Zamioculas zamiifolia or the ZZ plant is an absolute must-have for indoor gardeners. You can see its gorgeous green leaves in the majority of Instagram posts showcasing houseplant collections. Native to Africa, the ZZ plant is easy to maintain. It will thrive in low light conditions and is drought tolerant.

Even though they have been around for quite a while, ZZ plants became popular in the 1990s when Dutch nurseries started growing the plant on a larger scale. Gardening enthusiasts quickly fell in love with this beautiful plant, and today it can be seen almost everywhere around the globe.

ZZ plant is ideal for small apartments or offices since its maximum height is somewhere around three feet. Not to forget that this plant also removes polluters from the air. With that said, we have to address a couple of burning questions related to the ZZ plant – Is it poisonous and harmful to humans? What about pets? Are they deadly?

Quick Facts

Is the ZZ Plant Poisonous?

In short, the answer is yes. ZZ plant is poisonous to pets and humans. However, it will not seriously harm you or your furry friends. The majority of things you have maybe heard about the plant are blown out of proportion.

A rumor that ZZ plants cause cancer started making rounds in the 2010s, but that information is also not accurate. ZZ plant is not deadly, but you still need to be careful around it.

The sap can irritate the skin, and that may lead to a rash. In case one of your pets nibbles on a ZZ plant, it will experience digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. All of this doesn’t mean you can’t keep a ZZ plant in your home. Learn a thing or two on how to handle this plant, and you can enjoy its green foliage safely.

Why is the ZZ Plant Poisonous?

ZZ plants contain calcium oxalate. If you have never heard of that term before, it is what kidney stones are made of. Calcium oxalate is very sharp even though we can’t see it without a microscope. Unfortunately, all parts of the plant contain this substance. It includes roots, seeds, leaves, etc.

When a ZZ plant comes into contact with skin, it can cause burning and irritation. You need to wash it off as soon as possible and not touch your eyes. It will cause the same problems with mucous membranes. If someone tries to eat any part of a ZZ plant, they will immediately feel pain and swelling in the mouth. The discomfort will be enough for a child to spit the plant out.

However, if a youngster swallows a piece of the plant, it will experience stomachache, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. The severity depends on the amount of the plant that is ingested. The symptoms usually last for a couple of hours and are manageable.

Your pets will have the same reaction to the calcium oxalate. If they brush against the plant, they will get skin or eye irritation. Additionally, when your pets ingest a ZZ plant, they will quickly develop symptoms of food poisoning that include vomiting and diarrhea.

How to Treat ZZ Plant Exposure

When a child eats a part of a ZZ plant, you have to act quickly by making them spit out the material left in their mouth. Clean their mouth with a cloth and remember to wash your hands afterward. A child might be feeling pain and discomfort by now. Cold liquids do wonders in these situations so give them a glass of milk or some ice cream.

If you are suspecting that your pet has nibbled on a ZZ plant, check their mouth and remove any leftover pieces. Then help them drink fluids. Not every pet likes them, but cold treats can help out as well. Keep a close eye on your cat or dog in case they develop more severe symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Your pet should be fine in a couple of hours, but don’t leave their side, especially if you are unsure of the amount of the plant they managed to eat.

Living With the ZZ Plant

Nothing is stopping you from having a ZZ plant in your home. It will not cause you any serious harm, but there are several rules you should follow, especially if pets and youngsters are in the mix. So make sure you pick a suitable spot for your plant. Find a tall shelf that is not easily accessible or hang the planter from your ceiling. There are plenty of options out there to try out.

Of course, you can also place coffee or orange peels near the planter to discourage your pets from coming close. These are common pet repellants that should do the job. If these fail for some reason, try vinegar. It will not make your room smell good, but your cat or dog will keep their distance from the ZZ plant.

Remind yourself to wear gloves when handling the plant. Standard garden gloves will work just fine. Wash them after every use. The same goes for any tools you plan on using. The sap will stay on them, so it is crucial to clean your gardening scissors or anything that came into contact with the plant. It will minimize the possibility of coming into contact with calcium oxalate and prevent skin rashes.

Maintaining the ZZ Plant

After all of that out of the way, let’s talk about caring for your ZZ plant. This plant resembles small trees, with several stems that grow upward. The leaves are medium-sized, fleshy, and green. ZZ plants love average humidity but consider increasing it in case of artificial heating.

This plant doesn’t require a lot of time or effort, so it is perfect for beginners. If you want to have lush and green foliage in your living area but occasionally forget to water the plants, a ZZ plant is a great choice. Just make sure you use well-draining potting soil, and your ZZ plant will thrive on its own.

There is no watering schedule. Wait until the soil is dry and then apply water. You can even fertilize it once a month if you want to give more nutrients to your ZZ plant. Remember to fertilize only in summer. The plant is not fond of direct sunlight so keep it in full or partial shade.

When placed in indirect sunlight, your ZZ plant could surprise you. It sometimes produces flowers in summer or fall. However, the flowers are relatively small and grow on the lower parts of the stems. They are often beneath the leaves, so you might not even spot them right away.

This plant is resistant to common diseases and pests. Overwatering could be an issue, so watch out for any changes in the color of the foliage. If your ZZ plant has yellow leaves that are falling off, stop watering it right away. Additionally, aphids are attracted to the poisonous sap, and they could infest your plant. These pests could be almost invisible, so inspect the whole plant if you notice strange spots on the leaves.

ZZ plants generally don’t require pruning. Just remove the dry leaves, and that’s it. Of course, if the branches are getting in the way, feel free to prune them. Another useful tip is to dust off the leaves now and then. Keeping the plant clean is essential because it aids the photosynthesis.

The rhizomes that make a ZZ plant survive so long without water simplify the propagation as well. All you need to do is separate rhizomes and place them into a smaller planter. You can also use cuttings to propagate the ZZ plant. Make sure you take a mature stem with a couple of leaves. Then put a cutting in water. The roots should emerge quickly.

Consider repotting your ZZ plant once a year, especially when it is young. Do it every spring, before the growing season. It will give your plant enough time to get used to the new environment. Mature ZZ plants don’t need to be repotted unless they are outgrowing their current container.

Final Thoughts

ZZ plants are undoubtedly one of the best choices for a houseplant, especially if you are just getting started with your collection. ZZ plants not only look good in any space, but they also purify the air. Even though they can survive for months without water, having a watering schedule will make ZZ plants grow faster. But at the end of the day, there is no need to feel bad if you occasionally forget about your ZZ plant.

They are resilient and thrive on neglect. ZZ plants can grow in any soil, generally don’t need fertilizer, and like indirect sunlight. They are indeed poisonous when ingested. Every part of the plant may cause digestive problems and vomiting if eaten accidentally. So if you want to keep small children and pets safe, your ZZ plant should be far away from the reach of their tiny hands or paws.

ZZ Plant FAQs

Is the ZZ plant poisonous to touch?

Yes, the ZZ plant can be irritating to touch due to the presence of calcium oxalate in its sap. It’s recommended to handle it with gloves to prevent skin irritation.

Is it safe to put a ZZ plant in a bedroom?

Yes, it’s safe to put a ZZ plant in a bedroom. They are great indoor plants, but remember to keep them out of reach of children and pets due to their poisonous nature when ingested.

What happens if my dog eats a ZZ plant?

If your dog ingests parts of a ZZ plant, it may experience symptoms of food poisoning like vomiting and diarrhea due to the calcium oxalate in the plant. Consult your vet immediately if this occurs.

Does a ZZ plant clean the air?

Yes, the ZZ plant is known to improve air quality by removing polluters from the air.

Does a ZZ plant give oxygen at night?

Like other plants, ZZ plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the day through photosynthesis. At night, the process is reversed – they take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. But, this doesn’t make them harmful to keep indoors, including in bedrooms.

What are the disadvantages of a ZZ plant?

The main disadvantage of a ZZ plant is its toxicity when ingested. It can cause digestive problems in both humans and pets. Also, the sap of the plant can cause skin irritation upon contact.

What is the lifespan of a ZZ plant?

With proper care, a ZZ plant can live for many years, sometimes even decades. They are known for their resilience and can thrive on neglect.

The post Is The ZZ Plant Poisonous for Cats, Dogs or People? appeared first on GardenBeast.

Do you want to add statement plants to your garden collection? The following article tells you everything you need to know about these types of plants, from how to choose them, to growing and taking good care of them.

Statement plants are essentially the ones that capture your attention in a second. Whether by colour, size, texture or shape, these types of plants have a “wow” factor, something beautifully unusual in their appearance that truly makes them stand out.

They make a clear statement – that they have the power to demand attention, and they do it so effortlessly.

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Do you have a large garden or a small backyard? Or, perhaps, you don’t have one at all, and your plant collection is indoors, consisting of beautiful houseplants. No matter the kind of garden or plant assortment you have managed to put together and create in your home, you can find statement plants that can fit your garden’s size well without overcrowding the space in any way.

Whether you want to fit a statement plant in a small area indoors or include more than one into your large garden, the good news is that you have many options to choose from. So, thankfully, you can easily find the statement plants that fit your garden’s style and can grow beautifully.

It is equally important to choose the ones that match your personality and are in accordance with your preferences. This way, your garden will accurately portray and mirror yourself.

So, are you ready to learn more about statement plants? If the answer is yes, you’ve made the right choice, as your garden’s aesthetic will be enhanced and will be a head-turner for anyone who sees it.

Keep reading to discover more about statement plants, some of the types that could interest you, and how to plant them to maximize their beauty and functionality.

How To Plant Statement Plants for Their Fullest Potential

Indeed, statement plants are wonderful and eye-catching. But there is a way of planting them so that you can use their fullest potential.

Not only will this create a consistent aesthetic, but you will also maximize the space you have available in your garden, patio, porch or indoors. So, if you decide to grow a statement plant, it would help to know the following:

Statement plants make great focal points in your garden.

Creating a focal point essentially means creating a place where the eye is easily drawn to. Many specialized landscape designers state that having a focal point is crucial for any garden, as it can lift the spirit and provide a feeling of rest.

Not to mention that it can complement the entire garden in a seemingly effortless way, bringing all the plants and elements in a beautiful combination. Statement plants are excellent choices to create a focal point, especially those in an architectural shape.

Statement plants can effectively divide your garden.

If you have a considerably large garden, you have the opportunity of creating various paths and alleyways. You can essentially make a park out of your private garden. How stunning is this? Statement plants can easily help you achieve this and there are many different garden styles that you can choose from such as woodland gardens, cottage gardens, bog gardens, Japanese gardens, etc.

Given the architectural shape and eye-catching appearance of statement plants, there is no denying they make great division “walls” within the garden. Whether you want to create a secluded area, pathway or a natural wall with evergreen shrubs, statement plants are the way to do this.

Statement plants look great everywhere.

When it comes to the outdoors, statement plants can be grown in a variety of alternatives. You can plant them in your garden, as a focal point, to divide or simply to add eye-catching plants to your collection or around your outdoor living area.

The latter include decks, patios and porches. They can bring life to these areas in an instant. Plus, you can also use them to create a sense of privacy on your patio. So, there is no denying that statement plants can look great everywhere you put them, as long as you maximize their potential.

This being said, it can be safely assumed that statement plants have functionality, not just beauty. For extremely large gardens, statement plants can be incredibly functional. They can create pathways, guide visitors towards a specific area, or transform your patio or deck into a more private outdoor living area.

When grown in small gardens or indoors, statement plants will transform any dull corner and offer a nice view. So let’s take a look at some of the most amazing and low-maintenance statement plants.

Beautiful Statement Plants for Both Indoors and Outdoors

As mentioned earlier, regardless of whether you have a large backyard or front yard garden, a small one, or you simply want to build your houseplant collection, statement plants will improve the aesthetic in an instant.

Indeed, depending on the space you have available, you will have to choose a statement plant that fits and doesn’t overcrowd or clash the aesthetic with the other plants and overall design.

This means that if you have a fairly small area, one single statement plant should be enough, or two at maximum. On the other hand, if you are lucky to have an open space and a considerable large garden, you have the chance to play around with different types of statement plants and create an utterly stunning and lush garden.

If you need some help to get you started on this journey towards building a wonderful garden or indoor collection, we’ve got you covered. Here are ten types of plants fit for the indoors and outdoors that may inspire you:

Yucca Tree

You can never go wrong with the yucca tree plant. Native to Mexico and the Caribbean, the yucca plant will definitely make a statement with its sword-like leaves of a bright green and thick trunk. Yucca plants make perfect indoor statement plants as they are slow growers and won’t need much space.

All they need to thrive is a well-lit corner and a little water every now and then. If you live in a hot and dry climate, you can even grow this beautiful tree outdoors.

Yucca is drought tolerant so watering it is an easy job. Once a week is enough during warm seasons, and every few weeks when winter comes. An essential and noteworthy mention would be to avoid getting the yucca plant if you have a cat or a dog – even a horse –as it can be highly toxic to animals. Other than that, the yucca plant will be a great addition to your house collection, drawing most of the attention.

Want to learn more about Yucca plants? Read our complete guide to growing and caring for Yucca.

Cast Iron Plant

Another plant that will look beautiful in your houseplant collection is Aspidistra Elatior, commonly known as the Cast-iron plant. The best thing about this plant is the fact that it is very hard to kill. The Cast-iron plant has the ability to survive in growing conditions that other houseplants wouldn’t tolerate, such as low light. It can even survive neglect, hence the name as a hard-to-kill plant.

The cast iron plant foliage is beautifully arching, with a deep green tone and glossy finish. There is no wonder that the cast iron plant is a statement plant, given its leaves can grow to two feet in length and four inches in width. Cast-iron plants are popular ornamentals worldwide, so you’ll probably find them in nurseries and plant shops in your region. Curious to learn more about this hardy ornamental? Read our complete guide to Cast-iron plants!

Swiss Cheese Plant

The Swiss cheese plant, also known as Monstera Deliciosa, definitely has an appealing name. But it is not just a pretty name, as this plant has stunning heart-shaped foliage of bright green with holes in it – the reason why it has gotten the appellative of Swiss cheese. Plus, more holes develop as the plant ages. Interesting would be an understatement to describe this plant.

The Swiss cheese plant requires little maintenance, with regular water being the most critical need. If you are looking for a vining plant, you can opt for a Monstera adansonii, which is a Monstera vine. There are many different types of Monstera on the market and all have similar growth requirements and are equally stunning.

Last but not least, it is crucial to mention that it can be toxic to pets, so keep this in mind if you want to get the Swiss-cheese plant.

If you love Monstera plants as much as we do, check out our complete guides to Monstera Deliciosa, Monstera Borsigiana, and Mini Monstera.

