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Category: Plants

  • Step By Step Guide On How To Propagate Sage

    Step By Step Guide On How To Propagate Sage

    You may probably want to grow sage in your yard due to the distinctive flavor it brings to culinary dishes. How to propagate sage is actually very easy. So, in this article, you will learn how sage cuttings can be propagated in water or soil.

    The two methods are perfect; however, the success rate at which the water method works is way higher than that if a rooting hormone is not used. The water method also gives you the opportunity of watching the roots grow in water. This sounds like fun, right?

    Another thing is that many other herbs can be propagated through this procedure. They are herbs like rosemary, basil, and other types of sage. So let’s go further into how to propagate sage.

    Brief About Sage

    Sage is a type of plant that is perennial and it is characterized by this stocky and woody stem. These stems produce sprigs of sage that is robust and full of flavor. You may have come across this herb while cooking some time ago or you may have eaten a dish that contains the sage herb.

    Whichever way, sage is a great addition of deliciousness and distinctive flavor to culinary dishes. In the United States and as well as all over the world, it is easy to grow sage in many of the growing zones.

    Growing sage in an herb garden is a great addition to it, with the sage herb’s lovely green color. This thereby gives your kitchen an abundant supply of fresh sage.

    Brief About Sage

    Read more about How To Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing

    How To Propagate Sage: Step By Step Guide

    Even though sage can surely be grown from seeds, propagation from cuttings is also another great option for growing sage. So, here is how you can grow sage from cuttings;

    Step 1 – Obtain Sage Cuttings

    Begin by getting some sage cuttings and these should be healthy, non-flowering sprigs of sage.

    Step 2 – Strip Off The Leaves – How To Propagate Sage

    After obtaining your sage cuttings, strip off the lower leaves on the end of the stem. About 2 inches of the bare stem on the sprig is needed to serve as a base for future roots.

    Then once you’re ready to propagate, simply cut the tip of the sprig at a degree angle of 45.

    Also, if you would like to dip the bare stem into a rooting hormone it’s fine but this is optional.

    Step 3 – Begin The Structure Of The Root

    This process entails establishing the root structure before you plant it in the soil. To achieve this, put the sage plant in a glass of water and ensure at least 2 inches of the bare stem is totally immersed in water.

    So, after a while, you should begin to notice matured roots and this is when you can plant the cutting in your potting soil.

    You should take note that these cuttings tend to be quite fragile at this point.

    Step 4 – The Waiting Period For Plant Maturity (About 6 To Weeks)

    In around 6 to 8 weeks, the growth should begin to show. Also, provide optimal conditions for your sage plant and a warm and humid area is a good spot to store your sage plant.

    Step 5 – Adequately Care For The New Sage Plant

    So, after the successful propagation of the sage plant, ensure you properly care for your new sage plant.

    Provide lots of sunshine but usually, the plant of sage requires at least half a day of full sunshine exposure.

    The watering requirement of sage plants is moderate watering. It’s easy to decipher if sage plant needs water and this can be done by simply checking the about half-inch of the upper soil. If this part feels dry, then your sage plants need to be watered.

    Once the sage plant has outgrown its original pot, be sure to transplant them into a bigger pot or into the ground.

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    Is It Important To Use A Rooting Hormone To Propagate Sage Cuttings?

    Using a rooting hormone to propagate Sage will make cuttings develop roots successfully and quickly, however, using a rooting hormone is not necessary. So if you skip the rooting hormone, you will only need to use half of the cuttings needed when using a rooting hormone.

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    The Reason For Propagating Sage

    The process whereby new plants are being created from existing ones is called propagation. Propagation helps you make your personal herb garden larger with so many greens, thereby making provision for giving to friends and family.

    You can even start your very first sage plants with cuttings may be from the local grocery store or from someone who has shared some sage cuttings with you.

    This way, you get to use fresh and nice sage from your own garden in your mouth-watering recipes like whole wheat herb sourdough crackers or butternut squash sage soup.

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    When To Take Sage Cuttings

    Sage cuttings can be taken any time all through the growing season. From spring to the beginning of summer is the best time to propagate Sage cuttings if you live in a type of area with a cold winter climate.

    This idea will help give the new seedlings enough time to grow well and the roots to have a stronghold. This is to also make the seedlings very hardy ahead of when the colder months arrive. This will help increase the seedling’s survival chances during the winter.

    When To Take Sage Cuttings

    Conclusion On How To Propagate Sage

    Sage is a nice plant to have and it can be grown for different reasons such as for food preparations, for its health benefits, or just to enjoy its greenly foliage.

