We love our beginner friendly plants, but now that you have nurtured that green thumb, it’s time to test your skills with a few plants that require some know-how to thrive. Enhance your plant collection with these unique and beautiful plant pals.
is a succulent that has unique, spiny-looking leaves that are covered in little white hairs. These plants require a lot of light in order to grow -think bright and indirect light for your pickle plant. Pickle plants are an unusual succulent, so you may not see them in the typical plant collection. They can also flower in the summer, showing a bright red bloom at the top of each stem.
is a succulent that produces long trails with delicate green pearls. Sometimes these succulents can also bloom little white flowers. The key to success with a string of pearls plant is the right balance of sun and water. Place your string of pearls where it can receive plenty of sun , like near a east-facing window. For watering, try the weight test. Pick up your plant and if it feels light and airy, it is time for a thorough watering.
Also known as the “ric rac cactus.” These plants bloom at night and have a distinct zig-zag pattern that looks like a fish skeleton. If the conditions are just right, you can get this cactus to bloom, but only after about three years. The fishbone cactus needs a couple of hours of direct sunlight, and lots of bright indirect sunlight as well. Be sure to mist your cactus to help it grow, and keep the soil a little moist, especially during the spring and summer months.
these plants are known for two things: their delicate foliage and their quick deaths inside. These ferns need a few hours of direct sunlight per day. Think morning or early afternoon light. With most ferns, it is common to keep them wet for a lot of the time but for maiden hair ferns let the soil dry out a little between waterings.
is known for their dark green leaves and bright orange flowers that look like little goldfish. These plants like warm and humid environments. Light is a major contributing factor to their growth. Too much sun and their leaves will get sunburnt and wilt. Too little sun will cause your plant to get leggy and it will not be able to bloom. To get your goldfish blooms to flourish, water slightly less in the winter and fertilize in the growing season
potted orchids are always a fan favourite with their delicate, vibrant blooms and intoxicating fragrance. While orchids may be a welcomed decoration for your home, they can be challenging to help thrive and re-bloom. Consider keeping your orchids in a terracotta pot with a drainage hole. This will allow for good airflow for your roots. Keep your orchid in bright, indirect light (from an eastern or southern window). This should provide your orchid with enough light to bloom.
Which of these plants are you adding to your collection? We are adding new favourites to our Plant Tags all the time. Want to learn about a specific plant? Let us know in the Plant Chat!
You might think that tropical plants have no business inside your home, but these exotic wonders actually make excellent houseplants. Although sunshine makes them extra happy, many tropical plants can tolerate low light extremely well. And if you’re a low-maintenance plant lover, tropical houseplants are ideal since most only require some basic care.
But these houseplants aren’t completely hands-off—you’ll still have to nourish them to ensure their survival. Follow these tips and your space will feel like an exotic jungle in no time.
If you’re bringing your tropical plants in from outside after the warm season, they might be a tad too feral for indoors. This is a great time to grab your pruning shears and remove some of the abundant growth that appeared over the summer.
For easy and speedy results, water-soluble fertilizer is a good place to start. This type of fertilizer will fill your space with lush and bright foliage, you’ll need to provide your plants with the nutrients they crave. Try Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food for an instant boost for your tropicals.
For a unique fertilizer that is formulated specifically to target the needs of tropical houseplants, pick up a bottle of Miracle-Gro® Tropical Plant Food. Blended with micronutrients tropical plants love such as magnesium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc , giving your plants exactly what they need to grow lush foliage.
With the many fertilizer formulas to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—but some quick research on your specific plant type will help you narrow down your options.
For many tropical houseplants, fertilizing once a month will get the job done. When winter ends, you can up your feeding frequency to encourage new growth.
For a deeper dive into tropicals and what they need, check out our article here.
Here are some helpful tips to keep your tree looking merry and bright all holiday season.
Start with a healthy tree from your local tree farm—gently shake the tree to make sure it’s flexible and needles aren’t dropping.
Trim 1/2 inch off the base of the trunk to remove dried sap and encourage water absorption.
Measure the diameter of the tree trunk.
Using a Christmas tree stand that can hold at least 1 gallon of water, add 1 quart of water for every inch of the trunk’s diameter.
Check the water level daily—ensure the water always covers the bottom 2 inches of the trunk (this is the secret to maintaining a super fresh tree!)
Keep your tree hydrated and reduce needle drop by adding 1 capful of Miracle-Gro® for Christmas Trees for every litre of water.
Christmas trees prefer cooler temps, so put on a cozy sweater, turn down the heat, and keep your tree away from heat sources.
Are your indoor plants looking a little weary and dejected? Just like a grouchy toddler, a sad-looking plant can often be a signal that it’s time for a snack. Your potting soil may be rich with nutrients at the start, but after several weeks have passed, it’s time to refuel.
But hold up—there are some rules you should know before you serve up the good stuff to your potted friends.