Umbrella Plant

Isn’t it lovely when a plant’s name “steals” something from its appearance or features? In this case, it almost goes without saying that the foliage develops groups of leaves that fan out and form an umbrella shape. How can this plant not be a statement plant with such uniquely stunning foliage and a size that will surely make you notice it? Not to mention it makes an excellent houseplant for a beginner.

Schefflera Arboricola, commonly known as Umbrella Plant, Octopus Tree, Dwarf Umbrella, or Parasol Plant is an extremely popular plant that can be grown in beautiful containers indoors. Often used by interior designers, the Umbrella Plant has plenty of benefits. It doesn’t require much other than watering once a week, plenty of indirect light, warm temperatures, and well-draining soil.

If you want to grow this amazing ornamental plant, make sure you read our complete guide to growing and caring for Schefflera.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Beloved by bloggers, Instagrammers, and interior designers, Ficus Lyrata, commonly referred to as the Fiddle Leaf Fig is an important statement plant that shouldn’t be ignored. This large plant is a great option for beginner gardeners who want to have a beautiful plant in their home. The fiddle leaf fig will thrive if you place it near a sunny window. It will also benefit if you rotate it regularly, to allow all the leaves to enjoy the sunlight.

It is important to mention that fiddle leaf figs don’t appreciate being moved around a lot. So, if you’ve found a perfect spot for your fig, it is best to avoid moving it. These stunning ornamentals will require some attention because they need to have their soil constantly moist but not waterlogged. It’s best to let the soil dry a little in-between waterings to avoid overwatering and to make sure you plant it in well-draining soil.

Learn more about this perfect statement plant from our complete guide to Fiddle Leaf Fig.

Snake Plant

Similar to the umbrella plant, Sansevieria, also known as the snake plant features stunning and one-of-a-kind foliage, with long swirled leaves that look like an amalgam of snakes with their heads pointing upwards. The good news is that you can find a variety of snake plants, so it will be pretty easy to find the one that suits you the most.

Not to mention that it has the incredible ability to endure certain conditions not many plants can tolerate – similar to the cast iron plant – such as missed watering or low to no light. For a better effect as a statement plant, plant it in a raised pot. You will certainly not regret this decision.

Snake plants are also very popular among gardeners and interior designers, so you won’t have any trouble finding them in nurseries. A smaller snake plant will be quite affordable, but a large one might be a bit expensive, but worth it if you are looking for a plant that will stand out.

Curious to learn more about this beautiful ornamental plant? Read our complete guide to Snake Plant.

Globe Artichoke Plant

Moving on from statement houseplants to statement plants that are perfect for the great outdoors. If you haven’t heard of it before, it’s time to make acquaintance with Cynara scolymus, commonly known as the globe artichoke plant, French artichoke, or green artichoke. Whether planted alone or around other plants, there is no doubt that this plant will catch your eye in an instant.

The blooming flowers of the globe artichoke plant are definitely mesmerizing, apart from having incredibly tasty buds that you can cook. The globe artichoke plant’s flowers are featured in a vibrant purple shade in late summer and are excellent pollinators when fully bloomed. It requires well-drained and moist soil and access to full sun to grow best.

Globe Thistle Plant

Echinops plants, also known as Globe thistle plants have thistle-like leaves, but they are not as prickly and pointy as they seem. These plants can look harsh, but they are incredibly friendly. With their bright steel blue or white flowers that also look spiky and a bit dangerous, globe thistle plants are eye-catching and truly unique.

They bloom sometime in the middle of summer and can last until late fall. Plant them in an area where the plant can receive full sun, grow them in dry, well-drained soil, and the globe thistle plant will thrive in your garden as a statement plant. They are an important source of nectar for beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and they can be used as a barrier for rabbits and deers, as these animals won’t have much on them.

Globe thistle is perfect for low-maintenance gardens, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows.

Weeping Redbud Tree

Who wouldn’t want to have a rose-coloured tree in their garden? If the space allows, you have full sun areas – even part shade is permitted – and moist and well-drained soil, then this statement plant is a perfect choice. The weeping redbud tree blooms in spring and it produces a cascade of lavender-pink blooms.

The rose or purple flowers that appear in spring before the foliage are an important source of food for many beneficial pollinators. So, this isn’t just a mesmerizing plant, but also one that will benefit your garden and the entire ecosystem.

Another feature that makes this plant even more stunning is the fact that its branches grow in a cascading manner. There are plenty of cultivars to choose from, but the most common and beautiful ones are “Ruby Falls” and “Lavender Twist”.

Angel’s Trumpet

Brugmansia, commonly known in the gardening world as Angel’s Trumpet, Tree Datura, or Angel Star, produces the most stunning flowers. But apart from their unique and eye-catching shape, they also have a mesmerizing fragrance. So not only will the angel trumpet’s plant catch your attention, but it will also appeal to your olfactory sense.

The recommendation is to grow it in a container. This way, during the cooler seasons, you can easily move it under a cover to protect it. An important and noteworthy mention is that the angel’s trumpet plant is toxic, and all of its parts can cause harm if ingested. Before you add Brugmansia to your plant collection, learn more about it from our complete guide to growing and caring for Angel’s Trumpet.

Caladium

Caladium plants have unique foliage that comes in many different shades of green, red, and even white and pink. These tuberous ornamentals make perfect statement plants as their leaves look hand-painted, so they are definitely eye-catching and can complement any space. Caladiums thrive in hot, humid climates, but they can also be grown in temperate regions as annuals or as houseplants.

Caladiums don’t need much to grow healthy and happy. They are big lovers of shade and moisture, so make sure you protect them from harsh, direct sunlight. They will also benefit if you protect them from strong winds. If you grow Caladiums in containers, you can bring them outside during the summer months. When grown indoors, Caladiums will bring life to any dull corner and because they don’t require a lot of direct light, they will survive in bathrooms.

It is important to mention that Caladiums, like many beautiful ornamentals, are quite toxic. It’s recommended to wear protective gloves when handling them and to keep them within a safe distance from your kids and pets. Learn more about them from our complete guide to Caladium.

Persian Ivy

Persian ivy plant, also known as Hedera colchica, “Sulphur Hear”, or sometimes as “Paddy’s Pride”, is a vigorous statement plant. Its leaves are large, bright green with a splash of yellow and a glossy finish that glows beautifully in the summer sun.

Given it can cling easily, you should grow it by a shady wall or your garden’s fence, and this plant is sure to make a statement as soon as someone walks into your garden. It can bloom small lime green flowers during autumn, followed by blackberries.

Read our guide to trailing plants to learn more about these fascinating ornamentals and to find the ones that fit your garden best.

In Conclusion

If you are a gardener, regardless of your experience level, and whether you want to build your houseplant collection or create a beautiful lush backyard or front yard garden, you should definitely consider growing at least one statement plant.

There is a wide-ranging variety, so you will be able to find the plants that suit you and the space you have available. Whether you want one statement plant indoors or multiple ones to plant in your garden, either as a focal point or to divide it, you cannot really go wrong.

Plus, it doesn’t matter if you are an amateur gardener or an experienced one, given that the catalogue is comprehensive, you can quickly discover low-maintenance statement plants. As mentioned in the list above, some plants require little tending and can even survive well when not watered for a long time.

Indeed, it is highly recommended to be committed to taking care of your plant collection, but it is good to know that there are plants that require little attention. This makes growing statement plants less intimidating for novice gardeners.

If you have started growing a statement plant, let us know in the comment section how this experience has been for you so far!

The post What Are Statement Plants? Striking & Bold Plants for Your Garden or Indoors appeared first on GardenBeast.

Dragonflies are one of the oldest known insects by humans, enchanting us with their exquisite appearance for millennia. Although most insects are not usually a welcomed presence in our gardens, there is, without a doubt, something magical about dragonflies.

Of course, besides their looks, there is always a question that inevitably appears when it comes to our beloved gardens: are dragonflies truly beneficial for the general well-being of our plants and environment?

The great news is YES! Dragonflies surprise us with their occasional visits and shouldn’t be ignored or feared like so many other species of insects. These buddies bring lots of benefits to our gardens, especially if we encounter regular issues with pests or if we are constantly searching for eco-friendly ways to avoid unwanted intruders.

Dragonflies are truly fascinating so keep reading our guide to find out more about the pros and cons of attracting dragonflies to your garden, what plants actually benefit from their presence, and even some fun facts about these graceful insects!

Interesting Facts about Dragonflies

• Around 300 million years ago, dragonflies were among the very first winged insects to evolve. Fossil dragonflies have been found to have wingspans that develop as long as 2 feet (60 cm). Nowadays, our dragonflies feature wingspans of only 2 to 5 inches (5-12.5 cm) in length.
• While some adult species of dragonflies generally live for only a few weeks or so, others may exceed this lifespan by up to a year.
• There are more than 5000 discovered species of dragonflies out there. These species belong to the Odonata order. The name of their order means “toothed one” in Greek, referring to the dragonflies’ serrated teeth.
• When dragonflies are still in their larval stage, about the first two years of their life, they are aquatic species. During this period, they eat almost anything they can find. Such as mosquitoes, fish, tadpoles, or other insect larvae. Sometimes, even each other.
• Nearly all of their head is eyes. Because of this, dragonflies have an incredibly good vision that allows them to encompass almost every angle except right behind them.
• Dragonflies are probably the best fliers you can find. Besides their basic flying skills, dragonflies can even mate mid-air. Likewise, if these insects cannot fly, they may starve because dragonflies typically eat only the prey they catch while flying.
• The flying expertise of dragonflies is an inspiration for engineers who want to create robots that can fly as perfectly as dragonflies do.

Where Do Dragonflies Usually Appear?

First things first, for dragonflies to show up in a location, it must always be a healthy environment, not affected by pollution. Since they prefer good air quality overall, it will be pretty difficult to see dragonflies in dense urban environments or cities. If you already have some dragonflies in your garden every now and then, this is a common indicator that the air you breathe in your area is pretty safe and unpolluted.

In terms of habitats, dragonflies will generally appear very often in boggy, wet places. These beautiful flying insects enjoy hanging around fountains, garden ponds, waterways, rivers, and lakes, and other environments that include aquatic features.

How to Attract Dragonflies in Your Garden?

If your quest is to have as many dragonflies as possible around you, we have great news! The truth is that it is not as difficult as you might think to attract dragonflies in your garden. There are several fruitful methods you can opt for and you will see results in little to no time.

Keep in mind, though, that your chances of success are high only if the air in your area is of excellent quality. In case you do not manage to attract dragonflies after following the steps below, don’t be discouraged, it might take some time for these insects to find their way to your garden.

Now let’s get to the real deal – how to create the ideal environment for these graceful creatures to show up in your garden!

Step 1 – Provide Good Air Quality

As mentioned above, dragonflies are more likely to show up in gardens with little to no sign of pollution. If you live in a dense urban area and want to attract a colony of dragonflies to your garden, it might be a bit tricky to achieve this. In rural areas, however, the methods presented next should prove effective for attracting dragonflies and convincing them to stick around.

Either way, for the best air quality out there, we warmly recommend you surround yourself with lots of plants. The more foliage you have in your garden, the best the quality of the air will be. The greatest foliage-based plants you can add to your garden would be shrubs and trees.

Step 2 – Install a Marsh, a Pond, or an Aquatic feature

In general, you should look for a location in your garden that features very poor drainage. If you have this, this is the perfect opportunity for you to create a wet environment that can attract dragonflies effectively.

A space in your yard where you can install a pond or a fountain would be more than welcoming for dragonflies who thrive in wet environments. This little heaven for dragonflies should have about 20 feet (6 m) in diameter, but you can make it even bigger if this idea suits your preferences. However, if you install a pond, make sure you do not add any species of fish to it, as they will tend to prey on dragonflies.

Another great site that you can create for dragonflies would be a small bog or marsh area. This particular environment can attract small insects which are a popular feast for dragonflies.

Step 3 – Acquire Perches and Stakes

Although this might seem a bit counterintuitive at first, it is an important step that will make attracting dragonflies easier! Yes, dragonflies are insects that love to fly and live their life floating around on most days. Still, you should know that they also like to perch and rest in a safe spot, preying on small insects that may appear there. Due to this, you can set up several stakes of about 3 feet (90 cm) in height throughout your garden and wait for the magic to happen.

Step 4 – Place Rocks for Sunbathing

Dragonflies are exothermic species, which means that they use the warmth of the sun to fill with all the heat they need throughout each day. It is very common for these gorgeous insects to just lay down on a flat rock and enjoy the warmth of the sunlight.

This particular feature of dragonflies offers you an opportunity to take action and go find some cute rocks to add to your yard. It would be wise to place the flat rocks near the boggy area you have created to increase your chances to attract dragonflies, as this site provides both moisture and sunbathing.

Pros for Attracting Dragonflies in Your Garden

• Dragonflies are absolutely harmless to humans and your garden can benefit nicely from their presence. These fellows are great mosquito and fly hunters. Moreover, their powerful wings and excellent vision make dragonflies able to easily catch other small flying pests.
• Since dragonflies come along with a high carnivorous appetite, they are also very good against spider colonies. Dragonflies will make sure small spiders will not attack your beloved plants. They can even cut through spiderwebs with minimal effort.
• Dragonflies are one of the best indicators of good air quality, as they cannot withstand and will not show up in regions with polluted air. Their presence will help you find out if the air around your house is good for you.

Cons for Attracting Dragonflies in Your Garden

• The enormous carnivorous appetite of dragonflies can become a bit too much sometimes. They can eat thousands of insects weekly, so it can happen to also go and prey on insects that you might like, such as small bugs, moths, ants, or flies.
• Although it is not necessarily a bad thing that should prevent you from attracting dragonflies, you should know that these insects do not visit plants to pollinate them. If you grow flowering plants for this purpose, dragonflies may chase away some insects that are beneficial for pollination, but this would only be a problem if you managed to attract an impressive number of dragonflies.

What Plants Can Attract Dragonflies to Your Garden?

When it comes to which plants dragonflies like the most, things are not very difficult. Dragonflies are easy-going creatures that will enjoy the presence of most plants. Yet, this does not mean that they do not have any favourites! Luckily, their most-loved species of plants are super low-demanding, so you will not put much effort into growing and caring for them if you want to attract dragonflies with their help.

Black-eyed Susan

Besides being highly attractive to dragonflies, the Black-eyed Susan is also prone to receive visits from other popular creatures like butterflies and bees.

Its bright yellow blossoms resembling those of Sunflowers will bloom profusely from late spring to the end of the summer, adding lots of colour to any dull spot in your yard. Other than deadheading, the Black-eyed Susan requires little maintenance even during its active growing period. Read our complete guide to Black-eyed Susan to learn how to grow and care for these plants.