    How to propagate sage has been explained in this article and we do hope you’ve gained some knowledge from this guide.

    FAQ’s

    Can you grow sage in water?

    Yes, it is possible to grow sage in water when you propagate the plant. To grow sage in water, simply cut a healthy sage of about 3 to 4 inches and put the cuttings into a glass of freshwater.

    Can sage be propagated from cuttings?

    Yes, it is possible to grow sage from cuttings and the process is known as sage propagation. You can divide sage plants or take some cuttings just to achieve propagation of sage plants.

    When can I take sage cuttings?

    The best period to take some cuttings from sage plant is during spring. Avoid taking cuttings from sage plant during winter because it might be hard for the plant to scale through the winter period.

    How long does it take to propagate sage?

    The period it takes to propagate sage plant usually depends on the season. But generally, it should take around 6 to 8 weeks for some growth indications.

  • The Complete General Care Guide For Alocasia Sinuata

    The Complete General Care Guide For Alocasia Sinuata

    Alocasia sinuata is a rare type of plant that can be a nice addition to your indoor space. All you need d is to care for this plant adequately and enjoy its beauty in your indoor space such as homes and offices.

    This plant is characterized by its lush foliage that looks broad, shiny, and dark green. It tends to be a compact plant making them the best candidate for indoor propagation.

    Alocasia sinuata is a must have if you’re a lover of indoor houseplants because they tend to look pretty good in an indoor setting.

    So, to enjoy this plant, you need to know how to properly maintain it. This is why we will be discussing how you can take care of this stunning plant. We will also talk briefly about their propagation so let’s begin.

    Alocasia Sinuata General Care Guide

    Properly caring for alocasia sinuata plant gives it a better chance for the plant to grow fast and optimally. So, below is the general care guide for this plant:

    1.    Light Requirement

    The light requirement for alocasia sinuata is bright indirect sunlight so this means the plant will do well under bright shade.

    Their outdoor growing nature is under canopied trees and this has made them evolved to plant that can thrive in low light conditions and with little direct sun exposure. Therefore, growing alocasia indoors is fine if you can provide the plant with bright light. You can as well make use of bright artificial indoor grow lights.

    Alocasia Sinuata General Care Guide - Light Requirement

    If you expose this plant to too much direct sun, their leaves begin to wilt, the color fades, and can exhibit curled leaves with burned edges.

    Too little sun exposure on the other hand can cause drooping of leaves and the plant may begin to bend or stretch towards the direction of sunlight as it tries to get light. To help the plant in this situation, ensure you always rotate the plant so it can obtain equal sun exposure.

    2.    Watering Requirements

    It is very crucial you get the correct watering scheme for this plant. It can die of excess water but the soil also needs to be a bit damp.

    You can do a simple test by inserting your finger into the soil to check for soil moisture when you want to water it. Check about one inch of the soil with your finger and if the soil feels dry then it’s time to water your plant.

    When watering, water the plant evenly and make sure at least 2 to 3 inches of the soil is dry before you water.

    3.    Soil

    The best soil conditions for alocasia sinuata plants is a well-aerated, crumbly, and fast-draining soil. Maintain moist soil but avoid over-watered soil. If your soil is soggy, it can predispose the plant to infections and even cause root rot.

    For a proper soil combination for alocasia sinuata, you can mix sand with cocopeat.

    4.    Fertilization

    During the growing season of alocasia sinuata (which is spring and summer), they tend to feed heavily. A good fertilizing plan is using liquid fertilizer or a little portion of granular fertilizers.

    You can use a balanced fertilizer but we recommend using it with a higher nitrogen value so that the plant can grow bountifully.

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    So, during their growing season, you should fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks. However, when the plant is in its dormant period, don’t fertilize them.

    5.    Humidity

    Alocasia sinuata flourish under high humidity and higher humidity can help prevent spider mites that are the most common pest of alocasia sinuata.

    6.    Temperature

    Alocasia sinuata thrives well with warm temperatures. The ideal temperature to grow alocasia sinuata is around 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature dips below this range or during extreme conditions such as winter, the plant tends to enter dormancy.

    Therefore, it is crucial you avoid putting your alocasia sinuata plant close to heaters or air conditioners. This can prevent extreme temperature variations.

    Check Out All You Need To Know About Sansevieria Night Owl

    7.    Potting

    Because of the natural compact habitat, alocasia sinuata prefers a relatively smaller pot that fits their size. If you use a big pot, the plant can grow in an unhealthy manner.

