Beginner

mint

aka mentha

Mint is an easy, fast-growing herb that is used in drink and food recipes. It is a perennial herb that grows little white and purple flowers. There are over 30 different variations of mint, but the most commonly grown is spearmint and peppermint.

variations

Apple/Pineapple Mint, Corsican Mint, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Citrus Mint, Spearmint

light

full sun

If the soil is nice and moist, full sun is okay. Mint can also thrive in partial shade.

water + feeding

thirsty

Should be watered at least twice a week.

toxic

no

This plant is safe for animals to nibble on.

size

small to medium

Mint can grow to between 1 – 2 feet tall.

pro tip

An effective remedy for headaches

If you are prone to tension headaches, you can make a compress out of mint leaves for your forehead or rub peppermint oil on your temples.

fun fact

Ancient origins

Mint was used in ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt

beyond the basics

  • soil + potting

    Mint does not need to be fussed over which makes it perfect for first-time gardeners. When planting your mint consider using a well-draining soil that can help with moisture control, like Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soil. This soil helps to prevent from over- and under-watering your mint plant.

     

  • companion planting:

    Luckily, mint is an easy herb to find companion plants for. You can take your pick of popular home garden veggies such as: carrots, cabbage, kale, tomatoes, bell peppers, beans and even zucchini.

     

  • harvesting

    Frequent harvesting is important to keeping your mint flourishing. Young leaves have more flavour than older leaves. With this in mind, you can start harvesting your mint as soon as it comes up this spring.

  • pest control

    If you see your mint plant drooping, there might be a pest problem. Common pests you might see with mint plants are aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites, or flea beetles. If you are seeing curling leaves or holes in your leaves, these are tell-tale signs of pests. Don’t worry, there is an easy fix. You can use a gentle insecticide like Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticidal Soap Ready-To-Use to safely and quickly get rid of those little nuisances.

troubleshooting

  • What do I do with my mint once I harvest it?

    You’ve got options.

    Once you pick a few sprigs from your mint plant, you can keep them in water for a few days. It is best to use your mint while it is fresh, about 3-5 days. If you are looking to dry your mint leaves, cut them right before flowering and let the leave air dry. Once dry, store the dried mint in an air-tight container.

    Or you can just pick the leaves from your mint plant as you need them.

     

  • Why is my mint looking leggy?

    More sunlight. Most of the time, if your mint plant is looking thin and leggy it is lacking sunlight or water or nutrients. The best way to prevent mint from getting leggy is to make sure it is growing in a warm spot that gets lots of light. Keep it in a big pot with well-draining and nutrient rich soil.

  • Why is my mint turning crispy and brown?

    Under-watering. This is easy to fix. Try watering your mint on a schedule, aiming for once or twice a week. Be sure to water under the leaves and close to the soil so you don’t damage the leaves.

  • How do I know if my mint is healthy?

    Healthy, ready to use mint is a deep, rich green. If your mint is yellow and falling, it is likely due to its growing conditions. Keep your mint plant in full or partial sun, with a well-draining potting mix like Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soil. Make sure you water your mint whenever the top of the soil is dry, usually about twice a week.

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Intermediate

alocasia

aka alocasia

The Alocasia family contains about 70 different variations. They’re tuberous perennials with long stalks. Alocasia leaves vary between being arrow and heart-shaped, and may be interestingly decorated

variations

Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’, Alocasia amazonica ‘Bambino’, Alocasia amazonica ‘Ivory Coast’, Alocasia micholitziana ‘Frydek’, Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’, Alocasia infernalis ‘Black Magic’, Alocasia rugosa ‘Melo’, Alocasia maharani ‘Grey Dragon’

light

indirect

Place in a spot where it’ll get 6 – 8 hours of indirect light.

water + feeding

not too thirsty

Water until it flows through the drainage hole.

toxic

yes

Should be kept away from your fury friends.

location

a little picky

For spaces that may not get enough light, use a grow light.

humidity

love it

They love high humidity.

size

medium

They can grow between 2 – 6 feet.

pro tip

dry as a bone?

Keep the soil pretty dry throughout the winter, giving it a little water at every 2 weeks.

fun fact

need light and dark

The short days and long nights of fall and winter are perfect for poinsettia. It’s actually what causes them to bloom.

beyond the basics

  • soil + potting

    Your Alocasia needs a well-draining potting mix. The Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix contains coconut coir and perlite to hold onto and release moisture as your plant needs it. If you find that your plant is wanting a little extra, you can add in some Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Succulent Potting Mix. Adding this succulent mix helps keep your soil light and airy.

