Indoor Growing

This is the indoor growing category where I provide you with a world where gardening isn’t bound by seasons or external conditions. You can expect expert advice on creating thriving ecosystems within your living spaces while nurturing your love for plants and honing your green thumb.

We will cover the following topics in this category. Air Plants, Alocasia, Dracaena, Growing Techniques, Greenhouse Growing, Hydroponics, Interior Plant Design, Monstera, Philodendron, Popular Plants, Pothos, Scindapsus, Succulents.

Strong Winds? No Problem! Secure Your Polytunnel

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Tony O'Neill confidently secures his polytunnel against strong winds, using sturdy straps and anchors.

The fight to keep Polytunnels grounded in the face of storms is continuous – until it is solved. Here we explore how to keep your Polytunnel, with its low size-to-weight ratio, from being blown away by the powerful and often destructive force – wind. We take a brief look at the science behind it and then look at how to mitigate the risk factors.

Why is my Monstera Drooping?

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An image showing a Monstera plant with drooping leaves, indicating potential issues. Discover why your Monstera might be drooping.

Plants droop when they lose turgidity, a pressure loss in the cells caused by reduced water supply. Loss of turgidity can be either due to drought or plant disease. Plants become flaccid when the pressure in the plant cell drop. Turgor is the distension of a plant cell’s protoplasmic layer and wall by the fluid … Read more

Philodendron “Rojo Congo” Care Guide

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A vibrant Philodendron "Rojo Congo" plant with large, glossy leaves in shades of deep green and burgundy. Learn the care guide now.

A plant of such beauty shouldn’t be so easy to grow, but the Philodendron “Rojo Congo,” a hybrid of the Imperial Red and P. tatei subsp. Melanochlorum is. The Rojo Congo is more prominent and broader than other red varieties, has deeper red leaves, and develops far more quickly. This tropical Philodendron may grow up … Read more

How to Make a Succulent Garden

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A beautiful succulent garden arrangement featuring a variety of succulent plants in different colors, shapes, and sizes.

Soil quality, light provision, and watering practices are the keys to successful low-maintenance succulent gardening. Gardeners can create fabulous landscapes indoors and out by choosing complementing plants. Most succulents need little watering and a lot of light.

Why Are Pink Princess Philodendrons So Expensive?

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A Pink Princess Philodendron plant with its distinctive heart-shaped leaves showcasing variegated shades of pink, white, and green.

The price that can be charged for an object is subject to its perceived value (a rock vs. a gemstone), rarety (a gem vs. a diamond), and unique function. Prices for the Pink Princess vary and depend on the plant’s health, size, and variegation qualities.

How To Take Care of a Succulent Indoors

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A well-maintained succulent plant positioned indoors, with healthy and vibrant leaves in various shapes and sizes.

Succulents, including cacti, are native to semi-arid regions with intermittent rainfall. They cope with these conditions by optimizing available water. Succulents are typically sun-loving plants that require lots of light. Some species may survive in lower light conditions, but most need six to eight hours of intense light to thrive. In the desert, it is … Read more

How Often To Water Philodendron

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A lush green Philodendron plant in a ceramic pot, surrounded by droplets of water, highlighting the importance of proper watering for Philodendron care.

The Philodendrons genus is part of the aroid (Araceae) family. It is native to tropical forests’ low-light, high-humid understory, primarily in Central and South America. Philodendrons prefer to stay evenly moist but not wet, so they need well-draining soil to retain some moisture. Sand drains but dries too quickly, and clay soils don’t drain. The … Read more

How Much Light Does a Monstera Need?

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A Monstera plant with large, fenestrated leaves basking in bright, indirect sunlight, illustrating the ideal light needs for Monstera plants.

Different plants need varying degrees of available light to produce the food they require. The Monstera has adapted to optimize light when young by keeping its leaves free of fenestration. As the plant matures and, having climbed a host tree to brighter light, fenestration increases.

How To Make Succulent Soil

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A close-up of a hand holding a mixture of succulent soil, composed of well-draining materials like coarse sand, perlite, and potting mix.

Most plants, including succulents, need soils that effectively balance moisture and air availability. Sand (inorganic) drains fast but is ineffective at retaining water, while clay tends to be anaerobic (airless). The best succulent soil is a mixture of organic and inorganic materials.

Succulent Turning Brown? Causes, And How to Fix

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A close-up of a succulent plant with brown leaves, illustrating the issue of succulents turning brown.