    8.    Trimming

    Trimming your plant encourages healthier and faster growth. When you trim off damaged or diseased parts of the plant, it can help reduce or stop the spread of fungal infections or pests.

    Trimming Alocasia Sinuata

    Alocasia Sinuata Propagation

    Propagating alocasia sinuata is pretty easy so if you wish to have more of this lovely plant, you can always propagate it. There are various ways of propagating alocasia sinuata and some of them include;

    1.    Division Of Alocasia Sinuata

    This method involves carefully dividing the rhizome of the plant into two equal parts. One of the parts is placed into a separate pot and it will re-grow into a complete plant.

    2.   Propagation Through Offset

    You can propagate alocasia sinuata through offset by simply separating the baby plant from the mother plant. Then you repot the baby plant separately.

    3.   Seed Propagation Of Alocasia Sinuata

    The seeds of alocasia sinuata are isolated and soaked overnight. Then sow the damp seeds quarter an inch into a pot. Take note not to dry the seeds because this can reduce the viability of the seeds. We recommend you sow your seeds in the fall season.

    Then maintain optimal conditions (such as indirect sun, moisture, high humidity, warmth, and so on) for your newly potted plant.

    Final Remark

    Alocasia sinuata is a nice plant that is easy to take care of and you can always enjoy the beautiful nature of this plant wherever you place it in your indoor space. Propagating alocasia sinuata is also fairly easy if you get the proper knowledge.

    FAQ’s

    Is alocasia Sinuata rare?

    Yes, alocasia sinuata is indeed a rare type of plant and it is endemic to the Philippines. Alocasia sinuata falls under the species of plant that is seriously endangered.

    How do you care for alocasia Sinuata?

    It is easy to care for alocasia sinuata and you can do this by providing bright indirect sunlight to the plant. Other care to give the plant also includes high humidity, warm temperature, damp soil, pruning, and fertilization.

    Does Alocasia need water?

    Yes, alocasia requires water to grow and it needs the plant’s soil to be mosit. However, you should ensure the plant isn’t water-logged because this can predispose the plant to infections and root rot.

    What is the rarest Alocasia?

    The rarest Alocasia species is Alocasia Azlanii or Red Mambo. This type of Alocasia is a very unique and attractive species that has its leaves that appear to be dark purple with red or pinkish veins.

  • All You Need To Know About Sansevieria Night Owl

    All You Need To Know About Sansevieria Night Owl

    Sansevieria night owl is a type of succulent plant that has this lovely bloom and the plant is one famous plant seen in many homes. This charming houseplant tends to showcase its stunning blooms at night. So, whenever you get back home at night, your sansevieria night owl can welcome you with its beautiful blooms.

    It is characterized by soft green leaves that feature transverse lines and a narrow, white, or cream rim and falls under sansevieria variety and the plant is native to the tropics of Africa. This captivating plant is one of the newer hybrids of the popular Hahnia cultivar.

    The plant mostly prefers indoor growing conditions which is why they are great to be grown indoors, particularly as a houseplant. This captivating plant will look amazing when you display them indoors.

    In this article, we will be describing this plant, we will mention how to care for this lovely plant, and we will also look into sansevieria night owl propagation. So, let’s dive in.

    Sansevieria Night Owl: Brief Description About This Plant

    So, here is a brief look into sansevieria night owl description:

    • Sansevieria night owl originates from the tropical rainforest of Africa and falls under succulent plants.
    • It is a type of succulent that is a hardy plant and can tolerate some drought.
    • The plant of sansevieria night owl appears pale green in the upper part of the leaves. Then the lower part of the leaves looks dark gray-green.
    • The plant is a climber that can grow up to 100 cm tall and its leaves are relatively thin.
    • This lovely plant falls under sansevieria and it specifically belongs to the group of plants snake tongue and this is due to the resemblance of their leaves with snake tongue plant.
    • The thickness of sansevieria night owl leaves is around 0.25 thick.
    Sansevieria Night Owl - Brief Description About This Plant

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    General Plant Care Tips For Sansevieria Night Owl

    Below are some general plant care tips to follow when taking care of your sansevieria night owl:

    1.    Lightning System

    Sansevieria night owl thrives well in a spot where it is exposed to bright light and indirect sunlight. So, exposing the plant to direct sun rays can cause harm to the plant.

    The best spot to position sansevieria night owl plant indoors along with the East window.

    2.    Soil

    This lovely plant thrives well with soil that is well permeable and soil with easy air circulation. So, avoid soil that is heavy and compacted because the plant can struggle to thrive in such soil.

