Plant Basics

The peat moss used in gardening is actually decomposed sphagnum moss. Peat moss retains moisture without becoming soggy. It is also sterile so does not harbor plant diseases, which makes it well...

Spanish moss is a hanging plant that inhabits the trees of the southeastern states, from Texas to Florida. This Bromeliaceae family member is a welcome addition to many projects, such as packing...

Native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, the Phillippines, Australia, Africa, Madagascar and the United States, staghorn ferns (Platycerium holtummii) are lush tropical epiphytic perennials or "air...

Lycopodium is a fern found growing wild in wooded areas. Common types include the Princess Pine, which is harvested for holiday decorations because it looks like a tiny Christmas tree. Lycopodium...

Jacobinia (technically, Justicia carnea) is also called Flamingo Plant or the Brazilian Plume Flower. A rapid-growing, shade-loving evergreen perennial, it originates from South America, but can...

The staghorn fern is an exotic plant that can be planted in several different ways because of its epiphytic nature. An epiphytic plant is one that does not require soil to absorb nutrients, but...

Staghorn ferns, also called elkhorns because of the distinct shape of their fronds, need abundant air circulation and shade to thrive. If properly cared for, your staghorn fern will quickly...

Staghorn ferns grow on the bark of trees in their native habitats in Africa, Asia and South America. They are known as epiphytes--air plants--because they grow without soil. You can simulate this...

Reindeer moss, also called Caribou moss, is actually a type of lichen. Reindeer moss is a greyish sea-green and has a dry, brittle appearance. Lichen grows very slowly, and it can take years to...

The Portulaca plant is also known as the Moss Rose. The plant originated in South America near Brazil. Many parts of the United States cannot grow the moss rose because of its need for hot, dry...

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....

Japanese gardens are unique, peaceful environments full of gorgeous, lush plants and flowers. A Japanese garden requires a variety of plants in order to achieve a Zen-like atmosphere.

Potting soil is a mixture of organic and sometimes inorganic materials used to create dirt to encourage the growth of flowers, shrubs and other kinds of plants. To select the right type of potting...

Hanging baskets are an easy and beautiful addition to both small patios and large, open decks. Usually found during the hot months in all areas, they can also be used year-round in more temperate...

Vascular plants contain the xylem and phloem, tissues that conduct nutrients and water throughout a plant. Two types of vascular plants exist: ones that reproduce by seeds and ones that reproduce...

If you're looking for a plant that's guaranteed to be a spectacular attention-getter, look no further than the staghorn fern. There are many varieties of staghorn fern, a type of epiphyte or air...

How to buy and care for a Venus Fly Trap. These Unique plants can provide hours of enjoyment for everyone. With just a little care you too can have one of these plants!

Grown in various regions across the world, sphagnum moss, which was once thought to be a useful wound dressing because of its absorptive qualities, is now considered a gardener's resource. While...

Sphagnum is the genus name for a variety of mosses that thrive in peat bogs and in other areas around the world. It is widely used in gardening as a soil additive and has also been hailed for its...

There are two types of cherries: sweet and sour. They're distinguished, just as the names suggest, by the distinctive tastes of the fruit. Both varieties of cherry tree can be grown from seeds...

Venus flytraps have always captivated people's minds. They are one of nature's wonders: a member of the plant kingdom that eats members of the animal kingdom. Most people have wanted a venus...

If you want to have great plants, trees or even vegetables but those looks sad, stuck and ill the problem is not on the plant itself but in the medium. Those potting mediums are good soils, but to...

Moss and lichen are a great addition to potting soil because of their super-absorbent properties. This method of potting your plants releases the moisture to the plants slowly; therefore the soil...

Some plants either grow too tall for their allotted space or grow into an unattractive shape. Layering your plant will give you the opportunity to reshape the plant and get a new cutting that can...