#Monstera Deliciosa soil
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planthouseandgarden · 1 month ago
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Monstera Deliciosa Propagation and Care: A Complete Guide
Monstera Deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a tropical houseplant adored for its large, glossy leaves and easy-to-care-for nature. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps of caring for Monstera Deliciosa and guide you through its propagation, so you can grow new plants and maintain the health of your existing one. For a visual guide to propagation and care, watch the…
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peaches-an-tea · 6 months ago
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So if mycelium is like the Wi-Fi and plants talk to each other, does that mean my house plants are lonely
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beeapocalypse · 2 months ago
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condemned to the pit
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cselandscapearchitect · 1 year ago
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From Soil to Splendor: Crafting the Perfect Potting Mix for Your Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a popular houseplant cherished for its stunning foliage and impressive size. To ensure your Monstera thrives indoors, choosing the right potting mix is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential components of a successful potting mix and provide insights into creating the ideal environment for your Monstera deliciosa. Key…
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mishhty · 4 months ago
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Monstera deliciosa 🪴
Information -
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Monstera
Species: M. deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa, the Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron is a species of flowering plant native to tropical forests of southern Mexico, south to Panama.It has been introduced to many tropical areas, and has become a mildly invasive species in Hawaii, Seychelles, Ascension Island and the Society Islands. It is very widely grown in temperate zones as a houseplant.
It is called Swiss Cheese Plant due to their natural leaf holes. The Monstera plant's scientific name, Monstera deliciosa, derives from the Latin words "monstrum" meaning "monster" and "deliciosa" meaning "delicious."
Monstera plants are natural detoxifiers. Their broad leaves absorb and strip away indoor air toxins. The ideal temperature it requires is around 70°F. With a little humidity added to that, they get to feel right at home. Monsteras need bright light but do not tolerate direct sunlight. They can survive in low light, but their growth will be inhibited. To grow a striking Monstera plant with the lacy leaves and the coloration you adore, you need to provide it with good light. Monstera prefers bright indirect light. Keep out of direct sunlight for extended periods, as it can burn the leaves.
It is safe to come into skin contact with Monstera soil, foliage, and stems. However, it is not safe to ingest any part of the plant. Monstera is mildly toxic to humans and is toxic to cats and dogs but is not considered lethal. All parts of the plant are harmful to ingest except the fully ripe fruit, which rarely develops on indoor Monstera. The toxicity comes from insoluble oxalate crystals in the juices inside the plant. Indoor Monstera Deliciosa doesn’t yield fruits.
In various cultures, the Monstera has been a beacon of good luck, protection, and prosperity. It also fills spaces with positive energy and attracts good luck, according to Feng Shui.
Tips to grow and maintain Monstera:
Light: The plant thrives in bright and indirect light. It is advisable to keep it on a windowsill that receives good amount of indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight may burn its leaves. Note, if you find the leaves have small or no holes, then it means that the plant is not getting adequate light.
Soil:Use soil that retains moisture. Peat moss, perlite, and compost helps in the plant growth.
Watering: Ensure that Monstera Deliciosa is planted in a pot with good draining facility. The right time to water the plant is when the soil looks dry at the top. Note, overwatering may lead to root rot. During summers, the plant needs water regularly, however decrease the frequency of watering during winters.
Humidity: This plant grows well in humid conditions. You can mist its leaves or place it in a water tray having pebbles to increase the humidity level around it.
Temperature: Monstera Deliciosa grows well between 18°C and 29°C.
Support: As Monstera Deliciosa is an understory plant with aerial roots and large leaves, it needs support to grow.
Pruning: Prune the plant to maintain its shape. Remove yellow or damaged leaves so that the plant grows well.
Propagation: Monstera Deliciosa can be propagated through stem cuttings that can be rooted into water or directly planted into soil. You can also choose the process of air layering that involves creating a root system in a mature stem when it is still attached to the mother plant. Once roots are developed, the stem can be separated.
