House Plants Blog

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House Plants Bloghttps://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/house-plants-blog.html The House Plants Blog keeps you up to date with new additions of plant profiles, pictures, and must-have care tips on the Guide-to-Houseplants.com website. Subscribe here.Jun 1, Anthurium Plant Care - How to Grow Anthurium andraeanum Indoorshttps://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/anthurium-plant.html b4b01a6a8aa18831aaec1f0a414e34d0    Botanical Name: Anthurium andraeanum Anthurium plant is among the best-known tropical flowers. Popular in tropical flower arrangements, Anthurium bouquets are often used in weddings on Hawaii and other Pacific islands.Give any brightly lit room a perennial vacay vibe with this spectacular houseplant. Discover how to please this exotic blooming plant indoors and you'll enjoy it for years.   <div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockCenter"><img class="ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/anthurium-andreanum.jpg" width="650" height="433" alt="anthurium plant, anthurium care, anthurium flowers, anthurium andraeanum" title="Anthurium Andreanum Plant" data-pin-media="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/anthurium-andreanum.jpg">Spectacular red spathes make Anthurium andreanum a popular houseplant. Photo © Phanida Phansurin</div> <h3>Get to Know Anthurium Plant</h3> Anthurium andreanum, also known as tail flower, is especially colorful from spring through fall. Anthurium flowers are long-lasting, and newer cultivars will bloom almost year-round.The glossy red, heart-shaped flowers are actually spathes that last for several weeks, each with a white or yellow spadix covered densely with its tiny, true flowers. Some varieties have spathe colors that are pink, orange-red or white.Long, dark-green leathery leaves grow up to 8-in (20 cm) long, held on upright stems. Anthurium leaves are poisonous. They contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe burning in the mouth. Keep the plant away from pets who may play with or chew on its foliage. It's also a good idea to wear gloves when handling this plant to avoid skin irritation. <h3>A. Andreanum Varieties</h3> Exciting new cultivars are introduced all the time, each more captivating than the last. <ul><li>Anthurium andreanum 'Album' is a cultivar sporting white spathes</li><li>A.a. 'Pink Champion' features pink spathes</li><li>A.a. 'Giganteum' has salmon-red spathes that are larger than the species</li></ul> <h3>Anthurium Andreanum is a Keeper</h3> Anthurium andreanum is a perennial that will live for several years with good care. What's more, you can divide older plants for an ongoing collection (see "Propagation" below). <div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockCenter"><img class="ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/anthurium-houseplant.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="anthurium plant, anthurium care, anthurium flowers, anthurium andraeanum" title="Anthurium Houseplants" data-pin-media="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/anthurium-houseplant.jpg"></div> <h3>Caring for Anthurium Plants as Houseplants</h3> Raise the humidity. Because of the need for humidity, Anthurium growing can be challenging in the home. However, newer cultivars are less fussy than the species. If the relative humidity drops below 50%, use a humidity tray or room humidifier to increase the moisture in the air. Grouping plants also helps to maintain the humidity around them. Brown leaf tips may be a sign of dry air.To repot...or not. The best time to repot your Anthurium plant is when new growth begins in spring. Move into a pot that's only 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) bigger -- and only when necessary. Set the plant high so that the crown sits above the soil line. If roots show up at the surface between repottings, cover them with potting mix. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil; good drainage is essential.Keep it clean. Anthurium leaves are naturally glossy. Wipe them gently with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free. Avoid dripping water on the leaves because it may cause brown spots, a fungus that needs to be treated with a fungicide. Yellow leaves are typically a symptom over-watering, but may be caused by cold drafts. This South American native wants warmth, year-round. Something bugging your plant? <a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/spider-mites.html">Spider mites</a> may invade Anthurium in the winter, if the air is dry. Watch for webbing between the leaves and stems, usually the first tell-tale sign of an invasion. Treat any infestation immediately. <a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/fungus-gnats.html">Fungus gnats</a> are attracted to