thegirlwithashovel, Author at The Girl with a Shovel

Zebra Plant Succulent Care

August 9, 2024May 2, 2019 by thegirlwithashovel

Hey guys! And welcome to another awesome plant care post! Today we’re going to talk about the Zebra plant! This is the Haworthia succulent to be specific… not the Calathea zebra plant. But Haworthia can be a little tricky. This is because there are two main types of Haworthias: the one with little white ridges on the underside of their leaves (hereafter referred to as the Zebra Haworthia), and the translucent or completely transparent wonders (hereafter called the Transparent Haworthia). These two types differ slightly in their care, but I’m feeling awesome today so I’m going to tell you about both!

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits. This helps me to keep providing awesome information to all of you!**

Zebra Plant Succulent Care: Light Requirements

Haworthias generally need some direct sunlight but you need to be careful. Zebra Haworthias can tolerate some afternoon heat with its sunlight, but Transparent Haworthias are easily burned, so these little guys do better in east or west facing windows where they will still get some sunlight, but they will be protected from the heat of the day!

Zebra Plant Succulent Care: Water Requirements

In general, Haworthias need to be watered only once their soil has lightly dried up. However, during their dormant period, they use less water and should only be watered enough to keep the soil from completely drying out.

Zebra Plant Succulent Care: Additional Tips

I’m sure you’re asking, “When does my Haworthia go dormant?!” Well, that depends on what type of Haworthia you have. Zebra Haworthias go dormant from October through April and Transparent Haworthias go dormant from April through September. Why is this? Think of the northern and southern hemispheres… the Zebra Haworthia goes dormant during the northern hemisphere’s winter, but the Transparent Haworthia goes dormant during the southern hemisphere’s winter (from April to September!). Make sure to see which Haworthia you have and to care for it accordingly!

I hope this helps to clear up a few things! For propagation information on this plant, check out my post on Haworthia Propagation! Please leave any other questions or comments below! I know these are fun succulents, but any plant can be confusing sometimes! And for more expert tips sent weekly to your email, sign up for my email list! Every new subscriber gets a free welcome guide!

Happy Digging!

Haworthia Propagation

August 9, 2024April 26, 2019 by thegirlwithashovel

Welcome back everyone! Today I’m going to show you how to propagate your favorite Haworthia plant! There are two different ways that Haworthias can grow… either from seed or from separation of plant material. I’m not fortunate enough to have some Haworthia seed on hand to show you, but I will talk about the two most common types of propagation through plant material: propagation through leaf cuttings, and separation of offsets.

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits. This helps me to keep providing awesome information to all of you!**

Haworthia Propagation through Leaf Cuttings

Haworthias can be propagated through leaf cuttings just like many other succulents. But beware because this plant is difficult to get the entire leaf off without ripping off the tip of the leaf. Because of this, most people choose to cut the leaves off with a small precision knife, cutting off a bit of the stem in the process to ensure that it will propagate. Others choose to propagate their entire plant at once and cut apart the inner stem as they separate all of the leaves.

Either way, this method is tricky and success rates are low for the zebra-type haworthias. Leaf cuttings are more successful in the round, thicker-leaf haworthias. That being said, if you don’t have any offshoots (or pups) on your zebra haworthia, then carefully remove a few leaves at the base of the plant. Then if the leaves aren’t successful, the plant should give you some new pups where the leaves were removed!

Just make sure that the entire leaf tip is removed and undamaged for this process to work. For step-by-step instructions, refer to my post on succulent propagation here!

Haworthia Propagation through Division of Offsets

In time, most Haworthia species produce offsets (little baby clones of the parent plant). This method of propagation is much easier and has much higher success rates than the leaf cutting propagation. These can be separated and potted in the following steps…

#1: Wait until the offset has at least four leaves to ensure that it is big enough to have formed its own roots and to survive the separation.
#2: Loosen the soil with water, then gently remove. We want to get as many of the roots out as possible so loosening up the soil first will be very helpful in saving those little guys.
#3: Gently brush the soil from the roots and separate the offset’s roots from the parent plant’s roots.
#4: Find where the offset is connected to the parent plant and gently cut them apart.
#5: Replant your Haworthias, making sure they are in well-draining soil and in small pots. Ignoring either of these will cause your plants to rot (and no one wants that!)