    3.    Humidity

    Where the plant of sansevieria night owl originates from is characterized by the area that has dry and warm air. The plant can adjust to indoor growing conditions. Hence, extra moistening or spraying isn’t required.

    You can simply remove dust from the plant leaves frequently and that’s enough to refresh the leaves.

    4.    Watering Requirement

    Because the plant is classified as succulent which stores water in its thick leaves, sansevieria night owl can require moderate watering and the plant can even go a while without a drink.

    Therefore, the sansevieria night owl should be watered less frequently. You can water once every 2 weeks during its growing season and just once a month during winter.

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    5.    Fertilization

    Even though the plant of sansevieria night owl can thrive without extra fertilization, the plant can still benefit from moderate fertilization.

    Sansevieria Night Owl Propagation

    Sansevieria night owl can be propagated in various ways and some of them include division, cutting in soil, and cutting in water.

    1.    Propagation Of Sansevieria Night Owl By Division

    To propagate the sansevieria night owl through the division method, start by carefully taking out the plant from its container. Then sprinkle and clean the root under water spray.

    Once you’ve cleaned the root completely, and each shoot can be clearly seen, spate them using a sterile tool together with a portion of root ball.

    They go further by planting the new sansevieria night owl in a small pot. Ensure you use a good potting mix and water the new plant and allow excess water to flow out of the pot. Then place the new plant in a shady spot.

    2.    Propagation By Cutting In Soil

    Get a healthy sansevieria night owl and cut off a developed leaf one inch above the surface of the substrate. Allow the cut leaf to dry for some hours until it forms a scab.

    Then the leaf should be dipped into a damp mixture of substrate and perlite or sand in a container. While you’re doing this, also ensure that one-quarter to one-third of the leaf enters the substrate.

    Rooting may take around 1 to 2 months then new leaves can begin to show up around 6 or 7 months, so you need to exercise patience.

    3.    Propagation By Cutting In Water

    This is done by rooting the leaves of sansevieria night owl in water rather than using a substrate.

    Begin by putting the leaf in a glass of water and allow a quarter of the entire leaf length to be above the water level. Then position the glass in a warm spot that has lots of filtered bright light. Because rooting can take some time, you can always add lukewarm water just to maintain a constant level. Also, replace the water as required so that microorganism that causes cuttings to rot will have less chance of growing.

    So, once you notice a mustache-like root growing along with the cut, then it’s time to transplant.

    Closing Remark

    Sansevieria night owl is a fascinating plant that is quite popular amongst other plants in the succulent family. Even though this is a hardy plant, it still needs to be taken care of so you can enjoy the pleasing nature of this lovely plant.

    FAQ’s

    Is Sansevieria toxic to humans?

    It so happens that sansevieria tends to fall under toxic houseplants. They are considered toxic to humans and pets. If this plant is consumed, it can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.

    How tall does sansevieria get?

    Depending on the type of sansevieria species, they can grow at different heights. Sansevieria night owl for instance is a climber that can grow 100 cm tall.

    What is the rarest sansevieria?

    The most rare variety of sansevieria is sansevieria trifasciata moonshine. This rare plant is also referred to as the silver snake plant and it is characterized by broad-leaf.

    Does Sansevieria grow fast?

    Some sansevieria varieties do grow fast and one good example is the snake plant also known as mother-in-law’s tongue. The plant can grow up to 4 to 12 inches per year.

  • 3 Major Ways For How To Propagate Thyme

    3 Major Ways For How To Propagate Thyme

    How many ways do you know how to propagate thyme that you can share with us?  We will list the different ways you can use it and add any we might not include.

    What is Thyme?

    Thyme is a medicinal herb, popular for its culinary uses. It is also used in the treatment of colds, skin problems, and digestive issues. It is a popular herb in cooking and can be added to teas.

    The leaves and flowers are the parts of the plant that are most commonly used. The leaves have a distinctively strong and aromatic flavor.

    Let’s look at different ways how to propagate thyme.

    What month do you plant thyme seeds

    Propagation Methods – How To Propagate Thyme

    Seed

    The seeds are the most common form of propagation, but they are slow-growing. The germination process can take up to 14 to 28 days.  They can be planted outdoors as soon as the soil has been properly prepared.

    The seeds can be germinated on a windowsill. Seeds need to be planted about 1/4 inch deep in moist but well-drained soil.

    Division

    This method is used to create new plants from an existing plant.  It is often done in the spring. Carefully dig up the whole plant and then gently break the plant into sections. You will generally get three to four divisions and be sure each section has healthy roots. 