wet, peaty potting mixes; they're easier to get rid of. <div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockCenter"><img class="ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/anthurium-white-pink.jpg" width="650" height="433" alt="anthurium plant, anthurium care, anthurium andraeanum" title="Pink Anthurium Houseplant" data-pin-media="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/anthurium-white-pink.jpg">Gorgeous white Anthurium sports pink border and spadix. Photo © Yana Demenko</div> <h2>Anthurium Plant Care Tips</h2> Origin: ColombiaHeight: Up to 18 in (45 cm); compact cultivars reach only 12 in (30 cm). Tall flower stems may need staking. Light: Bright light will make these beauties bloom. Give your plant as much sunlight as you can year-round (at least 4 hours of bright indirect light each day). Keep Anthurium out of direct sun, which may cause dry, brown patches on its leaves. A curtain-filtered sunny window is ideal.Water: Keep soil evenly moist spring through fall, slightly drier in winter. Yellow leaves are often caused by over-watering. Use a pot with drainage holes, water thoroughly, then empty drainage tray. Don't allow soil to get soggy, which can kill this plant.Humidity: This South American rain forest native craves high humidity year-round. Try to maintain 50% relative humidity or higher. Don't use a plant mister because drops of water may cause leaf blight that look like brown spots. The best way to increase humidity for your tropical houseplants is with a <a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/humidity.html">cool-mist room humidifier</a>. Temperature: (65-80°F/18-27°C) Anthurium plant prefers steady warm temps, just like we do. Protect it from cold blasts from doorways, windows and A/C vents.  Soil: Peat moss based potting mix with added perlite for good drainage; African violet potting mix is ideal. Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer with a high-phosphorus water-soluble fertilizer. Propagation: Divide crowded clumps when repotting. When a plant grows a new crown near the main plant, gently pull it away and plant it separately in a small container, keeping the crown of the plant above the soil line. New plants should bloom in about a year. <ol itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"> <li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"> <a itemprop="item" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/index.html"> Home</a> <meta itemprop="position" content="1"> </li> › <li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"> <a itemprop="item" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/house-plants-encyclopedia-a-z.html"> Houseplants A-Z</a> <meta itemprop="position" content="2"> </li> </ol>       Thu, 01 Jun 2023 11:19:11 -0700en-ustext/htmlhttps://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/anthurium-plant.htmlMay 29, How to Grow Basil Indoors: Growing Basil Herb on Your Windowsillhttps://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/how-to-grow-basil.html 6bc4cd155f48f7b3aed31cbac8c844af    Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicumThe "secret" to how to grow basil is to give it full sun and moist, but well-drained soil. Growing basil in the winter can be challenging because of its preference for hot, humid, sunny days. It is much easier to meet its needs in the summer, unless you use a grow light.   <div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockCenter"><img class="ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/how-to-grow-basil.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="how to grow basil, basil" title="Basil Plant" data-pin-media="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/how-to-grow-basil.jpg"></div> <h3>Get to Know Basil Plant</h3> Sweet basil plant is a tender annual. The species is a vigorous, fast-growing herb. Its oval, bright-green leaves are 1-2 inches long with deeply indented veins.Tall spikes of small, white flowers appear at the stem tips in late summer. Pinch them off as soon as you see them to prolong the plant's life and to preserve its flavor.More than 150 varieties are available, but the basics for how to grow basil are the same for all. Sweet basil plant, shown here, is the most widely grown for use in fresh tomato sauces and in pesto. Purple basil makes wonderful flavored vinegar. Many scented basil plants, such as cinnamon, lemon and licorice are used in fruit salads and for garnish. <div class="CalloutBox" readability="22"><h3>Varieties of Basil</h3> Many varieties are widely available. Choose what you like -- the care tips for how to grow basil are the same.O. basilicum 'Minimum', known as Greek basil, is a dwarf cultivar that reaches 1-1 1/2 ft tall. Its leaves are just 1/2 inch long. Other tiny-leafed cultivars are 'Green Bouquet' and 'Spicy Globe' -- they're even smaller, reaching only 1 ft tall.'Purpureum' has