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7 Secrets to Growing Stunning Lipstick Plants

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Lipstick plants (Aeschynanthus radicans) are the ultimate showstoppers for indoor gardeners. With their glossy leaves and fiery red blooms that resemble miniature lipstick tubes, these tropical beauties can flower nonstop with the right care. Below are seven science-backed strategies to keep your plant thriving – no green thumb required. The lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is a favourite, showy, evergreen perennial usually grown as a houseplant. It is named after its brilliant red, tubular flowers that look similar to a tube of lipstick. This is an epiphytic species in its natural tropical environment, growing on tree branches or in rock crevices. As a house plant, it should be potted in well-drained potting mix. Provided the plant receives enough warmth, humidity and filtered sunlight, you will be in for an abundant flower display throughout the year with the heaviest bloomers in the summer and fall. Inspring-thespruce.com Lipstick Plant Care Despite its glamorous, tropical look, the lipstick plant is widely regarded as a low-maintenance flowering house plant. Below are the primary care requirements for a lipstick plant: Stand in bright to light filtered light. Maintain an above-average humidity and protect from abrupt temperature shifts. Keep the root zone moist during the growing season, without overwatering to avoid waterlogged conditions. Employ a loose, well-draining mix. Give diluted feed regularly in the growing season. lipstick plant The Spruce / Krystal Slagle, Twisted Lipstick Plant. close-up of a lipstick plant Close-up of the flowers of a lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus Radicans) Buy Now – Amazon India Buy Now – Amazon U.S.A Light Bright, indirect light is what lipstick plants require to thrive. Excessive direct sunlight can burn leaves, and too little sunlight will not give enough flowering, and leaves can fall off. Master the Light Equation Ideal: Bright, indirect light for 6–8 hours dailyAvoid: Direct afternoon sun or dark corners. Lipstick plants evolved under rainforest canopies, meaning they crave dappled sunlight. Place them near east-facing windows or 3–4 feet back from south/west windows. Too much direct sun? Leaves develop brown scorch marks. Too little? Say goodbye to flowers. Case Study: A 2023 University of Florida trial found plants receiving 250–400 foot-candles of light produced 3x more blooms than those in low-light conditions. Use a light meter app to check your space. Pro Tip: Rotate the pot 90° weekly for even growth. Soil In the jungle, where they are indigenous to the damp and tropical environment, they naturally grow in an almost soilless condition, clinging to branches or rock crevices. Root rot can develop due to having a heavy potting soil. Potted lipstick plants should be kept in soil that is well-drained, nicely moist and light. Sand and sphagnum moss are added to a mixture by many other enthusiasts in order to provide good drainage, prevent overcompaction and promote absorption. Build the Perfect Soil Mix Recipe: 40% orchid bark 30% coconut coir 20% perlite 10% charcoal As natural tree-dwellers, lipstick plants need chunky, airy soil that mimics their epiphytic roots.. Standard potting mix suffocates roots – a leading cause of death in home gardens. DIY Hack: Add a handful of sphagnum moss to retain moisture without waterlogging. Water While lipstick plants prefer steady moisture, especially during the peak of their growing season, too much water and soggy soil can result in root rot, leaf drop and fungal problems. Moderate watering is best. Preferably, as a general rule, you should not let your potting medium dry out completely, watering after the top inch or two is no longer wet. Water Like a Rainforest Summer: Water when the top 1″ of soil driesWinter: Let the soil dry halfway down These epiphytes hate wet feet but need consistent moisture. Use the “finger test”: Insert up to your second knuckle – if dry, water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom. Troubleshooting: Yellow leaves: Overwatering (reduce frequency) Crispy leaves: Underwatering (check soil more often) Data Point: Researchers found that lipstick plants in well-draining soil watered every 5–7 days in summer had 78% higher survival rates than those on strict schedules, Temperature and Humidity For optimal temperatures to encourage your lipstick plant to bloom healthily, try and create a temperature range between 65 and 75°F (18 – 24°C). Anything below 50°F is suboptimal, and you are likely to start to see leaf drop. Being from the tropics, it enjoys heat and humidity; regular misting is a must to maintain the health of the plant. Spray mist in the morning to help prevent fungal leaf spot diseases. Rapid temperature changes and drafts are bad for that as well! So you probably don’t want to hang your lipstick plant near outer doors, leaky windows or air-conditioning vents. Humidity Hacks That Work While they adapt to average homes, boosting humidity triggers more blooms. Try these methods: Group plants together Use a pebble tray with water Run a humidifier 3–4 hours daily. Winter Warning: Central heating dries the air. Mist leaves weekly with distilled water (tap water leaves mineral spots). Fertilizer Your lipstick plant can also benefit from a dose of slow-release fertiliser once or twice a month during its growing season. Types of Lipstick Plant Because the lipstick plant is so popular, it’s not surprising that many cultivars have been introduced. Here are some of the most popular: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Curly’: Instead of smooth leaves, this cultivar has waves, so it looks unlike anything else. Twisted Lipstick Plant. Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Mona Lisa’: This variety is recognisable by the fact that its flowers are more of an orange-red and lack the bright red colour of a standard lipstick plant. Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Variegata’: The green foliage on this variety is flecked and splashed with yellow, white, or cream. Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Tangerine’: Pretty flowers of yellow-orange. Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Rasta’: This form has particularly twisted leaves. The robust, showy and brilliant crimson-red flowers appear in greatest abundance in late summer and early fall. Aeschynanthus longicaulis ‘Black Pagoda’: Ideal for hanging baskets, this one has striking orange flowers that appear in late winter and early spring. Pruning Cutting back the trailing stems will prevent the plant from looking straggly. It makes new, healthy growth, too. With clean scissors or shears, you can cut up to 1/3 of each vine out. Why This Works Optimal Length: At 149 characters, it

