Metropolitan WholesaleYucca Plant Care: 3 Simple Tips
Yucca Plant Care: 3 Simple Tips
Yucca plants are one of the most popular houseplants in the world thanks to their not needing much maintenance and their simple, striking (and spiky) look. Plus, it has been shown to remove toxins from the air, making their popular plants for pollution-concerned city dwellers.
Although the 40 varieties of yucca do not need as much tending as some other families of plants, there are still optimal conditions to get them to grow and help them to flower. Here are some essential things you need to know about caring for your yucca.
Give it enough sunlight
Although yuccas have adapted to live in the dry direct heat of the desert, most yucca houseplants thrive better in indirect light. Ideally, your potted plant should be placed in a bright room, but in a shaded area away from direct sunlight, which can cause the tips of the plant to brown or white spots to appear on the leaves.
Don’t over-water
For the best yucca plant care, it is essential that the plant is in a pot with good drainage. The plant does not need much water, and without loose soil and drainage, its roots tend to rot, its trunk turns spongy, and its leaves turn yellow. All it takes to start to save it, however, is to dry it out again.
Beware spider mites
Spider mites eat at least 200 different plant varieties, and sadly yucca plants are one of them. You can spot the bugs themselves, which are green with bright red spots on their backs, or by the brown speckles on the leaves, they leave behind.
To protect your plant from these mites, mix a solution of dish soap and water (2 tablespoons per gallon), put into a spray gun, then spray the affected parts of the plant until the mixture begins to drip from the leaves. Make sure you spray both sides of the leaf for full coverage.
Though this list makes yucca care seem complex, it is usually a fairly simple process. As long as the plant gets enough sunlight, is kept at a fairly constant temperature and is not given too much water, then your plant should survive fine, and flower up to once a season, with the plant erupting in white blossoms for a few weeks.
How Temperature Affect Your Freshly Cut Flowers
Importance of Temperature on Flowers
Temperature greatly affects flowers in a sense that it can make it last longer or wither it quickly. Humidity and temperature that expose fresh cut flowers have a great influence on their exterior and longevity once positioned into a bud vase.
The preferred temperature for plants ranges normally from approximately 0 degree Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. Exceeding and decreasing temperatures can cause harmful effects on plants or its flowers.
To maintain cut flowers and make their life longer, keep in mind that they have been detached from their supply of water (roots) and will wither rapidly if not placed in water. Cut stems should be in the water right away. Air will swiftly budge into the plant’s tissues and close the cells. Hence, the freshly cut flower that hasn’t been in contact with water more than a few minutes must have a small segment of the lower stem cut off in order for the water to move up generously when it is put back to water. Cutting the flower from the stem can be made under-water to guarantee that no air enters the stem.
In order to help you cut flowers and avoid the negative effects of temperature, here are some tips that you could do:
Guidelines For Cutting Flowers
1. Cut the flowers in the morning
Early morning is the best time to cut fresh flowers. The effects of temperature on your plants in the morning are ideal. The flowers are then exposed to the morning dew and the cool night air. At this time, the stems are still full of water and carbohydrates. Hence, they are still firm to touch. As the day goes by and warms up, flowers progressively dehydrate. Noontime is the least desirable time to cut fresh flowers, as transpiration rates are at their climax and plants quickly lose moisture through the leaves. Flowers become wilted; their necks bowed. If you will cut them at this rate, they will not restore their form well and their vase life will most likely be short.
2. Clean the cutting tools
Always use clean, sharp tools when cutting flowers. Never use ordinary shears in cutting for it may crush the vascular systems of the fresh flowers and preclude the intake of water properly. A pair of scissors like this is intended to cut papers or art materials and not stems which are firmer and bulkier. For solid stems that are hard to cut, you can use shears or pruning tools to properly cut them. There are other pruning and cutting tools suitable for you.
To properly cut the flowers, have it one-inch tall from the end of the main stem. Make the slice slanting at an angle of 45 degrees. Cutting this way can provide a higher possibility of water intake because of the larger exposed area. It also allows the stem to a position on a point, allowing water to get in touch with the area of the cut. Cutting the stem straight or horizontally will block the water from entering the stem. Having the right effect of temperature on the plant will be wasted if the stem couldn’t uptake the water properly.