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acheronist · 9 months ago
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big updates for the My Houseplants fans
i weatherstripped the inside of the new ikea greenhouse so it'll be much better at holding in moisture now, which is grand because it's still cold dry winter where i live and i have been FRETTING!!!!!!!!! ABOUT MY TROPICALS!!!!!!!! BEING DEHYDRATED AND COLD!!!!!!!
also found a spare plant light, so that'll introduce some warmth to the mini greenhouse situation + extra light on cloudy days when the sun isn't out. good stuff
also stopped by lowe's to get the weatherstripping tape, and did some minor plant shoplifting (found a mostly healthy raven zz branch on the floor / a pilea schumi red branch fell off the main plant as i picked it up) and i said 👁️👁️ i could probably propagate these. so now i have those two in addition to my teeny pothos propagations
the pilea has been spitting out new baby leaves pretty regularly which has been exciting, but after reading about the monstera preferring a chunkier soil for drainage, i wanted to doublecheck that i was using the right soil in my Other Plants. and i was not lol. so the pilea has been repotted for the first time in about a year and is now in a much better draining + dry soil....... sorry i was making u live in a swamp my dear
and its my blog post about my houseplants i wanna include archival pics so in eight months i can see how much they’ve changed
the monstera deliciosa !! my mom and i decided to name her nessie (the long neck monstera, ha ha ha). i was super impressed with the roots while repotting + here's a glamour shot now that she's all set up
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onto the mini greenhouse wheeeeee 🪴
first pic is: the black cardinal philodendron (keeping eyes on that new leaf) + some golden pothos propagations second pic: the pilea after being repotted + the schumi red / raven zz propagation attempts
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first pic: silver inch plant second pic: english ivy third pic: white nerve plant, which i suspect will come out of the greenhouse when it's warmer because she's the largest plant in there and is pet friendly so if peppercorn bites the leaves, it won't be disastrous for her health and well being
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and then an obligatory glamour shot of the peacock calathea loml
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okay 🖤 yay
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anarchyplantsandcats · 4 months ago
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Realistic view of most of my houseplant collection. Honestly not bad for someone fresh out of highschool
Pictured:
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera adansonii
Philodendron Pink Princess
My poor young phalaenopsis orchid that had root rot- it's been repotted again don't worry
Philodendron Paraiso Verde
Philodendron Ring of Fire
My other phalaenopsis orchid
My citrus tree I grew from seed! Aka. my plant child
Shout out to MI Home Nest for the hand mixed potting soil! My Paraiso Verde loves it! The others haven't gotten to try it yet
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genderfluid-druid · 1 year ago
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🚨breaking: luke the monstera has produced a split leaf
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[ID: photo of a large monstera deliciosa leaf, partially unfurled, with three splits down one side]
I am so proud of him!!
It's not his very first - he has one very old leaf with a split in it, probably from greenhouse days - but it's the first since coming under my care last winter.
Here's some other signs of improvement from his time on the porch this summer!