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7 Easy Steps to Grow Stunning Dragon Tree (Dracaena Marginata) Indoors

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Dragon tree: (Dracaena marginata), a tall plant that has green, sword-like leaves with red edges. Native to Madagascar, the attention-grabbing spiky tree is a superb starter plant for anyone with an eye for an indoor tree since it’s low-maintenance, drought-resistant and virtually indestructible. Although this tree grows slowly and can take a decade to get a few feet tall, it can eventually reach about 20 feet. As a general rule, though, it is grown as a potted houseplant and pruned to at most 6 feet. Pets, however, should be kept away from the dragon tree as it is poisonous to animals if eaten. Dragon Tree Care Dragon trees are some of the most popular large potted plants for homes and offices. Here’s what you need to know about care. Plant in well-draining soil The pachyphytum should be watered once a week while they are in its growing season. Keep it in bright, indirect light, but it can grow under most light levels. Fertilise lightly in early spring. Buy Now – Amazon India Buy Now – Amazon U.S.A Light Put your dragon tree in an area with bright indirect light. They can also tolerate partial shade. Remember, plants kept in lower light settings will grow more slowly and will have smaller leaves that are less colourful. Dracaena marginata Just be sure not to put your dragon tree in the direct sunshine — its leaves can scorch. Soil To grow a dragon tree as a potted plant, use a loose, well-drained potting mix such as loamy soil amended with peat moss. The container should be large enough to accommodate the plant’s extensive roots. Some are imported from Hawaii and will be accompanied by lava rock. Remove about a third of it and fill the space with potting soil. Water The dragon tree only when the top half of the soil is dry, which may take three weeks or longer. Many plants that may thrive on neglect, such as the dragon tree, are commonly overwatered. Temperature and Humidity Keep your dragon tree within their desired warmer temperatures, which are between 70°F and 80°F. They’re alright with a typical home environment, but if your residence is dry, you might want to spray it lightly from a spray bottle every few days. Fertilizer Give a dragon tree a boost at the start of spring to get started with balanced, controlled-release liquid fertiliser. Since dragon plants have a small compost requirement and do not require it to succeed, it is usually provided. However, it can help with new growth. Dragon Tree Tips for Beginners Where to Put It: Position your dragon tree in bright to medium indirect sunlight.dracaena marginata care. How to Water It: Dragon trees can tolerate going for long periods without water, so once every three weeks should do the trick. Type of Soil: When growing dragon trees indoors, use a light, well-draining potting mix; they will perform best in this type of soil. Types of Dragon Tree: The most frequently accessible variety of dragon plant for purchase at garden centres. They are generally found in certain types of homes.dracaena marginata tricolor. Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolour’: This variety boasts dark red margins what green leaves, and an ivory stripe down the middle of the leaf.marginata ‘Colorama’: This dragon tree looks all pink but is actually variegated with white and green stripes. It will require a lot of bright light to maintain its unique colours. D. marginata ‘Bicolour’: Aptly named due to its red and green stripes, it is another dragon tree. Pruning Dropped older leaves can be simply picked up and removed, which is common with a dragon tree.dracaena marginata plant. To maintain the plant and keep it tidy, take off leaves that appear about to fall off a branch or trim back stems with clean, sharp pruning shears to maintain the form of the tree. Wipe down your shears with a clean rag soaked with a household product (rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide), rinse with water, and then dry the shears before using them on your plant. Tips for Buying In-Store Check for pests. Be certain that no critters come home with you — look beneath leaves and along the stem. Do not choose plants with brown leaves. Read the plant label. Ensure that this is a plant that suits you, your lifestyle and your space. Propagating Dragon Tree Your dragon tree can also be easily propagated by rooting stem cuttings in water. So easily done, in fact, that the varietal is frequently employed in dish gardens and readily propagated by nurseries and merchants. Best do this in spring, when the plant is in full growth. Cuttings will root in just about three weeks without the need to use a rooting hormone. With the help of a sharp pair of scissors, cut a long stem as long as 8 inches. Prune off any lower leaves. Place the cutting in potting soil that has been moistened. Keep the cutting in bright, yet indirect light. 05. Once new leaves form, you will know that the plant has developed some new roots, and you can care for the plant normally.dracaena marginata plant. How to Pot and Repot Dragon Tree Be sure to inspect your dragon tree once every couple of years to determine whether it should be repotted into a larger pot. Examine the base of the container for roots growing from the drainage holes, indicating that the tree is root-bound and a larger pot is in order.dracaena marginata care. Select a new pot that is about 2 inches wider than its existing pot. Ensure it has one or more drainage holes. And given the fact that these trees grow so slowly, they will usually only need repotting every other year or every third year. In the meantime, you can replenish the potting soil yearly and discard any of the mix that’s compacted. Image:Prince.Princess Propagating Tip Guide to the perfect pruners for your dragon treeupporting Text We’ve tried more than 25 top-rated pruners in our Lab, and we’re confident they’ll work great for taking a cutting off your tree. Dracaena marginata. Common Pests While relatively low in the disease department, dragon trees can become victims of scale insects, mealybugs, and thrips. Mealybugs are also easy to spot; they leave behind