3. Observe water temperature
Most professional florists and business owners always make use of lukewarm water for their freshly cut flowers. The temperature of the water should be 100 degrees F to 110 degrees F. Molecules from warm water can move quicker than those from cold water, so it can be taken up by the flowers without difficulty. Remember, your aim is to allow water to be taken up by the stem to the head as quickly as possible. Just be considerate to the flower and research well. Some flowers most likely can survive and last longer using cold water such as tulips and hyacinths– unlike roses that are weaker during the low temperature.
4. Use a pail made of plastic, not metal
In harvesting, you should always have a bucket of water prepared to where the flowers should be placed. They are like fishes that need to be in contact with water when on land. It’s much better to use a plastic pail. Pail made with metal can affect the PH balance of the water which in turn affects the freshly cut flowers.
5. Keep the flowers hydrated before cutting
It’s also a great idea to keep the flowers hydrated by spraying water on them before cutting. It could be harmful to the flowers to be sprinkled with water using a hose. Sprinklers could help you a lot with this task.
Conclusion
Most plants have a variety of temperature at which growth takes place. Some plants are more flexible (such as grass) and can grow all through the range while other plants have more precise temperature necessities. So, if you are someone who’s interested in plants, try researching first on how to nurture a specific plant and the effects of temperature to them.
Hi there! I’m Lucy – founder of GardenAmbition.com and I’m a self-confessed garden fanatic. Gardening has always been a passion of mine and will always be my favorite pastime. Now that I am married and have one adorable son, I have the time to write and share my personal experiences with other garden enthusiasts like me.
How To Brighten Your Home With Colorful Plants
How To Brighten Your Home With Colorful Plants
Introduction
Living in a dull house? You can’t always update the house itself, but you can make a few simple changes to brighten up different spaces without breaking the bank. House plants are a cheap, attractive way to make any room look larger, airier, and brighter. The best part is that if you make the right plant choices, they’re also low-maintenance.
How to Brighten Your Home with Plants
- Don’t Ignore Non-Flowering Plants
You don’t need to bring a lot of colored, flowering plants to make your home feel brighter and friendlier. The right types of plants can improve your home without you having to wait for the right season for them to bloom.
Look for plants with beautiful leaf patterns and vibrant colors, like bamboo small cactuses or succulents, and dwarf palm trees. Some of the plants that do well indoors also have patterns on their leaves or stems, like the snake plant.
- Choose Long-Lasting Flowers
If you’re going for a smore colorful indoor display, choose plants that have a long flowering cycle. Many flowers come and go quickly during the spring, but you can find specific plants and types of plants that hold onto their flowers for months at a time.
The most notable plant with a long-lasting flower is the orchid. It’s available in a lot of different colors, and it’s simple to care for in your home. You can get different varieties of lilies, like the peace lily or calla lily. Small hydrangea shrubs also do well indoors and can bloom in a wide range of colors.
- Look for Complementary Pots
The pot and planter you put your flowers and house plants in will add color to the room. Find a setup that complements that plant inside it. This way you’ll emphasize the beautiful colors of the blooms and help the striking green leaves stand out. The pot or planter can also be used to match the décor inside your home, to help tie everything together.
- Grow Your Own Herbs and Veggies
Many herbs are small and beautiful, and can be grown inside on a window sill. Once they have matured a bit, you can use them in your homemade meals! Depending on what you actually want, you can customize your little kitchen garden. Mint, rosemary, parsley, basil, cilantro, thyme, lemongrass, oregano, and sage all do well on a windowsill. Lemon balm and chives are more colorful additions to your home herb garden.
For veggies, you may need to give them a little time outside if you want some of them to thrive, but they can be grown mostly indoors. Try carrots, garlic, small fruit trees like avocados or mandarin oranges, salad greens, and spinach.
- Low-Light Plants Brighten Dark Rooms
Tons of colorful plants don’t need much natural light to thrive. Some actually prefer dim spaces to bright sunlight, making them a perfect option for dark rooms. Plants like the orchid, areca palm, snake plant, and peace lily all do well in indirect, low light.
- Hang Flower Pots Outside
Don’t focus on just the inside of your home. Hanging pots of flowers can be seen through your windows and make your home’s outside (porches, decks, etc.) more beautiful. Imagine sitting out on the deck, surrounded by beautiful blooming flowers in the spring and summer! Choose the right hanging pots, and you can spread the natural beauty of your houseplants outside as well.
Conclusion
You don’t always need home renovations or expense re-decorating to make your home a bit brighter and more comfortable. The right choice of plants can add a new life to any room. Plus, you won’t have to do much to take care of them!
