Expert Advice on Home Improvement

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.

If a drought-tolerant garden makes you think of cacti and rock gardens, then think again – there are many colorful and lush choices that are perfect for a low-maintenance, water-conserving landscape. As parts of the country experience a reduction in rainfall or restrictions on water use, drought-tolerance has become an increasingly desirable characteristic in cultivated plants. Read in full.

Gardening in a dry climate can be a challenge but Southern Californian Tricia Craven Worley explains that it is possible to create a beautiful landscape if you choose your plants carefully. The staples of such gardens are drought tolerant plants such as Pride of Madeira, Rosemary and Thyme. Watch this video.