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Plant Care for Begonias

Begonias are some of the most beautiful, visually interesting plants you can grow indoors. However, they can be a bit picky about light and water, though not overly delicate, making them a great intermediate-level plant project. Here’s what you need to know.

There is virtually no end to begonia variety. With over 1,000 species and many more varieties and hybrids, begonias come in countless colors, sizes, and shapes. There are four main types: fibrous, tuberous, canes, and rhizomatous.

Begonias are particularly susceptible to root rot, so it can also be a good idea to add a layer pebbles or broken shards of old terracotta pots to the bottom for extra drainage. Repot begonias in a pot once size larger only when the pot becomes rootbound.

Striking the right balance with watering is the biggest challenge when growing begonias. Ideally, the soil should be slightly damp at all times, but not too wet because begonias are very sensitive to overwatering and can easily develop root rot. Test the soil with your finger before watering—the top inch should feel dry (approximately up to your first knuckle). If you are unsure if you should water, it is actually best to err on the side of caution and wait until the leaves begin to droop slightly, an indication that the plant is drying out. Water the soil directly, keeping the leaves dry.

Begonias also require high humidity to thrive, a challenge when growing them indoors. Rex begonias are fussier about humidity than other types. You might like to keep your begonia in the bathroom or kitchen where there’s likely to be more moisture in the air.

Begonias are fun and easy to propagate. Snip off a cutting and keep it in a jar of water until roots form before transferring it to a pot.

Toxicity

Begonias are toxic to pets, according to the ASPCA, though the most toxic portions of the plant are the underground tubers and roots.

Do you have a favorite Begonia? Or plant tips to share? Leave a comment!

Air Plant Care

Caring for your new little plants

Air plants live on air, right? Uh, not right! While air plants don’t grow in soil, they definitely NEED to be watered. While the plants can survive for long periods of drought, they will not grow or thrive and will eventually die off if water is too scarce. Follow the directions below for watering your plants on a regular basis and they will stay alive and well for quite some time. The good news is that since these plants are very forgiving, you shouldn’t stress over their care schedule. There’s certainly no need to get a babysitter when you go on vacation.

When you receive your air plant from the local garden shop or at our Etsy Shop, Printhousedesign1 make sure to give them a good soak in a little water bath (submerged in the rain water) for about 10-20 minutes. Shake gently to remove any excess water, and set in a spot with bright light and good air circulation to dry off. Air plants should be kept where they’ll receive bright, indirect sunlight or under fluorescent home/office lighting. Periods of direct sunlight are just fine, but more than a few hours of hot sun will deplete the plants of their moisture. If your plant will be in a spot with some pretty direct light, try misting them every couple of days to keep them hydrated.

These few steps on watering and light can help flourish your new plant. Do you have any helpful air plant tips if so comment below!

Are coffee grounds good for succulents?

The maintenance and care for an indoor plant to an outdoor plant can be drastically different. The main tip to remember is that coffee grounds won’t work on potted plants unless it has been brewed and diluted in water. Potted succulents don’t have enough microbes in them to break down the grounds into a substance they can use. However, diluting in water first will work as a great chemical fertilizer alternative.

Coffee grounds are great for succulents, but WHY do succulents like coffee grounds? Well, in simple terms, coffee is acidic and succulents LOVE acidic soil. Coffee grounds contain a number of different nutrients including 2% Nitrogen, Potassium and Magnesium – all essential nutrients your succulents need to thrive and grow. If your plants aren’t getting enough of these nutrients then you’ll notice their leaves start to turn pale and yellow, something you don’t want to happen!

Ultimately it all comes down to pH levels. Tap water tends to have a pH level of around 8. Succulents actually prefer a slightly more acidic pH level of 5.8 – 7.0. Using coffee grounds as a fertilizer will actually help balance out this level, meaning they will thrive more, be more healthy and are much more likely to grow.

The top three succulents to thrive are the Snake Plant (Sansevieria), Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata) and Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) which all love brewed coffee grounds mixed within the soil.

A few reminders

Don’t over-water

This is a bit general because all succulents need watering at different times so we can’t best advise how often you should water your succulent with coffee grounds. However, it is pretty well known that succulents don’t need watering very often and as a rule of thumb I would start off by watering your succulents with coffee every 2 weeks and see how you get on (the rule is a bit different for Christmas cactus). You should give your plants a thorough soaking and let the soil completely dry out before rewatering.