Edema, a condition that causes swellings on the petioles and lower leaf surfaces, is the primary cause of succulents turning brown. Corking is caused by excessive soil moisture, insufficient light, or cold. Other causes for browning may include salt buildup, water purity, or a need for repotting.

How to Revive a Succulent

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A withered succulent plant being nurtured with water, sunlight, and care, symbolizing the process of reviving a succulent.

Succulents are tolerant plants, and though they are durable and tough, they still need some attention once or twice a year. Remember, they don’t grow in deserts; their natural habitats are semi-arid regions with irregular rainfall. Even succulents need help in the hard times.

How Fast Does Monstera Grow?

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A Monstera plant with large, lush leaves and visible growth nodes, symbolizing the speed of Monstera growth.

Grown for its unique fruit, Monstera is a cultivated crop in warmer climates such as Florida. It is a fast-growing hemiepiphyte that can reach up to 40 feet or more (~12m plus). Indoors, Monstera will generally grow to about 4 feet, depending on the support structure provided and pot size.

Monstera Aerial Roots – How to Deal with Them

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Close-up of Monstera plant with prominent aerial roots.

Aerial roots, as their name suggests, are roots that grow on plants above the surface of the soil. These are completely normal and help the plant attach to tree trunks and support them in growing higher and attaining brighter light.

Anthurium Crystallinum – The Complete Care Guide

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Close-up of Anthurium Crystallinum leaves showcasing its distinctive velvety texture and dark green color. Anthurium Crystallinum Care.

Anthurium plants are some of the most spectacular houseplants you’ll find. Most gardeners know the popular flamingo flower, with its vivid spathe and contrasting spadix. The A. crystallinum, also known as the Ace of Spades, has large, heart-shaped leaves with striking veined patterns.

How To Repot Monstera Using A Moss Pole

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Step-by-step guide to repotting Monstera using a moss pole, showcasing the process of supporting the plant's growth. Monstera Moss Pole.

In indoor horticulture, gardeners use structures like a moss pole for monstera support as it grows. The monstera moss pole mimics the tree in its natural habitat, and as the aerial roots attach to the moss pole, monsteras can reach heights of up to 50 feet.

Philodendron Birkin The Ultimate Care Guide

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Philodendron Birkin plant with dark green leaves and white pinstripes, showcasing its unique pattern. Philodendron Birkin Care.

The Philodendron Birkin is a hybrid of the Rojo Congo and Imperial Green cultivars, hybrids of Philodendron erubescens. One of its most distinguishing features is the dark-colored leaves with bright yellow pattern lines. It may revert to its Rojo Congo parentage, a dark red plant.

Alocasia Zebrina The Ultimate Care Guide

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A close-up image of healthy N'Joy Pothos leaves on a white background, showcasing the variegated patterns of green and white. N'Joy Pothos Care: Tips for maintaining this popular houseplant.

The Alocasia genus, like the Philodendrons and Monsteras, is from the Arum family (Araceae), generally referred to as the Aroids. These plants all prefer high light levels, don’t like direct sun, and need well-draining, organically rich soil.

N’Joy Pothos: Care & Propagation Guide

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N’Joy Pothos (Epipremnum aureum aka E. pinnatum) is characterized by very compact growth and bright, distinctive green and white variegation. As a sub-cultivar of the ‘Marble Queen,’ it was patented in the United States, patent PP19,065, in 2009 after cultivation in Mumbai, India.

Philodendron Verrucosum – Best Care Guide  

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A close-up image of a Philodendron Verrucosum leaf, showcasing its velvety texture and striking patterns. Philodendron Verrucosum Care: Essential tips for nurturing this unique and stunning plant.

Philodendron verrucosum has pubescent (velvety) medium green leaves with lime green veining and maroon reverse coloring. As an epiphyte, verrucosums prosper if vined as early as possible. As light conditions improve, leaf size and colors improve, as does vein variegation.

Variegated Monstera – Is Their Price Justified?

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An image of a Variegated Monstera leaf, showcasing its unique variegation with white and green patterns. Variegated Monstera pricing: Is it worth the investment?

The perceived worth of a variegated Monstera is measured by the price the market is willing to pay. Its actual value is escalated by emphasizing limited supply, aesthetic appeal, individual uniqueness, and the status awarded to those able to grow them successfully.