  • when to repot

    Like most indoor tropical plants, the best time to repot is in the spring or summer, when your plant is strong. Your alocasia will likely want to be repotted every 18 – 24 months. When you’re selecting its new pot, choose one that is about 2 – 4” bigger than its current one.

  • propagation

    To propagate your alocasia, use the division method. Remove the plant from its pot and separate a small clump of roots from the main rootball. Replant the small clump into a new pot with fresh soil. Make sure it’s buried at the same depth as the original plant.

  • pest control

    Your alocasia may be more prone to spidermites than your other indoor plants. To help prevent those nasty mites from appearing, make sure your plant doesn’t dry out too much over the winter. If you see spidermites on your alocasia, you can use Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticidal Soap Ready-To-Use. Spray this insecticidal soap on your plant to eliminate those pesky mites.

     

troubleshooting

  • Why are my leaves dying?

    Not enough humidity or dry soil. Your alocasia could probably use a good watering. If you’re already on a watering schedule and you’re still noticing dying leaves, consider increasing the humidity in the room.

     

  • Why are my leaves turning yellow?

    Overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out a bit before watering your plant again. For future waterings, make sure the soil is about 25-50% dry before watering.

  • Why are my leaves turning brown?

    Probably a sunburn. If your alocasia is too close to bright, direct light then it’s time to move it away. Your alocasia wants to be in bright but indirect light, so find a spot that isn’t right in front of a window. If your lighting is okay, then it could be fertilizer burn. To fix this, drain any accumulated fertilizer from the potting mix, or repot with fresh soil.

  • What are these rusty spots on my leaves?

    Fungal infection. Poor light and warm, humid conditions can be responsible for fungus. To prevent this make sure the leaves stay as dry as possible. Instead of overhead watering, opt for bottom watering or watering straws instead. Be sure to remove any dead, decaying or diseased plant matter from your alocasia’s pot.

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Beginner

poinsettia

aka euphorbia pulcherrima

Poinsettia are native to Mexico and Central America. They are often used as decoration and gifts during Christmas holidays.

variations

There are over 100 varieties of Poinsettias. Some variations include ‘Premium Picasso’, ‘Monet Twilight’, ‘Shimmer’, and ‘Surprise’ poinsettia.

light

indirect

Need about 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily

water + feeding

not too thirsty

Water in moderation when soil is dry to the touch

toxic

kind of

They’re not toxic to humans or pets. However, the white, milky sap can irritate some people’s skin and can cause an upset stomach.

location

flexible

They’ll be happy in a semi-shaded or sunny area

humidity

love it

Poinsettia enjoy 50 – 75% humidity, so boost up the moisture

size

small friends

Potted poinsettia will remain small at 8 – 12 inches

pro tip

dry soil is ok

Allow the soil to dry out between watering, especially in the spring.

fun fact

need light and dark

The short days and long nights of fall and winter are perfect for poinsettia. It’s actually what causes them to bloom.

beyond the basics

  • soil + potting

    Whether poinsettia is growing indoors or outdoors, they prefer a loose, well-draining potting mix. Consider using Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix. You can also add Perlite and Peat Moss to your soil for some added nutrients.

  • when to repot

    As your poinsettia grows, so does its roots. To avoid your poinsettia getting root-bound, repot it in the spring. It’s generally recommended that by mid-May, your poinsettia will be ready to repot. Choose a pot that is about 2 inches wider and deeper than its current pot. And of course, refresh the soil when you repot.

  • propagation

    The most common way to propagate poinsettia is by taking a cutting. Propagating from cuttings ensures a clone of the parent plant. No surprises! To start, wait until the spring to take your cutting. Using sharp scissors or pruners, cut a 3 – 4 inch stem from the parent plant. Then cut off a few of the lower leaves to promote root growth from the cut edge. Be sure to leave at least 3 leaves at the top of the cutting. Transplant your cutting to a small container with well-draining potting mix such as using Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix. Keep your cutting in a bright, humid area, and mist the leaves regularly to stimulate growth.

  • pest control

    Whiteflies are the most common pests for poinsettias. Do regular checks under the leaves of your poinsettia and keep an eye out for clumps of greenish eggs. Use a gentle insecticide like Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticide Ready-to-Use to easily and quickly get rid of white flies.

troubleshooting

  • Why are my cuttings collapsing?