striking purple foliage and lavender-pink flowers.'Purple Ruffles' basil is similar in color, but its leaves have curly, toothed edges. It makes an attractive plant. </div> Pinch growing tips to encourage branching. If you eat basil regularly, you're automatically doing a big part of basil maintenance -- pruning. You'll keep your herb well-groomed and producing tasty, tender new leaves. <h3>Harvesting and Storing Basil Leaves</h3> <div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockLeft"><img class="ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/basil-cutting-board.jpg" width="175" height="120" alt="basil" title="basil" data-pin-media="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/basil-cutting-board.jpg"></div> Harvest leaves from mature plants every week. Harvesting basil leaves first thing in the morning will capture their best flavor. The best leaves are from young stems that have yet to flower. Don't worry about wasting a bountiful supply -- freezing basil is a great way of preserving basil for cooking. Gently wash leaves, then pat dry. Chop fresh leaves by hand or in the food processor. By chopping them finely, they'll be the right size for adding to soups, sauces or other recipes. Store them in freezer bags.Drying basil is a convenient way for storing it. Don't know how to dry basil? It's easy. Cut off stems and tie in 1 inch bunches with string, leaving a loop for hanging. Hang them upside down and allow them to dry naturally in a cool, dry, dark place. <h2>How to Grow Basil Indoors</h2> <div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockRight"><img class="ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/basil-plant.jpg" width="225" height="311" alt="how to grow basil" title="Basil Plant Growing in a Terracotta Pot" data-pin-media="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/basil-plant.jpg"></div> Origin: India, southern AsiaHeight: 1-2 ft (30-60 cm) Light: Full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Turn plant for even growth because it will tend to grow toward the light source. Want to know how to grow basil with an <a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/indoor-plant-lights.html">indoor grow light</a>? Just keep the light 6 in (15 cm) above the plant and leave it on for 14 hours a day. This is the equivalent of 6 hours of sun. Turn the light off at night -- plants need a rest, too.Water: Water thoroughly then allow top 1 in (2.5 cm) of the soil to dry out between waterings. Humidity: Moderate room (around 40% relative humidity) or higher. Mist the leaves with room-temperature water or put the plant on a tray of wet pebbles. Kitchens are typically higher in humidity than other rooms of the house and ideal for keeping your herbs nearby for cooking. Temperature: Average room temperatures 65-75°F/18-24°C. If you move your plant outside for the summer, don't worry -- it can take the heat. Just bring your basil indoors when temps drop below 50°F at night. Soil: Well-drained potting mix, such as cactus mix. Or, use 2 parts all-purpose potting mix with 1 part sharp sand or perlite.Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks with a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer diluted by half. If you're growing basil from seed, start fertilizing after seedlings are a month old. Propagation: Seed. Basil seeds can be collected from the flowers in autumn. These tiny, black seeds are nestled in the flowers. Shake them loose and save them to plant in spring. You can sow basil seeds anytime indoors under a grow light. To sow seeds, barely cover them with potting medium and keep moist. Maintain a 70°F temperature for the seeds to germinate. You'll see seedlings emerge in about 5-10 days after sowing. <ol itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"> <li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"> <a itemprop="item" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/index.html"> Home</a> <meta itemprop="position" content="1"> </li> › <li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"> <a itemprop="item" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/indoor-herb-gardens.html"> Indoor Herb Gardens</a> <meta itemprop="position" content="2"> </li> </ol>       Mon, 29 May 2023 07:57:14 -0700en-ustext/htmlhttps://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/how-to-grow-basil.htmlMay 26, Aloe Vera Plant Care - How to Grow Aloe Indoorshttps://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/aloe-vera.html b97fb732d20e21813ee7bc6642ca7e95    Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensisAloe vera plant is known for the healing properties of its sap. Also called Burn Plant or Medicine Plant, many people use the gel-like liquid from a broken leaf to soothe minor burns and abrasions.Sap from a snapped-off leaf has restorative properties that can be applied directly to skin. Aloe vera plant's sap is commonly used in medicines, lotions and cosmetics around the world.   <div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockCenter"><img class="ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/aloe-vera-plant-care.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="aloe vera plant care, growing aloe indoors" title="How to Grow Aloe Vera Indoors" data-pin-media="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/aloe-vera-plant-care.jpg"></div> <h3>Get to Know Aloe Vera</h3> Aloe vera plants are hardy, slow-growing succulents that grow in rosettes of plump, upward-curving green leaves. Aloe vera leaves are faintly spotted and edged with soft teeth.Does it flower? Maybe. Plants grown outdoors often bloom in spring with yellow, tubular flowers carried on tall flower spikes. However, it rarely blooms indoors.You'll find aloe is easy to grow and fairly trouble-free. So efficient at storing water, it rarely needs a drink. Are you a forgetful waterer? If so, this succulent is an ideal houseplant for you.It's long-lived, too. Give it plenty of sunlight, and you'll enjoy it for years. Want more? Aloe vera readily grows offsets that can be separated for more plants. <h3>Aloe Vera Plant Care Problems and Solutions</h3> Don't let it burn. If you move your plant outdoors for the summer, make the move a gradual one. Ironically, aloe vera plant sunburns easily if it is suddenly exposed to full sun, which shows as brown or gray scorched spots on leaves. Watch for pests. Check your aloe vera plant once in a while for scale insects and mealybugs that may infest this plant. Treat any infestation for these <a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/pests-and-diseases.html">house plant pests</a> immediately.Repot crowded plants. Repot young plants in spring when they are outgrowing their pots. These types of succulents freely produces offsets. You can keep plants from getting overcrowded by propagating offsets as they begin to form rosettes. <div class="CalloutBox" readability="11"><h4>What type of pot?</h4> Terra cotta is ideal for succulents because it is porous, allowing the potting mix to dry out faster. These easy-to-find pots also have drainage holes -- a must for succulent plants, which are prone to rot if their roots stay soaking wet.  </div> Brown leaf tips on aloe vera plant usually indicate that it's not getting enough water. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the excess water to drain.Black spots on leaves are often due to overwatering. Do not allow water to collect in the rosettes of leaves, which causes the plant to rot. <div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockCenter"><img class="ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/aloevera.jpg" width="533" height="752" alt="aloe vera plant, grow aloe vera indoors" title="Aloe Vera Plant Growing Indoors" data-pin-media="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/aloevera.jpg"></div> <h3>Buy Aloe Vera Plant</h3> You'll find aloe vera plants for sale under the common name or scientific name, Aloe barbadensis. This popular succulent is easy to find in many garden centers year-round and online. <h2>Aloe Vera Plant Care Tips</h2> <div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockRight"><img class="ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/aloe-vera-plant.jpg" width="300" height="355" alt="aloe vera, aloe vera plant, succulent house plants" title="Aloe Vera Plant" data-pin-media="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/aloe-vera-plant.jpg"></div> Origin: Northeast AfricaHeight: 1-2 ft (30-60 cm)Light: Bright light, with some direct sun in winter. Keep aloe vera out of hot, direct sunlight in summer, which can scorch its leaves. It's a good idea to rotate your plant each week to expose all sides to sunlight for even growth.Water: Spring through fall, water thoroughly, allowing the potting medium to almost dry out before watering again. Don't allow water to settle in the rosette of leaves because they easily rot. Water sparingly in winter when growth is slower. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, however. When aloe vera is too dry the leaves will wrinkle. Humidity: Average (around 40% relative humidity) to dry room humidity.Temperature: Average room temperatures (65-75°F/18-24°C) year-round. If you move aloe vera outdoors for the summer, don't worry -- it can take the heat. Soil: Cactus potting mix is ideal because it is fast-draining. Or add 1 part horticultural sand with 2 parts all-purpose potting mix.Fertilizer: Spring through fall, feed monthly with a 2-7-7 succulent plant fertilizer. Stop feeding in winter when growth is slow.Propagation: Cut off new offsets in spring or early summer. Allow the cut portion to dry for a day or two to prevent the sap from oozing, then pot it in barely moist sandy potting mix. <ol itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"> <li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"> <a itemprop="item" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/index.html"> Home</a> <meta itemprop="position" content="1"> </li> › <li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"> <a itemprop="item" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/house-plants-encyclopedia-a-z.html"> Houseplants A-Z</a> <meta itemprop="position" content="2"> </li> </ol>       Fri, 26 May 2023 11:47:14 -0700en-ustext/htmlhttps://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/aloe-vera.htmlMay 24, Grow Garden Favorites Indoorshttps://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/house-plants-blog.html#Grow-Garden-Favorites-Indoors 324825f29fcf69e26c1cccdaa7b4ea40The House Plants Blog shows you what's new on this site. It... To subscribe to my House Plants Blog (no email necessary), right-click on the orange RSS button (at right) and paste the URL into your RSS reader. <div readability="49.611672278339"><div class="blogItItem" readability="27.613333333333"><h6 class="published_date">Jun 01, 2023</h6><h3>Anthurium Plant Care - How to Grow Anthurium andraeanum Indoors</h3><div class="blogItThumbnail"><a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/anthurium-plant.html"><img class="blogItThumbnail ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/anthurium-andreanum.jpg" alt="Anthurium Plant Spathes CloseUp" width="150" height="99.9230769230769"></a></div>Anthurium plant is one of the world's most exotic tropical flowers. Discover Anthurium growing tips: sunlight, fertilizer, watering, repotting.<a class="entry_link" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/anthurium-plant.html">Continue reading "Anthurium Plant Care - How to Grow Anthurium andraeanum Indoors"</a></div><div class="blogItItem" readability="27.048611111111"><h6 class="published_date">May 29, 2023</h6><h3>How to Grow Basil Indoors: Growing Basil Herb on Your Windowsill</h3><div class="blogItThumbnail"><a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/how-to-grow-basil.html"><img class="blogItThumbnail ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/how-to-grow-basil.jpg" alt="How to Grow Basil - Terracotta Pot" width="150" height="112.5"></a></div>How to grow basil indoors with natural or indoor grow light. Tips for pruning, harvesting, freezing and drying basil, plant care.<a class="entry_link" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/how-to-grow-basil.html">Continue reading "How to Grow Basil Indoors: Growing Basil Herb on Your Windowsill"</a></div><div class="blogItItem" readability="29.2"><h6 class="published_date">May 26, 2023</h6><h3>Aloe Vera Plant Care - How to Grow Aloe Indoors</h3><div class="blogItThumbnail"><a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/aloe-vera.html"><img class="blogItThumbnail ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/aloe-vera-plant-care.jpg" alt="Aloe Vera How to Grow" width="150" height="100.078125"></a></div>Aloe Vera plant is a popular house plant known for the healing properties of its gel-like sap. Find out how to grow aloe plants in pots, water, sunlight, repot.<a class="entry_link" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/aloe-vera.html">Continue reading "Aloe Vera Plant Care - How to Grow Aloe Indoors"</a></div><div class="blogItItem" readability="41.353637901861"><h6 class="published_date">May 24, 2023</h6><h3>Grow Garden Favorites Indoors</h3>Heading to the garden center this weekend? Pick up a few extra plants. (Don't you wish you could take them all home?)<img src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/image-files/xcoleus-plant.jpg.pagespeed.ic.MIWHauE963.jpg" width="200" height="182" alt="coleus plant, coleus plants, coleus blumei" align="right" border="0" vspace="10" hspace="10">Many of your garden favorites are a snap to grow as house plants. Add fresh color to your home with charming <a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/pansy-plants.html">pansies</a>, dwarf varieties of <a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/snapdragon-flowers.html">snapdragons</a>, plus bright <a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/primrose.html">primroses</a>, <a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/wax-begonia.html">wax begonias</a> and <a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/impatiens-flowers.html">impatiens</a>.<a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/hydrangea-care.html">Mophead hydrangea</a> boasts dazzling blue flower clusters, making it a favorite house plant.Dramatic patterns in dazzling colors make <a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/coleus-plant.html">coleus</a> (shown here) popular for shade gardens. But you'll love growing this colorful gem indoors, too.