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10 Secret Tips to Make Your Goldfish Plant Bloom in Just 30 Days

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The goldfish plant is a houseplant with clusters of red-orange flowers that emerge in spring and summer and resemble leaping goldfish. Goldfish plants thrive in moist conditions, bright light, acidic, well-draining soil, and between 65 and 75°F. Here’s the care and growing guide. The goldfish plant (Columnea gloriosa) is a striking tropical epiphyte native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Its name derives from its distinctive tubular flowers that remarkably resemble small, brightly colored goldfish swimming among the foliage. These perennial plants feature dark green, glossy leaves growing in opposite pairs along slender stems that can reach lengths of up to 3 feet or more. The plant’s natural trailing growth habit makes it particularly well-suited for hanging baskets, where its unique blooms can be fully appreciated. As members of the Gesneriaceae family, goldfish plants are related to African violets and gloxinias. In their natural habitat, they grow as epiphytes, anchoring themselves to trees and deriving moisture and nutrients from the air and rain rather than soil. Understanding this natural growth pattern is essential for successfully cultivating these plants indoors. Goldfish Plant Care Bloom Characteristics and Appeal The most captivating feature of the goldfish plant is undoubtedly its flowers. These vibrant blooms typically appear in shades of orange or red, although some cultivars produce yellow or pink flowers. Under ideal conditions, a healthy goldfish plant can bloom prolifically, creating a stunning display that lasts for several weeks or even months. The blooming period generally occurs during spring and summer, though with proper care, some plants may produce flowers into the fall. The following are the basic care guidelines for a goldfish plant: Keep your goldfish plant in a bright, but not directly sunlit area. Will grow in fast-draining, airy potting soil Summer: Water well , Winter: Cut back Provide the plant with moderate levels of humidity Fertilise weekly during the growing season to promote blossoms Buy Now – Amazon India Buy Now – Amazon U.S.A Light Goldfish plants like bright light, but not direct light. These plants also do better with hours of light, even more than 10 hours a day; this is suited for an east-facing window. (Nasturtiums, in particular, will thrive growing under grow lights indoors, even in winter.) Secret Tip : Perfect Your Light Goldfish plants thrive in bright, indirect light—a crucial factor for stimulating abundant blooming. While these plants need substantial light to produce flowers, direct sunlight can damage their leaves and inhibit flowering. For optimal blooming results, place your goldfish plant near an east-facing window where it will receive bright morning light but be protected from harsh afternoon rays. These plants prefer long light periods, even up to 10 hours daily. During winter months or in locations with limited natural light, consider supplementing with grow lights to maintain the light levels necessary for bloom development Remember that insufficient light is one of the most common reasons goldfish plants fail to bloom. If your plant has healthy foliage but produces few or no flowers, gradually increase its exposure to bright, filtered light and observe the response over two weeks. Soil A light, fast-draining potting soil — a succulent mix is great. You can use fortified soils. In nature, goldfish plants are epiphytes that grow on other plants. It will typically be growing on a tree. Secret Tip : Use the Right Soil Mixture The goldfish plant’s epiphytic nature means it requires a specialized soil environment to bloom successfully. Standard potting soil is too dense and retains too much moisture for these plants to thrive and flower. Create an ideal growing medium by mixing: 2 parts quality orchid mix or succulent soil 1 part perlite or pumice 1 part peat moss or coconut coir A small amount of horticultural charcoal to prevent soil souring This light, airy mixture replicates the plant’s natural growing conditions, allowing roots to breathe while retaining just enough moisture. The slightly acidic pH preference of goldfish plants (around 5.5-6.5) can be addressed by using acidic components like peat moss in your soil mix. When repotting, choose a container only slightly larger than the current one, as goldfish plants actually bloom better when slightly root-bound. This creates a mild stress that often triggers more abundant flowering. Water Water generously during summer and ensure the soil is kept evenly moist. In winter, reduce watering to let the soil dry out a little. This might promote better flowering. Note that it should never dry out completely, but overly wet soil leads to root rot. Secret Tip : Master the Watering Balance The goldfish plant requires a careful watering regimen to produce abundant blooms. During the active growing season in summer, water generously and maintain consistently moist soil. However, as an epiphyte, the goldfish plant is susceptible to root rot if its soil becomes waterlogged. To encourage blooming, adjust your watering schedule seasonally. In winter, reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to become slightly drier between waterings. This mild stress can actually trigger more prolific flowering when the growing season returns. Using room-temperature water is essential, as cold water can shock the plant’s roots and inhibit flower production. Additionally, develop a habit of checking soil moisture before watering—insert your finger about an inch into the soil, and only water when the top layer feels dry to the touch. Temperature and Humidity Goldfish houseplants perform best in room temperatures of 65 to 75°F. They need mild to moderate humidity and can be misted once a day with room-temperature water. Never mix with cold water; it can damage the foliage. In very dry situations, a humidifier near the plant can help. Secret Tip : Create Tropical Humidity As tropical natives, goldfish plants require moderate to high humidity levels to bloom abundantly. Standard household humidity, especially during winter when heating systems operate, is typically too low for optimal flowering. There are several effective methods to increase humidity around your goldfish plant: Place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot remains above the water line Group it with other plants to create a naturally humid microclimate Use a room humidifier near your plant collection Mist the plant’s foliage regularly, particularly

