Before reusing a potting mix, consider its condition and what happened to the plant that grew in it. A container from a sound seasonal display presents a different question from one with unexplained root decay…
When choosing a new pot for rosemary, look at the existing root ball before looking at the size of the balcony. A generous decorative container can surround a small plant with more wet growing medium…
Finding pine needles beneath a tree does not mean you have found ready-made potting compost. Fresh needles, partly decomposed litter and well-rotted material have different textures and uses. Identify what you have collected before adding…
Before putting a monstera leaf into water, find the piece of stem it came from. A leaf with its stalk is different from a stem cutting that includes a node capable of producing new growth.…
Worm castings are an ingredient to consider within a growing medium, not a reason to stop thinking about the rest of the mix. The plant still needs suitable drainage, moisture and root space. Check the…
Two pots standing beside one another can have different moisture requirements. Treating both as 'plants that like water' removes the detail needed to care for them well. Identify each plant and understand the growing system…
Before growing mugwort indoors, consider its size and scent in the room where it will stand. A pleasant impression outdoors does not tell you how the same plant will feel beside a desk or in…
A maple bonsai occupies a small volume of growing medium, so the conditions around its container deserve as much attention as the canopy. A sheltered-looking balcony can still expose the pot to reflected heat and…
A clivia can stand in pleasant conditions during the afternoon and experience a much colder position beside the same window at night. Check the plant's location across the day, particularly where leaves touch glass or…
A bundle of leafless stems is easy to reverse once the cuttings have been prepared. Use the marking method specified in your propagation instructions so the top and bottom remain clear. Identify the shrub and…
Once several shrub cuttings have been trimmed and their lower leaves removed, they can be surprisingly difficult to tell apart. Label the container before collecting rose of Sharon material. Confirm the parent plant's identity and…
A container without a drainage hole can be used as a cover, with the plant growing in a separate inner pot. That makes it possible to remove the plant for watering and check whether water…