Expert Advice on Home Improvement

Beth asks, “How do I encourage my indoor cactus plant to bloom? It was blooming when I bought it, but it hasn’t bloomed since.”

Desert cacti are a challenge to get to bloom indoors, simply because we can’t provide as much light as a sun-drenched desert. However, here are some tips for encouraging your cactus to bloom. Read in full.

Once the holidays come to an end, many of us find ourselves with a lovely assortment of poinsettias that we guiltily throw in the trash during the great post-holiday cleanup. This year, why not practice a little year-round cheer and keep your poinsettias as houseplants? They’re beautiful, lush plants, and you’ve never received a holiday gift quite as special as coaxing a poinsettia into bloom. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

The large, colorful blossoms of Hibiscus (Hibiscus sp.) create an eye-catching display during summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies and providing the look of a tropical paradise, no matter what the variety. Read on to find out how to grow hibiscus in your yard or garden. Read in full.

As the summer heats up, consider adding some tropical plants to your garden for a splash of luxury. The large, waving foliage and lush growth habits add a cool, inviting touch, and the plants themselves are naturally tolerant of the heat and humidity of summer. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Growing houseplants is a great way to start gardening while enhancing the beauty of your home. Like any other gardening endeavor, indoor gardens can be as simple or elaborate as you would like. Here are some general guidelines to help get you started. Read in full.

Dianne asks, “What is the lowest temperature suggested for a greenhouse? Most of the plants inside are tropical.”

The minimum temperature for a greenhouse depends on the types of plants stored in them. For most tropical houseplants, the minimum recommended temperature is around 55° F. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Plants “breathe” by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is why forests are so important in maintaining the delicate balance of the earth’s atmosphere. But certain tropical houseplants can also remove other more harmful chemicals, such as Formaldehyde, from the air inside your home. Read on to find out more about houseplants that can improve the air quality in your home or office. Read in full.

Meredith asks, “I live in Zone 8a, and I’ve got a lot of succulent plants that do well in hot temperatures. While we don’t get much freezing weather, it does happen sometimes. How should I take care of succulents during the cold winter months?”

The biggest threat to tender succulents is the combination of cold temperatures and wet, soggy soil. Here are some tips for helping these plants survive freezing weather. Read in full.

In my article, Caring for Holiday Cactus, I mention my first Christmas cactus, which came from my mother, who got it from HER mother, who grew and tended it as far back as anyone can remember. What I don’t mention (for the sake of my reputation, of course), is that I killed it. Yes, that’s right, I killed the heirloom cactus, and I hang my head in shame. Read in full.

The group of plants known as “Holiday Cactus” get their names because of their ability (with a little help) to bloom during holiday seasons. These plants are easy to grow and often passed down through the generations. With holiday cactus, the question isn’t how to grow it, but how to make it bloom. By following these easy steps, you’ll have your plant blooming in time for the holidays. Read in full.