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7 Stunning String of Hearts Secrets for Dopamine-Boosting Home Decor

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Looking to transform your living space with a touch of nature and a boost of happiness? The String of Hearts plant is a trending favorite in home improvement and gardening circles, celebrated for its delicate vines and mood-lifting presence. Discover the latest secrets to styling, caring for, and maximizing the dopamine-boosting benefits of String of Hearts in your home decor. String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a truly unusual, beautiful houseplant featuring evergreen, succulent, trailing vines that will add flair to hanging baskets or pots on shelves and window sills. It is low-maintenance, fast-growing and long-lived. Inspring-thespruce. By default, since it thrives out in the wild in warmer tropical areas — it’s originally from South Africa — indoor string of hearts should be kept near the sunlight, ideally, growing inward as it would, by a west- or south-facing window. Cultivated for many years, string of hearts is also planted as a low-growing ground cover, in rock gardens and spilling over walls in warm Mediterranean regions. Its heart-shaped, fleshy, grey-green foliage has a marbled pattern that catches the eye, and its thin, stringlike vines have an unusual purple cast. Trim it now and then to make it seem that it is. Vines grow up to 12 feet tall at maturity. String of Hearts Plant Care String of hearts is fast-growing and will flower generously with the right warm conditions, moisture levels, and filtered light. It is known to be strong, so it is a good plant for novices in the world of houseplants; it is able to withstand periods of neglect fairly well. dopamine decor. Buy Now – Amazon India Buy Now – Amazon U.S.A Light You should also place your string of hearts plant in a location where it will get bright but dappled, filtered sunlight if you want it to thrive and produce flowers. Soil Heart plants like well-draining cacti potting mixes. While they like good fertility, the plants may look straggly if the mix is too rich. An ordinary potting mix will also require additions such as pumice or perlite to allow for adequate drainage. Water While the string of hearts plant is drought resistant, it appreciates watering more often than many other succulents. Overwatering leads to swollen leaves and leaf drops, and the growth habit is messy. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and then give a deep watering. Avoid allowing your string of hearts plant to sit in water. This is a great way to kill them quickly; good drainage is essential. If you are unsure about whether your plants are dry, use a moisture meter and wait until they read “dry.” Temperature and Humidity The plants can typically withstand temperatures of around 20ºF for short periods of time, but string of hearts can’t survive prolonged cold exposure. String of hearts care , particularly if they have not had enough time to retain moisture. Heat is not a fan of string of hearts plants. These plants prefer low humidity during winter dormancy. Warm temperatures and good airflow yield the best results. Fertilizer A little fertiliser will do wonders for string of hearts, especially one that’s succulent-specific. See product label for amount to use. It shouldn’t be high in nitrogen, since too much nitrogen causes a plant to get too soft. Bright, Indirect Light & Occasional Neglect 🌞 Why it’s searched: New plant parents often overwater or misplace their String of Hearts. Secret: Place it near an east- or west-facing window for gentle sunlight. Let the soil dry completely between waterings—this succulent thrives on “tough love.” Dopamine Boost: Watching its trailing vines grow rapidly (with minimal effort) sparks joy and a sense of accomplishment. Varieties of String of Heart Plants Ceropegia woodii variegata: The variegated string of hearts plant has green leaves that are cream, pink and silver mottled.How to propagate string of hearts. Ceropegia woodii ‘Heartless’: Commonly known as a string of spades, mini star, or durban, this cultivar has bright green leaves with pink undersides. Ceropegia woodii ‘Silver Glory’: This cultivar has apple-shaped leaves with silvery variegation, with a dark green line on the leaf. Ceropegia woodii ‘Orange River’: This variety has green leaves with an orange tinge. Ceropegia linearis: Also known as string of needles, this plant has needle-like leaves, which are not common in other succulents. Pruning Pruning string of hearts isn’t 100% required, but you have the option to cut back your string of hearts if you want to keep its length in check. Cut just below a node where a cluster of leaves grows from the stem. This plant can take a hammering, so you can cut or trim it as much as you like. Propagate & Share the Love 🌱 Why it’s searched: Propagation is a fan favorite—it’s easy and rewarding. Secret: Snip a vine, place nodes in water or soil, and watch roots sprout. Gift cuttings to friends or create a “plant family” around your home. Dopamine Boost: Nurturing new growth and sharing it taps into our brain’s reward system, fostering happiness and connection. A Guide to Propagating String of Heart Plants The best time to plant, transplant or repot string of hearts is during warmer temperatures in spring, summer or early fall. Sourcing seeds is difficult. String of Hearts flower , Unlike most plants, string of heart plants do not generally grow from seeds — instead, they are propagated by stem cuttings. Tip cuttings (short sections of stems) are easily taken, rooted and established successfully. Using a pair of sterilised scissors or pruning shears, cut a 3 to 4-inch healthy cutting with at least two internodes. There are 3 ways in which roots will develop from the cutting. Here’s how: Water Propagation You will need scissors, water, and a jar or vessel to grow roots in. The best is a clear jar, so you can see root growth easily. You’ll eventually need a small pot and potting mix, though. Trim off the leaves on the stem below where it will be submerged, then place the cut end in water. Give the plant bright, indirect light. Replace the water with fresh, room-temperature water every three to five days. Once roots develop, place the cutting into a pot with moistened potting mix. Image-Prince.Princess Soil Layering Place the cutting on top of the soil, making sure