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post! Please leave any questions or comments below! I love hearing from you! Have a great day and good luck with your Haworthia propagation! And for Haworthia care information, check out my post on zebra plant succulent care!

Happy Digging!

Desk Plants for the Bedroom

August 9, 2024April 20, 2019 by thegirlwithashovel

For a plant to be a good desk plant, it needs to be both small and clean. Most people, when buying plants, don’t know how big it will get, or how messy it will be. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of plants that will boost your creativity without getting in your way!

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits, at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you this awesome information!**

Desk Plants for the Bedroom #1: Air Plants – Tillandsia spp.

Air plants are the perfect plants for the desk. Not only are they small and don’t drop any leaves, but they can also be placed in any kind of a container. This allows you to pick the style that best fits your work space!

Buy one here!

Desk Plants for the Bedroom #2: Purple Shamrock – Oxalis triangularis

Purple Shamrock is a great plant to use to add some color to your work space! And if it starts to wilt, simply trim off all the tops and re-pot the root system. Place it in a warm location and keep it lightly moist, and your plant will come back to life within a month!

Buy one here!

Desk Plants for the Bedroom #3: Kalanchoe – Kalanchoe var.

There are lots of different varieties of Kalanchoe available… from the soft, blue-green panda plant to the ridged, Mother-of-thousands. So it should be easy to find one that matches your unique style!

Buy one here!

Desk Plants for the Bedroom #4: Gerber Daisy – Gerbera var.

If you’re looking for a bright, but no-mess flower, then get yourself a Gerber daisy! If well-cared for, it could flower for up to a year! After this, however, your daisy should either be planted outdoors or discarded and replaced with a new daisy.

Buy one here!

Desk Plants for the Bedroom #5: Jade Plant – Crassula ovata

The jade plant isn’t only a beautiful, low-maintenance plant, but it is also a symbol of prosperity and wealth. So if you want some extra prosperity in your life, get one of these for your desk!

Buy one here!

Desk Plants for the Bedroom #6: Cactus – Cactaceae

If you prefer low-water plants, then try out a cactus! These can be found in many different shapes, sizes, and colors! Just make sure to leave yourself plenty of work space around it, so you don’t accidentally bump it!

Buy one here!

Desk Plants for the Bedroom #7: Madagascar Dragon Tree – Dracaena

The Madagascar Dragon Tree is shaped perfectly for a desk as it can add height with its canopy, but the bare trunk keeps your work space clean and clutter-free!

Buy one here!

Desk Plants for the Bedroom #8: English Ivy – Hedera helix

If you prefer a beautiful hanging vine, then get one of the classic English ivy plants! This hardy, low-maintenance vine does well in cooler temperatures and will look classy for years to come!

Buy one here!

Desk Plants for the Bedroom #9: Arrowhead Plant – Syngonium podophyllum

The last of my desk plants is the arrowhead plant! This plant comes in many different colors and patterns that will boost both your creativity and your mood!

Buy one here!

That’s it for my list! Feel free to leave any questions or comments below! And let me know which one of these is your favorite or if you have any other suggestions! Then, if you want any more ideas, check out my list of Small Indoor Plants!

Happy Digging!

9 Unique Houseplants

August 9, 2024April 9, 2019 by thegirlwithashovel

Are you looking for a houseplant that captivates people’s attention when they walk into the room? Or are you looking to add variety to your already large plant collection? Whatever the reason, this list of unique houseplants is sure to be a hit!

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits at no extra cost to you. This helps to support this blog and allows me to keep providing awesome information to you!**

Unique Houseplants #1: Banana Tree – Musa spp.

Starting off big, having an indoor banana tree might require a bit of space, but think of the awe when your friend spies their favorite lunchtime snack growing in your living room!

Buy one here!

Unique Houseplants #2: String of Hearts – Ceropegia woodii

This plant with heart-shaped leaves is the perfect gift for a plant lover. Not only does it reflect love and kindness, but it is also a unique plant that most collectors would love to add to their home!