    Bacterial rot. This causes the base or stem of the cuttings to become mushy and eventually collapse. You may also notice a smell surrounding your plant, which is also caused by this bacterial infection. You may be able to mitigate this by proper watering and misting practices. It’s best to cut off misting and watering for a while once you notice the stems are a little soft.

  • Why are my poinsettia’s leaves turning black?

    Temperature fluctuations. Sudden temperature fluctuations will shock these tropical plants. To keep your poinsettia happy, make sure it’s in a bright space that can also receive a few hours of shade or darkness. Be sure to keep your plant away from radiators, fireplaces and space heaters too.

  • Why is my poinsettia so pale all of a sudden?

    Could be spider mites. These little pests feed off the plant’s sap, causing the leaves to turn pale and sometimes develop little red spots. If you catch spider mites early enough, you may be able to salvage your plant. Use a gentle insecticide like Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticide Ready-to-Use to gently take care of this problem. A recovering poinsettia will perk up and brighten up within a week or two.

  • Why are my poinsettia leaves drooping and yellow?

    Over- or underwatering. Both over and under-watering your poinsettia will cause its leaves to droop or look wilted. If you’re over-watering your plant, be sure to let its soil dry out a bit. Discard any excess water at the bottom of its pot to prevent it from sitting water and developing root rot. If you’re underwatering, consider boosting your watering routine with Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food for the next two watering cycles. You can also start misting the leaves of your poinsettia to increase its water in-take. But don’t overdo it, let the soil dry out a bit between watering.

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Beginner

kale

aka brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Kale is a cold-hardy and resilient green veggie.

variations

Red Russian, Lacinato, True Siberian, Vates Blue Curled, Winterbor

light

just a little

Kale only needs about 3 hours of sunlight to grow

water + feeding

keep it watered.

Kale needs consistent watering. Your kale needs about 2 inches of water a week.

toxic

okay for humans

But could cause kidney and bladder stones for dogs.

size

small-ish

Can grow between 1 – 2 ft

pro tip

sweetened by frost.

Kale can be harvested until it’s 20°F/-7°C outside. In fact, the first nips of frost can make your kale taste better.

fun fact

technically a biennia

It’s a 2-year plant that produces leaves in the first year and a flower stalk in its second year.

beyond the basics

  • companion planting

    Kale works well when planted by artichokes, beets, celery, cucumber, lettuce, onion, peas, potatoes. Avoid other brassicas being planted alongside kale. These include broccoli, kohlrabi, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and Swiss chard.

  • Harvesting

    When your kale’s leaves are about the size of your hand, it’s ready to harvest. Be sure not to pick more than a third of your plant’s leaves at a time.

  • pest control

    What are these little white flies? They are literally Whiteflies. They drink sap and excrete a sticky ‘honeydew’ which also encourages mould. Use sticky traps or Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticidal Soap to keep your plants healthy.

troubleshooting

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Beginner

elephant ear

aka colocasia esculenta

Always the centre of attention, these big beauties make a statement indoors and out. They can grow to an impressive height with leaves that mimic hearts, or the shape of elephant ears.

variations

alocasias and colocasias

light

full sun

Even dappled shade will work

water + feeding

thirsty

Keep the soil moist. In summer months you may have to water your potted plant almost every day.

toxic

toxic to people and animals

Ingesting stems or leaves can cause a burning sensation or cause swelling. In some cases touching the plant can cause a skin irritation.

location

flexible

Elephant ears do well on patios and indoors. Keep your plant in indirect light to avoid it getting sunburnt.

humidity

love it

Elephant ears are tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid environments.

size

large friend

Can grow to 3 – 5 ft

pro tip

Leave lots of room

Elephant ears need a big pot to grow to their fullest potential.

fun fact

A tropical bulb

Elephant ears have tuberous roots that are often referred to as bulbs. Unlike common garden bulbs, these ones are not cold hardy so you’ll need over-winter the bulbs inside.

beyond the basics

troubleshooting

  • why is my elephant ear turning yellow?

    Too much sunlight or overwatering. You can cut the dying leaves close to the base of the stem. This should prevent more leaves from yellowing. Then adjust your watering schedule or move it away from direct sunlight.

  • why are my leaves crying?