Water Lily

It is safe to say that no pond or boggy environment is complete without one or more Water lilies in it. This gorgeous flowering plant comes along with white or pink blossoms and large leaves that float above the water. It will attract dragonflies in the blink of an eye, as it can spoil them with a spot where they can rest or take a nap during the day.

Water lily is super easy to grow and care for thanks to its aquatic nature. It features roots that grow submerged in water, making it basically independent, and grows nicely in well-lit areas. Read our complete guide to Water Lily to learn more about these attractive aquatic ornamentals.

Yarrow

Yarrow is another great flowering plant to help you attract dragonflies to your garden. This popular ornamental plant can take up a considerable amount of space with time, so you should find a place where it can develop without any trouble.

You can easily take care of a Yarrow plant, as it does not have all those needs of most ordinary flowering plants. Depending on the cultivar, it can come in cute shades of white, yellow, or pink and it will make a perfect addition to wildflower meadows, pond gardens, city gardens, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, and any other type of garden. Read our complete guide to Yarrow to learn more about growing this low-maintenance plant.

Coneflower

The low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and sun-loving Coneflower is an all-time favourite among gardeners worldwide. This is not only due to its adorable appearance, with pinkish-lavender flowers, but also for its magnetic nature when it comes to dragonflies.

Likewise, if you are a big fan of butterflies, Coneflower is surely your go-to flowering plant. You can learn everything about this flower from our complete guide to Echinacea a.k.a Coneflower.

Meadow Sage

Meadow sage is another favourite plant for dragonflies and will even attract some butterflies along the way. This plant is absolutely wonderful, featuring lush green foliage and bright purple flowers, a colour mix that few gardeners can resist. Moreover, it is a hardy species that can survive in warmer conditions and demands only a bit of water from time to time to thrive.

Cattail

Cattail is probably one of the most common plants you will find near a wet, swampy area. Its peculiar appearance will surely make for a spectacular specimen plant in your garden, as it does not look like anything else. It is a plant that also provides protection for dragonfly eggs.

Cattail is a nice companion that will help you attract mostly young dragonflies and you will not have to give it much in return. Learn how to grow and care for this aquatic plant from our complete guide to Cattail.

Swamp Milkweed

Swamp milkweed is a pollinator plant, so it attracts butterflies through its nectar and it is of particular interest to dragonflies. The greatest feature of this plant is that it contains a toxic sap which is a repellent for unwelcomed insects like mosquitoes.

This means that you can get rid of these insects with doubled efficiency from both dragonflies and the plant itself. If you want to avoid mosquitoes, this plant is a perfect choice.

Borage

With its vibrant blue, star-shaped flowers, Borage is a must-have for every gardener that wants to attract dragonflies and also add more colour to its plant family.

This flowering plant comes along with irresistible easy-to-grow features and most growers adore it for its ability to tolerate extended periods of drought. Borage is also a herbaceous species, featuring a cucumber-like flavour that makes it a delicious addition to various culinary recipes.

Lotus Flower

If you already have a pond in your backyard or if you are planning to install one, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the opportunity to grow the beautiful Lotus flower. Especially when it is so easy to care for since it can basically grow on its own as long as it stays in the water.

And besides its ability to attract dragonflies, they will also enrich your garden with a striking pink shade through its lovely flowers. Growing these aquatic flowers is not difficult and you can learn how to do it from our complete guide to Lotus flowers.

Fanwort

Cabomba caroliniana, commonly known as Fanwort is native to North and South America, but it is considered invasive in the EU, so it’s best to be cautious when it comes to this plant. This perennial aquatic plant attracts dragonflies because these insects deposit eggs on the stems and undersides. Fanwort grows fully submerged, and only its attractive blooms are visible on the surface of the water.

Broadleaf Arrowhead

Sagittaria Latifolia, commonly known as Broadleaf arrowhead, Indian potato, or duck potato thrives in wet environments and is a marginal aquatic perennial. It attracts dragonflies in a similar way as fanwort, by offering a perfect breeding ground where these insects can lay their eggs.

In Conclusion

Dragonflies are fascinating insects that are definitely worth observing and attracting to any garden. Although they are not pollinators and don’t really help your plants in this aspect, they can help you determine if your garden is a healthy ecosystem and will feed on mosquitoes and other unwanted guests. Do dragonflies visit your garden? Let us know in the comment section!

The post How to Attract Dragonflies? Here’s All You Need To Know appeared first on GardenBeast.

Pot-bound plants can be defined as plants that seem to have run out of growing space and are literally stuck in the mud in their pots. Inexperienced gardeners frequently turn to more experienced ones at this stage and ask how they can restore this favorite plant to good health.

In reality, it is usually a fairly easy problem to solve so don’t get discouraged and read on for some ways to identify a pot-bound plant and more importantly, how to fix it!

What are the signs that a plant is pot-bound?

• You spot some roots growing out of the bottom of the pot.
• Another sign of a pot-bound plant is poor foliage growth, or leaves that have lost their lustre and the whole plant just looks a bit sad.
• The whole plant seems to be bursting out of its pot at the top, with roots starting to form over the soil level but the leaf growth has slowed down. Succulents often give you clues like this. The pot goes very top heavy too and it falls over easily.

You will need to remove the whole plant from the pot so you can take a good look at the roots. Here are some steps to removing the plant from the pot so you do not damage the roots followed by some tips about how to get your plant back to good health.

The first step – remove the pot

Imagine the pot is a very tight, expensive shoe that you need to pull off gently but not damage by pulling it out of shape. Your plant is a living thing and the pot is the shoe!

The first thing to help the process along is to water the plant generously. Then allow the whole pot to stand and soak in a bucket or basin of water (or the sink) for another 45 minutes, to make the exit easy and not traumatic. I usually add some warm water so it does not come as too much of a shock.

• After about 45 minutes, try to gently loosen the soil at the edge of the pot with your finger or a plant label and then holding the stem, turn the whole pot over while carefully supporting the stem. Make sure you take the weight of the plant and that the stem is safe.
• Sometimes the plant just falls out naturally, if you’re lucky! If this happens take a good look at the roots and then carefully place them into the water to rest while you get your tools ready.
• If the pot does not fall out, then gently squeeze the pot at the sides and turn it upside down but support it, so that when the plant falls you can catch it in the palm of your hand. If (like me) you talk to your plants, reassure this one all the way, telling it that it is going to a new home with plenty of rich soil so that it can thrive.

Now the plant is in water, allow it to soak

Leave the plant in tepid water as soon as the plant releases from the pot. Make sure the water is deep enough to cover the whole root ball and that the stem is supported by the edge of the basin or the sink.

• After another 15 minutes, try to ease out some ends of the roots so they hang vertically.
• Don’t rush the process; check every 15 minutes or so and ease the roots out as the water loosens the soil.

Check the roots

Are the roots brown? Are the roots white? Is there a mixture of both colours? Is there a pad of white roots all curled around in the shape of the pot?

• If the roots are white, then breathe a sigh of relief because this means they are still healthy and there is probably no root rot. After removing the pot carefully, leave this plant in the water to settle for another 30-45 minutes and then re-pot it. See how to do this below.
• If the roots are white and growing in the shape of the pot, then you have left it very late to re-pot and that is the next step. Leave them in the water for most of the day if you need to. It will not do any harm. Each time you pass, try to gently ease out the roots. This may take some time and you will find the roots in that circular shape so tease them out slowly but surely and then re-pot.
• If the roots are brown, your plant is in trouble – see root rot below.
• If the roots are both white and brown, there is a still good chance to save some parts of your plant. Brown roots need to be removed but keep the white ones.
• After another 15-30 minutes soaking in water, try to carefully ease out some ends of the roots so they hang vertically not curled in the shape of the original pot. To do this, it is important not to force the roots. Just in the water, rub slowly so that the roots start to separate. Trust that the plant wants to root vertically and help it to do so.
• Next, decide if the plant needs to be separated. The rocket salad plants pictured below were easy to separate because I separated the pot in half, took a clump of roots and laid them flat out on the soil, as pictured. These can now fit nicely into a straight soil row of cut-and-come-again lettuce. I find salad to be very forgiving if the roots are very young and they adapt to being in the ground very quickly by growing very vigorously.
• Succulents and cacti can be separated into smaller plants at this stage too. Try to make sure some root is attached to the offsets. Some leaves can grow new roots easily but this is another article!
• Herbs like mint actually prefer to be re-potted and divided every 3-4 years like this but be careful with some flowering bulbs because some will only flower if their bulb fits right up against the edge of the pot.

Dealing with root rot and how to avoid it

This is exactly what it says – if your roots are rotting, they may smell bad and the roots are brown and slimy. Some parts of the roots may still be white; if so, cut any white roots with some foliage if possible, and use these to re-pot or to make new cuttings.

Good hygiene is essential! Use clean, sterilised secateurs or scissors and then cut away the brown roots and dispose of them. Do not place these in our composting area.

Sterilise the cutters again to avoid spreading root rot to healthy parts of the plant. Then choose white roots with some green foliage, and then wash these newly cut plants and allow these to dry for several hours.

Root Rot Recovery plan:

• Stop overwatering! Allow the plant to dry out completely. It is best to remove the plant from the pot and lay it on some newspaper or cloth in a warm environment, and then test touch it after 24 hours to see if the roots feel dry. Give it another day to fully recover.
• Overwatering is the chief cause of root rot. Plants may not require water every day and still get it. This means the roots get waterlogged. Check the frequency of watering for your plant and stick to it!
• Water the plant adequately. Leave clear instructions for house-sitters who may be tempted to water the plant every day!
• Cut the brown roots off and discard them safely so that the rot does not come into contact with other plants.
• Good drainage. This avoids excess water sitting in the pot so that the roots get a chance to dry out. Many exotic plants prefer to be watered occasionally and then they flower, just like after a downpour in the rainforest. However, they also get a chance to dry out so repeat this with your house plants.
• Take cuttings of favorite plants. Most plants have a limited life. Some seem to last generations like the Jade plant but if you have a particular favourite, then take cuttings or offsets to make sure you have a replacement.

How do I fix the pot-bound plant once it’s out of its old pot?

You need to re-plant or re-pot your plant. This is generally called potting on. You can plant directly into a garden bed if the plant will survive outside or choose a new, bigger pot.

1. Check the size of the existing pot. Usually, I advise a new pot that can allow for the extended roots to grow downwards while adding 10-20 cm soil extra in depth, and the width of the pot should also allow for roots to grow sideways. However, if your plant roots looked fairly healthy, you may just want to change the soil and add a new layer of topsoil but keep a close eye on it.
2. Check the adequate soil for the plant eg succulents and cacti need sandy, poor soil while a house plant may need nutritious soil because it has used up all the goodness in its previous pot.
3. Is the plant one that only flowers in a tight pot? My Amaryllis is like this and for 2 years after re-potting, I never expect a flower until the bulb gets comfy in its new size. Bromeliads are not supposed to be re-potted at all so check the care label of your plant.
4. Add a few pebbles to help drainage. You do not want your pot-bound plant sitting with wet roots now that you know how bad root rot is! Set up a watering system to suit the plant and check for signs in about 1-2 years, depending on the plant.
5. Add a layer of compost to the bottom of the pot. Place your whole plant in the new pot and then add damp compost around the plant to make sure the roots are all covered well. Press the soil down at the top of the pot and keep adding compost until the plant looks settled and secure.
6. Water the plant well. This settles the soil around the roots and it is important to allow the excess to drain away, particularly if this plant is prone to root rot.
7. Keep the re-potted plant in a sheltered position. For a few days, make sure it is not in a draught or a cold spot and when you spot some new green foliage coming, you can put it back into its normal spot.

How to get your plant back to good health.

The most important thing is to become an expert at dealing with your plant. Know the conditions it requires and make sure it gets them. Other points to help include:

• Use sterilised soil and tools, when dealing with any disease.
• Feed the plant only if it needs it. Check its requirements. Some do not need feeding at all. Some need the soil changed annually. Some prefer poor soil. So do not use tomato feed on a cactus! Comfrey feed
• Check for draughts, overheating, the wrong light, or lack of humidity.
• Look for signs of trouble and deal with them. Is there no new foliage? Could that be too much or too little direct sunshine? You need to know which your plant prefers.
• Check for pests – indoor plants get scale insects, aphids and thrips.

Conclusion

You should be confident now that you can check the roots of your plant to see if it is pot-bound, and also that you know how to deal with it if it is. Hopefully, you have learned that you are the best expert your plant can have so enjoy learning how to care for your favourites and keep them healthy!

The post Root Bound Plants: How to Repot & Fix This Common Problem appeared first on GardenBeast.

Humans have a natural need to be connected to nature and to their surrounding environment, a phenomenon that is known as ‘biophilia’.

Over the years, many studies have shown that bringing nature indoors can have a surprising amount of benefits on workers and their overall health. On the other hand, spending too much time indoors, in spaces that lack greenery and natural elements can have a negative impact on your well-being.

Whether you are working in a regular office or from home, you definitely need a few plants to keep you company. And the good news is you don’t have to be an experienced gardener to grow attractive plants indoors. The key is choosing low-maintenance plants that will thrive without too much effort on your part.

Read on to learn about some of the most important benefits of having plants in the office and what the best office plants are.

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The Benefits of Having Office Plants

• Office plants can reduce stress  – According to a 2010 study, growing plants in the office resulted in less stress among workers. The results of the study were quite surprising as depression was lowered by 58%, tension and anxiety by 37%, fatigue by 38%, and anger and hostility by 44%.
  According to the same study, having just one plant can have a major impact and can improve the work environment significantly. And this shouldn’t come as a surprise, because the colour green is known to have a relaxing and calming effect.
• Having a plant in the office can make you more productive – Adding just one plant per square meter can increase a worker’s productivity by as much as 14%. Scientists have found that sterile and minimalist work environments can be detrimental and can make workers feel miserable. Psychologists have been studying this issue for many years and, according to this article, they concluded that workers become happier and more productive when their office space is decorated with attractive plants.
• Plants clean the air – During the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from their surrounding environment and release oxygen. This is extremely beneficial for us and it makes our work environment healthier.

In addition to that, plants can also remove other harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, making it cleaner and safer to breathe.

But that’s not all. Sharing your workspace with a green companion can also boost your creativity and make you feel more at home in your office. So, it is safe to say that every office, no matter how small, should have at least one plant. Here are some of the best plants that will thrive on your desk without much effort on your part:

Pothos

Epipremnum Aureum, a.k.a. Pothos plants are very friendly and they make perfect additions to any low-light environment such as an office or a cubicle. In the gardening world, these hardy ornamental plants are commonly referred to as Devil’s Ivy because they are almost impossible to kill.