Buy one here!

Unique Houseplants #3: Venus Fly Trap – Dionaea muscipula

Spider plants always look amazing in hanging baskets! When properly cared for, this plant will grow little ‘pups’ that hang down. You will soon have a plethora of tiny plantlets surrounding your basket.

Buy one here!

Unique Houseplants #4: Devil’s Backbone – Kalanchoe diagremontianum

Also called Mother-of-Thousands or Mexican Hat Plant, each tiny leaf edge can grow its own plant! Propagate a few for your neighbors and still have enough for around your home!

Buy one here!

Unique Houseplants #5: Purple Shamrock – Oxalis triangularis

This colorful plant has recently been coming back into popularity… and for good reason! The purple variety (as well as the green-and-purple variety) are both sure to make a statement in your home.

Buy one here!

Unique Houseplants #6: Ogre Ears – Crassula ovata cv. ‘Gollum’

I just love this fun little succulent! Ogre Ears proves that you don’t have to be big to make a statement. Even small plants can have a big impact! Being related to the Jade plant, this little guy is also very low-maintenance and hard to kill! But just be sure to not give this little guy too much water!

Buy one here!

#7: Wandering Jew – Tradescantia zebrina

This striped spectacle looks amazing either in a pot or in a hanging basket! The silver-purple leaves stand out boldly from any other green foliage. Only remember to trim it often to encourage bushy growth.

Buy one here!

#8: Tiger’s Jaw – Faucaria tigrina

Here’s another small succulent that makes a statement! Tiger’s Jaw looks like it could fit into the carnivorous plant family. However, its teeth are just for show. No need to buy special food for this guy!

Buy one here!

#9: Dr. Seuss Plant – Albuca spiralis ‘Frizzle Sizzle’

For our last plant, the Dr. Seuss plant had to be mentioned. These spiral leaves cause most people to ask if this plant is even real! But simply place one of these plants as a centerpiece, and you are sure to start a lot of conversation!

Buy one here!

There’s my list of unique houseplants! I hope that they make you as happy as I’ve been with mine! For more inspiration, check out my list of Modern Indoor Plants! With any comments or questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I love hearing from you all! And for more expert tips and a free welcome guide, sign up for my email list!

Happy Digging!

9 Best Hanging Plants

August 8, 2024April 2, 2019 by thegirlwithashovel

Don’t you just love the look of a beautiful hanging planter?! Whether you’re looking to buy a hanging pot, or you’re trying to figure out what to put in it, this list of the best hanging plants will get you your very own beautiful planter in no time!

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits. This helps me to keep providing awesome information to all of you!**

Best Hanging Plants #1: Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum

Buy one here!

Best Hanging Plants #2: String of Hearts – Ceropegia woodii

String of hearts, also known as rosary vine, is a cute hanging succulent with heart-shaped leaves! Just make sure to trim the long ends and re-plant them in the pot. This will keep it large and full!

Buy one here!

Best Hanging Plants #3: Pothos – Epipremnum aureum

Pothos is one of my favorite plants, and for good reason! Almost anyone could keep this tough guy alive. For more info about this plant, check out my post on Pothos Plant Care, or Pothos Propagation. Have fun with this beautiful vine!

Buy one here!

Best Hanging Plants #4: English Ivy – Hedera helix

For a more classical look, nothing beats a hanging ivy basket! This plant does great indoors or out and enjoys spending summers outdoors in the shade. But depending on your climate, your English Ivy may need to be brought indoors for the winter.

Buy one here!

Best Hanging Plants #5: Prayer Plant – Maranta leuconeura

This plant looks stunning, especially when left to hang from a minimalist container. Prayer plant also has a small root system (relative to its size), which makes it perfect for smaller hanging planters!

Buy one here!

Best Hanging Plants #6 – Heartleaf Philodendron – Philodendron cordatum

The heartleaf philodendron is another beautiful, full vine that is often confused with the Pothos vine. Heartleaf philodendron, however, has some unique, eye-catching varieties that you can’t find anywhere else!