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7 Secrets to Growing a Stunning Pink Princess Philodendron

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Gorgeous and highly coveted, the pink princess philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘pink princess’) sits at the very top of many plant collectors’ wish lists, and for good reason. How the Plant World Works: The pink princess is its own species and boasts deep green heart-shaped leaves speckled with variegation that ranges from pale pink to bubblegum.To keep that beautiful pink variegation, learning how to care for your pink princess philodendron is essential. Fortunately, like most plants in the philodendron genus, its care is relatively simple. Inspring-thespruce. Caring for Pink Princess Philodendron The pink princess philodendron is a tropical aroid in the Araceae family native to Colombia. Though it comes with a hefty price tag, this colourful plant is relatively easy to take care of. Pink Princess Philodendron Care. However, there are a few important things to remember to ensure the most variegation possible on the leaves. Light To achieve the beautiful variegation that the pink princess philodendron is known for, you’re going to need to give it several hours of bright, indirect light.When grown as a houseplant, this philodendron can also grow with a few hours of direct light. You will get greedy leaves if you do not supply sufficient light, so the best trick is to get a grow light to get the lovely shade that the pink princess philodendron is recognized for. Soil As an aroid, the philodendron pink princess likes loose, well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. The pink princess prefers a mix with one part standard potting soil, one part perlite and one part orchid bark. Water Water well, letting the top half of the soil dry out in between waterings. Generally, this means you should water the plant around once a week during the spring and summer, and once every one to two weeks during the fall and winter.In general, pink princess philodendrons are much easier to overwater than underwater, so when in doubt, hold off on watering for another day. Temperature and Humidity The pink princess philodendron thrives in warm, humid conditions, although average temperature and humidity levels in the home are fine for these hearty plants. Pink princess philodendron care. Ideally, move your plant in temperatures of 65°F to 79°F and do not expose it to temperatures lower than 60°F. Fertilizer Feed it regularly, once a month, with a balanced liquid fertiliser during its growing season (spring and summer). Beginner Pink Princess Tips Where to Put It: Give your pink princess philodendron a perch where it will get a few hours of bright indirect sunlight.How to Water It: Only water it when the soil is dry, to avoid overwatering, probably once a week in the summer.Soil Type: A blend of regular potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. How to Repot Pink Princess Philodendron Re-pot pink princess philodendron every one to two years, when it has outgrown its prior container. If you’re seeing roots emerging through the drainage holes, that is a sure sign that you need to repot.But technically, you can repot philodendrons at any time of year; spring and summer, however, are ideal times to do so. Here’s how to get it done. How to Repot a Philodendron Pink Princess Carefully take your pink princess out of its old pot. Soak the root ball to free as much old soil as possible. Fill a fresh pot that is 1 to 2 inches wider than the previous pot with 1 inch of new, well-draining soil. For the ideal pot, you want it to have 1 or more draining holes. Holes. Insert your plant into the new pot and then hold it in place with one hand while you fill back around the plant with additional fresh soil. Water the newly repotted plant well, allowing any excess to flow out of the pot’s drainage holes. Large pink princess philodendron Place the plant back in its original spot and return to a normal watering routine. Pruning Tip Read popular content on it here. Looking for the best pruners to use on your pink princess? To ensure that your houseplant is happy and healthy, we tested over 25 top-rated pruners in our Lab. How to Propagate Pink Princess Philodendron Like most philodendrons, the pink princess is relatively easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Not only will this help create a new plant for you to gift a friend, but propagation also leads to a bushier plant and can help encourage variegation (especially if the leaves on your plant have started to revert). Here’s how to propagate your pink princess philodendron by stem cuttings in a few simple steps: Using sharp, sterilised pruning shears or scissors, take a piece of stem with two to three leaves and two to three nodes exposed at the base of the cutting. Remove all of the lower leaves from your cutting, leaving only two to three leaves at the tip. Put the cutting in water and move it to a spot with bright, indirect light. Always keep the exposed nodes of the cutting under water. Change the water to fresh water at least once a week. In two to three weeks, new roots should start to appear at the bottom of the cutting. Once the roots have reached at least an inch long, you can transplant the cutting back into the soil. Water them well and use a well-draining potting mix. Common Pests & Plant Diseases The pink princess philodendron is prone to many of the common houseplant pests and diseases. They include mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, pink princess philodendron scale, and fungus gnats. Common ailments include root rot (due to overwatering) and rust spots (caused by a fungal infection). Image-Prince.Princess Pests to Watch If you notice mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites on your pink princess, treat the infested plant with an application of insecticidal soap or neem oil. Common Issues With Pink Princess Philodendron Pink princess philodendrons are fairly problem-free if cared for properly. Most problems with these tropical plants stem from issues with watering, humidity, or light. Leaves Are Not Pink and All Variegation Is Lost This is probably because of a shortage of light. Keep your plant in bright, indirect light, but do not allow it to get low light, because that will stunt the variegation. It is crucial to detect and treat this issue early because a completely reverted pink princess philodendron cannot regain its