In addition to that, Pothos plants have an almost supernatural ability to maintain their foliage green even without receiving a lot of natural light.

As a plant that is comfortable in many different environments, Pothos will thrive in both bright, indirect light and shade. It’s best to protect Pothos plants from bright direct sunlight, especially during the hot summer months.

In terms of watering, Pothos plants don’t need a lot and won’t mind if you forget to water them once in a while. If you don’t really get it right, your plant will let you know. If your Pothos starts to look a bit droopy, it might need more water. Yellow leaves, on the other hand, are a sign of overwatering.

To avoid overwatering or underwatering, it’s best to use the ‘soak and dry’ method that consists of watering your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. Most gardeners prefer to water their Pothos once every 5 days during the warm seasons and once every 10 days during the cold seasons.

In terms of soil, this low-maintenance plant prefers nutrient-rich soil, but it can grow in nutrient-poor soil as well. A cool thing about Pothos plants is the fact that they can also grow directly in water.

So, if you cut off a section of a vine and put it in a vase or in a glass of water, you’ll see that the roots will start to form quite quickly, especially during its growth season which is during the spring and summer.

If you have an aquarium in your office, you can grow some vines in the aquarium as the roots will look really cool and won’t harm the fish. However, it’s best to keep Pothos plants within a safe distance from dogs and cats because ingesting the leaves and stems is quite toxic and will cause vomiting.

So, as long as you don’t have an office mascot that loves munching on plants, a Pothos plant will make a perfect office companion. If you want to learn more about these plants, you can check out our complete guide to growing and caring for Pothos.

ZZ Plants

Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, commonly known as the ZZ plant, is another low-maintenance plant that will thrive in an office setting. This plant has attractive leathery leaves and thick succulent stems and tuber rhizomes that store water for long periods of time.

This means that you don’t have to worry if you forget to water your ZZ plant. And the best thing about this friendly plant is the fact that if it doesn’t receive enough water, it won’t wither and die but it will just stop growing. ZZ plant won’t start losing its leaves at the first signs of discomfort, which is why so many interior designers and gardeners have developed a passion for this amazing plant.

ZZ plant is usually considered a slow-growing plant, so it won’t need a lot of pruning or reshaping. It doesn’t attract pests and it is not susceptible to diseases, so if you’re currently looking for an office plant that will impress your visitors and spruce up the space, you are looking at the perfect candidate.

In addition to that, the ZZ plant won’t mind moving from one place to another and it can survive for up to 8 months in environments that only have artificial light without showing signs of distress.

However, the ideal cycle for a ZZ plant consists of 4 months in a regular office environment (dormancy) and 4 months in a very warm and well-lit location and lots of moisture (growth period/stocking up on nutrients).  If you want to learn more about these low-maintenance plants, check out our complete guide to growing and caring for Zamioculcas zamiifolia.

Snake Plant

Sansevieria, commonly known in the gardening world as ‘snake plant’ or ‘mother in law’s tongue is a very popular ornamental that doesn’t mind being neglected for weeks at a time without losing its leaves or showing any sign of distress.

Gardeners worldwide consider this plant to be extremely tolerant and friendly as it can survive drought, low light levels, and it doesn’t attract pests. In addition to being easy to grow and to care for, snake plants will release oxygen and clean the air inside your office or your home by removing many dangerous toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.

Snake plants are native to the deserts of Southern Asia, Madagascar, Ethiopia, and Africa, so they won’t need a lot of water. As mentioned above, these attractive ornamentals are extremely drought-tolerant will thrive if you water them once every 2-3 weeks.

Snake plants grow upwards and take up little horizontal space, so they are perfect for small offices, cubicles, and hallways. Thanks to their beautiful variegated leaves, snake plants can spruce up any dull corner.

There are many snake plant cultivars available on the market but the most popular one is Sansevieria trifasciata which is also the fastest-growing one. Featuring dark-green leaves with light yellow cross banding, this plant will make a great addition to a monotonous office.

Other attractive snake plant cultivars include Sansevieria Cylindrica, Sansevieria ‘Twisted Sister’, Sansevieria ‘Golden Hahnii’, Sansevieria Ehrenbergii (Blue Sansevieria), and Sansevieria Ehrenbergii ‘Banana’. Check out our complete guide to growing and caring for snake plants to learn more about these low-maintenance office companions.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum, commonly referred to as Peace Lily, is another low-maintenance plant that will make your office a friendlier environment without too much effort on your part. The Peace Lily was nicknamed by gardeners the ‘closet plant’ thanks to its ability to grow healthy and happy in low light conditions and even in a closet.

So, if you are looking for an office plant that doesn’t need much to thrive, the Peace Lily is the ideal companion. With its shiny, elongated leaves, and delicate blooms, the Peace Lily will turn a dull cubicle into a more inviting workspace.

It is important to remember that although Peace Lilies thrive in low-light environments, they still need some natural light, so, you should keep them in spaces that have windows. You don’t have to grow your Peace Lily on the windowsill, and it is not recommended to do so because this plant is extremely sensitive to direct sunlight, which can damage its delicate foliage.

In terms of watering, the Peace Lily is a bit unusual as it needs a lot of water but can be sensitive to waterlogging. To be on the safe side and to avoid overwatering and underwatering, apply the ‘soak and dry’ technique and wait for the soil to dry completely before watering generously.

On average, Peace Lilies require one watering session per week, but this can depend on the surrounding environment. If the plant starts to look droopy, it might need more water. The Peace Lily loves a humid environment so it will also benefit from misting twice a week. Learn more about the ideal growing conditions of these easy-going office plants from our complete guide to growing and caring for Peace Lilies.

Aloe Plants

Aloe is a fascinating genus that contains 560 different species of succulent plants. The plants that belong to the Aloe genus come in many different colours, shapes, and sizes, and most of them are extremely office-friendly. As a general rule, Aloes consist of rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves and produce colourful flowers.

The most popular Aloe plant is Aloe Vera, a versatile succulent plant that has many different uses in the health and beauty industry. This medicinal plant can easily be grown in an office or in a cubicle, as it improves air quality and it needs very little water.

Most Aloes are big fans of sunlight, so it is not a great idea to keep them in low-light environments. It’s best to keep them on a sunny windowsill or on your desk if it’s near a window. Aloes thrive in the typical room environment that is found in most office buildings, but they are very hardy so they won’t mind occasional temperature fluctuations.

Other examples of office-friendly Aloe plants include Aloe Juvenna, Zebra Aloe, Snake Aloe, Coral Aloe, Carmine Aloe, Fan Aloe, Red Aloe, and Sunset Aloe. However, you don’t have to limit yourself to these cultivars, as you can pick any type of Aloe and it will surely thrive on your desk. Learn how to grow and care for these low-maintenance office plants from our complete guide to growing and caring for Aloe Vera.

Aglaonema and Red Aglaonema

Another very popular ornamental houseplant is Aglaonema, also known as ‘Chinese Evergreen’. With its attractive foliage, Aglaonema can be a friendly office companion as it can easily adapt to different environments. Native to the tropical forests of Asia, Aglaonema appreciates indirect light and it can even adapt to fluorescent light.

Aglaonema plants don’t need frequent watering as they are sensitive to root rot. That means that it’s highly recommended to plant these versatile companions in well-draining soil and to apply the ‘soak and dry’ method that consists of checking their soil with your finger to ensure that it is completely dry before watering.

Mushy stalks and yellowing leaves are a sign of overwatering, while droopy leaves are a sign of underwatering or insufficient light. Although it might sound that Aglaonema has a lot of requirements, things are actually quite easy.

All this plant needs to thrive in an office is regular temperatures, well-draining soil, moderate light, and some water every now and then. Once you get used to its easy-going nature, caring for this plant won’t be an issue. To become an expert grower, read our complete guide to Aglaonema.

What plants are you growing in your office? Let us know in the comment section!

The post What are the Best Office Plants? Here’s Our Top Picks appeared first on GardenBeast.

When you think of a tropical environment, you imagine an oasis of relaxation where man and nature live in perfect harmony. If a visit to the tropics is not possible for your right now, you can always bring the tropics to your home.

The allure of exotic destinations comes partly from the luscious foliage of tropical plants. You may find this hard to believe, but many tropical plants are actually very hardy and adaptable and can be grown indoors in most parts of the world.

In the following article, we will talk about the advantages of growing these plants. We will also give you some tips for growing exotic plants and we will give you a list of the best tropical plants to grow indoors.

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Top 20 best tropical plants to grow indoors

1. Caesalpinia

Also known as the Bird of Paradise, this is one of the most popular exotic plants that you can grow indoors. It comes in many varieties, the most popular being Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia Nicolai. Both varieties feature large leathery leaves, which resemble the leaves of the banana tree. The leaves sprout from ground level. The flowers grow on a stiff stalk, featuring orange sepals and blue petals and they resemble a tropical bird.

Indoor plants can grow up to 1 meter tall and they need about 3-5 to bear flowers. Some indoor plants may never bloom, so make sure you consider all the growth requirements before you add a Caesalpinia to your collection.

To thrive indoors, these plants need warmth, regular watering, and plenty of sunshine. To boost their growth, add some compost to its potting mix at the beginning of spring and fertilize them once a week during the growing season. While this is a plant that loves sunshine, the direct midday summer sun can be a bit too much for it, so it will require shelter.

2. Dracaena Marginata

This plant is known as the Dragon Tree. It is a tall plant that can grow to 10 meters tall. However, it won’t grow taller than 2 meters indoors, especially if you prune it regularly. It features long, thin leaves with red edges. It is a very low maintenance plant, suitable for beginner gardeners. It has a very high resistance to droughts, so it will survive if you forget to water it from time to time.

This plant requires a loamy, well-draining potting mix. Because it grows very slowly, it will need to be repotted once every 2-3 years. Regular repotting is also important to aerate the soil and maybe add some more nutrients to it. It prefers an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. The moderate humidity of the typical house will do fine for this plant, but it is best to keep it away from vents and drafts.

3. Alocasia Amazonica

This plant is also known as Alocasia Polly or Elephant’s Ear. It is a low-growing plant with very unique foliage. Its lush green leaves have an irregular shape with wavy edges and strong creamy white vines. It grows up to 40 cm tall and it prefers and an average temperature of 24 °C. Technically, this is a hybrid plant that was created in Florida from a mixture of tropical Asian plants.

Unlike most tropical plants which love sunshine, this plant prefers shade. It does need a warm and humid environment, and it requires regular watering. During the growing season, you must maintain the soil moist and you must feed the plant every 2-3 weeks. It needs well-aerated soil with good draining properties. You can make your mix for this plant if you combine perlite, with bark, coconut coir, worm castings, and horticultural charcoal.

4. Anthurium andraeanum

This plant is more commonly known as the Flamingo flower or Painter’s Palette. Its scientific name roughly translates to a flower with a tail which is a great description for this plant’s flower. This plant is a tad pretentious when it comes to sunlight. Direct sunlight will burn its leaves and shade will impede its blooms. Your best bet is a bright indirect light.

Anthurium needs regular watering, but it is important not to overwater it as it is prone to root rot. Fertilization is only necessary once every 3-4 months.

5. Caryota Mitis

This bushy palm is also known as the Fishtail palm. It has a rather unique appearance, featuring large leathery leaves in a dark green color. It is the split ends of the leaves that give it the fishtail appearance. Given the fact that this plant is technically a tree, expect it to reach impressing heights. Outdoors, Caryota Mitis can grow up to 6 m tall, but indoors it will likely reach a top height of 2-2,5 m.

It needs a lot of bright, indirect light and regular watering. It needs soil with good drainage, as it is susceptible to root rot. Pruning is not necessary unless you want to control the plant’s growth. Cutting off new fronds will stop all types of growth. To mimic its native environment, try to keep your indoor humidity level around 50%. If your humidity keeps dropping, use a cool-mist humidifier.

6. Chamaedora Elegans

Commonly known as the Parlor Palm, this is by far one of the most popular and most elegant palm trees. Its name comes from Victorian times, when this plant gained huge popularity, being found in practically any parlour. Nowadays, it is one of the cheapest available palm trees and one of the hardiest house plants. It thrives in any indoor environment, even in cold and drafty office spaces. It features 20 cm long fronds with a dainty texture.

The Parlor Palm prefers moderate sunlight. As for its watering needs, you are better off forgetting to water it than over-watering it. As a rule of thumb, allow the top 3 cm of the soil to dry before watering it. Fertilizing is necessary because there are usually several plants in a single pot and there is also a struggle for nutrients. Feed it once every couple of months and keep the temperature around 23 °C.

7. Schefflera Amate

Also known as the Australian Umbrella Tree or the Pom Umbrella., this plant grows on the undersides of the Australian Rainforests. In Its native environment, this evergreen tree can grow up to 14 meters tall, but it won’t grow taller than 3 meters indoors. This tree is very popular due to its enchanting foliage, featuring glossy-green, elliptical, leathery leaves.

This plant has adapted well to indoor environments and it is considered a very low maintenance plant. It is even suitable for office spaces.

Umbrella Trees prefer medium to bright indirect light and they like their soil to dry out between waterings, so you shouldn’t water them more often than once every 10 days. To ensure that your plant grows equally on all sides, rotate its position periodically. Moreover, dust the leaves regularly, so that the plant can photosynthesize efficiently.

8. Ficus Lyrata

This plant is also known as the Fiddle Leaf Fig. While it is not the easiest tropical plant to grow indoors, this Ficus is not very high maintenance. It is technically a tree, so it can grow quite tall in the wild, but it will maintain an average size of 2 meters indoors.

For starters, it needs bright, filtered light. Its soil needs to be kept moist but not soggy. For this matter, you will have to water it vigorously 2-3 times a week, but make sure not to leave any excess water in its saucer.

During the growing season, Fiddle Leaf Figs can be a little demanding. We advise you to feed yours twice a week, otherwise, it will grow extremely slow. Its roots however are very complex and they grow very fast. As such, you may need to repot it once a year.

9. Cordyline

This is a native Hawaiian plant. It features long, leathery spear-shaped leaves. This plant bears fragrant white or pink flowers that turn into berries. The flowers typically occur in the wild, but with proper care, they can also appear indoors. Indoors, Cordyline will reach a top height of 90 cm, but outdoors, it can grow twice as tall.

Cordyline requires bright direct light and rich, well-drained soil. It needs fertilizing in the growing season. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or a weekly liquid feed. This plant needs a good amount of humidity, so keep it away from the windows and the radiators. If you have a sunny bathroom, it will be a great environment for it. If that is not the case, invest in a cool-mist humidifier.

