Houseplant Care Guides
Practical, real-home plant care — watering, light, propagation, pests, and seasonal advice, reviewed by experienced indoor gardeners.
Growing Water Lilies
For either formal or informal pools, the water lily, perhaps, should be the first considered, for it is the queen of the water garden. The first essential for successful cultivation is still water.
Displaying Bonsai
The art of Bonsai is like the art of Japanese flower arranging. Bonsai look best if shown off on their own and very simply displayed in containers that blend with the colour and echo the shape of the…
Conifers and Heathers for Patios and Pots
It may seem strange to put together in one section two unrelated families of plants, but I have chosen to do this because I believe the combination of conifers and heathers indoors (often as bonsai…
The Function of Leaves
Leaves are vital to the living world, for lonely they can convert the sun’s energy into food for plants and, subsequently, for animals and people.
Pruning Houseplants
Some house plants never need pruning, because they are sold as ‘preformed’, well shaped plants and remain the same size and shape all their lives.
Hydroponics – Cultivating Without Soil
Cultivating plants without soil is called hydroponics or hydroculture. Many plants can be grown in this way, and the technique has become popular in recent years.
Plant Feeds for Pot Plants
Plants growing in fertile garden soil make most of their own food, but those grown in pots need supplementary feeding to stay healthy.
Insecticides and Pesticides for House Plants
The best way to hold insects and other pests at bay is to keep your house plants healthy. But if problems occur, it’s important to use the right insecticide for the job.
Bonsai: The Art of Growing Miniature Trees
The art of growing miniature trees, which rarely exceed two feet in height, is a living art form.