    It can be beneficial to cut off some of the bottom leaves. Plant each of the segments into different containers and keep them in there until they grow roots and leaves. Then, transplant them to your garden or leave them in the container. 

    Cuttings

    This is another method of propagating thyme.  This method is commonly used to start new plants from cuttings taken from mature plants. It is best done in spring and fall. 

    Carefully cut the sprig on the stem where the leaves attach. After making a clean, strip about two inches off the sprig.  Cut the tip of the spring at a 45-degree angle and dip it in growth hormone if possible.

    If using growth hormone, you can put the cutting in well-draining potting soil. If not, place the thyme in a cup of water for three to four weeks with two inches of bare stem fully submerged. Once roots begin to grow, you can transfer the plant to potting soil.

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    Growing Thyme – Characteristics

    • Thyme is generally hardy in USDA zones 5-9. However, thyme can struggle in hot summers.
    • It is best to plant it in spring when the threat of frost has passed. Thyme will tolerate drought well, but you should water it regularly during dry periods.
    • Thyme generally grows six to 12 inches tall. To grow your own thyme, simply purchase seeds at a local nursery or garden center.
    • Thyme loves the sun so you should plant it in an area where it gets full sun. If growing indoors, place it on a sunny windowsill.
    • Thyme is easy to grow and can be started indoors or in pots. Your thyme should be planted at least three feet apart.
    • If you live in a cold climate, mulch around your thyme plants with straw to protect them from frost. Thyme is a hardy perennial and will return every year. It can be left outside in the winter as it will grow leaves again in spring. 

    Benefits Of Growing Thyme

    • It is a favorite herb for cooking and can be used as a natural insect repellent.
    • It is also beneficial for the skin because it contains thymol, which has antibiotic properties.
    • You can use thyme for cooking, tea, and soap.

    Herbal remedies:

    • Thyme is used in many herbal remedies for different ailments. Here are some of the most common uses for thyme:
    • Thyme helps to relieve stomachaches. 
    • Thyme tea is a natural treatment for colds. Boil two cups of water, add one teaspoon of thyme, and steep for 10 minutes. Strain out the herbs and serve.
    • Thyme is used as an insect repellent. Sprinkle thyme around your house to keep insects away.
    • You can also use thyme to make soap. 
    • You can also use thyme to help cleanse the skin. Just be careful as some people may be sensitive to using thyme on their skin.

    In Conclusion – How To Propagate Thyme

    Knowing how to propagate thyme allows you to enjoy the many benefits of this herb.  It is possible to propagate by seed, cuttings or division. It is often best to propagate by seed.

    This method has the least amount of problems and is the easiest way to grow thyme. Cuttings are the second option.

    It is more difficult to establish a cuttings culture than it is for seed. In the case of thyme, it can be propagated from seed or cuttings.

    FAQs

    Is thyme easy to grow from seed?

    Yes, thyme is easy to grow from seed. In fact, it is a very popular herb garden plant, and many people grow it in their gardens because it is a good low-maintenance herb to grow in a pot or in the ground. You can buy thyme plants from your local nursery or garden center, or you can grow your own from seed.

    Should I soak thyme seeds before planting?

    You don’t need to soak thyme seeds before planting them. Just plant the seeds directly into your garden soil and they will germinate within a few days.

    How long does it take to grow thyme from seed to harvest?

    Thyme can be grown from seed in two to three months. However, if you want to harvest some leaves or flowers sooner, you can use cuttings from mature plants to start new thyme plants.

    What month do you plant thyme seeds?

    If you are growing thyme for culinary purposes, you should plant your seeds in spring, after the threat of the last frost has passed.

  • 10 Things You Need To Know When Growing Philodendron Giganteum 

    10 Things You Need To Know When Growing Philodendron Giganteum 

    If you are a new gardener and want to grow philodendron giganteum, here are some important things you need to know.

    What Is Philodendron Giganteum?

    Philodendron giganteum is a fast-growing, tropical plant that can be used as a houseplant or indoor garden plant. It is commonly known as the ‘Jade Vine’ and ‘Philodendron’. This plant is also called ‘Climbing Philodendron’ and ‘Spider Plant’, which is also a good name for it. It is a perennial plant that grows from a thick taproot, with fibrous roots.

    It can grow up to 10 feet tall. It has glossy, leathery leaves that are about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. The leaves turn an amazing color of green when they are young, but turn an amazing jade green when they mature. The stems are extremely flexible, and the leaves are very durable.