ABOUT AUTHOR
I am Jane – a housewife. I live in a warm family with my husband and lovely kids. Two years ago, I started making my backyard into a garden which has supplied significant veggies for my family. I created this blog – puffycarrot.com to share my experience and what I’ve learned in gardening. Hope you will find something helpful for your own here.
Grow Garden Peas – 5 Tips and Advice
5 Tips and Advice On How To Grow Garden Peas
Do not be deceived by the size of these vegetables! Peas are actually power-rich food that contains high concentrations of anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals.
It is such a good addition to garden farms because of the many health benefits that it could bring to the body and the way it is easily cultivated or grown.
Some peas are easy to grow like the snow peas.
HOW TO GROW GARDEN PEAS
Peas are usual start-up plants both for kids and adults who are new to the gardening scene. Here are a few tips on how to grow garden peas successfully:
- Choose the right peas for you
You have to greatly consider what kind of peas best suit you and your patience. Some peas may take time to grow while others are quick and easy, like the snow peas.
Most gardeners suggest that you plant seedlings instead of raw seeds, as the growth would also be quicker and the harvesting time a lot faster.
Green peas are a favorite ingredient in some dishes.
Aside from the rate of its growth, buy seeds that are organically grown and are free from chemicals and other fungicide sprays. Always keep your health in mind because, after all, that’s the whole goal of home gardeninG.
- Find the right timing
Even though peas are low maintenance, you still have to know when and how to grow garden peas at the right time. These plants grow pleasantly during cooler seasons or in cooler climates. The plant thrives in well-drained loam soils that are abundant in organic materials and have a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Some gardeners suggest that sowing during the first moon quarter of the month is most advisable. This is because moisture in the soil is absorbed easily by peas during this time.
Proper spacing is important when growing green peas.
- Space them out
Unlike other garden plants that grow and thrive with other plants, peas are the exact opposite. They have the tendency to compete and stunt the growth of plants like garlic, onions, chives, and shallots. Hence, never plant them in the same area or container.
However, when peas are planted with other varieties of peas and/or low-growing carrots, radishes, and turnips, they grow and survive. You can get tips on how to grow garden peas better by following the 5 easy steps on how to make the soil compact and ready for planting.
Choose an organic fertilizer as synthetic fertilizers are not good for your health.
- Soak, Sow, & Label
If you are planning to plant peas from seed sources, you need to soak the seeds overnight in warm water. This process actually helps soften the seed coat.
As a general rule on how to grow garden peas, they should be sown 2-3 cm/1 in. deep in the soil. They should also be 10 cm/4 inches apart from each other to help air circulate amongst the plant and prevent disease. If you want to plant different varieties of peas in one space, don’t forget to place them in different containers so that their vines won’t intermingle.
Aside from that, label the kinds of peas you have sown so that when it’s harvesting time, you won’t get confused which pea-plant is which.
Peas just like all the other plants come in different varieties. If you plan to grow healthy and tasty green peas, you have to make sure the soil is well fertilized. You can use a fertilizer spreader to spread the organic chemicals evenly. Moreover, you can also collect and mulch some leaves using a mulcher vacuum and then turn them into organic fertilizer.
Soak the green peas overnight before planting them.
- Give much-needed support
Part of how to grow garden peas is to consider its overall structure.This plant is a type of vine, as it grows into maturity, it needs the necessary space for the vines to crawl, adapt, and produce more pea sprouts.
You need to “train” the climbers to grow and provide them with at least 20 cm/ 8 inches of vertical space to support their continuous growth. Make sure the frames are stable enough and can hold the weight of the vines as it grows. In addition, make sure the frames are free from dirt and rust. You can use a pressure washer for home use, set it at the minimum power, and wash the frames.
Providing vertical spaces for these plants to grow is easy. You can use recycled wires and fences, tree sticks, and branches or simple DIY support frames that would serve as trellises for the plants to grow.
Green peas are indeed a healthy and nutrient-packed food.
CONCLUSION
Growing green peas in your backyard garden can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first time doing home gardening. But don’t worry, with the tips shared in this article, you can grow and harvest healthy green peas in no time. Knowing the dos and don’ts of growing garden green peas will surely bring your gardening skills to the next level.
Did you find this article helpful? Thank you for reading and please let me know your thoughts about growing garden peas at home.
Hi there! I’m Lucy – founder of GardenAmbition.com and I’m a self-confessed garden fanatic. Gardening has always been a passion of mine and will always be my favorite pastime. Now that I am married and have one adorable son, I have the time to write and share my personal experiences with other garden enthusiasts like me.