10. Philodendron

If you want something that takes less space than a palm but gives your home the same tropical vibe, Philodendron is your best choice. This is an over-flowing plant that is very low maintenance. Its glossy leaves will tell your exactly what it needs if you pay a little attention.

Philodendron prefers bright indirect light. Yellow leaves are usually an indicator that the plant gets too much sunlight. On the other hand, overly long stems are an indicator that the plant does not get enough sunlight. As far as feeding goes, opt for liquid fertilizer, rich in macro-nutrients. Feed it during spring and summer, and once every two weeks in fall and winter.

11. Orchid (Phalaenopsis Spp.)

A must-have in every plant collection, the Orchid (Phalaenopsis Spp.) will mesmerize you with its wide variety of unique flower colours. Many beginner gardeners are intimidated by the exotic appearance of Orchids, but these buddies are not as difficult to have around as people think. Besides their ornamental value, Orchids make perfect tropical houseplants that come along with an easy-going nature overall as long as you know how to meet their few, but important needs.

Before you start growing orchids, it is very important to know that these plants are epiphytes, meaning that they do not usually grow directly in soil but on the branches of nearby trees. This explains the fact store-bought plants have their containers filled not with soil, but with orchid bark. Interestingly enough, orchids are able to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air through their roots. As a result, these plants will be the happiest in a growing medium that mimics the one from its natural habitat.

The trick for a thriving Orchid is a pot designed specifically for Orchids and a suitable potting mix which should include chunks of bark or lava rocks. In terms of demands, Orchids will perform nicely with generous showers every now and then, lots of bright, indirect light, and a mild, warm, and somewhat humid environment.

You can learn more about growing these tropical ornamentals from our Complete Guide to Growing Orchids. If should also check out our other articles about Orchids: Best Orchid Pot Review and Best Types of Orchids to Grow Indoors.

12. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)

Golden pothos is, without a doubt, one of the friendliest houseplants you can have around. This tropical plant is so friendly and undemanding that most gardeners often forget about it, making it a great choice if you are a beginner grower or busy in general. And, with minimal effort, you can win an excellent air purifying plant that will stay by your side for a very long time.

An important thing to remember about Golden pothos is the fact that it is a vine that can reach up to 10 feet (3 m) in length. Its heart-shaped leaves show up with a glamorous color mix of green and golden yellow. This spectacular plant is perfect for hanging baskets or pots placed at a height that allows it to cascade its lovely variegated foliage.

The most irresistible feature of the Golden pothos is that it can survive moderate drought and it will also forgive your absence whenever you are on holiday. The only thing you should pay attention to is direct light, as it cannot withstand it very well. Make sure you provide this beauty with bright to low indirect light, and a good quality potting mix that comes with very sharp drainage.

13. Croton ‘Mammi’ a.k.a. Rainbow Croton

Rainbow croton is yet another tropical houseplant that is super easy to grow and care for even if you do not have any prior experience in the gardening world. Although you might be familiar with the popular Croton plants, this cultivar is more gorgeous through its unique foliage.

Its long, waxy, and shiny leaves feature hypnotic colour mixes and even wave a bit at the sides, forming an eye-catching overall view that you cannot possibly resist. The colourful foliage of this plant is guilty of the “rainbow” part of its common name. Just one glance at the Rainbow croton is more than enough to give you an almost hallucinatory experience!

Rainbow croton will have the time of its life in plenty of bright and indirect sunlight. In general, direct light will make the colour of its foliage fade, while low light will result in darker leaves. The ideal potting mix for this tropical plant is compost-based, well-draining soil that contains lots of organic matter. When it comes to watering, all you need to do is water its soil only when the top half of it has dried up.

14. Baby Rubber plant (Peperomia Obtusifolia)

The baby rubber plant is an adorable houseplant that can fit wherever you want to put it. This fellow will look cute on a desk, bookshelf, window sill, coffee table, and many other dull spots that require a breath of fresh air. It also produces spikes of white flowers, enriching its ornamental value from spring through autumn.

Baby rubber plant grows only up to one foot (30 cm) in height and has a spread of about 2 feet (60 cm). Its small, elegant leaves look and feel like rubber, hence its playful common name. It is safe to say that the foliage of the Baby rubber plant comes along with the deepest emerald green shade you can find in nature. Plus, there are some varieties of this species that have a more fresh look through variegated leaves. You might satisfy your curiosity and also look for those!

In case you already love this plant, wait to see how low-demanding it can be! Baby rubber plant needs light watering only when their growing medium has dried out entirely. These friendly desk companions require dense, organically rich, and well-draining potting soil. Light-wise, these plants will do just fine in bright, but indirect-lit spots. To learn more about growing and caring for these low-maintenance ornamentals, read our complete guide to Peperomia Obtusifolia.

15. Butterfly Plant (Christia Obcordata)

If you are a big admirer of both plants and butterflies, we have the perfect houseplant to add to your plant family next. The Butterfly plant is a peculiar-looking, but stunning ornamental species that shows up with leaves looking like – you have guessed it right – butterflies. It is not a well-known tropical houseplant, which makes it even better to turn in one of your favorites, as it can guarantee you are among the edgiest growers out there!

The Butterfly plant, with its delicate and unusual appearance, looks best in small clumps and even mixed with other tropical plants from your house. Its leaves have a generous colour palette: the base leaf colour is bright green and sometimes blue, mixing beautifully with shades of red, purple, or brown stripes that run from the central rib to the margins. This plant blooms from spring to fall, bringing out many small, pink magenta and white flowers in the landscape.

The Butterfly plant is pretty adaptable to various light levels but indoors will do nicely in indirect light. It can grow well in any regular potting mix as long as it has some drainage. In terms of watering, you will have to wait for the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry out in-between drinks.

16. Red Coral (Rhipsalis Ramulosa)

Red coral is one of those tropical plants that have all it takes to win most gardeners’ hearts with little to no effort. This plant is a trailing ornamental beauty that features long, ombre leaves that appear in mixes of green and red to purple leaves. They emerge on arching stems that will look luxurious if you plant this in a hanging basket.

And as if the foliage was not already enough, Red coral bewitches us with numerous attractive hanging necklaces of white flowers. This rarely happens when you grow it in an indoor setting. But who knows? You might be one of the luckiest growers out there if it does!

This species is succulent, meaning that you will not need to give it constant attention to grow healthy and happy. Its exotic style will remain in shape as long as it receives a well-draining cactus potting mix, very bright, but indirect light, and warmish temperatures. It is also super tolerant of drought, requiring water only when its soil is completely dry to the touch.

17. Silver Vase Bromeliad (Aechmea Fasciata)

Here we have a tropical plant that will surely give any boring corner a nice twist! Silver vase bromeliad is an exquisite ornamental plant that comes along with surprising features. At first glance, you might be tempted to think that the colorful, eye-appealing centre is a flower. Well, this could not be much further from the truth!

Silver vase bromeliad has the typical cactusy, horizontal-striped, and greyish-green leaves that form a beautiful rosette. Inside this rosette, the focal point consists of spiny leaves that can exhibit different shades of pink. But this does not mean that the Silver vase bromeliad does not bloom at all! Its violet-blue flowers are slightly insignificant and show up on the modified leaves of the central rosette.

Silver vase bromeliad is as easy-to-grow as it can be. All you have to do is place this plant near a west or east-facing window to make sure it gets as much bright light as it can. It does best in a potting mix that contains equal parts of peat moss, coarse sand, and leaf mould. Watering-wise, Silver vase bromeliad will benefit from regular drinks once the soil dries out.

Aechmeas are truly fascinating plants and if you want to learn more about them, do not hesitate to read our complete guide to Bromeliads.

18. Living Stone (Lithops Spp.)

If succulents are among your top picks and your Instagram feed is filled with these adorable plants, you must take a look at these cute Living stones. Lithops, also known as the living stone succulent is very small and lovable, making you want to squeeze it whenever you cross paths with it like there is no tomorrow.

What makes the Living stone one of our go-to houseplants is its versatility and the many varieties it enchants us with. This succulent has hundreds of cultivars, coming in various shades and colour combinations. In other words, there are few chances for you to not find one that suits your preferences!

Living stone usually contains two fat, bean-shaped leaves that resemble – surprise – stones. It is a flowering succulent that can bloom once every year, bearing bright-coloured flowers that look very similar to Wax daisies. Some Living stone varieties produce blossoms that are much bigger than the plants themselves.

Luckily, you can keep this tropical succulent alive with minimal effort. Lots of bright, indirect light and a well-draining cactus potting mix should do the job nicely. It is also a super drought-tolerant plant that can go for months without water.

Learn how to be a perfect succulent grower by reading our Complete Guide to Lithops.

19. Yucca (Yucca Spp.)

A very popular tropical houseplant, Yucca is a perfect statement plant when you want to fill a dull corner. It also makes a perfect gift for a plant-loving friend. If you are a pet owner, however, you might want to think twice before buying it. All parts of this plant are toxic to both cats and dogs, so you should place it where they cannot reach it when you are not paying attention.

At first, Yucca has lots of bright green foliage. With time, once it grows taller, this plant will typically lose its lower leaves. This habit is the one that gives Yucca that well-known spectacular tree-like appearance.

Depending on your dream home, you can opt for a Yucca that grows at impressive heights or settle for a dwarf species. No matter the choice, the growing and environmental demands remain the same.

Under the right conditions, Yucca is more than a friendly and easy plant to grow and care for. The ideal indoor spot for this plant is none other than a bright corner with relatively low humidity levels. Since Yucca is highly sensitive to over-watering, you will want to opt for a suitable watering routine. During the spring and summer months, we suggest you water your Yucca once every week. When winter comes, decrease the watering frequency to once every few weeks or even less.

Read our complete guide to Yucca to ensure that you know all about growing and caring for this perfect houseplant!

20. Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica)

The money tree isn’t just a perfect choice for tropical indoor plant collections but also comes with cultural importance. In some cultures, people believe that having this plant in your house can bring you good financial fortune. Thanks to this interesting purpose, it is a popular plant in feng shui.

You are most likely to find a Money tree in garden shops having its several stems braided into one trunk. At the top of the eye-catching false trunk, a spray of palm-shaped leaves makes its appearance, providing a superb overall picture. The coolest part of growing a Money tree as a bonsai is that it will keep its size at minimum levels, which suits the indoor landscape uses best.

The secret key to owning a thriving Money tree indoors is to spoil it with the right amount of light and water. It would be wise to place this plant in a location where it can receive at least six hours of bright to medium indirect light each day. If you cannot do this with natural sunlight, you can always use fluorescent light and expect the same result. Water-wise, the good news is that it is pretty hard to over-water a Money tree. You can water yours when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry to the touch and you’re all set.

Learn how to grow and care for this fortune plant by reading our complete guide to Pachira Aquatica!

Benefits of Growing Tropical Plants Indoors

Growing plants indoors is good for both your mental and physical health. For good indoor air quality, you should own at least 20 plants. While all plants have benefits when grown indoors, tropical plants are even more efficient. Here’s how they help.

Air purification

All plants purify the air to a certain degree. However, tropical plants tend to be leafier, so they do a better job filtering carbon dioxide. Moreover, most palm species are also particularly effective in filtering xylene and toluene from the air.

Well-being

Since they are associated with exotic landscapes, tropical plants can induce a strong relaxation vibe. Coming home to a place full of exotic plants is a great way to leave behind the stress of the urban jungle. Plants are also known to release anxiety, headaches, and fatigue. The natural green color of plants is also known to induce relaxation.

Tips for Growing Tropical Plants Indoors

Your home may not look like the tropics, but it provides heat and shelter, so it can be a great growing environment for a tropical plant. There are a few key factors that you need to consider if you want to grow lush exotic plants indoors.

Choose your containers wisely

Even if you have a garden, you are better off growing tropical plants in containers. This will make it easier for you to move the plants when the temperatures drop. Make sure to pick the right container for each plant. For example, palms prefer deep pots. Choose quality plastic pots with UV protection and all-weather resistance.

For orchids, it is best to opt for transparent pots. They tend to grow better if their roots also get some sunshine. In a natural environment, orchids grow on trees, with their roots exposed and enjoying plenty of sunshine. These are general guidelines, but it is best to do some research and see which type of container is better for each plant.

Choose the right soil

Tropical plants prefer loose and porous soil with a lot of organic matter. You can mix typical raised-bed soil with compost. Good drainage is also essential for tropical plants.

Fertilize regularly

Tropical plants are fast growers, so they need a lot of nutrients, especially during the growing season. You should add organic matter to the soil, but regular fertilization is also essential. A slow-release fertilizer will yield the best results. From time to time, you can also use liquid fertilizer.

In Conclusion

Tropical plants are all about luscious green foliage and very few demands. The exotic plants presented above have already been accustomed to indoor environments.

They are not very difficult to grow and care for, but you might have to feed them regularly if you want them to grow fast and to thrive.

Once you get used to growing tropical plants, your home will quickly turn into an exotic oasis of relaxation.

What are your favorite tropical plants? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Article Sources:

1. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/best-indoor-trees-and-big-plants
2. https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/gardening/guide-exotic-houseplants/
3. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c287
4. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30003895-2
5. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/living-stones-lithops/

The post What Are the Best Tropical House Plants to Grow? Our Top 20 Picks & Growing Tips appeared first on GardenBeast.

Ornamental grasses are best used to create borders. You can also use them to beautify your landscape and even to hide unattractive areas. If you are passionate about garden design, you can use different types of grass to add texture and variety to your garden.

While ornamental grass can also be grown in containers, it reaches its full potential outdoors. Despite its name, ornamental grass can provide more than just aesthetic benefits.

There are many different types of ornamental grass that gardeners love, so choosing the perfect one for your garden might be a bit of a challenge. In the following article, we will discuss some of the benefits of decorative grass.

We will also give you some tips for growing ornamental grass and last but not least, we have put together a comprehensive list of the best ornamental grasses that you can grow outdoors.

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Benefits of Ornamental Grasses

• You can enjoy them all year round – While most decorative grasses shine during the spring, their rich foliage lasts all year long. Most grasses change their foliage colours over each season. Unless you live in an area with very harsh winters, you can enjoy these grasses even during winter.
• Ornamental grasses are low maintenance – Ornamental grasses require little to no maintenance. Unlike lawn grass which needs an abundance of water, these grasses are drought tolerant. They are rarely bothered by pests and diseases and they don’t usually require pesticides or fertilizers. The only maintenance that they do require is the occasional pruning and deadheading.
• Ornamental grasses are good for the environment – The rich foliage of ornamental grasses provides shelter for a wide variety of insects and small mammals. They also have complex root systems and they can bring up nutrients from the deeper layers of the soil, thus helping surrounding plants. Moreover, their complex roots help them grow even on slopes. This makes these plants very effective in preventing soil erosion.

