Plant eggplant 18 to 24 inches apart, in rows 30 to 36 inches apart. Big Italian globe types want the full 24 inches, slender Asian types are happy closer to 18 inches, and dwarf patio varieties can go as close as 12 to 18 inches. Those numbers look generous next to a 6-inch seedling, and … Read more >>
Eggplant leaves curl when something is stressing the plant. The most common causes are heat, dry or uneven soil, and sap-sucking pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Less often, the cause is soggy roots, herbicide drift, a virus, or a nutrient problem. Most of the time, eggplant leaves curling is a fixable stress signal: … Read more >>
Lotus plants can’t handle drought the way garden perennials do. They’re true aquatic plants, and they need standing water over their soil all season long. Lotus plants can’t survive drought as growing plants: the leaves start failing within hours once the soil is exposed, but the underground tuber can ride out a short dry spell … Read more >>
Lemongrass and citronella grass are two different plants. They’re close cousins in the same grass family, and the confusion gets worse because a third plant, a lemon-scented geranium, is also sold as “citronella.” If you want a plant to cook with, grow lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), because it’s the type sold for food, while citronella grass … Read more >>
Most of the time, drooping eggplant leaves come from heat or a water problem. If the leaves sag in the hot afternoon and perk back up by evening, your plant is fine; if they’re still limp at dawn, check the soil, the stem, and the roots right away. Dry soil, soggy soil, and fresh transplant … Read more >>
Most areca palm benefits you’ll notice at home are the everyday ones: a soft, tropical look, a pet-safe plant for homes with cats and dogs, and a pleasant bit of green that can make a room feel calmer. The big claims about cleaning your air or humidifying a whole house don’t hold up well once … Read more >>
Most areca palms die from root rot caused by soggy soil, with dry air, tap water salts, cold drafts, and poor light close behind. You can save a palm that still has firm canes and some white or tan roots. One that has gone mushy at the base all the way through usually can’t come … Read more >>
Lemongrass grows well from seed if you give it warmth, light, and a head start indoors. To grow lemongrass from seed, press the seeds onto the surface of moist seed-starting mix about 8 weeks before your last frost, keep them at 70 to 80°F until they sprout in one to three weeks, then plant the … Read more >>
For most American homes, I’d pick the cat palm if your room gets moderate light and you want a fuller plant that stays around 3 to 6 feet tall. I’d pick the areca palm if you have a bright window and want a taller, feathery palm that can reach 6 to 8 feet indoors. Both … Read more >>
Yes, you can eat lemongrass. The tender, pale lower stalk of lemongrass is edible once you peel off the tough outer layers and slice or mince it finely, while the green leaves and woody tops are best used for tea and infusions, then strained out. The whole plant is safe for people in food amounts. … Read more >>