Purple line indicates when I got him. Look how much thicker the trunk is at the top, and how much shorter the space between nodes is. There are also three new aerial roots - he had none before:
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[ID: photo of the full monstera plant in its 8" pot. It's about two feet tall, strapped to a moss pole. Most of the stem is a narrow, sparse, winding vine with several inches between leaves, but at the top, the vine thickens and there's only an inch or two between leaves. Pale brown aerial roots twine down through the moss pole and into the pot. End ID]
Unfortunately he's a bit top heavy now, so even though it would mean losing the lovely new leaves, I may eventually need to do what I did with his sister Leia and trim him back. But look how beautifully Leia has been coming in - six new leaves since I aggressively trimmed her at the start of summer! No new split leaves yet, but I'll be surprised if we don't get one before summer is out:
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[ID: Photo of a monstera, much shorter than the other, not yet tall enough to climb its moss pole but with several broad leaves on tall petioles. End ID]
Let's get a closer look at that stem:
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[ID: Photo of the stem, only a few inches tall and with a visible scarred-over cut at the top. The stem is as thick as a thumb and has a new offshoot with two aerial roots running down into the soil. End ID]
The stem below the active node has actually gotten thicker compared to the defunct part between that node and the cut! I didn't know she could revise old growth like that! And LOOK at those lovely roots. Self care 🥰
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305greenery · 1 year ago
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Monstera Deliciosa
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Philodendrons are fast-growing, easy plants. They range in growth pattern from graceful and vining to bold and bushy. Philodendrons are generally forgiving and will tolerate all kinds of neglect including low light, poor soil, and inconsistent watering. A Philodendron is a great first-time houseplant or gift for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty of…
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quiveringdeer · 2 years ago
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alright now that's out the way, tending to my unfortunately scale afflicted monstera deliciosa had me thinking back to that first camera roll challenge I posted with Reiner.
The idea of him getting a little plant after a suggestion from his therapist. Something to livin up his apartment a bit and also that will require him to take care of but isn't as demanding in care as an animal. Which he just couldn't fathom being a caretaker for in his current mental state.
And so he gets that first little plant. Probably a pothos cause they're pretty forgiving no matter if you overwater, underwater, and have minimal sunlight.
And the plant is doin pretty good after he follows googled instructions on the proper size pot to start it off in considering how big the nursery pot was.
A couple weeks have gone by and he comes home to see two of the lower leaves turned yellow! Did this happen while he was gone? Has he not been paying enough attention? What does yellow leaves mean? Has he killed it already? He's spiraling and immediately texting Bert and Pieck in their group chat. The one without Porco and Annie cause sometimes you just need to surround yourself with nice, generally positive folks ok.
Pieck is reassuring him that she's sure his plant will be ok. As soon as Bert gets the texts he's googling the meaning of yellowing leaves. Something Reiner would've done if he wasn't currently spiraling in worry and fret after not even being able to keep one little plant alive more than a month. Is he really so awful? Why do these bad things keep happening to him? Obviously he probably deserves it but now he's feeling guilty that this innocent plant got caught in the crossfire of his shitty life!
Bert:
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Bert: Looks like too much water, maybe. Is the soil soggy?
Reiner goes to check and well, soggy would be a strong word to use...but yeah it's soggy.
Rei: I killed my plant with water. I thought that was impossible? Aren't they supposed to be immune? 😣
Bert: I think that's just in Pokémon. And not necessarily immune, more like, resistant.
Rei: 😞😞😞😞
Rei: can't even keep track of what's real or fake anymore
Pieck: what is really "real" anyway?
Rei: 🙁😟😓
Bert: If the soil is extremely saturated, it says best course of action is to repot it.
Pieck: i can bring you a new pot and some soil reiner!
Rei: I'd appreciate that Pieck. But what if I just keep fucking up? Maybe you should just take the plant back to your place.
Pieck: you've got this reiner! lots of new plant parents tend to overlove their new plants with watering its all about balance
Pieck: pock's gonna bring me over soon!
Pieck: he won't be staying but he says hi!
To which Reiner is grateful cause that's the last thing he needed right now. And he doubted Porco actually told Pieck to tell him hi. But before he could figure out how to respond to that Bert responds.
Bert: I can come over after work too.
Rei: Thanks. Both of you. 💙
--------
Alright that turned into not what I had planned but anywho,
Eventually Rei ends up finding that balance of nurturing and letting it be, focusing on other things instead, like his own personal health. And once he gets the hang of that, he adds a few more plants to his home and becomes an active member on one of those fb plant groups (Pieck invites him to some) and finds a really supportive group of friends in that community!
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tilweareghosts · 1 year ago
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Hi i just got a monstera deliciosa. I was wondering if you have any tips. Or if you like any specific websites for care directions.