Tips for Growing Ornamental Grasses

Since ornamental grasses come from different climates and habitats, they can also have different needs. However, some basic tips apply to most, if not all ornamental grasses.

• Planting time: Ornamental grasses should be planted in spring or autumn. In fall you can plant them directly outdoors. In spring, you can start them indoors, and move them outdoors once the danger of the first frost has passed.
• Where to plant ornamental grasses: Most decorative grasses are sun-loving plants, but some grasses enjoy growing in partial shade. Sun requirements differ for each species, so it is best to check the needs of each plant before choosing its planting spot.
• Ornamental grass soil requirements: Most ornamental grasses enjoy well-drained soil. This is why they grow well in raised beds that provide natural drainage. Ordinary garden soil will do just fine for most of these grasses.
• Companions: Grasses and perennials grow well together and they are a great combination if you want to create a wild prairie look. However, bear in mind that some grasses can be a tad invasive. You may want to avoid invasive plants that can harm the rest of your garden plants. To be on the safe side be careful when growing Pampas Grass, Maidengrass, Ribbon Grass, and Fountain Grass.

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• GROWTH: Pampas grass is a large ornamental grass, growing up to 10 feet high with a spread of about 6 feet. Planted in the spring, these large grasses are very fast growers and can quickly become invasive.
• CARE: Full sun is ideal for this grass, though it can grow in partial sun as well. Pampas grass is drought tolerant. For new plants, water them deeply right after planting and then only every few weeks. Once the plant is established, it doesn't require any watering.
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Best Ornamental Grasses

When choosing different types of ornamental grasses, consider the top period of their foliage. Ideally, you should combine different types of grasses, to enjoy their beauty all year round. Don’t forget to also consider their sun and water requirements.

1. Feather Reed Grass

This grass is great for adding verticality to your garden. It can reach a top height of 180 cm. It takes about 3-4 years to mature and reach its top size. Feather Reed Grass thrives in USDA zones 4 to 9.

This plant grows well when it gets full sun exposure, but it is highly adaptable and it can also grow in partial shade. It has thin green foliage, and long, gold, feather-like blooms. Its foliage also turns gold in winter, and its feather blooms maintain their appearance all year long.

Plant this grass in autumn if you want it to grow in spring. Once it sprouts, you will need to water it regularly until it matures.

Mature plants have minimum water requirements. They are also very hardy when it comes to pests and diseases. Aside from occasional watering, the only maintenance that this plant needs is spring pruning.

2. Blue Fescue

This evergreen plant produces tall stems in late spring, topped with gold feather-like blooms. Its base features tight mounds of long, thin leaves.

It grows in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. While it prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure, it can also adapt to moister areas with partial sun exposure. It can even adapt to heavy clay soils.

This plant looks great when planted in clusters along a border. It can also look planted individually, and it looks particularly good in a rock garden. Mature plants should be pruned during the spring to encourage the growth of new foliage.

Spring is also a great time to divide this plant. The division is the best way to propagate this plant since seeds are often sterile and won’t germinate. You should also deadhead and do some light pruning in the fall when the plant gets a rather untidy appearance.

3. Fountain Grass

This plant grows in a mound shape, with cascading leaves that give it a fountain-like appearance. The beauty of mound-forming plants is that they are not invasive. They can be planted individually or in clusters, and they suit most garden designs.

Fountain grass looks great surrounded by rocks at its base, but it also grows well alongside perennials. It produces small golden flowers that bear a small resemblance to foxtails. The flowers bloom in late summer and can last until late fall. Even though the flowers are very interesting, it is the rich foliage that gives this plant its charm.

There are several types of fountain grasses to choose from, with sizes that range from 30 cm to 90 cm. This plant thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sun exposure. Spring is the best time for planting it, but it can be planted in any season.

Early spring is also the time for cutting back the foliage of mature plants. This is a drought-tolerant plant, so it will do just fine if you only water it once a week, or once every couple of weeks.

4. Mexican Feather Grass

This plant is suitable for USDA zones 7-10. Gardeners appreciate it for its rich foliage that sways at the smallest of winds. Its feather-like flowers add to its delicate beauty. It can reach a top height of 60 cm. It prefers loamy, slightly acidic soil, in full sun or partial sun exposure.

The flowers bloom in mid-summer and maintain their beauty throughout fall. The flowers start green, but they turn to a golden brown when they mature, and they fade into a tan shade.

Caring for this grass is relatively easy. It doesn’t need much water and it self-seeds. In some areas, it can be considered an invasive species, and even a fire hazard. However, it can easily be contained in most parts of the world.

It might even need an occasional fertilizer in environments that are different from its natural habitat. You can grow this plant from seeds, starting the seeds indoors in early spring. Plant it outside when the seedlings are sturdy enough, and propagate it through division when the plant matures.

5. Zebra grass

This perennial is native to Japan, but it can grow in most countries in USDA zones 5 to 9. It can reach a top height of 2 meters, so it is great to use as a green screen or background. It can also be planted on the last row of flower beds.

It’s highly appreciated for its variegated striped leaves. During the summer it features copper flowers. The flowers turn gold during fall, but the plants maintain their shape throughout winter. As such, this is the type of plant that can provide interest all year round.

Technically this plant dies in winter, even if its foliage maintains its shape. Nonetheless, it comes back to life in spring, so you should cut back its foliage to encourage new growth.

This plant can grow in any type of soil, provided that it gets plenty of sun exposure. You should water it 2-3 times per week during its first growing season and reduce the watering sessions to once a week once the plant fully matures.

It has a very exotic appearance, which makes it suitable for tropical or modern gardens. While it gets along well with most perennials, it looks best when planted as an individual, to create a focal point in certain areas.

6. Little Bluestem

The silvery-blue stems of this plant make it one of the most popular ornamental grasses. It is a prairie plant, but its appearance makes it suitable for numerous garden designs. It grows in USDA zones 2 to 10.

It can reach a top height of 1 meter. It takes a while to emerge in spring, but it continues to grow until the first frost. Its flowers appear in the summer, featuring blue, gold, or white inflorescence.

Little Bluestem plants are very easy to grow and care for. Simply sow the seeds in spring and water them 2-3 times a week during the first growing season. Once it matures, it can survive extensive drought periods, but it is best to water it regularly to keep it from entering a dormant stage.

This is a self-seeding plant and it can be a tad invasive. It has fluffy seed heads which can disperse all over the garden at the slightest breeze. To prevent this from happening, simply cut off the seed heads before they mature.

7. New Zealand Flax

This plant is appreciated for its deep red, sometimes purple foliage. It differs from most ornamental grasses because it has wider leaves. It can reach a top height of 1 meter and it grows best in full sun or partial shade in USDA zones 8 to 10.

Newer cultivators can also feature yellow, pink, or bronze leaves. During the summer, it produces tubular yellow or red flowers. The flowers are rich in nectar and they attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

For the best results, plant the New Zealand Flax in rich, moist but well-drained soil. The best time to plant New Zealand Flax is during the spring. The plant easily self-seeds, but you can deadhead the flowers before they are spent to prevent self-seeding.

You can also propagate the plant through division in early spring. It needs about 1 inch of water per week and it doesn’t require much feeding. An annual compost session should be enough to enrich the soil and help it retain moisture. This grass is susceptible to mealybugs. It is particularly susceptible to various pests if you grow it in containers.

8. Dwarf pampas grass

This beautiful grass with fluffy white feathery flowers grows in USDA zones 6-10. Dwarf pampas grass can reach a top height of 2 meters and it is smaller than regular pampas. Its size makes it suitable for the back of a border.

Keep in mind that it can get a tad invasive, so plant it in a place where its roots can’t spread too much. It needs full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Its leaves are grey and have serrated edges.

You can enjoy its blooms in late summer or early autumn. In warm environments, it can maintain its leaves and flowers throughout winter.

This is a very sturdy plant but it does require a bit of maintenance. A layer of mulch should be applied at the base of the plant each year. It also benefits from feeding in early spring, and it reacts well to 10-10-10 fertilizers.

Spring is also a good time to cut back the old foliage to encourage new growth. You can propagate it through division. It is susceptible to certain pests, so check regularly for aphids or mites.

In Conclusion

As you can see, growing ornamental grasses is easy especially since most of them have similar needs. Ornamental grasses are appreciated for their foliage, but their blooms can turn basic grasses into focal points. Overall, the greatest benefit of ornamental grasses is that they are very versatile. Their size and rich foliage add texture and verticality to a garden, and they can be integrated into most garden designs.

Are you growing ornamental grasses in your outdoor area? Share your experience in the comments below!

The post What Are the Best Ornamental Grasses to Grow Outdoors? appeared first on GardenBeast.

When you are growing green stuff, it simply makes sense to “stay green” all the way. Today, more than ever before, it’s important for gardeners to use ecologically sustainable materials to protect better and preserve our planet’s resources and its fragile ecosystems.

And this is when coconut coir comes into the scene. It is both an excellent growing medium and a sustainable option for gardening. This naturally occurring byproduct of coconuts is available for use in gardens in an array of forms, from chips to bricks, pith, compressed discs, grow bags, and poles.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about coco coir, from what it is to what the pros and cons of using it are, how to prepare it, and more. Keep reading to find out more!

What Is Coconut Coir?

This organic product is derived from the coconut tree. More specifically, coconut coir is a fiber that comes from the tough, dense husk that coconuts are famous for.

The chances are that you had used coconut coir before, even if you didn’t know what it is or you simply weren’t aware that it had a name. Gardeners around the world often use coconut coir in potting soil mixes.

If you take a closer look at the potting mix you use for your plants, you’d probably see that there are some brown, very fibrous-looking particles in it. Those particles are fragments of coconut coir!

So, if you’ve used such mixes before in your garden, it is safe to say you’re already familiar with coconut coir.

An interesting fact about coconut coir is that it has been used in Asia for thousands of years. However, this organic product’s benefits for gardening became popular in other parts of the world only recently. It was only towards the end of the 20th century when people rediscovered that coconut coir is an organic, environmentally sustainable growing medium.

Thanks to its tough and fibrous texture, people have used coconut coir to make ropes, rugs, brushes, doormats, mattress stuffing, and upholstery.

Another fantastic characteristic of this material is the fact that it is resistant to root rot and fungus. So it is an excellent solution for gardening with plants that are sensitive to overwatering.

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• Expands to over 2 cubic feet
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How Is Coconut Coir Produced?

Coconut coir is produced by extracting tiny grains of coir from the coconut shell, which are then pulverized into a packable growing substrate.

The coconuts go through a retting process, a method of decomposing the husk’s pulp naturally. Long before we used modern technology in the manufacturing industry, people had to immerse the coconut husks in water for nearly six months or even longer until they started to decompose.

Luckily for us, this retting process now takes as little as a week, so coconut coir is an affordable and easy-to-come-by material.

After the retting process is completed, the next step is defibering, a process in which the coconut fiber is removed from the shells with steel combs. Once the fiber is removed and gathered, it goes through a drying process. After that, it is pressed into different forms such as bricks, discs, coir pots, or bagged as a loose mulch.

Types of Coconut Coir

If you’re planning to use coconut coir in your garden, you need to know that there are more types of processed coco coir.

Furthermore, using a combination of different types has many benefits. Here are the basic types of coco coir:

• Coco pith – This type of coco coir looks very similar to peat moss. The only noticeable difference is that it has a rich, brown color. Coco pith has a density that allows for very good water retention. It is not recommended to use it for plants that are sensitive to overwatering and prone to root rot because it retains water exceptionally well, which can swamp the roots of your plants.
• Coco fibers – Coco fibers look like stingy bundles. They improve aeration as they allow the oxygen to penetrate the plant’s root system. The main benefit of this type of coco coir is the fact that it is hardy enough to allow reuse, and we all know that ‘green gardening’ is all about reusing and recycling.
• Coco chips – These are small chunks of coir that basically mix the best properties of peat and fiber into one product. Chips retain water really well, and they also allow for air pockets to improve aeration.

If you are an experienced grower and you know exactly what your plants need to thrive, you can prepare your own mixture out of these three types of coco coir. You can also find premixed products available to buy if you don’t want to go through all the hassle of doing it yourself.

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• A balanced pH, which means it’s truly all-purpose. Use alone or as an amendment for anything in a pot or in the ground — vegetables, flowers, herbs, and even starting seeds.
• Expands to over 2 cubic feet
• Peat Free OMRI Listed, assuring organic production, handling, and processing
• 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you are not satisfied or have any issues with this Organic Coconut Coir, just shoot us a note and our dedicacted customer support team will make sure we get you growing or send you a refund/replacement.
• #GROWONEGIVEONE — Share a photo of your growing garden & we’ll donate a Grow Kit & STEM elementary school curriculum to a classroom of your choice!

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Last update on 2024-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Benefits of Using Coconut Coir

There are plenty of things to love about coconut coir. This organic product has a wide range of benefits that make eco-friendly gardening a lot easier. Here are the pros of using coconut coir:

• It’s a renewable resource –Unlike peat, for example, coconut coir doesn’t take a century to form in a bog.
• It’s sustainable and eco-friendly –If you want to be an eco-conscious gardener, coconut coir will help you protect our planet’s resources. Since it’s a renewable resource and it is biodegradable, unlike perlite or vermiculite, coconut coir is an eco-friendly option.
• It has a very neutral pH level –The pH of coconut coir is almost neutral. It ranges from just over 5 to just under 7, meaning that it is an excellent base for all plants.
• It helps improve soil conditions –By adding coconut coir into the soil when planting your flowers, you’ll improve drainage, water retention, and aeration.
• It’s free from bacteria and fungi –Good quality coconut coir contains no pests or disease.

Are There Any Cons In Using Coconut Coir?

Despite having plenty of benefits, there are also some noticeable flaws in coconut coir, including:

• Different qualities –The quality of coconut coir products can differ from one supplier to another. And, since product quality can vary, this may affect your garden. For example, inferior quality products can include weeds, pests, and diseases because of improper processing or storage. So, it’s quite important to read the labels and buy from trusted sources.
• It’s not that nutrient-packed – Unlike other organic materials, coconut coir doesn’t contain many nutrients such as calcium or magnesium. You must either buy a product that has been enriched with nutrients or add fertilizer to help your plants grow.
• It can be costly – Compared to peat or vermiculite products, coconut coir can be a bit more expensive.

How to Prepare Coco Coir

Now you know what coconut coir is and what the pros and cons of using it in your garden are. So, you may be wondering “how to prepare it for planting”. Don’t worry! We’ve got the answer for this one as well.