    Planting:

    There are two ways to start your philodendron, either you buy a plant or grow it yourself. If you are buying one, you need to know the size and the pot that it will be in. You can also choose between indoor or outdoor plants.

    Outdoor philodendrons should be planted in a large pot and kept in full sun. Indoor philodendrons are better suited for small spaces.

    More Things About Philodendron Giganteum

    When growing philodendron giganteum, there are a few important things you should know.  They include:

    • The size of the plant will determine the size of the pot that it needs.

    The plant itself is a slow grower and will not grow any larger than the pot in which it is grown, but will continue to grow until it outgrows the pot.

    • As long as the plant has plenty of light and proper humidity, it should grow at a steady rate.

    It is important to keep the plant watered regularly. You can also fertilize the plant with a liquid fertilizer.

    • Philodendron giganteum is best grown in a sunny location, and it requires a warm temperature. 

    You can place the plant in a room that stays warm throughout the year, and it will be happy.

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    • Philodendron giganteum is most likely to be found growing in a greenhouse or on the terrace of a house.

    They like bright, indirect light and are very sensitive to changes in temperature.  It is possible to grow them outside, but they will need to be kept indoors during the winter months.

    • Philodendron giganteum has been known to cause problems when growing in the garden.

    The leaves of the plant have been known to wilt and die.  The leaves will sometimes become brown and brittle.

    • You can plant the Philodendron giganteum in the ground or in pots.

    This plant should be watered regularly.  The best way to water it is to fill the pot with water and alow it to seep into the soil slowly until it has had enough to escape through the drainage holes.

    • If you are going to grow your philodendron outside, you will need to make sure that the temperature stays above fifty degrees.

    This is very important because when the temperature is below fifty degrees, it is possible that the leaves of the plant will wilt and die.

    • This plant will grow best in bright, indirect light.

    It will also do well in a room that stays warm throughout the year.  The plant will not like to be in direct sunlight all day, so if you want to keep it in the house, you will have to keep it away from the windows.

    • This plant is toxic to animals and humans and is known to induce adverse effects when consumed.

    Some effects include – swelling and burning of lips, tongue, mouth, and throat.  It also causes severe stomach discomfort when swallowed. Philodendron also causes skin irritation when handled with bare skin.  Therefore, use gloves every time you want to handle this plant.

    • Philodendron is not resistant to press and diseases but is only affected by a few of them.

    It is easily propagated from cuttings or seeds.  Seeds should be soaked in water overnight before planting.

    10 Things You Need To Know When Growing Philodendron Giganteum 

    In Conclusion

    Philodendron giganteum is an interesting plant to grow.  It has a good relationship with most gardeners who term it as a go-to plant when you want a plant that does well indoors and outdoors.

    It has a great look that many people love. The only drawback of this plant is that it will need a lot of light, but not direct sunlight especially when grown outside in the summer months. To balance the two, can be difficult for some gardeners.

    Learning this trick will elevate your knowledge of growing this plant.  If you are interested in learning more about this plant, there is a lot of information available.  Try it today and you won’t be disappointed.

    FAQs

    Is philodendron giganteum fast growing?

    Yes, it is a very fast-growing plant. It will grow in 3-4 months from seed to flowering and blooming.  Philodendron giganteum has proven itself to be one of the easiest plants to grow. The large leaves are very forgiving when they get out of shape.

    Is philodendron giganteum a climber?

    No, philodendron giganteum is not a climber.  It is an epiphyte or air plant.

    How much light does a philodendron giganteum need?

    Philodendron giganteum grows best in full sun to part shade.  In the tropics, it will grow in partial shade as long as the temperature stays above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  It will do better in bright areas in the winter than in shady areas.

    What is a pink princess philodendron?

    The pink princess philodendron (Philodendron chacei) is a popular philodendron because of its unique color.  It is easy to grow and has large flowers with a pink color that are very attractive to butterflies.  The pink princess philodendron also has a very unique growth habit. It starts out as a vine and then eventually it begins to form roots.  The plant will not become a climber until it has been in the soil for a while and it will only grow about 1-2 feet tall.  It can be grown in hanging baskets or other pots.

  • Can You Use Fig Tree Cuttings To Grow A New Tree? 

    Can You Use Fig Tree Cuttings To Grow A New Tree? 

    It is possible to grow fig tree cuttings to form a new tree by using healthy cuttings from a mature tree.

    Fig trees are important components of urban and rural landscapes, providing a variety of benefits including food, shelter, beauty, and wildlife habitat. There are many different varieties of fig trees available for planting, but all have the same basic characteristics.