So, my first tip is don’t be intimidated. I was hella scared when I got my first monstera. Thought I was going to kill it immediately. My second tip, don’t believe everything you read. I have my three deliciosas in Pro Mix soil and they are thriving. I use it for all of my plants. I don’t do the “proper” monstera soil mix and mine have been thriving for over 2 years. Also, plant lights are your friends. The sun is unpredictable and you’ll almost never have the “right” lighting for it. If you do use plant lights, you can fertilize your plant year round. I fertilize mine once every month. Water them when the first inch of soil feels dry. They can be neglected. Wipe their leaves if they look dusty. A damp rag works fine. They also like to be a little root bound so a pot that’s just a little too small is fine. Moss poles help if you want them to climb. They also get bigger if you let them climb. Don’t be afraid to cut off leaves/stems if they’re hanging low. Don’t be afraid to cut off brown or yellow leaves. If you want another plant, cut a node off, pop that baby into water and set it by a window. Roots will grow within a few weeks and you can put it into soil ☺️
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calathailea · 2 years ago
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Monstera Albo
I'm so excited!! My husband bought me a baby Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegota. They are sooooo pretty.
They do tend to have unstable variegation but with enough light (I use artificial, full spectrum LED's on a 12 hr timer. A good ariod soil mix and lots of love and care.. I shouldn't lose variegation. In theory. Lol. Either way, I'm on cloud 9 right now. She's beautiful 🥰
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ghostinthewires · 2 years ago
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plant update
am i taking this fandom as an excuse to talk about my plants and tag it with mountaincore so it's relevant? yes. yes i am.
ANYWAY we planted the first flowers of the year, primroses in the pots at the front of our house
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My nepenthes Mary Goore is now the proud mother of THREE babies!! I thought there would maybe only be one basal offshoot but when I took the plant out there were three I got so excited my mum thought something was wrong but no. just screaming over baby plants.
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and two new additions to the family! first is a curio x peregrinus aka "String of Dolphins" and its so pretty
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and my first ever hydroponic plant! this one in 99% sure is a monstera adansonii which makes me super happy bc my monstera deliciosa had to be moved downstairs last year when it got ridiculously big. im super excited to learn how to take care of a hydroponic plant properly
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and i also got more soil so i repotted my mama haworthia fasciata and hopefully it will keep healthy now.
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havethetouch · 2 years ago
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Oh motherfucker.
Well, tomorrow I'll have to do some emergency replanting of my monstera deliciosa baby. I was wondering for a bit were the spotting on her leafs were coming from but now I know and fuck fuck fuck fuck.
For context, having a mushroom growing in your potted plant is bad. And in order to combat that I need to remove the whole soil (and probably some roots, because I have to suspect rotten roots too because there might likely be a drainage problem with the pot and due to excess water I have now this. So.. all soil needs to go I need to clean the plant off and clean the pot with vinegar to be on the safe side. Now, this plant is three years old and she is big, like 1,5m in diameter alone and she is tall too. And I have to carry her down outside to remove the soil because to minimize mushroom spores. But on that note? Mushroom spores. I need to air out my room a lot and if I wanna play it really safe I need to maybe change the soil on all my other plants too. I currently have 25 plants in this flat. And like.. yeah might be a bit of an overreaction to change the soil on all of them but on the other hand I need to change the soil on some of them anyway sometime soon for one, and some of these plants are like... really old. One of my oldest dears is over 15 years old. 2 plants I inherited from my father and those are even older like I grew up with them. So I don't wanna fuck around with them, or take chances. dgdjghdjd fuck this mushroom srsly.
