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April Gardening Tips
The temperatures are rising, the birds are singing and the sun is shining- Spring is here! The weather, rather than the calendar, dictate when to start working in your garden.
April 1, 2024
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7 Unusual Houseplants to Try this Year
Want to spruce up your home décor with fun houseplants? English Gardens has a variety of unusual houseplants that will add a little “extra” to your home or office décor.
Lithops or “Living Stones”
A very fascinating plant! Living Stones resemble pebbles with subtle colors of gray, brown, rust, green and pink, combined with intricate markings. They also open up in the fall to produce a beautiful flower.
Water: Water very lightly, just enough to keep the root hairs alive. As the old leaves dry up in the spring, give them more water until the summer days bring the growing period to a standstill, then proceed watering very lightly until next spring. Remember, you never want the soil to become bone dry.
Light: Place in an area with direct sunlight, such as a sunny windowsill.
North American Pitcher Plant
A colorful and beautifully variegated plant, Pitcher Plants are carnivorous (they eat insects). They capture insects by producing nectar along the rim of their pitchers.
Water: The best way to keep the soil moist is by placing the pot on a saucer of water.
Light: They prefer direct sunlight.
Venus Fly Traps
Another fun carnivorous plant! Venus Fly Traps have “mouths” to catch flies and other insects. The trap secretes a type of protein that attracts insects and once an insect lands in the mouth, the trap is triggered and the mouth closes.
Water: The Venus Fly Trap comes with a clear plastic top to fill halfway with water to place under the pot, so the plant will obtain its water through evaporation.
Light: Venus Fly Traps like direct sunlight.
Tillandsias or “Air Plants”
Air Plants take all their nutrients through their leaf system; not their roots. Their roots are used as a wire, like an anchor to hold onto trees, rocks, etc.
Water: Air Plants need water to thrive, but also need to dry out completely before watering. Air Plants can only obtain their water from their leaves. The easiest way to water them is to immerse the plant in the sink or a bucket. If not, use a hose or the kitchen faucet to completely wet your plant. Your plant will also appreciate a good soaking for several hours every one to two weeks. Don’t submerge the flowers in water because the petals will dissolve, but if you’re going away for several weeks it is more important to give your plant sufficient water than to preserve the flowers.
Light: Air plants like bright indirect light.
String of Pearls
A distinct and unusual plant, String of Pearls is bound to be a conversation piece. String of Pearls is an indoor hanging plant with small, bright green, beadlike leaves that appear on long, slender stems that cascade. String of Pearls is a succulent that requires little maintenance.
Water: Water the plant thoroughly and let the soil completely dry out between watering.
Light: Place String of Pearls in a bright, sunny window, preferably a window facing west or south.
Brain Cactus
For its namesake, this cactus has whorls and tight fans that resemble a human brain.
Water: Throughout the growing season (spring and summer), let the potting soil almost completely dry out between watering, then water thoroughly. In winter, cut back watering.
Light: Like all cacti, the Brain Cactus prefer bright sunlight and thrives in full sun and strong light.
Madagascar Palm
The Madagascar Palm is actually not a palm, but an exotic succulent. Its trunk is covered with shiny silver pointy hard needles that look like thorns. With narrow green leaves growing from the top, this plant looks very much like a miniature palm tree. A lightly fragrant flower may appear on mature plants. Mix with other succulents to create an interesting table garden.
Water: The Madagascar Palm needs to be kept slightly moist as it loses leaves if it gets too dry.
Light: They love sunlight, so place near a bright window.
To learn more about the variety of houseplants English Gardens carries, ask an associate in any of our stores.
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