    Usually due to overwatering. The leaves of an elephant ear are long and heart-shaped, which naturally draws water to the tip of the leaf. If there aren’t other signs of overwatering, like soft stems or yellow leaves, you can likely hold off on watering for a few days.

  • why are my plant’s leaves turning brown?

    It’s a sunburn. Your plant is too close to bright, direct light. Elephant ears tend to thrive in bright, indirect light. Scorched leaves won’t kill your plant, it just doesn’t look pretty.

     

  • Why does my plant’s leaves have spots?

    Fungal leaf blight. If this fungus isn’t caught early, it will cause the whole leaf to collapse and travel to the rest of the plant. To prevent this, make sure you’re using high-quality, well-draining soil.

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Beginner

Lily

aka Lilium

lilies are an exotic and elegant perennial flower that are quite easy to grow. Lilies start as onion-like bulbs and require good soil and lots of sun to flourish.

variations

trumpet lilies, Asiatic lilies, Easter lilies, Oriental lilies

light

full sun

Your lilies will enjoy about 6 – 8 hours of sunlight but be sure to keep their roots cool.

water + feeding

thirsty

Water your lilies freely, especially if you’re not in a climate that gets much rainfall in the summer months.

toxic

yes, the whole plant

The entire plant is toxic to humans and pets. Even the water that fresh cut lilies sit in can make you and your fuzzy friends sick.

location

in the sun

A good rule of thumb is that lilies like their head in the sun and their feet in the shade. To help keep your lily’s roots cool, consider planting with low profile annuals or perennials, or ornamental grasses.

size

medium to large

Lilies can grow between 2 – 8 ft tall!

pro tip

lots at stake

Lilies can grow quite tall. Consider staking your lilies to keep them tall and upright.

fun fact

powerful native plants

Lilies are attractive to many insects because of their bright colours and sweet nectar. They can be pollinated by either the wind or bees!

beyond the basics

  • soil + potting

    Lilies love to have their roots in cool soil, and their heads in the sun. The best soil option to keep your lilies happy is a rich, moist soil. that is also well-draining. Consider adding in just a little bit of organic compost.

  • companion planting

    You can find a wide variety of companion plants from annuals, bulbs to
    other perennials. Consider using annuals such as dill, geraniums, pansies, or new guinea impatiens. Dahlias, daffodils, or irises make great companions when planting other bulbs. Perennials such as peonies, daisies and lavender are excellent companions for lilies.

  • Blooms

    Lilies only bloom once per season. You can remove, or deadhead, faded flowers to keep your plant from wasting energy making new seeds.

  • pest control

    The most common pest issues for lilies are infestations of scarlet lily beetles. These little guys like to hang out on the underside of leaves. The easiest way to get rid of these little pests is to catch them manually by holding a bottle of warm water under the leaves you’re inspecting. The bugs will be startled and drop off into the water waiting below.

troubleshooting

  • what are those oval-shaped spots on my leaves?

    Lily disease. This is a fungal infection that creates oval-shaped dark spots on your lily’s leaves. Make sure you use clean tools before you get started. Then clear out the infected soil and debris and get rid of the infected plant. Be sure to not plant lilies in an infected spot again.

  • why are the tips of my leaves turning brown?

    Could be overwatering, sunburn, or underwatering. If the tip of the leaf is brown and crunchy, this means the soil is likely too dry.

  • why are my buds rotting?

    Likely a fungus. Many fungi (Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, Pythium, Fusarium, and Cylindrocarpon) attack the bulb and cause the roots to rot. This will also cause the plant to wilt, and eventually die. Be sure to remove the infected plants and check all bulbs carefully before planting.

  • why aren’t my lilies blooming?

    Could be the result of small bulbs or over-crowding in the soil. Planting your lily bulbs too shallow could also lead to your lily not producing big blooms. If you cut away the leaves after a lily has flowered, it may also decrease the likelihood of flowering the following year. Keep in mind, some lilies won’t flower in their first year of planting due to transplant shock.

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Beginner

jade

aka crassula ovata

Jade plants are native to South Africa and are classified as a succulent. Jade plants have oval shaped, fleshy leaves and stems that look like tiny tree trunks.

variations

there are a variation of jade plants available that range from the common green-leaf to more rare variegated varieties. Variegated jade plants can include the tricolour, ET’s Finger or the Hummel’s Sunset variety.

light

bright, indirect.