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7 Surprising Ways Creeping Thyme Can Transform Your Garden in 2025

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Creeping thyme (Thymus) The flowering ground cover features pointed blue-green leaves that thrive in sunny spots. Not all types of creeping thyme are grown as herbs, but they are in the mint family, so they tend to smell nice; most are suitable for cooking. Red creeping thyme. Most thyme varieties are perennial in , Prince Princess, temperate climates. Though some thyme species are upright and shrubby, creeping types are low-growing and have a viney habit and can serve as a grass.Prince Princess-Home Improvement, the alternative that doesn’t need to be mowed (it will also choke out weeds). They are mainly grown for the fine texture of their leaves as they spread to form a soft, low blanket on the ground, but they do have flowers that are of varying colours, depending on what kind you have. Creeping thyme ground cover, Inspiring-thespruce.com Creeping thyme is drought-resistant and is generally low-maintenance (it can grow in poor soil). It may be planted as groundcover, in garden beds, in between pavers or in containers. Creeping thyme is deer-resistant. How to Plant Creeping Thyme Sow seeds or transplant potted nursery starts of creeping thyme in spring. It’s a slow-to-moderate grower in its first year, but once established, it will spread faster in the years to come. When grown from nursery starts, space 6 to 12 inches apart. If you are using it as a grass substitute, you will want a closer spacer for denser coverage. Space seeds one inch apart and thin if more than one seed germinates.Red creeping thyme, Creeping thyme colours. Home improvement, image-Prince Creeping Thyme Care Creeping thyme prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils that drain well. Creeping thyme, like most herb plants, appears to enjoy poor soils. They will thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Creeping thyme is a tough plant with few problems to speak of, though it can experience root rot in very wet, soggy soil. It does best in USDA zones 2-9. The roots should be moist but never waterlogged. In normal weather conditions, you should ideally water creeping thyme once every 10 days. Creeping thyme colours, image-Prince Light Provide full sun for your creeping thyme plant. It requires a minimum of six hours of daily sun. You may get fewer flowers if it is in partial shade but it will survive quite happily. Soil Be sure that your thyme plant is well-drained. Good drainage is a key component of soil success with thyme. It doesn’t like wet feet, so ensure the soil drains well. It thrives in loose, sandy, rocky soil, and even loam if it drains well. It does not perform well in wet clay. creeping thyme seeds. Water So keep creeping thyme from drying out, particularly when it’s a new plant. Generally, thyme planted in the ground or kept at a stable, Blue creeping thyme, unsweltering temperature should be watered every 10 days; potted thyme in outdoors will need water once a day if it’s outside in damagingly hot conditions. Red creeping thyme. You want the roots to be damp, but not sitting in standing water.” Temperature and Humidity As a general rule, thyme plants do not thrive in humid weather. If you live in a humid place and your plant is losing leaves or if the foliage looks ragged, trim off the affected stems and increase air circulation. You can also add sand or gravel around the base of the plant to keep it from contacting wet soil. Plants affected will perk up when the weather cools, he said. Fertilizer Thyme does not need to be fed if it’s growing in well-prepared soil. Cool-summer cultivars thrive in cooler conditions and also ‘prefer’ rich, fertile soil, but if it’s poor, you can make that up to them by giving a slow-release fertiliser once at the start of every growing season. Follow the product label instructions for the amount to use. Creeping thyme seeds. Pruning Tip No pruners? No problem! We’ve tried out more than 10 of the best pruners so that you can decide which will suit you and your individual needs for good use—is there a choice that’s right for you? Types of Creeping Thyme English thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is the most familiar variety—it’s also called common thyme or garden thyme, creeping thyme ground cover,and it’s usually grown as a culinary herb. Many varieties of creeping thyme, including creeping thyme seeds. Though, are low-growing and spread well.Spicy orange creeping thyme (Thymus ‘Spicy Orange’) has pink flowers and grows 2 to 4 inches high; it is hardy in zones 5 to 9.White creeping thyme (Thymus pauciflorus ‘Albiflorus’), with white flowers, grows 1 to 2 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide. It is hardy in zones 2 to 9.Red creeping thyme. Creeping thyme colours,Creeping red thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Coccineus’) has pink flowers. It grows 3 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, and is hardy in zones 4 to 9.Creeping (or woolly) thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) has light pink flowers. It reaches 3 inches tall and 3 to 12 inches wide, and is hardy in zones 5 to 8. Pruning Over time, creeping thyme plants can get woody. Creeping thyme seeds. If they are overrun by woody stems, you might consider removing and replacing the plants or severely pruning back the plants to stimulate new growth.In early spring, cut back creeping thyme stems to prepare the plant for the coming growing season. Prune again when the flowers fade — usually, by the end of summer. In late fall, after experiencing your first frost, Blue creeping thyme, prune the leggiest, woodiest stems by 50 per cent. This makes for vigorous, young spring growth. How do I plant creeping thyme between pavers? Plant young thyme plugs 6–12 inches apart between pavers in spring. Ensure the area receives ample sunlight and has well-drained soil. Propagating Creeping Thyme The most straightforward methods for propagating creeping thyme are by division, using stem cuttings, and through seed. The ideal time to divide or take cuttings is late spring and early summer. By Division To propagate by division, you will require a sterilized sharp knife or spade. If you are putting it into a clean new pot, ensure that the pot is clean and that it has well-draining dirt. You need at least 3 inches of growing room on all sides and below the plant