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gardenreviewus · 19 days ago
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Discover The Hottest Gardening Trends For Indoor Spaces It's time to elevate your indoor gardening game! If you've been thinking about transforming your home into a green sanctuary, you're in the right place. In this blog post, we'll explore the latest trends that can breathe new life into your indoor spaces and inspire you to create a lush oasis right at home. From innovative plant choices to stylish decor ideas, you'll find plenty of inspiration to nurture your green thumb and enhance your living space.The Rise of Indoor Gardening For many, the charm of nurturing a green space indoors has skyrocketed, turning homes into lush retreats. This trend has emerged from a desire to create a peaceful environment, especially as more people seek solace from bustling urban life. You can find joy in indoor gardening, transforming any room into a vibrant oasis with unique plants that enhance your living experience. Benefits of Indoor Plants Around your home, indoor plants offer a plethora of benefits that can enhance your well-being. They not only purify the air, making it healthier to breathe, but also uplift your mood and boost productivity. By incorporating greenery into your space, you create a warm atmosphere that fosters relaxation and creativity. Popular Indoor Plant Choices With so many varieties, it can be overwhelming to choose the right indoor plants for your space. However, some popular choices, such as snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies, have stood out for their easy care and striking aesthetics. These plants not only add beauty but also thrive in various light conditions, making them perfect companions for any indoor gardener. Choices like succulents and monstera deliciosa have also gained popularity due to their unique shapes and lower maintenance needs. If you're looking for a pop of color, consider adding flowering plants like African violets or bromeliads. When choosing your indoor plants, think about your lighting conditions, your maintenance preference, and how each plant fits into your personal style. No matter what you choose, your indoor garden will become a reflection of your personality.Trendy Indoor Gardening Techniques Now is the perfect time to explore innovative indoor gardening techniques that can transform your living space into a green haven. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, these trends offer exciting ways to enhance your indoor environment while enjoying the many benefits of plants. Let's examine the world of vertical gardening and hydroponics, inviting nature right into your home. Vertical Gardening After you set your sights on vertical gardening, you'll find that it's a fantastic way to maximize your space while creating a stunning visual impact. By utilizing wall-mounted planters or vertical gardens, you can grow a variety of plants without occupying valuable floor space. This method not only adds greenery but also introduces different textures and colors to your indoor décor. Hydroponics and Aquaponics At the cutting edge of indoor gardening techniques, hydroponics and aquaponics offer you an efficient way to cultivate plants without soil. Hydroponics involves growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution, while aquaponics combines hydroponics with aquaculture, using fish waste to nourish the plants. These methods are perfect for small spaces and enable you to produce fresh herbs, veggies, and even fish right in your home. Gardening with hydroponics and aquaponics not only maximizes space but also allows for year-round growing, free from seasonal changes. You will find that these techniques can significantly reduce water usage and eliminate the need for pesticides, making your gardening experience both sustainable and efficient. Embracing these trendy methods means enjoying homegrown produce and becoming a part of a new wave of environmentally conscious gardening practices.Stylish Plant Decor Ideas If you're looking to elevate your indoor gardening game, incorporating stylish plant decor is a must.