Jade plants, especially young plants, should get about 6 – 8 hours of light a day.

water + feeding

somewhat thirsty

In spring and summer your jade plant should be watered consistently so that its soil is moist, but not super wet.

toxic

Yes

Jade is toxic to pets.

location

Adaptable

These beautiful plants do well in most indoor settings, but prefer to be close to bright, indirect light. Jade does their best growing in room temperature 18° to 24°C (65° to 75°F).

humidity

a little finnicky

Overwatering and standing water are the most common mistakes made with jade plants. Be sure to monitor your jade for signs of too much moisture.

size

it depends

Jade plants can grow up to 5 ft tall but can stay small if they are rootbound in a small pot.

pro tip

rare flowers

Jade plants don’t regularly flower when grown indoors. To get your jade plant to flower keep it rootbound and in a small pot. Cut back slightly on watering, and you may see a bloom come through.

fun fact

bringers of good luck

Jade is often given as a housewarming gift because it’s thought to bring good luck.

beyond the basics

  • soil + potting

    Succulents thrive in porous, well draining potting mix. These usually have less organic matter than regular indoor potting mix. A mix like Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Succulent Potting Mix is well-draining and won’t compact. Don’t forget to feed your plants consistently during the feeding season.

  • when to repot

    Repotting a young jade plant every 2 – 3 years will encourage growth. If you want to keep your jade plant small, they enjoy being slightly rootbound and can stay in a small pot to maintain a manageable size. Always repot in the spring.

  • propagation

    Propagating a jade plant is super easy! You can start a whole new jade from just a single leaf or cutting. Remove a leaf or stem cutting from a healthy, mature plant, making sure it’s about 2-3 inches long and has at least 2 leaf pairs. Let the cutting sit in a warm, bright place for several days to develop a little callous. Place the cutting in moist, well-draining soil, keeping it propped upright with rocks. Be sure not to water your jade cutting at this point. After a week or two roots should start to form. Gently water the soil once roots have formed, and allow soil to dry between watering.

  • pest control

    Jade is prone to mealybugs and scale. Mealybugs may hide under the leaves of your plant. During your routine leaf cleaning, inspect the underside. Most pests can be managed by using an insecticidal soap such as Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticidal Soap. For more tips, check out our Pest control section in Plant 101 for how to identify and deal with pests on your plant!

troubleshooting

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Beginner

string of hearts

aka ceropegia woodii

this beautiful trailing succulent is native to South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. This plant is named for the sweet, heart-shaped leaves.

variations

the more sun it gets, the more variegated the leaves will get. Leaves can get silver, cream or even pink markings.

light

bright, indirect.

Ample bright, indirect light will lead to greater variegation in the leaves.

water + feeding

somewhat thirsty

Can be watered 1-2 times a week in the spring and summer, once every week or two during the fall and winter.

toxic

no

This plant is safe for pets.

location

somewhere bright

Place near your brightest window. South or West facing windows is recommended

humidity

not too fussy

Can tolerate drier climate but thrive in about 40-50% humidity.

size

small-ish

Can grow up to 3 inches tall and have trailing stems that can grow to 3 – 9 ft long.

pro tip

sun baths

Colour can be revived by placing your plant by a bright window. Leaves can return to their vibrant colours and even turn pink.

fun fact

fast Growers

They’re fast growers and very easy to care for, making them popular houseplants for beginners.

beyond the basics

  • soil + potting

    String of heart plants are a member of the succulent family, so they need a porous, well-draining potting mix that doesn’t retain a lot of moisture because these beauties are prone to root rot. It’s recommended to use a succulent specific potting mix, like Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Succulent Potting Mix.

  • when to repot

    String of hearts tend to be okay with staying slightly rootbound, so you don’t need to keep a strict schedule when repotting. A good rule of thumb is to repot about every 1 – 2 years. Use a pot that is a few inches bigger than its current pot and has a drainage hole.

  • propagation

    Start by trimming your string of hearts just under a nodule. Place your cutting in moist soil and watch your new plant take root. This process will likely take about a month. Make sure the soil is kept moist during this growing period.

  • pest control

    String of hearts are prone to root rot, so make sure your plant’s soil is drying out between watering. Other pests like aphids or mealybugs can be managed by using an insecticidal soap such as Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticidal Soap.

troubleshooting

  • why are there big gaps between my leaves?

    Not enough light. Move your string of hearts to a place where it can sit in ample indirect, bright light.

  • why are my leaves turning mushy and droopy?