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The 10 Best Outdoor Solar Lights of 2025, Expert Tested & Approved

Leave a Comment / Blog, GARDEN, Garden Design / Prince Princess

In the past two years, we tested 62 different outdoor lights (yes, you read that correctly), including solar pathways, smart, spotlights, lanterns, wall-mounted, and string lights. If we do say so ourselves, we have become 10 Amazing Outdoor Solar Lights for 2025 solar light experts. Home Improvement. We tested outdoor solar lights in The Lab, simulating hail storms and recording the lights overnight to see if they stayed on all night long. We also did some home testing around the country.10 Must-Have Solar Lights, We looked at the specs—each light was assessed for ease of assembly,Garden brightness, features, design, value, Shine Brighter, and durability. Best Solar Lights for 2025. Read more about our process here, and we also spoke to lighting expert Sheva Knopfler, Lights. Com’s co-founder and creative director, on what to consider before buying outdoor solar lights. On her short list: how much light do you need, and does it need to be direct or diffused? Solar pathway lights help you find your way when walking at night, while mounted spotlights may have security monitors or be designed to showcase features of your landscape. 10 Powerful Solar Lights for 2025, One other factor is how you’ll set up your lights. Some are driven into the ground, while others are mounted or hung on the side of your house. solar outdoor. Establish what you’d like to have illuminated as well as the areas you have room for outdoor lights so that you can find the best outdoor solar lights for your space.10 Best Solar Lights (2025), Best Overall AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Lights Buy Now – Amazon India Buy Now – Amazon u.s.a The best option for most outdoor spaces is the AloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights. In testing, they passed our durability tests with flying colours, were super easy to use, and were bright enough to read under Depending on the setting, these spotlights can sense motion up to 33 feet away. Shine Brighter. It has three modes from sunset to sunrise: dim or bright light if motion is detected; no light or bright light if motion is detected; or medium light/always on. It gives some options to suit your needs, and it’s super easy to use, and we use both a lot. Solar outdoor wall lights. Simple to assemble, with only two pieces, this two-pack of lights can either be staked into the ground (the method we tested) or mounted to a wall with included hardware. During our durability tests, we were impressed by how well these solar pathway lights held up. We added sprinkles of water to them and put them in the freezer for over an hour. And the lights still worked, just as well as before, after every test! We also dropped a golf ball onto their solar light panel from 6 feet away, and they still survived. 10 Best Solar Lights (2025), These data-up-to-date spotlights also have 30 LED light chips in them to help brighten your pathway, garden, or yard, lasting 40,000 hours. Top 10 Solar Lights (2025) However, they are simply designed, and they tend toward the cool end (6500K) that some might find unattractive for use in a home. You can’t go wrong with these if you want durable, bright lights with useful features at a great price. Dimensions: 11.81 x 5.43 x 4.33 inches | Lumens: Not specified | Charging time: 1 to 2 days first use, up to 8 hours on cloudy days | Operating times: 6 to 12 hours depending on setting | Weather Resistance Rating: IP68 | Color temperature: 6500K Best Budget Hampton Bay Outdoor Solar Spotlight PHOTO: Prince/Princess Buy Now – Amazon India Buy Now – Amazon u.s.a If you’re seeking an inexpensive spotlight, we loved trying this available option from Hampton Bay. The light has a simple and intuitive design, but it’s ideal for illuminating a favourite fountain or landscape element you have in your yard. The light even features a tilt-adjustable solar panel that allows you to position it at the best angle for charging and sun-collecting. At night the light will automatically switch on and turn off at the break of dawn. It is built to run for eight hours on a full charge. 10 Powerful Solar Lights for 2025. Very basic, but we were surprised at the lack of directions with this light. This made the installation and set-up a bit more challenging, but once we located the on/off switch (it’s immediately beneath the solar panel and covered by a plastic knob for weatherproofing) things were more or less clear. You just turn it on, stake it into the ground, adjust the solar panel and wait for the sun to set. PHOTO: Prince/Princess This light at 55 lumens is relatively bright so we use it as landscape lighting. But we believe this kit of lights would be even better for lighting your yard. Fortunately, they are under $10, so picking up a few for your backyard is not too expensive. Durability was not a problem — we’re happy to report that this light has lit up our yard every. Single. Night for the past six months. The light functions well no matter the wind, rain, or even blazing sun. solar outdoor, It was even accidentally hit by a lawn mower and it still had zero damage. Dimensions: ‎3.5 x 8.1 inches | Lumens: 55 each | Charging Time: Not Listed | Operating time: 8 hours | Weather Resistance Rating: IPX5 | Color Temperature: 3000 How do outdoor solar lights function ? Outdoor solar lights are powered by a few superhero elements: solar cells, rechargeable batteries, photoresistors and lightbulbs. Solar lights in a garden. During the day, solar cells turn the sun’s rays into electricity and batteries store them, and the photoresistors kick on the light in the dark. Best String Lights Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights Buy Now – Amazon India Buy Now – Amazon u.s.a Outdoor string lights can bring a more welcoming vibe to your patio in the summer, and an added festive element during the winter holidays. Motion sensor lights outdoors we believe they’re versatile enough to keep up all year This Brightech set is 27 feet long and doesn’t need electricity. Simply stake the solar panel into the ground or clip