Buy one here!

self-watering-pots-heartleaf-philodendron

Best Hanging Plants #7: Donkey’s Tail – Sedum morganianum

This is another succulent that looks great in a hanging basket! Just make sure that this low-care plant is also placed in a low-traffic area, as the leaves are fragile. One brush against them can cause them to fall off. But even if this does happen, the leaves can be easily propagated!

Buy one here!

Best Hanging Plants #8: String of Pearls – Senecio rowleyanus

String of Pearls is another succulent that does best in a hanging planter. It is also less sensitive than Donkey’s Tail and can be placed in high-traffic areas with no worries! Just enjoy these fun, ball-shaped leaves!

Buy one here!

Best Hanging Plants #9: Boston Fern – Nephrolepis exaltata

hen people think of a hanging planter, most people picture a Boston Fern. These beautiful plants add regal, lush foliage to any indoor space! Just be sure to trim any yellowing fronds before they shed.

Buy one here!

BONUS!!! Best Hanging Plants #10: Hindu Rope Plant – Hoya carnosa ‘krinkle kurl’

The Hindu Rope plant not only has interesting foliage, but given the proper care, it will also produce bright pink clusters of star-shaped flowers! Looking for a unique conversation-starter? It’s definitely a Hindu Rope plant!

Buy one here!

That’s it for my list! Feel free to comment below if you have any questions or if you have a few more plants to add. I absolutely love hearing from you! And for more awesome care tips, sign up for my email list! Every new subscriber gets a free welcome guide!

Happy Digging!

Snake Plant Care

August 9, 2024March 23, 2019 by thegirlwithashovel

Snake plants are awesome low-light, low-water plants that can tolerate quite a bit of neglect. No wonder they have been coming back into popularity! These modern, minimalist plants look great in any space! But now that you have your snake plant, the biggest question becomes… “How do I care for my snake plant?!” If this is you, then either watch the videos below, or keep reading!!!

Snake Plant Care: Light Requirements

Snake plant is known to do well in low-light situations, but it will grow faster and have brighter colors if it is placed in a medium- or high-light location. One thing to avoid, though, is direct sunlight. Hot, direct sunlight will easily burn your snake plant’s leaves. When a snake plant is getting too much light, it will start getting a pale brown color on its leaves, which will then lead it to turn a darker brown and begin to shrivel. Needless to say, do not put your snake plant in hot, direct sunlight!

hard_to_kill_houseplants_sansevieria_trifasciata_snake_plant

Snake Plant Care: Water Requirements

Snake plant does best if it is kept lightly moist during the spring and summer. Then during the fall, decrease watering amounts until you are only watering your plant enough to keep the soil from completely drying out. Then boost watering once again to following spring.

Snake Plant Care: Additional Tips

Remember to water this plant according to how much light it is receiving. If it is in low light, then water lightly. If it is in a bright, indirect light location, then you can be more generous with your water. But due to this plant’s semi-succulent nature, the biggest killer of snake plant is overwatering.

To avoid overwatering, it is ESSENTIAL that this plant is in a pot with drainage holes, as well as is in a light, well-draining soil mixture (either a succulent & cactus soil mix, or a regular potting soil amended with perlite.)

Also, be sure to keep your snake plant away from cold winter drafts as sustained temperatures below 60 F (15 C) can cause the leaves to rot at the base.

Well, that’s all you need to know to keep this awesome plant alive! For more easy, low-maintenance houseplants, check out my list of Top 10 Hard to Kill Houseplants! Then, for more plant care information, join my email list! Every new member gets a free welcome guide! Then, be sure to leave any further questions or comments below!

Happy Digging!

Palm Plant Care

August 9, 2024March 22, 2019 by thegirlwithashovel

Palms are a very popular houseplant. This is mainly because their lush, tropical leaves will quickly green up any space! Although there are several different types of palm trees that are used as indoor plants, we will only be addressing them as a whole. This is because, fortunately, they all require about the same care. So here are the 3 things you need to get right to be successful at palm plant care!

