get started today.

Native to South Africa, the bird-of-paradise gets its name from of the resemblance to a brightly colored bird in flight. The flowers are made up of blue petals and orange sepals emerging from a...

Pampas grass is a perennial that grows in clumps that are 8 to 10 feet high, with lofty plumes of white to pink. Although invasive in some areas, pampas grass is coveted for its impressive...

This tropical plant is a native to Peru and often called Angel's Trumpets because of the trumpet shaped flowers. This beautiful shrub reaches heights from 6 to 20 feet. Its fragrant white to red...

Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but they all have thick, tough leaves. The leaves are about all they have in common. Succulents can have widely different cultural...

Primroses belong to a large family of flowering plants that grow all over North and South America, Europe and Asia. And while they thrive in the right climate, they are notoriously difficult to...

Hanging baskets are a wonderful way to display plants and flowers around your home. Hanging baskets of plants are eye catching and can increase the curb appeal of your home. Hanging baskets are...

A bromeliad is a tropical flowering plant that is designed with a funnel that holds water. These beautifully unique plants are easy to grow and maintain. Christopher Columbus brought the first...

Popular in the United States since the 1730's when John Bartram discovered these beautiful plants and brought them to the "New World," hydrangeas have been a staple in gardens not only in the US,...

Plant food---also known as fertilizer---refers to additives that are given to impart nutrients to soil. Plants need these nutrients in order to survive and thrive, especially since soil loses its...

Bamboo, a native of China, can be grown successfully in New England and other cold climates. Bamboo will grow most quickly in full sun but it tolerates light shade. Bamboo is, however, non-native...

Lush hanging baskets bursting with color and layered with trailing ivy or fresh blooms--you see them everywhere and consider them a great addition to outside décor. But how easy are they to...

If you want a beautiful garden you must take care of your flowers and plants. You don't have to spend hours caring for them but you do have to give your flowers and plants some attention or they...

Bamboo is an invasive plant and propagates easily. It is a fast grower. It can be found in some local nurseries or ordered online. Many people think bamboo is a tree, but it is actually a grass.

Winterizing plants is best done by cutting down on the fertilizer, covering the plants with a non-plastic material, moving the plants to a protected area and providing artificial light to keep it...

Phosphorus is vital to the growth and health of plants. It assists in converting the sun's energy and other chemicals, such as nitrogen, into usable food for plants. A phosphorus deficiency will...

That gorgeous houseplant you bought at the nursery is growing like a weed. The problem is that it is growing straight up, and is beginning to look a little leggy. Don't worry: All your plant needs...

Egyptian Walking Onions don't really walk, of course, but if left to naturalize on their own, the tops will gently bend until they touch the ground and the bulbs will take root; walking their way...

Gardenia trees are lush tropical plants with a fragrant white blossoms. Like most tropical plants, gardenia trees have a reputation for being difficult to care for. There are specific details to...

Learn about fertilizing house plants in this free video clip about plant care.

When it comes to looking after houseplants, sunlight, water, fertilizer, potting guidelines and other basics are all important considerations. However, once you have the basics down, there are a...

Camellia trees are a member of the Tea Tree family. This group of plants comes in 3,000 varieties, however, the Camellia japonicas and sasanqua are the most popular varieties in the U.S. To...