• To properly prepare coco coir for planting, you must first hydrate it.
• Hydration and rinsing the product several times before use are essential to eliminate excess sodium, which most products contain due to processing in saltwater.
• So, place the coconut coir, no matter the type you use, in water and let it soak for at least 15 minutes to absorb.
• Once it absorbs enough water, you’ll notice that it will resemble the ideal soil-like consistency for planting.
• The next step for preparing coconut coir is to add nutrients to it. Like we’ve already mentioned, coconut coir lacks naturally existing nutrients.
• So, during the preparation stage, you need to add essential nutrients to it to ensure that your plants will thrive and grow as healthy as they did in other mediums like peat moss.

What nutrients should you add? That’s a matter of personal choice based on what nutrients your plant needs to thrive. Research the specific growing instructions for your plant to see what nutrients will help it grow healthy and happy.

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• BIODEGRADABLE – Coco fiber pots are 100% biodegradable and can be planted directly into the ground. As the plant pot degrades, it provides natural nutrients to the soil.
• 100% NATURAL – These coir nursery pots are made of coconut fibers which are environmentally safe and sustainable.
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What Can Coconut Coir Be Used For?

How exactly can you use coconut coir in gardening? There are plenty of uses for this organic product, including:

• Garden soil additive – In outdoor gardening, coconut coir can be a fantastic addition to your soil, no matter the type. This organic product has amazing water retaining and aerating capabilities. For example, if your garden has clayey soil, coco coir can help thanks to its lightening effect. If you have sandy soil in your garden, coco coir will help retain water more efficiently.
• Soilless potting mix component – Coco coir can also be an excellent addition to homemade soil mixes for similar reasons of why it makes a great garden soil additive. It will improve soil drainage and water retention.
• A sustainable alternative to peat moss – For all eco-friendly gardeners out there, coco coir should be your go-to option to replace peat bogs in your planting. Unlike peat bogs which are a nonrenewable source of peat, coco coir is a byproduct of coconut farming, making it a significantly more sustainable source. What’s more, coco coir also has some added benefits over peat, including being more easier to manipulate and work with. It has an almost neutral pH, making it a better choice for a wider variety of plants, it combines with nutrients better than peat, and it is also superior when it comes to water retention.

Using Coconut Coir for Indoor Plants vs. Outdoor Plants

If there’s one thing to love about coco coir is the fact that it is a very versatile gardening accessory. It is perfect for growing all types of plants, flowers and vegetables, no matter if you grow them indoors, outdoors, or within a hydroponic system.

For both indoor and outdoor planting, coco coir needs to be adequately prepared just like we’ve explained above: by hydrating it and by adding the necessary nutrients. However, depending on whether you use it for indoor or outdoor plants, it must be treated differently.

Indoor use

More precisely, for houseplants, coco coir makes an excellent growing medium, thanks to its abilities of moisture retention and good aeration. When you prepare it for indoor plants, we recommend using the smallest coco brick you can find. Keep in mind that you’ll have to hydrate the entire brick to be able to break it apart. Since you will need less product compared to garden use, there’s no point in hydrating more product than you’ll use. What’s more, for houseplants, it’s recommended to add nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to help your plants grow healthy.

If you want to use coco coir for indoor succulents, you also have to pay attention to the product’s water-retentive abilities. Most succulents don’t like wet feet and are prone to root rot. So, when preparing coco coir for planting succulents, add a coarser material like pumice, perlite, or sand to improve drainage. Also, keep in mind to not overwater your plants and to allow sufficient drying time.

Coconut Coir Garden Use

When using coco coir in the garden, you need to pay attention to your outdoor space’s naturally existing soil. Considering this, you will be able to tell how coir should be added to create an ideal growing environment for your plants. For example, if you have clay soil in your garden, it can be too dense for growing vegetables or other outdoor plants. By adding coco coir to your soil before planting your greens can help create a much lighter texture which will allow roots to grow and thrive.

In contrast, if your garden’s soil type is sandy, then it may be too dry for plants to thrive in it. In this case, coco coir significantly improves your garden’s water and moisture retention.

As you should do when preparing coco coir for indoor use, it’s essential to add vital nutrients in the preparation stage to ensure that your plants will thrive.

In Conclusion

Coconut coir can be an amazing gardening accessory if you use it right. It has plenty of advantages, including being durable, sustainable, and having lots of properties that you can use to help your plants thrive. If your plants need improved water and moisture retention, coconut coir can help with that. If your plants need a lighter growing medium, this organic product can help again.

The best part of it all is that coconut coir is an eco-friendly product. It will help you be an eco-conscious grower who protects our planet while growing their favorite plants.

Are you using coconut coir in your garden? Share your experience with us in the comments below!

The post What is Coconut Coir? How to Use it for Plants & Gardening appeared first on GardenBeast.

Whether fruits, veggies, or flowers, when it comes to growing a successful garden, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered and components that come into play; watering, light exposure, and fertilizer are three of the primary elements that everyone pays attention to, but there’s another element that’s just as important, but that’s often overlooked: soil pH.

What exactly is soil pH and why is it so important? If you’re planning a garden, these are things that you are definitely going to want to know, so keep on reading.

What is Soil pH?

Technically speaking, pH is a gauge that measures the concentration of hydrogen-ion in a substance; “pH” is an acronym that stands for “potential Hydrogen”. In soil, pH is a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. It is measured on a scale of 1 to 14, with 7 being the neutral mark (the halfway point between acidic and alkaline). For most plants, the ideal pH level is between 6 and 7.

Why is Soil pH Important?

So, why is soil pH important for a gardener? Because it has a direct impact on the types of plants that you will be able to successfully grow in your garden. As plants have evolved, the nutrients that they need to flourish have changed.

The pH of the soil indicates which types of nutrients in the soil are available for the plants to absorb through their root systems. If the pH is too alkaline or too acidic, the plants will get too much of certain kinds of nutrients and not enough of other types of nutrients.

If you plant your flowers, veggies, or fruits in soil that has the incorrect pH level for what the plant requires, it will not receive the nutrients that it needs, and therefore, it will not flourish; in fact, it may not survive at all.

While most plants like a pH level between 6 and 7, so a neutral pH level, some prefer more alkaline soil, and others prefer more acidic soil. With that said, if the pH level in your soil is low (it’s alkaline), yet you want to grow a plant that prefers acidic soil, you won’t be able to grow it; likewise, if your soil pH is high (it’s acidic), and you want to grow plants that like more alkaline soil, it won’t thrive in the soil.

Now, that isn’t to say that you can’t grow the plants that you want to grow in your garden if your soil pH doesn’t meet the needs of those particular species of plants. You can amend the soil to bring the pH level up or to reduce it so that you can create the ideal conditions for the fruits, veggies, or flowers that you’d like to include in your garden.

How is soil pH measured?

As mentioned above, the pH scale for soil that is used for gardening is based on a scale of 0 to 14. If the reading is under 7, the soil is acidic, and if it’s above 7, it’s alkaline. If the pH level is at a 7, the soil is neutral, meaning that it is neither acidic nor alkaline.

As indicated, most species and varieties of plants like soil that has a pH level of 6 to 7. If the soil is highly alkaline or highly acidic, it will have to be amended in order to successfully grow most plants.

How to test the soil pH in your garden

Needless to say, if you want your plants to flourish, you want to make sure that the pH level of the soil is appropriate for the types of plants that you’d like to grow. As such, before you start putting plants or seeds into the ground, testing the pH level of the soil is very important.

How can you test the pH level of your garden soil? There are three different methods that you can use:

• You can use a battery-operated tester, which can be purchased from a gardening center or from online retailers, such as Amazon or Overstock. These tools are very easy to use; simply stick the appropriate end into the ground it will measure the pH level in your soil, and will give you a digital reading on the end of the tool. It’s important to note, however, that sometimes, these tools aren’t reliable. Some models are poorly made, and therefore, they really don’t gauge an accurate measurement of the pH level.
• A better way to measure the pH level in your garden soil is by using a DIY soil pH test kit. This process is more cumbersome, yes, as it requires more work; however, it will give you a more accurate reading of the levels in your soil. Again, these test kits can be purchased at garden supply stores or from online retailers.
  To run the test, take a small scoop of soil from the garden that you want to plant in. Remove any pebbles, sticks, rocks, and other debris from the soil. If the soil is clumpy, break it up so that it’s smoother. Place a small sample of the soil into the test tube that the kit came with. Mix in the chemicals that the kit came with and shake the test tube. Wait a few minutes and the chemicals will change colors. Use the chart that the kit came with to determine the pH level of your garden soil.
• The best way to measure the pH level in your garden soil is by sending a sample into the horticulture or gardening cooperative extension in your local area to have it tested. Typically, most cooperative extensions will conduct a full analysis of the pH level in your soil, and they will test the nutrients in the soil, too.

Do you really have to correct soil pH?

It depends. Of course, if the plants that you are intending on growing will work with the pH level of your garden soil, you won’t need to make any changes; simply prepare the soil and get to planting. If, however, the plants that you would like to grow need a higher pH level or a lower pH level than your garden soil currently is measuring, then you’re definitely going to want to attempt to adjust the levels accordingly.

For instance, if the pH level is measuring below 7 and you want to plant flowers that prefer alkaline soil, you’ll want to try amending the soil to bring the pH level up; likewise, if the pH level is measuring above 7 and the plant prefers acidic soil, you’ll want to attempt to amend the soil to bring the pH level down.

When it comes to amending the pH level of the soil, it’s important to note that it isn’t a one-time fix. You will need to keep up on the treatments in order to maintain the ideal pH levels and growing conditions. If you don’t, the pH level will change, which means that your plants will not receive the nutrients that they need, so they won’t thrive, and they may not even survive.

How to fix soil pH imbalances

So, how do you go about adjusting imbalanced pH levels? If your garden soil is too acidic or too alkaline for the flowers, veggies, or fruits that you would like to grow, you’ll want to attempt to adjust it. It should be noted that balancing the pH level of garden soil takes time and patience; it isn’t going to change overnight, but rather, it usually takes weeks or even months to adjust.

With that said, how do you make the changes? The pH of acidic soil can be raised to increase the alkaline level by mixing in lime. The pH level of alkaline soil is reduced by mixing in some kind of sulfur. The amount of lime or sulfur that you will need to add depends on what the current pH level of your soil is, the texture of the soil (sandy, humus, or clay), and what types of plants you will be growing.

The soil test kit, tool, or the report that you receive from the cooperative extension that you sent a sample out to should let you know what you will need to do to adjust the pH level of your garden soil.

If you are attempting to amend the pH level of your soil, you’re going to want to run tests before you plant your flowers, veggies, or fruits that you would like to grow. It goes without saying but it’s worth mentioning that if you simply put the seeds or plants into the ground without testing the pH level and isn’t correct, the seeds or plants will not take, or they may take, but they will not flourish.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle and you want to starting planting faster, you can simply skip planting directly into your garden soil. Instead, you can plant in containers or raise beds, which you can fill up with soil that has the appropriate pH level for the plants that you would like to grow.

The post What is Soil pH & Why Does it Matter? Here’s Everything You Need to Know appeared first on GardenBeast.

Living in an arid environment doesn’t mean that you have to forego the joys of a beautiful outdoor space. Numerous plants can thrive in arid environments and there are many tricks that can minimize a garden’s water needs. This is mostly what Xeriscaping is all about. If you are vaguely familiar with this term, you might picture a very austere environment with a few cacti spread around. While cacti can be a big part of a xeric garden, this type of landscaping can be used to create a wide variety of gorgeous, sometimes even lush gardens.

Even though xeriscaping was originally designed for draught-afflicted areas, it can now be used in any part of the world. It is a great way to maximize the potential of your garden, without consuming a lot of water. This type of landscaping also allows you to play around with different garden elements, in a way that would otherwise be impossible in a traditional garden.

In the following guide, we will introduce you to the principles of xeriscaping and its advantages. We will also share with you which plants are more suitable for this type of landscaping. To make things easier, we will give you some tips that will help even a beginner gardener become a master xeriscaper.

Quick Facts

What is Xeriscaping?

As you might have guessed by now, xeriscaping is a landscaping strategy. Its main purpose is to reduce or completely eliminate the need for irrigation.

The name of this landscaping style comes from the Greek word “xeros” which means dry.

However, don’t let the name mislead you into believing that xeriscaping is strictly meant for arid environments. Its basic principles can be applied in any environment even in rainy areas. A xeric garden can even have a lawn. When it is used properly, the basic lawn can be used to cool the soil and provide numerous other environmental properties. There are also drought-resistant grasses that can be used as lawn replacements.

Xeriscaping involves not only knowledge of draught-resistant plants, but also requires long-term strategies. For example, the way you plant the trees can impact how well your garden utilizes rainfalls. Mulching and treating the soil are also important parts of a xeriscaping strategy.

Xeriscaping is most popular in Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. It also works well in North Dakota Southern California, South Dakota, Utah, and Nevada. Nonetheless, you can apply its principles in any part of the world.

Advantages of xeriscaping

Xeriscaping comes with many advantages such as:

It saves water

The main advantage of xeriscaping is that it can be a valuable tool that you can use to save water. Consequently, it also saves you money, since water is becoming a scarce and increasingly expensive resource. However, this type of landscaping can provide other advantages as well.

It is low maintenance

Since xeriscaping rarely involves lawns, you can forget all about the tedious part of pushing around the old lawnmower. Watering will also stop being a burden. You can water occasionally, but it won’t be troublesome. If you opt entirely for drought-tolerant plants, you can eliminate watering altogether. As far as weeding goes, most weeds only grow in spring, so they won’t be too much trouble.

It is aesthetically pleasing

As we already mentioned, xeriscaping allows you to play around with different elements. Succulent plants have unique foliage and the process of combining different succulents can be raised to the status of art. Xeriscaping also integrates rocks, gravel, trees, pots, and even colourful perennials. What increases the beauty of xeric gardens is that they celebrate the local climate. As beautiful as a lush garden can be, it will look out of place in the middle of the desert. On the other hand, a well constructed xeric garden can become a celebration of the local climate.

It is good for the environment

Since you will no longer be using a lawnmower, you will minimize your fossil fuel consumption. Our advice is to use only native plants. They will look better and they won’t require pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Moreover, native plants also offer suitable habitats for the local wildlife.

What are the best plants for xeriscaping?