    Overwatering or root rot. Root rot is caused by overwatering. The easiest way to tell if it’s root rot or just overwatering is to give it a sniff. If your plant smells bad, it’s root rot. If it smells okay, just hold off on watering it for a little the soil dries out a bit.

  • why are my leaves turning brown?

    Sunburn. It looks like your string of hearts is getting too much sun. These plants enjoy bright, but indirect light. Move your plant away from direct sunlight, but keep in a nice, bright room.

  • why are my plant’s leaves curling?

    Underwatering. Thinning or curling leaves is a clear indicator of underwatering. Give your string of hearts a good soak and your plant should be happily re-hydrated.

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Beginner

money tree

aka pachira aquatica

Money Trees originated from Central and South America. The braided trunk of the tree isn’t naturally occurring. This feature is created by cultivators braiding young trees manually.

variations

Variations include Malabar Chestnut, Provision Tree, Guiana Chestnut and French Peanut.

light

avoid direct sunlight

Too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves to curl, yellow or burn.

water + feeding

water when dry

However, these plants can still do well without watering too frequently.

toxic

safe for humans and pets

Money Trees are even recommended for people with allergies or asthma.

location

adaptable

Although it’s recommended not to keep this plant in your bathroom because it’s believed this will “flush” good vibes away.

humidity

love it!

Money Trees appreciate a humid climate, with about 50% humidity.

size

small to medium

At home, your money tree could grow between 3 to 5 feet. In the wild, these trees can grow up to 60 feet tall.

pro tip

get a humidifier

Prevent yellowing and dying leaves by increasing the humidity in the plant’s environment.

fun fact

popular in feng shui

This plant usually sprouts 5 leaves on a stem, and 5 is a very important number in Feng Shui.

beyond the basics

  • soil + potting

    Money Trees need a sandy, peat-moss based soil. Consider adding Miracle-Gro® Sphagnum Peat Moss to your plant’s soil. Don’t forget to use a pot with drainage!

  • when to repot

    Money Trees usually need to be repotted every three years. The best time to repot is during the spring time, to promote growth. While you can cut back on some root growth, be sure not to take off more than 25% of the roots.

  • propagation

    The best way to propagate your Money Tree is through a cutting. Take your 6 inch branch cutting, with several leaf nodes, and allow to root in water. Promptly transfer to a soil mixture with peat moss.

  • pest control

    Money Trees are very attractive to aphids and mealybugs. You can use a gentle insecticide like Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticide Ready-to-use to prevent these creepy crawlies from returning.

troubleshooting

  • why are my plant’s leaves drooping or turning yellow?

    Watering issues. If your Money Tree’s leaves are drooping it could be as simple as inconsistent watering. Keep a schedule and check the soil’s moisture level to understand its needs. If the leaves are yellowing, it’s likely due to overwatering. It’s time to water when the top 2 to 4 inches of soil are dry.

  • why is my plant’s trunk spongey and soft?

    Sounds like root rot. This happens when a fungus has attacked your plant’s roots and is a sign that you’ve been overwatering. Root rot can be fatal if it’s not caught early. The best chance you can give your Money Tree for survival is to repot immediately, removing as much old soil as possible.

  • what is this gross, sticky sap?

    Guttation. This it totally normal! If the rest of your Money Tree looks healthy, there’s nothing to worry about. But… if you see little dark bumps on your plant, it could be a pest infestation.

  • why are my plant’s leaves curling?

    Overwatering. Avoid excessive watering and finger test your plant’s soil when you’re about to water. Make sure you’re only watering when the first 2 to 4 inches of soil are dry.

  • why are my plant’s leaves falling?

    Too much sunlight. Too much bright, direct sunlight can cause your Money Tree to drop leaves. Another common cause is if your Money Tree has recently moved to its new home. Dropping a few leaves as your plant adjusts to its new home is totally normal.