Monstera Albo – The Ultimate Care Guide

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A beautiful image showcasing the distinct white-variegated leaves of a Monstera Albo plant. Monstera Albo care: Essential tips for nurturing this unique and stunning variegated plant.

The claim that Monstera Albo is a mutation of the Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana, presenting different petiole shapes and leaf spread, is contested by Plants of the World Online (POWA) – the global plant name index. The M. borsigiana is recognized only as a synonym of the M. deliciosa.

Philodendron Gloriosum – The Ultimate Care Guide

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A stunning image showcasing the velvety leaves and distinct veining of a Philodendron Gloriosum plant. Philodendron Gloriosum Care: Essential tips for nurturing this exquisite and unique plant.

The species name, Philodendron, translates to tree-loving (Philo – friend; dendron – tree), but the Philodendron gloriosum is not a vining plant. In 2019 the IUCN classified P. gloriosum as vulnerable in its natural habitats in Colombia and the Hawaiian Islands.

Monstera pinnatipartita The Ultimate Care Guide

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A captivating image showcasing the unique foliage of Monstera pinnatipartita, with its distinct fenestrations and lush green leaves. Monstera pinnatipartita Care: Essential tips for nurturing this extraordinary and rare plant.

Monstera pinnatipartita:- Pinnatipartite, in botany, refers to leaves having lobes with fenestrations that extend more than halfway toward the midrib. Less deep fenestrations are called pinnatifid, while leaves with fenestrations to the midrib are pinnatisect.

Do Jade Plants Purify The Air In Your Home?

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An image of a Jade Plant in a well-lit indoor setting, emphasizing the topic of Jade Plants purifying the air. Do Jade Plants Purify the Air: Unveiling the truth.

Jade plants purify the air in your home by absorbing certain airborne chemical compounds. Compared to other plants shown to improve air quality in homes, like Dracaena and pothos, jade plants have proven to be one of the most effective.

Jade Plant Pest and Disease. Keep it Beautiful

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Close-up of a jade plant leaf with visible signs of pest infestation and disease. Learn how to protect your jade plant from pests and diseases.

Jade plant leaves are sensitive to chemicals contained in pesticides. Fungal infections and pests are easily treated using neem oil, among other homemade remedies. Diseases are difficult to control, and you will need to dispose of the entire plant.

Do Snake Plants (Dracaena) Keep Bugs Away?

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A close-up of a snake plant leaf with a ladybug crawling on it. Exploring the question, "Do Snake Plants Keep Bugs Away?"

Snake plants have a chemical called Saponin that keeps mosquitoes away but NOT spider mites and mealybugs. Without proper care, bugs like aphids can attack your Sansevieria plant, and this plant will protect you from insects and the diseases they carry.

Jade Plants, Are They Poisoning You?

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A jade plant on a table with caution sign symbolizing potential poisoning. Examining the question, "Are Jade Plants Poisoning You?"

Jade plants have toxicity levels, but they are only poisonous to humans and cause diarrhea and vomiting when ingested with a hefty dose. On the other hand, house pets such as dogs and cats are the most susceptible to its poisonous effects.

How Much Does A Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Cost?

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Various snake plants in different pots, representing the range of prices available. Investigating the question, "Snake Plant Cost?"

The cost of snake plants varies depending on the variety, vendor, and plant condition. On average, you can get a healthy plant for as low as $10, going up to $1000, and the most expensive varieties are often exotic or hybrids.

The Ultimate Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Care Guide

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A well-maintained snake plant thriving in its pot, representing the ultimate Sansevieria care guide.

Snake plants thrive outside their natural habitat if kept in an ideal environment, having indirect sunlight or proper lighting conditions, adequate watering schedules, humidity, temperature, and correct soil and potting with drainage.

How Long Does a Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Live?

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A healthy snake plant (Sansevieria) showcasing its longevity and resilience with vibrant leaves.

Sansevieria plants or snake plants live 5-10 years on average with some living as long as 25 years, given the right growing conditions. Growing snake plants indoors in favorable conditions may result in longevity beyond 25 years.

Why Is Snake Plant Called Mother-In-Law’s Tongue?

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A close-up of a snake plant, also known as Mother-In-Law's Tongue, showcasing its distinct foliage.

This plant species is most likely called Mother-In-Law’s Tongue because its leaves are pointed and sharp like the tongue of your mother-in-law. But there’s no official record of when, where, or how this colloquial name first came about.

