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Aloe Care Tips

August 23, 2024

AloeAloe veragenus-care-guides
Aloe Care Tips

Light

bright sun at best, but can tolerate low light

Water

sparingly, once per month in winter, once every week and a half in summer

Soil

fast draining potting mix like cactus mix containing sand

Plant toxicity

toxic for humans and animals when ingested.

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Sansevieria Care Tips

zPlant Care Tips part 2 – by Plant Circle

Sansevieria Care Tips

A Botanical Shift: From Sansevieria to Dracaena For decades, collectors have known these architectural houseplants as Sansevieria. However, recent phylogenetic studies have revealed their true lineage, leading to their reclassification into the Dracaena genus. While the beloved common names like 'Snake Plant' or 'Mother-in-Law's Tongue' persist, embracing their botanical identity as Dracaena reflects a deeper appreciation for their place in the plant kingdom. These plants remain paragons of resilience and minimalist beauty, making them a staple for any serious collection. Optimal Lighting Conditions Dracaena are renowned for their tolerance of low-light environments, a trait that makes them exceptionally versatile. However, tolerance is not preference. To encourage robust growth, vibrant coloration, and strong variegation, provide bright, indirect light. An east-facing window offering gentle morning sun is ideal. While they can endure lower light, growth will be significantly slower. Avoid intense, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Watering and Soil Husbandry The most common failing in Dracaena care is overwatering. These plants evolved in arid regions and store water in their leaves and rhizomes, making them highly susceptible to root rot. Employ a 'soak and dry' method: water thoroughly only when the soil has completely dried out. In summer, this may be every 2-4 weeks; in winter, reduce frequency to every 6-8 weeks or less. Always err on the side of underwatering. A coarse, exceptionally well-draining substrate is non-negotiable. Standard potting soil is too retentive. Opt for a specialised cactus and succulent mix, or create your own blend using components like pumice, lava rock, and coarse sand to ensure sharp drainage and aeration. A pot with a drainage hole is essential. Explore our collection of premium Potting Soils & Substrates to find the perfect foundation for your plant. Sansevieria Laurentii P25 H80 Add this stunning variety to your collection. Available for EU delivery. View Product in Shop Temperature, Humidity & Fertilisation Dracaena thrive in typical indoor temperatures (18-29°C) and are unfazed by low humidity, making them perfectly suited to centrally heated homes. They do not require misting or supplemental humidity. During the spring and summer growing season, apply a diluted, low-nitrogen succulent fertiliser once every 4-6 weeks to support development without promoting weak, floppy growth. Propagation and Maintenance These plants are slow-growing and prefer to be pot-bound, so repotting is infrequent—typically every 2-3 years or when the pot is physically bulging. Propagation is straightforward via division of the rhizomes or by leaf cuttings. To propagate by division, simply separate the offsets (pups) that emerge from the base of the mother plant. For leaf cuttings, segment a healthy leaf into 5cm sections and place them in a slightly moist, gritty medium. Toxicity It is important to note that all parts of Dracaena trifasciata and its relatives contain saponins, which are mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. This can cause gastrointestinal upset. Keep them out of reach of curious children, cats, and dogs. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Why were Sansevieria plants renamed Dracaena? Based on DNA evidence from phylogenetic studies, botanists determined that the Sansevieria genus was genetically nested within the Dracaena genus. To create a monophyletic group (a group consisting of an ancestor and all its descendants), Sansevieria was officially merged into Dracaena in 2017. How often should I water my Dracaena (Snake Plant)? Water only when the soil is 100% dry throughout the pot. This could be every 2-4 weeks in summer and as little as every 6-8 weeks in winter, depending on your home's conditions. Overwatering is the primary cause of decline in these plants. What are the signs of overwatering in a Dracaena? Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, a mushy or foul-smelling base, and drooping leaves that feel soft rather than firm. If you suspect root rot, it's crucial to unpot the plant, remove affected roots, and repot in fresh, dry, well-draining soil. Do Dracaena trifasciata (Sansevieria) need direct sunlight? No, they do not require direct sunlight and can be damaged by it. They thrive in bright, indirect light but are famously tolerant of low-light conditions, where they will grow much more slowly. An east-facing window is often a perfect location.

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Ruellia Care Tips

zPlant Care Tips part 2 – by Plant Circle

Ruellia Care Tips

LightPlenty of sunlight is also recommended for optimal growth, even during the colder months. Avoid direct sunlight because it could scorch your Ruellia's leaves.Waterwhen top 3cm of soil are dry, do not let it dry out completelyHumidityRuellia appreciates high humidity.TemperatureRuellia needs warm temperatures above 6 degrees Celsius, so can be grown outdoors during the growing season as long as the nights are not too cool.Soil Ruellia Makoyana grows best in regular potting soil with good drainage.ToxicitySome Ruellia used as medicinal plants, but many are known or suspected to be poisonous, so better be safe than sorry and do not let your pets nibble on your Ruellia!