From chic pots to eye-catching plant stands, creating a harmonious atmosphere with your greenery can transform any space. Discover how to accentuate your plants' beauty while making a statement with your decor choices! Creative Planters Stylish planters can add a unique flair to your indoor garden. Consider using unexpected materials such as woven baskets or metallic containers to showcase your favorite plants. Mix and match different sizes and textures to create visual interest, and don't hesitate to paint or personalize plain pots to bring your personality into your decor! Plant Styling Tips For a well-styled plant display, consider the following tips: Group plants of different heights and textures together for a dynamic look. Use decorative trays or stands to create levels and organization. Incorporate accessories like books or candles to add depth to your arrangement. After using these tips, your indoor plants will become an integral part of your home decor. Even small changes can make a big difference in how your plants are perceived. Think about different lighting and positioning to highlight your greenery at its best: Rotate your plants periodically so all sides receive even light. Experiment with layouts to see which arrangements feel the most balanced. Choose a focal point to draw the eye, such as a striking statement plant. After implementing these plant styling tips, you'll create a stunning indoor oasis that reflects your unique style.Tech Meets Gardening All the gardening enthusiasts are embracing technology to elevate their indoor spaces! From smart devices to innovative apps, the intersection of tech and gardening makes it easier than ever for you to keep your plants thriving. Embrace the future and discover how these tools can simplify your indoor gardening experience. Smart Plant Care Devices Above all, smart plant care devices are changing the game for every indoor gardener. These gadgets monitor everything from soil moisture to light levels, sending alerts to your smartphone when your plants need a little extra love. Imagine being able to keep your greens happy without a second thought — convenience at its finest! Apps for Indoor Gardeners Care about keeping your indoor garden flourishing? There's an app for that! Various gardening apps can guide you in selecting the right plants, provide care tips, and even remind you when it's time to water. The best part is, these apps offer tailored advice based on your specific plant needs, ensuring a healthy, vibrant indoor oasis. Plant care apps are a fantastic resource for both seasoned green thumbs and cheerful newcomers. They allow you to track your watering schedule, set reminders, and learn about the unique requirements of each plant in your collection. With engaging community features, you can even share tips and ask questions, making your indoor gardening journey all the more enjoyable!Sustainability in Indoor Gardening After embracing a sustainable lifestyle, you can enhance your indoor gardening experience while being kind to the planet. Incorporating sustainable practices not only boosts your plant's happiness but also reduces your environmental footprint. You'll find joy in choosing native plants, utilizing natural materials, and creating a thriving ecosystem right in your home. It's about blending beauty and responsibility seamlessly. Eco-friendly Practices Beside focusing on plant selection, you can adopt eco-friendly practices in your gardening routine. Using organic fertilizers, minimizing plastic usage, and opting for natural pest control methods contribute greatly to a more sustainable indoor garden. Little adjustments, such as composting kitchen scraps or collecting rainwater, will help nurture your plants and the environment simultaneously. Upcycling in Plant Care Sustainability in indoor gardening can also shine through upcycling in plant care. You're encouraged to repurpose items you might otherwise discard into beautiful plant holders or tools.
This creative approach not only saves money but also adds a unique touch to your indoor space. Due to the endless possibilities of upcycling, you can transform everyday items into functional plant care solutions. Old teacups, glass jars, or even wooden pallets can serve as charming pots or shelves, giving your plants a stylish home. In doing so, you promote a more sustainable lifestyle while showcasing your creativity and making your indoor garden truly one-of-a-kind.Community and Indoor Gardening Many indoor gardeners are discovering the joy of connecting with others who share their passion. Community gardening fosters a supportive environment where you can exchange tips, share resources, and inspire one another. Whether through local meet-ups or shared online spaces, building relationships with fellow plant enthusiasts can enhance your indoor gardening experience. Together, you can learn, grow, and cultivate your love for plants in a fun and engaging way. Joining Local Gardening Groups Before entering into indoor gardening, consider joining a local gardening group in your area. These groups often host workshops, plant swaps, and social events where you can meet like-minded individuals. Not only will you gain valuable insights and advice, but you'll also create friendships rooted in a shared love of plants. Online Forums and Social Media Across the internet, you'll find numerous online forums and social media platforms dedicated to indoor gardening. They offer a space for you to ask questions, share your successes, and even showcase your beautiful indoor gardens. Engaging with these communities can provide fresh ideas and techniques to incorporate into your own practices. To make the most of online forums and social media, consider joining groups specifically focused on indoor gardening. Participate in discussions, post photos of your progress, and ask for feedback on your plant care methods. Many enthusiasts are eager to share their experiences and tips, allowing you to learn from a diverse community. Embrace the opportunity to bond with others who appreciate indoor gardening as much as you do—it's a wonderful way to nourish both your plants and your passion!Summing up Drawing together all the exciting gardening trends for your indoor spaces can transform your home into a lush oasis. From unique plant varieties to innovative decorating ideas, you have the power to curate a vibrant atmosphere. Embrace these trends and let your creativity flow! For more inspiration, check out this link to Discover the Hottest Plants of 2024: A Garden Trend Guide. https://gardenreview.us/hot-indoor-gardening-trends-to-discover/?feed_id=153&_unique_id=672d83b29452f https://gardenreview.us/hot-indoor-gardening-trends-to-discover/?feed_id=153&_unique_id=672d83b29452f
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00towns · 2 months ago
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plant matter, part 2: an end of season update
read part 1 here!
