6 Quick and Easy Ways to Identify Houseplants

A pothos at Patch Plants

What better way to enjoy this time of year than use it as an excuse to buy more plants! Poinsettias, amaryllis, paper whites, cyclamen, Norfolk Island pines, Christmas cactus, kalanchoe, rosemary trees or even a lucky bamboo or two can usually be found at your local nursery or big box store, and usually even includes some festive wrapping. Whether you are giving them as a gift or enjoying them in your own home, a holiday houseplant is always a win!

Gardening in the winter is somewhat challenging but doable. Many of the greens, some of the root vegetables, and herbs can be planted in the fall and will grow through the winter months. The saying is that greens are better after a frost.

EXPLODING Eremurus, why vulnerability is good for us, and the answer to why bird poop is white—all, and more, in the latest collections of links I’ve loved lately while staring into my computer screen (which I alternately do between long gazes out the window). Five links worth exploring:

SO WHAT IF IT’S A COUPLE OF MONTHS OLD–positively ancient in internet times. Watching this short film of a murmuration, or gathering, of starlings lent perspective and poetry to the start of a new day.

Its story – how it got here, and what it’s doing and what is being done about it — is also the story of the unwelcome arrival of other invasive exotic organisms that have come to our shores unexpectedly, and found no natural predators or other mechanisms to keep them in check.I got a 101 on the beetle from Lisa Tewksbury, manager of the University of Rhode Island’s Biological Control Lab in Kingston, where she coordinates research on the lily leaf beetle among other invasives. Learn what’s being done by scientists seeking solutions other than chem

My longtime friend and fellow garden writer Ken of Ken Druse dot com is author of many books including “The New Shade Garden,” and “Making More Plants,” and “Natural Companions.” We tackled subjects ranging from propagating coleus from cuttings, to repotting a jade plant—and repotting in general—and even why a jade might be blooming now, after many years of ownership with no blooms. Ken shared ideas about some of his favorite unusual houseplants, too (that’s one of his Thai hybrid euphorbias, above), including several that bloom in the offseason.Read along as you listen to the Dec. 17, 2018 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future editions on iTunes or Stitcher (and browse my archive of podcasts here).year-end q&a with ken druse

Arugula, Eruca vesicaria, is a leafy salad green in the Brassicaceae family that also includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Swiss chard.It’s a self-seeding annual for Zones 3 to 11 tha

Heathers are low maintenance, drought-tolerant and hardy-winter plants. They are easy to grow and features wonderful colorful flowers year-round. Keep reading this article to learn how to grow heathers in pots.

You need not invest hours tending beautiful indoor plants. In fact, some species require minimal care yet look as good as grown by a plant expert. If you too want to know their names, check out our list of Easiest Houseplants that arelow care and forgiving.

If you want to create a statement in your room, growing large indoor plants is the best way. Add color, contrast, and a natural vibe to your room by growing these Best Tall Houseplants with Patterns.

There are a lot of beautiful plants that you can grow indoors even if you don’t have much space. Have a look at the adorable Pictures of the Best Small Houseplants!