    They require full sun, good drainage, good air circulation, and lots of water. The majority of fig trees will be grown from seed, although in some cases this is not possible.

    Growing Fig Tree Cuttings

    Fig tree cuttings taken from a mature tree will generally produce a more vigorous plant. The fig tree is more likely to survive than cuttings taken from a dormant tree past the chance of frost. It is important to note that it is possible for a cutting to take root and grow into a new tree if the soil conditions are appropriate.

    However, the cuttings will generally be slower to establish than when planted directly from the seed. It is also important to note that fig trees require well-drained soil, so if you are planting in a location that has poor drainage, it may be difficult to establish the trees successfully.

    It is very important to keep the fig tree well-watered until it begins to produce fruit. Figs are one of the most sensitive fruits to over-watering. When young, fig trees should be deeply watered at least once a week.

    If you are planning on taking cuttings from an established fig tree, it is best to wait until over winter, when the tree is dormant.

    When can I take cuttings from a fig tree

    Cutting your own cuttings

    There are several ways to take fig tree cuttings. The best way to take cuttings is to use a secateur or pruner to remove some of the lower growth and leave a small, sharp-edged cutting. It is best to take a cutting that is between 6 and 12 inches long from a branch 1/2-inch in diameter.

    When taking cuttings, it is best to take cuttings from the lower part of the tree. Cut branches that are at least two to three years old.

    Preparing your fig tree cuttings for planting

    The cuttings should be wrapped in paper towels and placed in a plastic bag to provide a humid environment for two weeks. Though not necessary, the rooting hormone can be beneficial. 

    After about two weeks, plant the cuttings in pots filled with potting soil.  Bury the cuttings so that half of each cutting is below soil level. Place the potted cuttings in indirect sun and keep the soil moist.

    A little bit of sunlight can help the cuttings grow faster.  However, they are more likely to die if exposed to direct sunlight. When planting your cuttings, you should water them regularly.

    Be sure to water them deeply because it helps with their root development. In addition, you should transplant them after 2-3 months if the plants have grown enough roots.

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    Transplanting them

    When planting them, you should choose a location that receives plenty of light.  When planting them, you should use well-draining soil.

    To help them grow faster, you should water them frequently.  You can do this by adding a small amount of water to their soil or directly spraying them.  You can feed them with fertilizer when they are growing.

    Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer every four weeks in the spring and summer if growing in a pot.  This will help with their development.  Most fig trees not grown in containers don’t need fertilizer. 

    You should avoid over-fertilizing your plants because it will reduce their ability to absorb nutrients.  Instead, you should add some fertilizer when your plants need it.

    Harvesting figs

    Fig trees will produce fruits three to five years after planting them.  It will require some patience to get some figs from your own tree. The figs will be ready for harvesting when the fruit starts to change color from green to purple or brown depending on the variety and be slightly soft to the touch.

    Figs are harvested by hand. They must be picked before they turn ripe, so you can expect to have a large number of unripe fruits in the beginning.

    You can let them mature and ripen on the tree. Figs are very perishable and can not be stored for long periods.

    In Conclusion

    The fig tree cuttings are one way to help you grow your own fig trees.  It is considered easier than growing this tree from seed. 

    Do you want to try growing your fig tree?  Get some good fig tree cuttings from your neighbor or friend and in 10 years you will be harvesting your own figs.

    FAQs

    When can I take cuttings from a fig tree?

    Plant cuttings are taken from mature, healthy plants in order to propagate them for planting. Cuttings should be taken when the tree is dormant during the winter. The cuttings should be from trees two to three years old.

    Can you root fig tree cuttings in water?

    Cuttings can be soaked in wet paper towels. They can also be rooted using a ‘hardening off’ method, where the cuttings are put in a nursery pot and grown for a period of time until they are strong enough to be planted out.

    How long does it take for fig cuttings to root?

    Fig cuttings generally root in about two weeks. If you are planning to take cuttings from a young tree, then you will need to allow longer for the roots to develop.

    Is it easy to root fig cuttings?

    It is fairly straightforward to root fig cuttings. The key thing to remember is that the cutting must be dormant before it is rooted. If you have taken the cutting from an actively growing tree, then it won’t root. You can also use a hardening off method if you want to root the cuttings more quickly.

  • Is a Mushroom a Producer or What Can It Be Called? 

    Is a Mushroom a Producer or What Can It Be Called? 