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Cactus Care Tips

zPlant Care Tips part 2 – by Plant Circle

Cactus Care Tips

Light Strong light is essential for healthy cacti. Make sure to give them as much light as possible when growing it inside. If you want to bring your cactus outside during the warmer months, make sure to acclimate it to the stronger light step by step or it might scorch. Soil  fast-draining cacti mix ideally containing sand Temperatures Desert cacti love warm temperatures during the summer and cooler temperatures in winter. You can grow your cactus outside during the growing season to give it that extra bit of sun and warmth, which will result in faster growth. However, make sure to bring it back inside before the first freezing nights or it might get frost damage. Water When your cactus is actively growing during the growing season, water whenever the soil is dry to the touch. Make sure to water thoroughly when you do. During the winter rest period, only water very rarely and if the plant begins to shrivel. The most common mistake with cacti is overwatering, which will cause rot either at the base of or its growing tips. Toxicity Not all cacti are toxic for humans and animals when ingested, but some are. Either way, make sure your pets do not get too close to them due to their prickly spines! Care is needed when handling cacti to prevent injuries.

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Dracaena Care Tips

zPlant Care Tips part 2 – by Plant Circle

Dracaena Care Tips

Light Bright indirect light, protect from direct sunlight and drafts. Can tolerate low light but leaves loose their best colour in too much shade. Water Keep the soil moist during the growing season but never waterlogged. Reduce watering from fall to winter. Mist often and give it an occasional shower to remove dust. Humidity average Soil fast-draining, clayey potting mix with a mixture of peat, perlite and bark Toxicity This plant is toxic to animals if ingested.

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Scindapsus Care Tips

zPlant Care Tips part 2 – by Plant Circle

Scindapsus Care Tips

Light Scindapsus thrive best in medium to bright indirect light, but will tolerate much lower light conditions. However, be aware that loo little light might cause the leaves to lose their beautiful variegation. Do not expose your Scindapsus to direct light, which might scorch its leaves. Water Water thoroughly when the top half of the soil is dry to the touch. Scindapsus can tolerate underwatering, but are much less tolerant of overwatering, so make sure not to water it too much or it will wilt easily. Always remove excess water from the saucer to avoid the plant sitting in water. If the leaves of your Scindapsus start curling on both sides, you have underwatered your plant. Humidity Scindapsus are tropical plants, so they will appreciate high humidity and reward you with more growth. However, they make for such great houseplants because they do not require it to thrive. Moderate humidity of 40-50% is just fine for most Scindapsus. Temperature Scindapsus, being tropical plants, prefer temperatures of no lower than 18 and no higher than 28 degrees Celsius. Ideally, they should be grown in usual household temperatures. Soil Scindapsus love growing in a very well-draining, loose substrate, such as our Aroid Potting Mix, which was developed specifically for plants in the Aroid family. If you prefer mixing soil yourself, we recommend a mix of 1/3 bark, 1/3 perlite and 1/3 coco coir. Fertiliser During the growing season, feed your Scindapsus regularly with a liquid fertiliser suitable for houseplants. Do not fertilise your plant during the colder months unless you supplement with grow lights. Toxicity Scindapsus are toxic to pets and humans when ingested.

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Monstera Care Tips

zPlant Care Tips part 2 – by Plant Circle

Monstera Care Tips

Light Monsteras thrive best in bright indirect light. It will tolerate much lower light conditions, but will grow much more slowly if at all. Do not expose your Monstera to direct light or you might risk crispy, burnt leaves. Water Monsteras like their soil to stay moist, but never wet. Water when the top half of the soil is dry to the touch. Most Monsteras will tolerate drying out if you miss a watering, but try not to overdo it or you might cause its roots to shrivel up and rot when watered again. When its leaves look droopy is when you should water your Monstera at the latest, but it is better not to let it get to that point all too often! Also, do not water your Monstera when the top half of the soil is still moist or you will risk root rot. Always remove excess water from the saucer to avoid the plant sitting in water. Humidity Monsteras are tropical plants and will appreciate high humidity. However, they make for such great houseplants because they do not require it to thrive. Moderate humidity 50% will work well for most Monsteras. Temperature Monsteras, being tropical plants, prefer temperatures of no lower than 15 and no higher than 30 degrees Celsius. Ideally, they should be grown in usual household temperatures. Soil Monsteras love growing in a very well-draining, loose substrate, such as our Aroid Potting Mix, which was developed specifically for plants in the Aroid family. If you prefer mixing soil yourself, we recommend a mix of 1/3 bark, 1/3 perlite and 1/3 coco coir. Toxicity Monsteras are toxic to pets and humans when ingested. Typically, ingestion will cause stomach irritation and potentially vomiting.

