Growing orchid plants is not difficult. In fact, all it takes is a few simple tips to become a successful grower of orchid plants. Orchids are the largest flowering plant family, with over 25,000 recognized species. Most people associate orchids with tropical climates. But orchids grow on all continents in the world except Antarctica. Native orchid plants grow from the Arctic region to the southernmost tropical forest. I often receive questions such as, “How can I grow an orchid that won’t die?” or “My orchid plant never blooms, what am I doing wrong?” Here are my Top 10 Tips for understanding orchids and growing them successfully. Growing Orchid Plants Tip #1: Identify Your Orchid Variety Orchid varieties, just like people or pets, can have specific needs. Finding out what kind of orchid you have will help you determine what kind of container to use, lighting conditions, necessary humidity and temperatures, and blooming period. Here are some popular types of orchid … [Read more...] about Tips for Growing Orchid Plants
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How to Install a French Drain
If you have drainage problems in your landscape, here are step-by-step instructions on how to install a French drain. Drainage problems in your yard or on your acreage property can be bothersome—and sometimes dangerous. If you have drainage problems in the landscape, then you’ll want to learn how to install a French drain. Does water puddle around your foundation after a rain? Or perhaps standing water covers your walkway or patio. Drainage problems can lead to more serious damage to house foundations or pavement. Fortunately, it is easy to redirect water. We’ll teach you how to install a French drain and protect your home and landscape from water damage. What is a French Drain? A French drain might sound fancy. But it’s a simple solution to move water from a problem area to a more desirable location. The drain itself is nothing more than a narrow trench lined with gravel and fitted with pipe to move water. One common application of a French drain is along the … [Read more...] about How to Install a French Drain
How to Repot a Peace Lily Houseplant
Here are simple steps to repot a peace lily houseplant. Do you need to repot a peace lily houseplant—or another type of houseplant—but aren’t sure where to start? This post will explain what to look for when your peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is ready for a larger pot. I will also show you exactly how to repot your peace lily houseplant step-by-step with photos. The following steps can also be used to repot other varieties of houseplants. These include pothos, monstera, snake plant, fiddle leaf fig, African violet, money tree, jade plant, and more. For more information about some great house plant varieties, read Best Flowering Houseplants. Does Your Peace Lily Need a Bigger Pot? You won’t know for sure if your peace lily is root bound unless you take it out of the pot and inspect it. But here’s what to look for that indicates your plant is ready for a bigger pot. You may notice at least one, if not more, of the following: It’s Time to Repot a Peace Lily Houseplant If … [Read more...] about How to Repot a Peace Lily Houseplant
Orchid Garden Pool Landscape
I never expected to design an orchid garden pool landscape. But then I visited a new landscape design client. I quickly realized that just past their front door was a gorgeous swimming pool. How do you landscape a front entrance that’s a pool lanai? Most swimming pools in Florida are surrounded by garden beds with tropical plants on the inside of their screened enclosures. But this pool lanai was surrounded by four bare walls. Deciding on a design theme was easy when I found out my client was an orchid lover. I decided that I wanted to display an orchid garden on the tiled walls. But how to connect them together and take care of them properly and without a lot of maintenance? That part would be a challenge. The Orchid Garden Pool Landscape Design Up to the challenge, I searched for driftwood that would securely hang on the walls. I wanted to attach the various orchid species, tillandsias, bromeliads, and ferns just like they hang from trees in their native … [Read more...] about Orchid Garden Pool Landscape
How to Grow Tropical Fruits in Containers
It's easy to grow tropical fruits in containers. Way easier than you think. If you live in a climate where temperatures dip below freezing during the winter months, growing tropical fruit in containers probably sounds like a fantasy. But garden experts say virtually anyone can do it. “If you want to grow tropical fruits, I have good news for you,” said Byron Martin, co-owner of Logee’s Tropical Plants. “You can grow tropical fruits in containers in most climates." According to Martin, all you have to do is follow these three tips. Tips to Grow Tropical Fruit in Containers The first tip is to choose the right plant varieties. The key is to choose dwarf varieties of plants that have been bred to produce fruit on smaller plants. Varieties such as Changshou Kumquat and Super Dwarf Cavendish Banana are perfect for growing in pots or containers. Tip number two, according to Byron Martin, is to move your potted tropical plants as the seasons change. "To grow tropical fruits … [Read more...] about How to Grow Tropical Fruits in Containers