    Is a mushroom a producer or a decomposer?  What class would you classify mushrooms especially if you want to start growing them?

    Have you ever grown mushrooms? Mushrooms are fungi and they have a very unique appearance. 

    Fungi can be single-celled or very complex multicellular organisms that often grow on dead organic matter, such as wood, plant material, and decaying matter.  There are millions of species of fungus, including many edible ones.

    Is a Mushroom a Producer?

    Fungi can be saprobic, parasitic, or mutualistic. Saprobes eat organic material and are decomposers. Decomposers play an essential part in the survival of the ecosystem.

    Mushrooms are decomposers and they only eat dead organisms. They break down the nutrients in the dead
    organisms they consume, then return them to the food web. Mushrooms will eat dead producers or
    consumers. 

    Defining a producer and decomposer:

    Is a mushroom a producer? A producer is an organism that produces food for itself and other organisms. Producers, which are plants, use energy and simple inorganic molecules to create organic compounds.

    In the case of mushrooms, they are decomposers. Mushrooms break down dead plants and animals and then release simple inorganic molecules back into the environment. 

    The decomposers are those organisms that eat dead organic matter, such as insects, to get its energy. For example, earthworms eat the soil and convert the organic matter to new soil for plants to grow in.  So, the earthworm is a decomposer and not a producer.

    Growing Mushrooms

    Growing mushrooms is not for the fainthearted.  If you have never grown mushrooms before, it is important to start with compost and a tray. The more you grow, the more you will learn about the various species.

    For beginners, we recommend starting with the most common species of mushroom: the shiitake. The shiitake is easy to grow, and it’s a good beginner’s mushroom because they are quite forgiving.

    We also recommend growing oyster mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms are delicious when they are young, but they can grow to be very large. If you like oyster mushrooms, you will be pleased with the variety of sizes and flavors available in your garden.

    For growing mushrooms you will need:

    • For best results, use a 14×16-inch tray about six inches deep.
    • Mushroom compost material.
    • A spade or garden fork.
    • A mushroom spawn bag. The most common mushroom spawn bags are made from polypropylene. The advantage of using a mushroom spawn bag is that it keeps your mushrooms from getting waterlogged.
    • Heating pad.
    • Potting soil.
    • Spray bottle.

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    Step-by-step directions:

    Step 1. Preparing the mushroom tray

    Use a 14×16-inch tray about six inches deep. The tray should resemble seed flats. Fill your trays with mushroom compost material and then sprinkle spawn on top. 

    Step 2. Growing the mushrooms

    For the first three weeks, use a heating pad to keep the soil temperature at 70 degrees Farenheit. Once white, rootlike growths called mycelium appear lower the temperature to 55 to 60 degrees Farenheit. Cover the mycelium with about an inch of potting soil.

    Be sure to always keep your soil moist during the growing period. Also, be sure to keep your growing tray out of direct sunlight. 

    Step 3. Harvesting the mushrooms

    After three to four weeks, the mushrooms will be ready to harvest. You know that they are ready to harvest when the caps open fully and separate from the stems. 

    Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the mushroom at the stem, do not pull it out. Wrap the mushrooms in paper towels then place them in open plastic bags or paper bags and keep them in the fridge. You can now use the mushrooms in recipes or freeze them for later use.

    Are all Autotrophs producers

    In Conclusion – Is A Mushroom A Producer?

    So is a mushroom a producer or a decomposer?  As we have seen in the above article, a mushroom is a decomposer and not a producer. 

    Read more about Best Oyster Mushroom Substrate.

    FAQs

    What is a mushroom classified as?

    A mushroom is a fungus that forms fruiting bodies and spores. Fruiting bodies are the reproductive structures of the mushroom.

    The most common form is a spore-producing structure called a cap. Caps can be single or multiple and can be attached to the substrate or free-standing.

    A spore-producing structure called a stalk grows from the base of the cap. Mushroom stalks can also be free-standing or attached to the substrate.

    Does mushroom belong to Basidiomycetes?

    Yes. Mushrooms are basidiomycetes which are a diverse and abundant group of fungi. They comprise of around 1/3 of all known fungal species.

    Why is a mushroom not a plant?

    Plants are the dominant life forms on Earth. Plants have a root system, photosynthetic leaves, and reproductive structures. Mushrooms are not plants. They do not have roots, they do not produce chlorophyll, and they do not photosynthesize. Mushrooms are fungi that form fruiting bodies and spores.

    Are all Autotrophs producers?

    An autotroph is a type of organism that can produce its own food using inorganic substances. So, autotrphos are producers.