Only use black diluted coffee

I feel like this is very self-explanatory. As humans we love to add all sorts of interesting things to our coffee; milk, cream, sugar, syrups! But needless to say, you should stick to cold black coffee for your indoor plants. I want to reiterate the word cold as well! If you make a fresh brew and pour it straight over your succulents then you will burn and scald the roots which will cause your beloved plant to die. If you are trying out coffee grounds on potted plants, then always make sure you are diluting in water first. If it is outside plants, then using the coffee grounds as they come as a fertilizer will be fine.

If you have a success story of coffee grounds for succulents then let us know by leaving a comment.

Grow a Garden

Thinking about growing a garden, but don’t have space or trying a new way to grow your vegetables or herbs this year? This could be for you! Grow bags are lightweight and come with handles; they are relatively easy to move around the garden. Since they are more portable, they are great for gardeners who are short on space they are an incredible way to garden if you are limited on backyard space, live in an apartment or travel frequently. Since they are more portable, they are easy to move inside/outside from summer to fall as the temps start to drop and winter sets in.

Grow bags prevent plants from becoming root bound. As the roots grow, they come in contact with the edges of the pot. The dryer soil around the edges of the pot will let the roots know that they have reached a limit. Air pruning will happen naturally and plants will burn off and produce healthier roots.

Air pruning prevents the roots from overgrowing and binding in a container. Those new roots will take in greater nutrients and water and enhance the growth of the plant. Pots, on the other hand, will only allow a few roots to take over and those roots will circle the pot, become root-bound and constrict the plants ability to uptake nutrients.

Plastic pots tend to retain heat in the summer, that heat is trapped inside a material that is all but breathable. Grow pots are made with breathable material that do a better job of regulating temperature.

Excess heat trapped in a grow bag is able to freely go through the breathable material of the bag.

Grow bags work well for tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and even herbs. Collectively group a large bunch of herbs in a grow bag instead of a raised bed or in-ground system. Grow bags are available in a multitude of sizes, as small 3 gallon.

Instead of taking time to build a raised bed garden, consider grow bags for your gardening needs. Bags as large as 30 gallons can be a wonderful way to grow your favorite vegetables and herbs. If you want to try to start a garden in a bag this year, stop by the shop The Gardenocity Shop, where you can find different colored and different size growing bags!

www.thegardenocityshop.com

Bringing Nature indoors

Enjoy a spring preview of flowering branches! Bring flowering tree branches , such as crab apples and forsythia, indoors so you can enjoy spring early. A little warm air and water will “force” the branches into beautiful bloom. Starting in February, gather branches from flowering rhododendron, apple, cherry, or crab apple trees to bring indoors for an early spring look. In March you can continue the soul-lifting spring colors with clipped of magnolias, mountain laurel, lilacs, dogwoods, and bridalwreath trees.

Follow the steps below to create a one of a kind natural spring look for your home or office.

1^st Cut dormant branches, select pencil-thick branch sections about 12-24 inches long. The cut should be used with a sharp knife or pruner making an angled cut at the base.

2^nd Bring the branches indoors, then strip buds, twigs, and leaves from lower sections that will be underwater. Use a knife to pare away an inch or two of bark from the base, smash the woody base with a hammer – this will enhance water absorption for the branches.

3^rd Place branches in a water-filled sink or bathtub and give them a long soak about 30-40 mintues. Wrap branches in wet newspaper, then place them in clean, luke warm water. Move to a cool, dark area; mist branches and change water daily for 3 days.

4^th On the fourth day place branches in a tall water filled vase or pitcher and bring them into a bright indirect sunny location in your home or office. The cooler the space the longer the branches will bloom.

BEST TREES AND SHRUBS FOR FORCING INDOORS

Tree or Shrub	Time to Bloom
Buckeye	5 weeks
Cherry	4 weeks
Cornelian dogwood	2 weeks
Crab apple	4 weeks
Deutzia	3 weeks
Flowering almond	3 weeks
Flowering dogwood	5 weeks
Flowering quince	4 weeks
Forsythia	1 week
Honeysuckle	3 weeks
Horse chestnut	5 weeks
Lilac	4 weeks
Magnolia	3 weeks