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Veggie garden
I’m sad to report some mixed results here. This Japanese summer was absolutely brutal, both on me and the plants I was desperately trying to keep alive. The heat was beginning to demand that I water the garden up to twice a day, an unfortunate side effect of growing in containers. This became tedious quickly, and I was more than often reviving my wilted tomatoes and peppers from the brink of drought induced death. I got several fantastic harvests of cherry tomatoes, which I either brought to work to share with coworkers or made into a delicious sauce with garlic. I got one really good harvest of yellow peppers, which I brought to a riverside barbecue to share with friends. In late summer, my veggies were struck by two pests: an infestation of scale, and an uncomfortably nosy neighbor who seemed to view my small garden as an opening to talk to me. I could have fought the scale, but my travel picking up in August and September meant that I was also frequently away, and I decided to let the scale win. I was rid of both pests at once! 
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Houseplants 
This hobby has gotten out of hand. I discovered this summer that you can buy plant cuttings on Mercari, and it went downhill from there. My collection of plants has almost doubled, none of which I will be able to bring home with me when I return to the US next year. Some highlights include a monstera albo I’m growing from a leafless node cutting, a variegated syngonium which arrived in my mailbox in a plastic bottle, and a Teruno Collection Shangri-la pothos, which goes for upwards of fifty dollars on Etsy. In this year’s graveyard are a string of pearls, a string of hearts, and a peperomia, all of which were victim to the shitty potting soil at my local grocery store. 
My deliciosa lived outside the whole summer and had a blast. She’s almost doubled in size. I don’t know if it’ll fit back indoors, although I was forced to trial this theory during Shanshan when the winds were really starting to pick up. She needs to start paying rent. 
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Spider lily
Not much survives the heat of the summer in terms of flowers, but when the temperature breaks so do the hearts of spider lilies, which bloom in spiky red and white fireworks. They dot the banks of the river behind school, growing like weeds at the base of trees and in thickets of weeds. A sign of the waning summer, they’ll last for as long as the cicadas, until the forests eventually fall silent and brown for the winter. 
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Peaches, grapes, chestnuts 
I became addicted to spending Y1000 almost every other day on incredible fat peaches from the farm stand and grocery store. They’re so delicate that even picking them up damages the flesh underneath, and some I saw this year were so large they required two hands. The early season ones were white but still soft and absurdly sweet just like yellow peaches, and the later season ones have been mostly yellow with a more earthy taste. These peaches were blended into nice cream, baked into peach cobblers, and eaten with two hands over the sink like an animal. I’ll miss stonefruit season dearly. 
Shockingly even more expensive are bundles of shine muscat grapes with thick, bitter skin. Usually bought as a gift, I choose the cheapest ones and pop a few in my mouth before I even make it home. Grapes will be a feature over the next months in daifuku and jelly desserts. My neighbor’s grape trellis has been fruiting since July, but now the size of the bunches look like they’ll break the thin stems they hang from. I’ll be a little bird, waiting for them to fall. 
Lastly and my favorite are chestnuts. In the morning, they sit fallen on the side of the street; by the time I walk home they’re pecked apart and the flesh inside consumed by hungry creatures. I enjoy them roasted from street stands, baked into desserts, soft and crumbly in bread. 
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Thank you, growing season! See you next year!
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