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Beginner

hollyhocks

aka Alcea rosea

Hollyhocks can easily be started from seeds indoors, and transplanted outdoors. They add drama, colour and height to your garden. These plants are likely to attract some wildlife to your garden such as hummingbirds and butterflies! Hollyhocks can get a little “leggy” and it’s often suggested to plant dense plants in front of them to hide this. Once planted, Hollyhocks can be difficult to move. It’s suggested to plant them in a spot where you won’t have to move them.

variations

Hollyhock ‘Sunshine’, Hollyhock ‘Peaches ‘n’ Dreams, Hollyhock ‘Creme de Cassis’, Hollyhock ‘Blacknight’, Hollyhock ‘Halo Red’, Hollyhock ‘Halo Apricot’, Hollyhock ‘Halo Lavender’, Hollyhock ‘The Bride’, Hollyhock ‘O Hara’, Hollyhock ‘Banana’

light

varying needs

Full sun to partial shade

water + feeding

not too thirsty

Will tolerate moist conditions if soil is well drained. Water thoroughly during hot, dry weather. Keep water off leaves when watering, to prevent disease problems. The mistake many novice hollyhock growers make is to plant this flower in soil that’s too dry. If you are planting seeds, sow them outside about a week before last frost. If you are planting seedlings out, wait about two to three weeks after last frost. Hollyhock seeds only need to be planted right below the soil, no more than 1/4-inch (.6 cm.) deep

toxic

not really

These flowers are also non-poisonous to dogs or cats, but you need to be careful about the stems and leaves as they may have resin or fiber which may cause some skin allergies.

size

medium-ish

Hollyhock blooms are about four inch double flowers borne on wand-like stems. They have fuzzy leaves, that grow to be about 6-8″ across. A hollyhock plant can grow to be almost 6ft tall!

pro tip

blooms for years

Remove any seed-heads that may form, so hollyhock will continue to bloom for several years. Most plants will live and bloom for several years if stalks are cut off at the base after flowers have faded. They will not be as vigorous as new seedlings. Once established in the garden, hollyhock often grow voluntary from seeds dropped during the summer. These chance seedlings may and should be transplanted elsewhere in the garden.

fun fact

welcome flowers

Hollyhocks symbolize the circle of life, ambition, fertility, and abundance. They have traditionally been planted near the front door of homes to welcome prosperity. Egyptians frequently placed wreaths of hollyhocks with the mummified to help them in their journey to the afterlife.

beyond the basics

  • soil & potting

    Hollyhock will do well in almost any soil but prefers a well-drained soil. The most important factor is good air circulation, so do not crowd plants or plant too close to structures, hedges or other plants.  

  • companion planting

    Hollyhocks make excellent companions for Dahlias, Clematis, Shasta Daisies, Shrub Roses, Baby’s Breath, Black-eyed Susan, or Climbing Roses.  

  • blooms

    Hollyhocks have single or double, cup-shaped flowers with little or no stalk and bloom on tall spikes. Hollyhocks come in a wide variety of colours: blue, pink, purple, red, white, yellow and even black. 

  • pest control

    Rust is a leaf disease to which hollyhocks are especially prone. It is worse on older plants and can be kept in check by replacing plants every couple of years. 

troubleshooting

  • rusty looking leaves?

    Rust is a common problem with hollyhocks and can cause the plants to look ragged. Brown, yellow or orange spots appear as the fungus forms and grows. The damaged leaves will fall off as the disease progresses. Control fungi through proper removal and disposal of infected plants and with a general fungicide. 

  • breaking Stems?

    High winds or torrential rains can damage hollyhocks because of the sheer height of the flowers. The stalks are strong, but can be knocked around by a summer storm. A trellis positioned behind the hollyhocks gives you a place to anchor the plants. Garden twine, looped around the stalk and fastened to the trellis, keeps the hollyhocks in place when strong winds hit the garden. 

  • holes in leaves?

    Japanese beetles love the large leaves of the hollyhock plant and create unsightly holes in the foliage. The hibiscus sawfly looks like an elongated housefly with an orange spot just below the head. The larvae of these pests eat the foliage and can completely destroy the leaves on several plants in a short time. Insecticidal soaps and beetle traps generally aid in ridding the hollyhocks of the pests. 

  • broken stalks?

    Some caterpillars cause hollyhock stems to break and leaves to wilt. Close examination shows small round holes in the stems. Control stalk borers by slitting each affected stem lengthwise, removing the borers, and binding the stems together. Practice clean cultivation and burn all weeds, stems and plant remains likely to harbor over-wintering eggs. 

  • wilting leaves?

    A fungal stem canker attacks hollyhocks at bloom time on rare occasions. Stem lesions are first dark brown and later ash-gray. As these spots girdle the stem the part above wilts, collapses, breaks off and dies. Remove and destroy infected plants or plant parts as soon as you notice them. Disinfect clippers and other tools after using them on cankered plants. Space plants farther apart to minimize splash-borne infection. 

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