Are Snake Plants (Sansevieria) Toxic to People?

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A healthy snake plant (Sansevieria) showcased, with emphasis on its safety in relation to human toxicity.

Snake plants have low or almost insignificant toxic levels for humans. But if ingested in large doses, it will be poisonous and can cause vomiting and nausea, and it can cause numbness effect to your tongue and throat and make it swell.

Watering Jade Plants: A Complete Guide

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A jade plant being watered with care, demonstrating the proper watering technique for optimal growth.

You can water your Jade plants once every two to three weeks if you keep them indoors, more often if kept outdoors or in the summer season. Since they are succulents, they can keep water from their leaves for quite a while.

Fertilize Jade Plants For STUNNING Growth

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A hand sprinkling fertilizer on a healthy Jade plant, promoting stunning growth and vibrant foliage.

Fertilizers are crucial to keeping your Jade plants healthy, with a balanced amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. With just something simple like water-soluble plant food, your jade plant will be looking its best.

How Long Can Air Plants Live Without Water?

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A healthy air plant exhibiting its resilience, surviving without water for an extended period.

Air plants can live for two weeks without water. And even though the plant is still alive, its health is affected. You should soak your air plants in water at least once in two weeks and mist them once a week regarding the proper watering schedule.

Monstera Varieties and What Makes Them Different

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Different Monstera varieties displayed together, showcasing their unique leaf shapes and patterns.

There are 48 varieties of Monstera; they are a great indoor and outdoor plant. Their primary attribute is their different fenestration patterns, but you can also differentiate them in their foliage shape, size, color, and growing conditions.

Do Monstera Fruit, And Can You Eat It?

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A ripe Monstera fruit on a plant, showcasing its unique appearance and color.

A mature Monstera plant produces an exotic fruit with a tropical taste that’s sweet and citrusy. However, it is essential to consume the fruit only after it ripens; otherwise, it can burn your throat or stomach.

Can Monstera Thrive in Low Light Conditions?

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A Monstera plant positioned in a low light environment, adapting to its surroundings.

Monstera plants can grow just about anywhere, and they will thrive and live in lowlight. But adequate exposure to light will help your monstera plant’s rapid growth and fenestrations. Still, avoid intense, direct light because it may burn the leaves.

How To Know What Monstera Variety You Have?

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A variety of Monstera plants showcasing distinct leaf shapes and patterns, aiding in identifying Monstera varieties.

Monstera is distinguished by how the leaves are attached to the stem. Also, the size and shape of their holes. It is difficult to tell the un-variegated plants apart. However, as they gain fenestrations, you can see the variety and identify them.

How To Propagate Tillandsia (Air Plants)?

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Propagate Air Plants - Step-by-step guide on how to propagate Tillandsia (Air Plants).

There are ways to propagate tillandsias, such as Offsets or Pups, which take less time and effort and have higher success rates. Seeds a great but take long periods to grow, They are is recommended when you don’t have an existing tillandsia.

How To Water and Mist Air Plants (Tillandsia)?

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Water Air Plants - Learn how to properly water and mist Tillandsia (air plants).

Use a spray bottle or plant mister to spritz air plants with water every day or two. Before putting it back in its decorative container or arrangement, place the damp air plant on a towel to dry for a few hours. If you over water, the plant will die.

How to Propagate Aloe Vera at Home

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Propagate Aloe Vera - Learn how to propagate Aloe Vera plants at home.

Propagation is one of the easiest ways of growing aloe vera. As the aloe vera plant matures, it develops some offsets at the base, also known as pups. When disassociated from the mother, you can set these offsets on their pot to establish.

15 Easy To Grow Succulents for Beginners

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picture of succulent plants

Succulents are a group of plants that are adapted to store water in their tissues. These plants are native to arid areas and deserts, and due to these adaptations, growing them is very easy. All they require is the right amount of light, water, and well-drained soils.

12 Air Plants Easy to Take Care of

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A photo of beautiful hanging air plants that are easy to take care of.

Air plants have a character for being simple to care for, and they are provided you follow their instructions. The first rule of air plants is that they cannot survive only on air. They require a lot of water. They will drown if you feed them too much water.

Soil Vs. Hydroponics? Which is BEST?

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A vibrant array of vegetables thriving in a hydroponics system, showcasing the advantages of soil vs hydroponics.