</div><div class="blogItItem" readability="27.038461538462"><h6 class="published_date">May 19, 2023</h6><h3>How to Grow Lavender: Care Tips for Growing Lavender Plant</h3><div class="blogItThumbnail"><a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/how-to-grow-lavender.html"><img class="blogItThumbnail ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/lavender-pots.jpg" alt="Lavender Pots" width="150" height="99.84375"></a></div>Find out how to grow lavender as a houseplant. Discover plant care, tips for growing lavender plant indoors, planting and pruning lavender.<a class="entry_link" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/how-to-grow-lavender.html">Continue reading "How to Grow Lavender: Care Tips for Growing Lavender Plant"</a></div><div class="blogItItem" readability="27.75"><h6 class="published_date">May 11, 2023</h6><h3>Flaming Katy: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Indoor Plant Care</h3><div class="blogItThumbnail"><a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/flaming-katy.html"><img class="blogItThumbnail ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/kalanchoe-plant-window.jpg" alt="Kalanchoe Pink Plant in Window" width="150" height="110"></a></div>Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is one of the few succulents grown just for its blooms. Get Kalanchoe plant care for potting, fertilizing, watering.<a class="entry_link" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/flaming-katy.html">Continue reading "Flaming Katy: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Indoor Plant Care"</a></div><div class="blogItItem" readability="27.064814814815"><h6 class="published_date">May 04, 2023</h6><h3>Lipstick Plant Care Tips: How to Grow Aeschynanthus Radicans Indoors</h3><div class="blogItThumbnail"><a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/lipstick-plant.html"><img class="blogItThumbnail ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/lipstick-plant-basket.jpg" alt="Lipstick Plant in Basket" width="150" height="101.875"></a></div>Easy-care Lipstick Plant is ideal for a hanging basket. This tropical beauty's long, trailing vines are thickly covered with leaves and red, tubular flowers.<a class="entry_link" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/lipstick-plant.html">Continue reading "Lipstick Plant Care Tips: How to Grow Aeschynanthus Radicans Indoors"</a></div><div class="blogItItem" readability="27.597359735974"><h6 class="published_date">Apr 30, 2023</h6><h3>Guide for Growing Miniature Roses Indoors - Mini Rose Care</h3><div class="blogItThumbnail"><a href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/growing-miniature-roses.html"><img class="blogItThumbnail ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/miniature-roses-indoors.jpg" alt="Miniature Roses Red in Window" width="150" height="100"></a></div>Tips for growing miniature roses indoors. How to take care of miniature roses (Rosa chinensis hybrids) as house plants. How to pot, prune, water mini roses.<a class="entry_link" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/growing-miniature-roses.html">Continue reading "Guide for Growing Miniature Roses Indoors - Mini Rose Care"</a></div></div>Wed, 24 May 2023 08:15:32 -0700en-ustext/htmlhttps://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/house-plants-blog.htmlMay 19, How to Grow Lavender: Care Tips for Growing Lavender Planthttps://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/how-to-grow-lavender.html 1c6f9621b5051b3f97ff0835f0698a78    Botanical Name: Lavandula speciesIf you've ever wondered how to grow lavender plant, you'll be surprised how easy it is. All lavender varieties prefer full sun and a sandy, well-drained soil. Lavender grows well in a container indoors and out. <div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockCenter"><img class="ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/lavender-pots.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="how to grow lavender, growing lavender, lavender augustifolia" title="Lavender augustifolia" data-pin-media="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/lavender-pots.jpg">English lavender (L. angustifolia) is the most common variety. It offers several popular cultivars.</div>   Lavandula angustifolia offers a few cultivars that make good house plants. 'Hidcote' lavender is a compact plant with rich purple blooms, and 'Munstead Dwarf' is a prolific bloomer that only reaches 1 ft (30 cm) tall.  'Alba Nana' is even more compact, growing to 6-12 in (15-30 cm) high and is a rare white-flowered variety. <h3>Uses of Lavender</h3> Lavender gets its name from the Latin word lavare, which means to wash. In ancient times, Romans used the aromatic herb to scent their bathwater.Lavender's intoxicating fragrance has made this herb a favorite for perfumes and lavender sachets for centuries. Pure lavender oil is used in aromatherapy products such as candles, pot pourri and soaps. Its soothing scent has a relaxing effect. Lavender crafts such as wreaths or other dried flower arrangements are cherished for their aroma as much as their beauty. <div class="CalloutBox" readability="9"><h4>Did you know...