*Don’t have an indoor palm yet?! You can get one here!*

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits. This helps me to keep providing awesome information to all of you!**

Palm Plant Care: Light Requirements

Indoor palms can tolerate a wide range of light levels. Keeping this in mind, they do best in medium to bright, indirect light. Do not place them in direct sunlight, though, as their leaves are easily burned by hot, afternoon sun.

Palm Plant Care: Water Requirements

Palms like to be kept lightly moist at all times. The keyword here is lightly! Palms are sensitive to overwatering and will quickly die if it is sitting in water for too long. During the winter, water your palm tree less. This will make up for lower light levels and lower temperatures.

Additional Tips!!!

A big problem with indoor palms is brown leaf tips. This is caused by low air humidity. Make sure to occasionally mist your plant to boost humidity levels. You can also trim off the brown margins, but make sure to leave a thin portion of the brown tip. This thin edge will keep the leaf intact and won’t create a new cut.

That’s it for how to properly care for your palm! And to get some ideas for other large houseplants, check out my post, Top 10 Large Indoor Plants! Then for more information on how to keep your plants alive, join my email list! I send weekly emails to all my subscribers with expert tips and tricks. Plus, every new member gets a free welcome guide! Convinced yet? Then sign up below! And last, leave any additional questions or comments below! I love hearing from you!

Happy Digging!

Aloe Plant Care

August 9, 2024March 11, 2019 by thegirlwithashovel

The aloe plant is not only popular for being a low-maintenance plant, but it is also widely sold for its healing properties! But you won’t get any of this plant’s healing juices if it is dead! So here is what you need to know for proper aloe plant care!

*Don’t have an aloe plant yet?! Get yours here!*

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, will give me a small commission. I only add products that I sincerely LOVE! If you have any issues with any of these products, please let me know!**

Aloe Plant Care: Light Requirements

This plant needs bright, direct sunlight. When you first purchase your plant, slowly acclimate it to your sunny spot. This is necessary because most aloe plants have been in a low-light store for some weeks before they are purchased. If they go from the low-light store to a bright, sunny window, they could potentially burn.

During the summer, aloe plants can be slowly acclimated to the outdoors and then slowly brought back indoors in the fall to avoid freezing temperatures.

Aloe Plant Care: Water Requirements

The aloe plant likes to be kept lightly moist when it is in direct sunlight and during the spring and summer. If in lower light conditions, or during the fall and winter, only lightly water your aloe once the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the soil has dried.

Additional Tips

When watering your aloe plant, do not water it in the center of the plant. This can lead to stem rot. It is also helpful to top-dress the soil with small pebbles to keep the neck of the plant dry. Just make sure that the top-dressing doesn’t cause you to over-water your aloe plant!

I hope you liked this post on aloe plant care! For more expert tips sent to your inbox every week, join my email list! Every new member will receive a free welcome gift! And last, feel free to leave any questions or comments below!

Happy Digging!

Spider Plant Care

August 9, 2024March 7, 2019 by thegirlwithashovel

Spider plants are sold as attractive, easy-to-care-for houseplants. And sure, they are easy to care for as long as you know what they want! But if you give them what they want then they will reward yo with beautiful foliage and endless additional plantlets for years to come!

Don’t have an amazing spider plant yet?! Get one here!

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with this awesome information!**

Spider Plant Care: Light Requirements

Spider plant can do well in moderate to bright light but do not place it in direct sunlight, or the leaves will burn. If the leaves are starting to turn a white-yellow color, this is an indication that the plant is receiving too much sunlight and it should be immediately moved to a location with less light.

Spider Plant Care: Water Requirements

During the spring and summer, spider plant should be kept lightly moist. This means that you should lightly water your plant when the top of the soil feels dry. It would also do well in a self-watering pot or with a watering globe.

During the fall and winter when this plant stops actively growing, watering should be limited to only when the soil has become dry. To do this, stick your finger into the soil and if the soil feels dry down to a depth of 1 inch (2.5 cm), then it is time to water. If the soil still feels a bit moist, then do not water it yet.

Additional Tips

Spider plants are sensitive to fluoride in the water. If watered with fluoridated water, the leaf tips will turn brown. If this is happening, or if you know that your tap water contains fluoride, then water your spider plant with either distilled water or rainwater.

