One Earth’s “Species of the Week” series highlights the flagship species of each of the 844 unique ecoregions contained within Earth’s bioregions. The magnificent baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) is an icon of the African continent. With bark and fruit offering over 300 life-sustaining uses, it is the root of many Indigenous remedies, traditions, and folklore. … Read more
When ants have made a full-time home in the rootball of one of my potted plants, I use a cheap, non-toxic substance to get rid of them. It’s called water. I’ll explain how I go about this using the example of one of my coffee plants, which last week became the home to an Argentine … Read more
I have plants in every room of the house and plenty outdoors too. My collection ranges from thumb-size succulents to a dracaena taller than I am. I’m on and off my two balconies a lot to water and fuss over them. So the first few times I swatted a little fly getting up in my … Read more
Baby’s breath, also known as Gypsophila, is a popular flowering plant grown for its delicate, wispy blooms However, it can fall victim to downy mildew, a common disease that affects many ornamentals Downy mildew causes white, fuzzy spots on leaves and stunted growth. If left unchecked, it can seriously damage your baby’s breath plants. The … Read more
As a proud plant parent, it’s worrying when you notice your balsam plant’s leaves starting to droop. Your bright and cheerful plant is suddenly looking limp and lackluster. What’s going on? Read on to get to the root of the problem and perk up your plant. Possible Causes of Drooping Leaves There are a few … Read more
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Balsam requires 60 to 70 days from sowing to produce flowers, so an early start is essential. Learn how to grow balsam and enjoy these lovely colorful flowers through the end of the season. Try growing Balsam … Read more
Babys breath (Gypsophila spp.) is a flowering plant with small, white blooms, most known for its use in bouquets and as a garden ornamental. These plants grow best in temperate areas in full sunlight and well-drained soil that is not acidic. Hardy down to USDA zone 3, babys breath tolerates quite cold temperatures. Keep in … Read more
The edible banana is one of more than 80 species of flowering plants in the Musa genus. Although bananas are commonly referred to as trees, they lack a wooden stem. Bananas are huge herbaceous plants with fleshy, upright stalks from which large, oblong, bright green leaves grow. Showy flowers appear typically in the spring, giving … Read more
Have you ever strolled through a garden and stumbled upon a burst of vibrant colors that caught your eye? Chances are, you might have encountered the charismatic barberry bush. These botanical wonders have a way of turning an ordinary landscape into a lively canvas, and today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of these delightful … Read more
The Barbara Karst variety of bougainvillea is a fast-growing, climbing plant known for its prolific clusters of bright pink bracts that provide vivid color in gardens. But just how fast does this tropical beauty grow once established? Let’s take a closer look at the growth rate and factors that affect the speed of growth for … Read more