Popular Wedding Flowers
Popular Wedding Flowers
Flowers are timeless. They have been used for centuries to mark the best and the most auspicious of our occasions, and continue to hold their own place in the world even today when everything is being replaced by technology.
Be it a farewell, a birthday, or a wedding, flowers still remain to be one of the best and most meaningful presents anyone could get. Flowers have a special place in weddings, where they are used to decorate the event. The colors, the meanings, and the visual softness that flowers bring to a wedding are all unmatched by any other decorative feature you can think of.
Choosing a wedding flower, however, is harder than many people think. With so many types of flowers available, many people don’t know which one to use for their wedding day. This is a guide to shed light on some of the most popular wedding flowers you could choose.
Rose – A Symbol of Love
Okay this one is pretty predictable. Why is that? Because the rose is the symbol of love all over the world. Probably the most recognized flower anywhere, the rose makes a beautiful wedding flower thanks to its various colors and its ability to play well with almost every other wedding flower.
Roses are used in various colors as decorations and table arrangements. Other than looking beautiful, the rose makes a wedding look that much more special because of its universal meaning.
Tulip – To Wish You Happy Years Ahead
Another flower that can be found in a plethora of colors, the tulip is a choice that is sure to make your wedding look special. With its long petals that taper towards the top, and its slender stem, a tulip flower says ‘elegance’ like few others.The flower symbolizes love and good wishes for the future, which makes it even more attractive as a wedding flower. You can use any hue of the flower you want, from the pastel pink, yellow, and peach to the vibrant red, magenta, and purple. If your wedding theme is subtle and elegant, you can even get white or cream tulips for your table arrangements, bouquets, and more.
Hydrangea – A Flower that Fits In
Sometimes it’s nice to have a flower that can fit in anywhere and make a composition look beautiful. That is what Hydrangea does, with its numerous petals and volume. The flower itself symbolizes vanity, and can be had in various shades of pink, purple, burgundy, and blue. This is the perfect choice for filling up some bouquets or adding volume to table arrangements.Peony – The Flower that’s Almost a Staple
If ‘happiness’ is the message you want to be seen at your wedding, choose this flower for your decorations. The soft petals that have a volume enough to fill up your arrangements are worth every penny you’ll spend. The light pink color they are seen in is perfect to be part of a wedding. Their fragrance is another factor that is sure to add another layer of elegance to your event.Ranunculus – The Alternative to Roses and Peonies
If you want the colors of the rose and the beauty of the peony bundled up in a less expensive package, look up the ranunculus. This flower has many blossoms on a single stem, as well as a mild scent. It can be used in single-stem as well as bouquet-like arrangements. You can choose from shades of orange, yellow, pink, and white. The ranunculus is especially suited to be used in bridal bouquets, thanks to its charming and attractive anatomy.Calla Lily – Distinct in its Form
The calla lily looks something like a trumpet from the top, which is why it can easily be distinguished from a horde of other flowers. From an elegant ivory and a mysterious purple to bright yellow and orange, the calla lily can be used in any of these colors to make your bouquets look like none other.This flower symbolizes beauty, which is why it is a very popular wedding flower. There is a smaller version of the flower as well that can be used in boutonnieres and nosegays.
Anemone – Minimal and Modern
Nothing says ‘modern’ than a flower that has a deep colored center with a pale surrounding petals. The anemone is a staple in modern weddings where being minimal is a priority. The flower itself has a very striking look to it that is sure to get the viewer’s attention. It can also be paired up with more colorful flowers like peonies to create a visual contrast.Orchids – Either Traditional or Modern
The beautiful and minimal orchid is a flower that is used in weddings that have either a traditional or a modern theme. That alone is enough to testify to this flower’s exotic beauty. Deep purple orchids surrounded by waxy green leaves are some of the most modern flowers you will see. They are also available in white and green.Gardenia – Singular Delicacy
There is no other way to put this; the gardenia is simply beautiful. The ivory-cream petals that are surrounded by green leaves is perfect to be worn as a corsage or as a hair accessory. You can use the gardenia as part of a bouquet, but where it really shines is in its individuality. Placing this as a centerpiece in a water bowl will add a world of elegance to your wedding arrangement.
So whether you’re going for a traditional wedding or a modern one, you can be sure to find the perfect flower for it. Going through this list, you should now have an idea which flower will be better suited to make your special day perfect, and we hope to have helped you with this guide.
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