I hope you liked this post! Spider plant is on my list of easy, low-maintenance houseplants… check out the list here, Top 10 Hard to Kill Houseplants! For more tips delivered straight to your inbox, join my email group! Each new member gets a free welcome guide! And with any questions or comments, please leave it in the ‘comments’ section below!

Happy Digging!

Plants for a Boho Bedroom

August 8, 2024February 28, 2019 by thegirlwithashovel

Watch out! The Boho design style has been sweeping the nation and has been escalating in popularity! But what is one thing that every Bohemian bedroom needs? Plants!!! Here’s a list of 10 indoor plants that will be perfect for your boho bedroom!

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with this awesome information!**

Plants for a Boho Bedroom #1: Cactus – Cactaceae spp.

Every boho bedroom needs at least one cactus! Whether its a lone specimen in a lit corner or a colorful cactus dish on a bedside table, make sure to add a cactus to your boho bedroom!

Buy a Cactus!

Plants for a Boho Bedroom #2: Palms!

If you’re looking for a more tropical style instead of a desert style, try out some palms! They add lots of soft, natural texture into your space. Just be sure to give it moderate to bright, indirect light levels.

Buy a Palm!

Plants for a Boho Bedroom #3: Peacock Plant – Calathea spp.

The Peacock Plant’s leaves will add a bright, natural pattern into your boho bedroom! Also, check out the white variety to add more texture instead of a pattern.

Buy a Peacock Plant!

Plants for a Boho Bedroom #4: Ti Plant – Cordyline fruticosa

If you’re looking for a plant that fits the Bohemian style, but that also adds more color, then check out the Ti plant! With tall, thick stems and long, brightly colored leaves, the Ti plant looks great in any colorful, boho bedroom.

Buy a Ti Plant!

Plants for a Boho Bedroom #5: Chinese Money Plant – Pilea peperomioides

The Chinese Money Plant has been gaining in popularity for a reason! If your space has lots of sharp edges, soften them up with the soft, round leaves of this foliage plant.

Buy a Chinese Money Plant!

Plants for a Boho Bedroom #6: Traveler’s Palm – Ravenala madagascariensis

Traveler’s palm (though not technically a palm) looks amazing in the back corner of a bedroom. The large leaves add depth and a natural look that will make your space look great!

Buy a Traveler’s Palm!

Plants for a Boho Bedroom #7: Split-leaf Philodendron – Monstera deliciosa

If you don’t have the space for a Traveler’s Palm, try out a Split-leaf Philodendron! Also known as a Swiss Cheese plant, these attractive foliage plant can be kept as smaller, tabletop plants. Then, when it gets too big, simply propagate a leaf cutting to keep it in small spaces.

Buy a Split-leaf Philodendron!

Plants for a Boho Bedroom #8: Bird’s Nest Fern – Asplenium nidus

Bird’s Nest Fern is a unique fern in that it has whole, entire leaf fronds. This allows it to have less texture than normal ferns (and less mess too!) It also creates bold, wavy lines that can either be used as a foliage plant, or a natural focal point!

Buy a Bird’s Nest Fern!

Plants for a Boho Bedroom #9: Cast-Iron Plant – Aspidistra elatior

This low-light, low-maintenance plant is perfect for any low-light bedrooms. The deep green leaves add a background layer to the Bohemian style and is best complimented with warm reds and purples.

Buy a Cast-Iron Plant!

hard_to_kill_houseplants_aspidistra_elatior_cast_iron_plant

Plants for a Boho Bedroom #10: Ferns!

Large, bushy ferns are a must-have for any boho bedroom! The lush, textured fronds quickly add that needed natural element to your space. And if floor space is an issue, no problem! Just hang it from the ceiling to add an upper canopy of green.

Buy a Fern!

That’s it for my list of plants for a boho bedroom! Please comment below to let me know which of these you use for your awesome bedroom! And for weekly, expert plant tips delivered straight to your inbox, join my email list! Each new subscriber gets a free welcome guide!

Happy Digging!