Christmas Cactus Quandary
Dear Ivy,
How often should I water my Christmas cactus?
-Christmas Chris
Dear Chris,
Let’s explore some things about this interesting little exotic! First off, let’s get one thing out of the way… The “Christmas Cactus” Is not actually a cactus. In fact, it’s an epiphyte, like an orchid. CC’s and orchids share the same habitat in the wild. [...]
The Elusive Orchid
I’ve finally cracked the orchid code! My orchid re-bloomed last month, and it’s the first time I’ve ever gotten an orchid to re-bloom successfully. I know, I know. I’m as embarrassed as you are shocked. Here I sit, with the greenest of thumbs, and I have trouble with orchids. Well, I’ll tell you what it [...]
Give your plants a bath!
When the heat gets to be too much, set your plants in a few inches of water. This will allow them to fully absorb all the liquid they can hold, without you having to worry about over or under watering. You can spray or mist the top of the plant and get all the dust [...]
One of My Favorite Places, Part 2
The weather here has been rainy and drab for ohh, about two months now. This has really pushed back the timing of planting my garden. Normally around this time of year, my tropical indoor plants would have been out enjoying the sun for a few weeks, but the rain has kept temperatures low, so they [...]
Phalaenopsis Orchid Bloom!
My orchid recently came into bloom! I’m super excited about this because it’s my first really successful orchid. (I admittedly have a little eensy weensy problem with over watering them…) The best thing i can say about orchids is “Set it and Forget it”. Basically, you have to go through your home and find a [...]
Mail Call!
Dear Ivy,
I have Over watered my bromeliad, What can I do? The leaves are turning brown on the ends and Have spots on them. Please help I love this plant!
-Brown Betty
Dear Betty!
Cease and desist! Bromeliads evoke images of steamy jungles and high rainfall, so most people feel the strong urge to water them constantly. In [...]
Brown thumbs rejoice!
I’ve found the world’s most fool-proof plant.
I came across a basket at my last sojourn to the greenhouse at my favorite local nursery. It was filled with a mass of fuzzy, spiky balls. “Air Plants 3 for ten dollars” the sign said.
Tillandsia!
My favorite epiphytic bromeliad!
These plants are great. If you have ever wanted to get [...]