</h4> Dried lavender flower buds are one of the ingredients in herbes de Provence, a popular herb mix used for cooking. </div> <h3>Varieties of Lavender</h3> L. x intermedia are hybrids of L. angustifolia and L. latifolia, featuring violet-blue flowers. 'Twickle Purple' is a beautiful, dark-purple cultivar with heavy fragrance. 'Hidcote' is compact, reaching 16 in (40 cm), ideal for a container.French lavender (L. dentata) has finely toothed, grayish-green foliage and pale purple blooms.Spanish lavender (L. stoechas), shown below, is a species featuring short, thick spikes of deep violet flowers topped with long bracts.Countless varieties are available, but the basics for how to grow lavender are the same for all. Provide plenty of sunshine and keep the soil on the dry side. <h3>Lavender Plant Care</h3> There's no trick to learn how to grow lavender. However, growing lavender plant indoors can be a challenge if you don't have a sunny spot for it.Native to the Mediterranean, this sun-loving herb needs as much direct light as possible. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, so moving it outdoors for the summer may be your best option. Don't worry about putting it on a hot porch or patio -- it can take the heat. Just bring it back indoors for the winter. Most lavender varieties are not cold-hardy.Pruning lavender will keep the plant compact. Cut the plant back by half after the flowering season is over. <div class readability="9">Lavender harvesting tip: If you want to preserve the plant for drying, gather lavender just after the flowers open. Cut flower stems at the base. </div> <h3>How to Dry Lavender</h3> Cut off the stems as soon as the flowers are fully open, leaving a stem length suitable for a vase, wreath, or whatever flower arrangement you choose. Use a dark, dry, airy room for fast drying. Tie the stems in small bunches, then hang the stems upside down while drying to prevent them from bending.It will take about a week for the flowers to completely dry. <h2>How to Grow Lavender Indoors</h2> <div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockRight"><img class="ss-lazy" src="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/how-to-grow-lavender.jpg" width="275" height="286" alt="how to grow lavender, growing lavender plant, lavender plant care" title="Lavender in Terra Cotta Pot" data-pin-media="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/images/how-to-grow-lavender.jpg"></div> Origin: MediterraneanHeight: 1-3 ft (30-90 cm), depending on variety Light: Full sun. Turn plant for even growth because it will tend to grow toward the light source. Growing lavender plant outdoors in the warm months will give it the sunlight it needs.Water: Water thoroughly spring through fall, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In winter, water sparingly. Use a pot with a drainage hole to prevent soggy potting medium, which can lead to root rot.Humidity: Average room (around 40% relative humidity). Temperature: Average room temperatures 60-80°F/16-27°C. English lavender (L. angustifolia) is cold hardy to USDA Zone 5. Other lavender varieties are not cold-hardy. They do, however, make excellent container plants and can be brought indoors for the winter.Soil: Use a well-drained potting mix such as 2 parts all-purpose potting mix and 1 part sand. Lavender doesn't like heavy, poorly drained soil, which can cause root rot. Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks spring through fall with a 10-20-20 liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Propagation: Take 3-4 in (7-10 cm) stem cuttings in spring and place in moist potting mix. Pinch off the flowers the first year to encourage strong growth of the plant. Propagating lavender from seed is usually difficult, however, one variety L. angustifolia 'Lady' is easy to start from seed and will bloom the first year. How to grow lavender from seed: Sow in spring, just barely covering the seeds with well-drained soil. Place in full sun. <ol itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"> <li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"> <a itemprop="item" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/index.html"> Home</a> <meta itemprop="position" content="1"> </li> › <li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"> <a itemprop="item" href="https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/indoor-herb-gardens.html"> Indoor Herb Gardens</a> <meta itemprop="position" content="2"> </li> </ol>       Fri, 19 May 2023 07:57:13 -0700en-ustext/htmlhttps://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/how-to-grow-lavender.html