Xeriscape elements can be integrated into any type of garden. However, for a true xeriscape garden created in a desert environment, you will need plants that are highly resistant to droughts. These are the main plants that you should start with:

Yucca

This is a natural xeriscaping plant. It is an evergreen drought-tolerant plant with a stunningly structured aesthetic. It will adapt to any spot in your garden, and it can even be successfully grown in containers. It has very thick leaves and a spiky appearance that will steal the spotlight in any garden. This plant looks better as it ages because it grows in size and its leaves become thicker. This makes its spiky appearance even more spectacular. Yucca blooms in June when it produces dropping white bells that grow in rich clusters upon tall stems. The blooms have a sweet fragrance that intensifies at night.

Juniper

This is a very durable plant that comes in a wide range of sizes and shapes. If you are looking for a bushy ground cover, you can’t go wrong with a low-growing Juniper variety. Creeping junipers such as Juniperus horizontalis thrive on hillsides and slopes and can be an effective way to prevent soil erosion. If you want an interesting upright alternative, consider the Juniper Californica variety.

Another drought-tolerant juniper is the Rocky Mountain variety, which is an evergreen tree that has an upright growing habit. Rocky Mountain Juniper is native to the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Springs area. With its bluish-green needles, this low-maintenance evergreen juniper tree is a great xeriscaping plant. Another juniper plant that is a great option for xeriscaping is Juniperus Squamata also known as Blue Star, flaky juniper, or Himalayan Juniper.

Ice Plants

If you weren’t a big fan of xeriscaping because you thought this landscaping strategy was all about grey and earthy tones, it is time to meet Delosperma plants a.k.a. Ice Plants. Contrary to their name, these plants don’t grow in cold environments. They are incredibly resistant to draughts and the intense purple shade of their flowers will surely liven up any garden space. Ice plants also have unique succulent-like foliage.

The thick leaves shine in the sun, and they often look as if they are covered in ice. These attractive xeriscaping plants spread rapidly and don’t need much to grow healthy and happy. They can adapt to many different environments, provided they are not exposed to cold temperatures. The most popular member of the Ice Plant family is Delosperma Cooperi and you can learn more about it from our complete guide to Delosperma Cooperi.

Echinacea

Commonly referred to as Coneflowers, Echinacea is an excellent ornamental beloved by gardeners worldwide. As versatile as they come, Echinacea flowers have many uses and can easily be cultivated by novice gardeners. These plants are native to central and eastern North America where they thrive on prairies and in woodlands.

These hardy plants can grow in any type of environment as long as they have been established successfully. They have a few demands early on, but they become extremely resistant once they’ve settled into their new environment. As a general rule, coneflowers need plenty of bright, direct light and well-draining soils. They are not big fans of humidity, which is why they make perfect additions to xeriscape gardening. You can learn more about these plants by reading our complete Echinacea Guide.

Hyssop

Hyssopus officinalis, commonly known as Hyssop, is a semi-evergreen shrub that many gardeners love thanks to its delightful flavour. If you want to attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden, you should definitely plant some Hyssopus. For many years, Hyssop has been valued for its medicinal and aromatic purposes, and although it is not as popular at the moment, we believe that this plant is worthy of our attention. Resistant to cold temperatures and droughts, this shrub will most likely adapt to any environment. As long as it receives plenty of sunlight, your Hyssop will grow healthy and happy.

Other herbs and plants that can be grown successfully in xeriscape gardens include lavender, bee balm, marjoram, oregano, thyme, sweet alyssum, rosemary, and yarrow.

Potentilla

Native to the northern hemisphere, Potentilla, commonly known as Cinquefoils is a popular ornamental that can thrive in any type of landscape and any type of garden. A perfect choice if you’re opting for xeriscaping, Potentilla will surprise you with its delicate and attractive flowers and showy foliage.

This plant is non-toxic so you can grow it safely in your garden and you can even grow it indoors, in containers. Potentilla plants won’t need much attention to grow healthy and happy as long as they get at least six hours of bright, direct sunlight. You can learn more about these attractive flowers from our complete guide to Potentilla.

Penstemon

Beautifully coloured and low-maintenance, Penstemons, commonly referred to as Beardstongue, are very popular ornamental plants. Native to North America, these flowers are perfect for xeriscaping as they can thrive in well-draining soils that are nutrient-poor. Penstemons are hardy perennials that can grow in various environments thanks to their tolerance for a wide range of growing conditions.

Big lovers of direct light, Penstemons will reward you with their colourful blooms if you plant them in a sunny location. Curious to learn more about Penstemons? You can read our full Penstemons growing guide.

Other flowering plants that thrive in xeriscape gardens include Calendula, California poppies, Cosmos, Cockscomb, Geraniums, Globe Amaranth, Marigold, Petunia, Snapdragon, Zinnia, etc.

Lamb’s Ear

If there is one thing that xeriscapes never lack, that is texture. Most xeric plants have unique foliages which create different layers of texture. And if you enjoy textured plants, you will surely love Lamb’s Ear. This is a fast-growing, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in full sun. It looks great on borders and small walls. We advise you to plant it in an accessible area where you can easily touch it and enjoy its texture. For example, you can grow it in a raised bed near a sitting area.

Not a big fan of humid environments, Stachys Byzantina, a.k.a. Lamb’s Ear or Wooly Hedgenettle won’t mind droughts and will thrive in most temperate areas. A member of the mint family, Lamb’s Ear is an edible plant that can be added to salads, cooked, and used as a garnish. You can learn more about this attractive plant from our Lamb’s Ear plant guide.

Pinyon Pine Tree

Trees are an important part of xeriscapes and the Pinyion Pine tree is the best choice for a low-maintenance garden. This is a rather short pine tree. It rarely grows above 6 meters, and it is also a slow grower. As such, you will have to be patient with it until it reaches its full potential. It has a high drought tolerance, but it will grow better if you water it from time to time. It features yellow-green needles which perfectly complement arid landscapes.

Other trees and shrubs that are often grown in xeriscape gardens include hawthorn, cherry laurel, crape myrtle, Texas mountain laurel, catalpa, oleanders, desert olive, and curl leaf mountain mahogany.

Rabbitbrush

If you enjoyed the purple Ice Flowers, we recommend that you contrast them with another brightly-coloured plant. Growing plants in complementing colours is always a good idea. There is no better option for this task than the bright yellow Chrysothamnus, commonly referred to as Rabbitbrush, Chamisa, or rabbitbush. This perennial shrub forms rounded clusters of yellow blooms at the branch tips. The flowers turn into light tan seeds which add a unique design touch to the garden. It has a very intense scent so it would be wise to plant it further away from windows or sitting areas.

Lavender Cotton

Santolina chamaecyparissus goes by many common names including lavender cotton, holy herb, grey Santolina, petit cypress, or ground cypress. This plant thrives in poor soil and requires plenty of sunlight to maintain its compact shape. This plant doesn’t just enjoy the heat, but it actually doesn’t tolerate extra irrigation. It features grey leaves and yellow pompom-like flowers. The attractive and unique-looking leaves of lavender cotton can appear shiny silver on sunny days, a nice shade of blue at dusk, and light green on cloudy days. Occasional pruning is required to maintain a proper shape. While pruning, you will enjoy a rich musky scent.

Russian Sage

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly referred to as Russian Sage is a perennial plant with purple flowers. It is well known due to its numerous medicinal properties. Russian sage is often confused with lavender, but you can easily tell these two plants apart by the fact that Russian sage has a larger inflorescence and the pink shade is lighter and features shades of blue.

Russian sage is popular among gardeners worldwide thanks to its beautiful lavender flowers that look stunning in any garden. This plant thrives when it is planted in well-draining soil and in places where it can receive plenty of direct sunlight. If you grow your Russian Sage in a dry and sunny environment, you will be rewarded with abundant clusters of flowers that you’ll be able to enjoy from early spring to late autumn.

Buffalo Grass

Bouteloua dactyloides, also known as Buffalograss of Buffalo Grass is a type of prairie grass that grows natively in the United States, in Canada, and in Mexico. This shortgrass is perennial and thrives in warm environments. It is safe to say that Buffalo Grass is a hardy plant as it can withstand droughts, extreme heat, and even cold temperatures. If you are looking for a lawn replacement, Buffalo Grass is just what you need.

This turfgrass can resist a wide range of outdoor conditions. Unlike many heat-loving plants, it can also tolerate cold. It spreads very quickly, through stolons, it doesn’t need frequent mowing and it has low water requirements. The ideal time to plant Buffalo Grass is in April or May and you can start if from seed or sod. The active growth season of Buffalo Grass is from May to September and it is followed by a dormancy period during fall and winter.

Tall Fescue

No xeriscape would be complete without decorative grass. There are several types of ornamental grass suitable for xeriscaping gardens but the Festuca arundinacea a.k.a. Tall Fescue is a popular choice. It adapts well to a wide range of environments and it maintains its green colour all year round. It grows well in poor soil and its coarse and broad roots can actually stabilize the soil and minimize erosion. Tall fescue is a hardy grass that is often used by gardeners as a lawn.

Other decorative grasses that are perfect for xeriscaping include Arizona Fescue, Blue Grama, Blue Oat Grass, Feather Reed Grass, Chinese Silver Grass, Indiangrass, Little Bluestem, Green Fescue, Prairie Dropseed, Switchgrass, Blue Fescue, and Zebra Grass.

Basic steps for an ideal xeriscape

You don’t need to be an experienced gardener or a skilled landscaper to create a beautiful xeric garden. All you have to do is follow these basic steps.

Step 1 – Determine if your space is suitable for xeriscaping

Obviously enough, if you live in a desert area, your yard is the ideal environment for a xeric garden. However, if you live in an area with occasional drought periods things can get a tad complicated. Even a temperate area can have xeriscape elements, but you will need to observe your yard properly and designate the sun and water zones. You will have areas with high water use, areas with moderate water use, and areas with low or no water use. As far as humid environments go, you can only use xeric elements as focal points. An overly rocky and dry garden will look out of place in a humid environment.

Step 2 – Optimize the space for water conservation

Aside from marking the sun and the water zones, there are other tricks that you can use to conserve water. You can use the natural drainage patterns of the land to create terraces. You can also use trees to create shade and keep the soil cool. If irrigation is needed, opt for a smart system that doesn’t waste any water.

Step 3 – Choose your plants wisely

Using native plants is ideal in creating a garden. If you live in an arid environment, start with the plants that we listed above. For other environments, you will have to work with native plants. Only use the principles of xeriscaping to conserve water. Don’t try to create an environment that is atypical of the local climate.

Step 4 – Work on your soil

A xeric garden needs soil that can stay cool for as long as possible while still retaining excess moisture. The best choice is silt soil. A good amount of organic matter is recommended, but don’t overdo it. Keep in mind that many xeric plants thrive in poor soil.

Step 5 – Add Mulch

Mulching is essential to minimize evaporation and keep the roots cool. The best choice for a xeriscape is wood-based mulch. Cedar and pine peelings are ideal. Because it rots, wood-based mulch needs to be replaced regularly. However, it is the most effective for xeriscapes, and it also does a good job of complementing the environment. We know that xeric gardens are often associated with rocks and gravel, but this only works for certain environments. Stone-based mulch can work but only in the shade. In the sun, the stones get hot, heating the soil and evaporating excess water in the process.

Conclusion

As you can see, xeriscaping is full of advantages. It does need a little preparation and a good strategy, but it is nothing that you can’t easily learn on your own. And the best part about it is that once you are done with the planning and planting, you won’t have much to do other than to sit back and enjoy the environment.

Xeriscaping requires minimum maintenance, so you will save a lot of time and effort in the long run. Your water bills will also be less depressing and the environment will surely thank you for not wasting valuable resources. If you live in a less arid area, don’t forget to adapt the xeriscaping principles to the local climate.

Are you a fan of xeriscaping? Share your xeriscaping techniques in the comment section!

Xeriscaping FAQs

What are the 7 principles of xeriscaping?

The 7 principles of xeriscaping are:

1. Planning and design: Careful planning and design of the landscape to maximize water efficiency and minimize water waste.
2. Soil improvement: Improving the quality of the soil by incorporating organic matter and ensuring proper drainage.
3. Appropriate plant selection: Choosing plants that are well adapted to the local climate and require minimal water.
4. Efficient irrigation: Utilizing efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation or low-flow sprinklers to minimize water usage.
5. Mulching: Applying mulch around plants and in garden beds to retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.
6. Water conservation: Implementing water-saving techniques such as rainwater harvesting and reusing graywater for irrigation.
7. Maintenance: Regularly maintaining the landscape by monitoring water usage, pruning plants appropriately, and adjusting irrigation as needed.

What is xeriscape?

Xeriscape is a landscaping approach designed to create water-efficient and sustainable gardens or landscapes. It focuses on conserving water by using drought-tolerant plants, improving soil quality, and employing water-saving techniques such as efficient irrigation and mulching. Xeriscaping aims to create beautiful outdoor spaces while reducing water consumption and minimizing maintenance requirements.

What is the downside of xeriscape?

While xeriscaping offers several benefits, it also has some potential downsides:

1. Limited plant selection: Xeriscaping promotes the use of drought-tolerant plants, which may limit the variety of plant species you can choose from for your landscape.
2. Initial cost: Implementing a xeriscape design can require an upfront investment, including expenses for soil improvement, irrigation systems, mulch, and plant selection. However, the long-term water savings can offset these initial costs over time.
3. Establishment period: Newly installed xeriscapes may require extra care and watering during the establishment phase until plants become established and can thrive with minimal water.
4. Aesthetics: Some people may have a personal preference for traditional, lush landscapes with more water-intensive plants, and xeriscaping may not meet their aesthetic expectations.

What are xeriscaping techniques?

Xeriscaping techniques refer to the various practices used to create and maintain water-efficient landscapes. These techniques include:

1. Plant selection: Choosing drought-tolerant and native plants that require less water and are well-suited to the local climate.
2. Soil improvement: Enhancing soil quality through methods like adding organic matter, aerating, and improving drainage to ensure optimal plant growth and water retention.
3. Efficient irrigation: Using efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation or low-flow sprinklers that deliver water directly to the plants’ root zones, minimizing water waste.
4. Mulching: Applying organic or inorganic mulch around plants and in garden beds to conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.
5. Water conservation: Implementing water-saving techniques like rainwater harvesting, using graywater for irrigation, and installing soil moisture sensors or smart irrigation controllers to optimize water usage.
6. Maintenance practices: Regularly monitoring and adjusting irrigation, proper pruning, removing invasive species, and managing pests to ensure the health and vitality of the landscape.

Why is xeriscaping so expensive?

Xeriscaping can be initially expensive due to several factors:

1. Soil preparation: Improving the soil quality, which may involve adding organic matter or amending the soil structure, can require additional materials and labor.
2. Plant selection: Drought-tolerant and native plants that are well-adapted to the local climate may be more expensive or harder to find

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