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Amydrium Care Tips

zPlant Care Tips part 2 – by Plant Circle

Amydrium Care Tips

Light Medium light but can tolerate low light. Avoid too much direct sun. Dappled sunlight is ideal.  Can withstand 3 hours of direct sunlight. Water  Once weekly. Allow potting mix to dry out before watering. Soil about 3,5cm down should be dry to touch. Water more frequently during warmer months and fertilise during growth season.  Generally, the plant will droop to show that it needs more water. Do not overwater or keep the soil wet for too long, as this will encourage root rot. If leaves are yellowing due to overwatering, skip a week or two of watering. Humidity Normal to high Temperature 18°C-30°C. It’s best not to let it go below 15°C. Toxicity Toxic for humans and animals when ingested

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Philodendron Care Tips

zPlant Care Tips part 2 – by Plant Circle

Philodendron Care Tips

Light Philodendrons thrive in medium to bright indirect light, but will tolerate darker spots as well. Soil Use a well-draining potting mix, such as our Aroid Potting Mix, ideally containing some coco coir, bark and perlite. You can also grow Philodendrons in soil-less mixes like sphagnum moss and perlite or hydroponics. Water Philodendrons like their soil to dry between waterings. Water when the top 3cm of soil are totally dry to the touch. Humidity Most Philodendron, especially the Erubesecens varieties, will thrive in average humidity. However, some of the more tropical and velvety species will require higher humidity to survive. Toxicity All Philodendron are toxic to humans and animals if ingested.

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Marantaceae (Calathea and Mranta) Care Tips

zPlant Care Tips part 2 – by Plant Circle

Marantaceae (Calathea and Mranta) Care Tips

Humidity These plants do need quite a lot of care, and especially a relatively high humidity to stay beautiful in our home, which is why some indoor gardeners do not dare caring for them. At least 60 percent in winter and 70 to 80 percent during the growing season from March to September are ideal conditions for Calathea. If the humidity in your home is too low, some Calatheas will quickly get brown and dry leaf margins. Also, the risk of them getting spider mites increases with lower humidity and, believe us, Calathea are unfortunately proper spider mite magnets! Some Calatheas, especially those in the ‘beginner’ category of the list on our blog, retain their beautiful leaves despite drier conditions. Watering Calatheas like to be kept moist, but not wet – they don’t like to dry out too much. When they are thirsty, Calatheas show it with curled-up and droopy leaves. That’s when you should give them a good soak at the latest, and they will be back to their former stunning selves within a day. Important: Calatheas will not tolerate your regular old tap water! Highly sensitive to hard water, these babies require water that is room temperature and soft, so think distilled water, or at the very least well filtered! Soil Despite their well earned diva reputation, prayer plants are actually not too picky when it comes to soil. They prefer a relatively well-draining, lightweight potting mix, but not as loose as you would use for your aroids, for example. A mixture of 50% coco coir, 30% perlite and 20% bark would work, or you can add about a quarter of sphagnum moss to three quarters of your go-to aroid mix to make it a bit more moisture retentive.   Light In their native countries, Calatheas grow as hanging and climbing plants, or ground covers in the rather shady undergrowth of the rainforest. That’s why Calatheas don’t like too much light at home either; their ideal conditions would be a warm, draught-free, semi-shaded location without direct sunlight. Depending on their pattern, however, certain Calatheas, such as the White Fusion, need more light.If left too bright, Calatheas like to lower their leaves steeply, and that’s the great thing about this plant species; they may be divas, but they clearly communicate their needs!  Pests As mentioned above, spider mites are a Calathea lover’s worst nightmare! These annoying bugs love prayer plants, so it is important to check the underside of their leaves very frequently for white spots that could prove to bespidermite eggs. There are a lot of ways to get rid of them. Our favourite is a solution of Neem oil, water and organic soap (with a teaspoon of pure alcohol if you want to go the extra mile) with which you can gently clean all your Calatheas leaves from both sides and its stems. Dormancy Although Calatheas are not known to go dormant, but they do go through phases of growth and demise, which means that they will sometimes start to drop a majority of their leaves. It is a shocking process, but you must not give up on your Calathea then! In a lot of cases, it will come back with a lot of new leaves once it goes into its growth phase again. As long as the rhizomes in the soil are healthy, all you need is patience. Propagation Calatheas cannot be propagated through cuttings, unfortunately. The only way to multiply a Calathea is by division, meaning you can simply divide the leaves of one plant including its rhizomes and roots into two and plant them up again. Easy as that! Toxicity Calatheas are not poisonous, which means they are pet friendly and not toxic to either cats or dogs, so this is the perfect genus for the patient plant and animal lover!

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