Hydroponics is superior for gardeners. Hydroponics offers less daily maintenance, tighter control over nutrition, elimination of almost all sources of disease, more precise control over the use of water. Year-long growth cycles. The only drawback may be the initial investment costs.

Can a greenhouse be double-glazed?

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A vibrant greenhouse filled with lush green plants and flowers. The sunlight filters through the glass walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Can you double glaze a greenhouse?

A greenhouse can be double glazed. Not only is it possible, but it can also be an effective way of keeping a greenhouse warm through the winter months, therefore helping certain plants or shrubs to thrive. Although double glazing is generally more costly, it is a long-term investment that can save you money on heating in the cold weather.

How to Clean a Greenhouse with Jeyes Fluid

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A container of Jeyes Fluid placed inside a greenhouse, ready for cleaning greenhouses with Jeyes Fluid.

You should clean your greenhouse because it can become dirty, reducing the amount of light that reaches your plants. A greenhouse should be cleaned before the next growing season or if you have issues of recurring plant diseases. The recommended disinfectant for greenhouses is Jeyes fluid.

My aloe vera plant froze. Now what?

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Close-up image of a frozen aloe vera plant with icy crystals on its leaves, illustrating what to do when my aloe vera froze.

Unfortunately, freeze damage is a severe problem for aloe vera plants. Whether it can recover depends on the amount of time the plant has been exposed to freezing weather. If the plant turns entirely brown with a squishy consistency, it is probably damaged beyond repair. However, if you can see some surviving green leaves, it might be recoverable.

Why Cactus Soil Can Be Used To Grow Other Beautiful Plants

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A photo of a mix soil specially formulated for cactus growing. Can you use it to grow other plants?

The cactus soil is usually dry and mimics the environment of the cactus, that being dry and with inadequate nutrients. This soil type may work for other succulents and indoor plants that do not require water and moisture. Plants like these have shallow and fragile roots, so they do not need moist soil all the time. If their soil stays wet, it will affect the plant.

What is hydroponic gardening? Grow Much Faster

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A photo of thriving plants growing in a hydroponic setup, showcasing the wonders of hydroponic gardening.

Hydroponic gardening is a plant-growing method that covers all their needs utilizing zero soil. As we all know, plants need sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients to survive. Providing those nutrients through water and exposing them to air and light is enough to grow healthy.

Best Houseplants for Beginners

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A photo showcasing a collection of vibrant and diverse houseplants, including succulents, ferns, and tropical foliage. These are the best houseplants for beginners, providing an array of colors, shapes, and textures to brighten any space.

Many plants make great houseplants for beginners. However, if you’re not sure about your abilities to grow houseplants, don’t despair! If you’re not sure of where to get started, this handy guide will walk you through all you need to know to start just a few or even a lot of plants inside.

How to Take Care of Your Aloe Vera Plant

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A vibrant, healthy aloe vera plant in a white pot, showcasing its thick, fleshy leaves and spiky edges. Discover how to take care of an aloe vera plant for optimal growth and well-being.

Aloe Vera prefers dry conditions with well-draining soil. Such as cactus mix, or add plenty of perlite to normal potting soil to achieve this. Aloe Vera requires a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. When watering, water deeply and saturate the soil, and do not water again until the soil has completely dried out. When feeding, select a feed high in phosphorus, something like 10-40-12.

12 Amazing Uses for Aloe Vera

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A photo showing aloe vera pieces with their inner gel exposed, demonstrating the different uses of aloe vera.

Alternative to Mouthwash
Keeping Garden Produce Fresh
Heartburn Relief
Natural Laxative
Natural Hair Conditioner
Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Skin Care
Relieves Second-Degree Burn Wounds
Remedy for Foot Ulcers (Diabetes-Induced)
Relieves Throat Infections and Possibly Fights off Asthma
Remedy for Anal Fissures
Potential to Fight Off Breast Cancer

How To Heat Greenhouses In Winter

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A snow-covered greenhouse in the middle of winter, demonstrating effective heating techniques to maintain warmth in the cold season.

There is a plethora of greenhouse heating options just might make building one in your backyard a justifiable prospect at this point in time.  See, you can never put a price tag on the feel of satisfaction you’ll garner whenever you bring flowers and fresh veggies to your table in sub-zero weather. Besides, you need not necessarily indulge yourself in a high-priced project – you ought to make this work within your budget.

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