If you’re asking “why is my basil plant dying,” you’re not alone. Basil looks tough, but it’s fussy about water, temperature, and light. A plant can go from lush to limp in just a few days. The good news is that most basil problems have clear signs and simple fixes. In this guide, I’ll walk … 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 >>
You can grow lemongrass in pots almost anywhere in the US, even where winters dip well below freezing. Plant one lemongrass plant in a 5- to 10-gallon pot with drainage holes, fill it with a rich, well-draining potting mix, give it at least six hours of direct sun, and water whenever the top inch of … Read more >>
Lemongrass that shows purple or red is usually reacting to its surroundings. Most of the time the cause is cool nights, a reddish stalk base that’s normal for the plant, or stress from sun, dry soil, or hungry roots. In most cases, lemongrass turning purple is a harmless response to cool weather or mild stress, … Read more >>
Finding aphids on jade plant leaves can be a surprise, because jade is a tough succulent that rarely draws these pests. When aphids do show up, they cluster on soft new growth and flower buds. The good news is that they are easy to control once you know what to do. In this guide, I’ll … Read more >>
If you’ve noticed your jade plant leaves turning dark green, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common things jade owners notice, especially after a plant moves indoors or spends a winter away from a sunny window. The good news is that dark green leaves are rarely a sign of disease. In most cases, … Read more >>
Seeing a jade plant stem turning black is scary. Jade plants are tough, so a dark, ugly stem feels like a sign that something has gone badly wrong. The good news is that not every dark stem is a death sentence. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to tell harmless aging from real … Read more >>
Orchids have a reputation for being fussy, but the moth orchid sold at most US grocery stores is one of the easiest flowering houseplants you can grow. Good orchid care comes down to a few habits: bright indirect light, a chunky bark mix, careful watering, and a little patience after the flowers drop. I’ll walk … Read more >>
A full, healthy hanging basket comes down to a few choices made on planting day. Learning how to plant a hanging basket the right way means the right container, a good potting mix, plants that get along, and steady care for the first few weeks. I’ll walk you through each step, from gathering supplies to … Read more >>
Every December, the same question pops up in my inbox: are poinsettias poisonous to cats and dogs? The red leaves look festive, but if you share your home with a curious pet, it’s smart to know what you’re bringing inside. The good news is that poinsettias are far less dangerous than their reputation suggests. They … Read more >>