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The 10 Best Gardening Tools, Expert Tested & Approved

Leave a Comment / Blog, CLEANING, GARDEN, Garden Design, Garden Plans / Prince Princess

Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a novice gardener, the proper gardening tools help make maintaining your garden more enjoyable. We’ve researched and tested dozens of gardening tools both in our lab and in our own backyard gardens, assessing how each performs for its intended purpose, as well as ease of use and overall value. All gardening tools are made with the specific purpose and activity in mind, however, we found what mattered in our purchasing decision for longevity, was the material and comfort of the tool. Home Improvement Everything on this list, from trowels to weeding tools, is manufactured with either aluminium, steel, or high-quality plastic to resist direct sunlight and other weather. They also need to resist drops and impact. Aluminium and steel will withstand rust with time and feel heavier and more premium in hand, while plastic is lighter and more manoeuvrable, but potentially less weatherproof. Prince Princess Home Seek tools with padded handles, ergonomic grips, shock absorption technology or other features that feel good in your hands over time. We love the options on this list because not only do they perform well, but they also don’t wear or tire out your hands while you’re gardening. That is, finding tools that function well, are made with solid materials, and feel good to use. Best Pruners Felco F-2 One-Hand Pruning Shear Buy Now – Amazon India Buy Now – Amazon u.s.a Don’t be deterred by the price tag of the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruners. Though definitely a hefty initial expense, these hand pruners come with a lifetime warranty and last very nearly forever. In testing, we found that these pruners worked great for cutting through branches and shrubbery up to an inch thick in diameter in a backyard garden. The sap groove is another great feature that prevents the blades from sticking. Traditionally, this handle utilises hardened steel blades, a forged aluminium handle, and, importantly, an adjustable alignment. Its rubberised handle has shock-absorbing pads to ease the gardener’s grip. We did learn that the F-2 pruners are constructed for a larger hand, but Felco offers other models for smaller hands, such as the F-6. The rotating and ergonomic handles of the F-7 and F-8 pruners may be helpful to users who experience problems with their joints. Another nice touch is that they also sell a left-handed version for leftie gardeners, which means there’s a comfortable and effective pruning shear option for everyone. Dimensions: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Primary Use: Trimming branches | Material: Aluminum Best Garden Knife Nisaku Hori-Hori Tomita Weeding Knife Buy Now – Amazon India Buy Now – Amazon u.s.a While you can get cheaper garden knives, the Nisaku Japanese Hori Hori Digging Tool is still a worthy bit of splurging thanks to its rugged, 7 1/4-inch long stainless steel blade that glides seamlessly through the soil. We found the Hori Hori incredibly effective at uprooting even the most stubborn of weeds, as it features a sharp edge designed to slice through roots with ease. The blade has a straight and serrated edge, which makes it a great tool for medium-light planting, flower dividing, and transplants for small plants. The depth markings on the blade also make it a good planting tool when it’s time to plant spring and summer bulbs. Overall we were impressed with this knife and understood why it was priced higher than many contenders on the market, but we were disappointed by its handle. It’s basically square, which makes holding on to it uncomfortable for extended periods and makes it precarious when you’re digging in really stubborn or rocky soil. The tool is worth making an investment if you would like to use a tool for weeding instead of removing it with your hands. Dimensions: 13 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches | Best for: Roursing weeds | Material: Stainless steel and wood Best Trowe Wilcox 14-inch Digging Trowel Buy Now – Amazon India Buy Now – Amazon u.s.a For its soil-slicing ability and long blade, we were impressed with the Wilcox All-Pro Heavy-Duty Digging Trowel. We believe that the lack of metal seams or brackets makes it less likely to rust or wear in the long run, even if its design might not excite a connoisseur. The maker also sells trowels that measure from 9 up to 18 in, though we tested the 14-in version. The design is supported by a lifetime warranty, which helps justify the eye-popping initial expense. Durability aside, this trowel is super handy and can even be used instead of a soil knife while still nailing its skill to more digging-intensive tasks. We also loved the depth markings that go along the edge of the blade — a helpful feature for planting bulbs and seedlings. We found that dirt can get stuck in the handle of this trowel because the blade of the trowel does not fill the entire circumference of the handle. It wouldn’t completely impede its function, but we think you would want to wipe away this nook with a dry cloth or paper towel instead of rinsing the blade, to avoid prolonged water exposure. Overall, we comfortably gripped this trowel and liked the length because it allows for better overall digging, as well, compared to trowels that are shorter. Dimensions: 14 x 3 x 0.2 inches | Best For: Planting | Material: Stainless steel Best Shovel Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel PHOTO: Amazon Buy Now – Amazon India Buy Now – Amazon u.s.a Best of all, the Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel is more than just a durable and long-handled shovel; it’s useful for a wide variety of gardening and lawn-care tasks. We haven’t had a chance to test this shovel, but we like that the handle is reinforced with fibreglass, which is stronger than equivalent wooden and plastic options.The steel blade is more rounded compared with other options, which may not make it ideal for puncturing into extremely rocky soil, but its long ferrule (the shaft that joins the handle and the blade) gives added durability for very tough jobs.Dimensions: 60 by 9.5 by 1.5 inches | Primary use: Digging | Material: Steel and fibreglass Buy Now – Amazon India Best Rain Gauge Stratus

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