Here’s how to feed your plants and help bring them back to life.
Houseplants enjoy the benefits of fertilization during the growing season—but when exactly is this magical time of growth? We’re so glad you asked.
Indoor plants follow the ways of their outdoor companions, flourishing in the spring and summer seasons. As the days get longer and temperatures start to climb, you’ll want to ramp up your plants’ food intake.
What do your plants need during the fall and winter months? The same thing we all crave—a break. During your plants’ dormant season, the indoor air from your heating system triggers the plants to stop exerting energy and rest up until the next growth cycle begins. Lay off on the food and let your houseplants hibernate—this is one diet regimen you should actually stick to.
If you’re looking for a fool-proof nourishment solution, Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food is for you. This all-purpose plant food mixes easily with water and provides super speedy results.
If you want something tailormade for houseplants, Miracle-Gro Plant Fertilizer Spikes are the way to go. These fertilizer-filled pals feeds plants for up to 2 months and only need to be replaced every 30 days in spring/ summer and every 60 days in winter/ fall. It’s truly that easy. Check out our how-to article in Plants 101 for more.
For a weekly feeding ritual, try Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food, which instantly feeds all indoor houseplants including edibles! Simply apply directly to the soil or mix it with water. It’s a quicky and easy solution to keep your indoor plants thriving.
It’s tempting to try to nourish our plants to the max, but make sure not to over-feed. Too much fertilizer can cause some nasty side effects like:
• stunted growth
• burned or dried leaves
• wilting
• plant death
That’s a scary list—but if you notice symptoms of over-fertilizing, you can save your plant with these simple fixes:
• Remove visible fertilizer from the soil
• Leach fertilizer by running water through the soil and roots
• Remove damaged stems and leaves
• Wait about a month before fertilizing again—!
The sun in shining. The BBQ is going. The backyard is thriving. The only thing stopping you from level 100 enjoyment? The bugs. Whether it’s mosquitoes, wasps or ants that are preventing you from getting the most out of your summer nights, read on to learn more about how to get rid of these uninvited guests!
Mosquitoes are super annoying! From bites to their whining buzz, these bugs can easily ruin a nice night outdoors. Due to climate changes, we’re at greater risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, like West Nile Virus. First, be sure to get rid of any standing water. These little guys love standing water like kiddie pools, birdbaths, even empty flowerpots. Make sure you empty and change out any standing water.
Are mosquitoes drawn to you? Consider using Ortho® Mosquito B Gon™ Max. It is easy to apply and provides an effective solution to control mosquitoes in your outdoor space Ideal for use in backyards and on patios… really anywhere mosquitoes will be bothering you and your guests.
These winged devils aren’t just scary and annoying, but they can quickly ruin outdoor festivities. There are over 4,000 types of wasps,, including common types like mud daubers, paper wasps and yellow-jackets. Some of their nests may not look like the typical paper-like wasp nest you’re used to seeing. For example, mud dauber’s nests look like a little mound of mud. To keep your backyard free from wasps and hornets, inspect your eaves, deck and even patio furniture regularly to spot the first signs of nests.
If you are seeing wasps, use Ortho® Wasp B Gon MAX® Wasp Killer Spray or Foam to safely saturate their nests. Always follow the directions for the product and wear your gloves when removing the treated nest.
When you and your friends are enjoying your feast outside, be sure to keep all your food, drinks and condiments covered. You can use other plates; pot lids or silicone covers to keep your food fresh and free of ants.
If ants are persistent, even outside of BBQ time, you have some options! If you can clearly spot their home, you can use Ortho® Ant B Gon® MAX. Not quite sure where those six-legged critters are coming from? Not a problem! There are a lot of different products you can explore. You can find gels, sprays and traps. For example, if your ant problem is making its way inside, Ortho® Ant B Gon™ MAX Ant Eliminator Liquid is an excellent tool. Only a few drops are needed to attract ants to the liquid. The ants will take it back to their nest, where the rest of colony will be destroyed.
Now that your backyard is pest-free, it’s time to open a bottle of wine and invite some friends over to share it with. Check out Plant Chat and share your tried-and-true backyard bug control tips!
You adopted some new plants and are ready to introduce them to the rest of your collection, but now your leafy friend is looking a bit lack lustre. There could be a very easy fix… just feed your plant! It’s easy to get your plant pal to perk up when they’re adjusting.
We’re talking food spikes! These little fertilizer spikes are a great addition to your indoor plant care. Using them is as easy as 1-2-3!
Measure your pot and make some holes! The packaging of Miracle-Gro Plant Food Spikes doubles as a ruler. Measure your plant’s pot to see how many food spikes you need. Then make a little hole between the plant stem and the pot.
Set it and forget it! Place the food spike in the little hole and cover it with some soil. Keep watering as you usually would.
Seasons matter! You don’t have to worry about your food spike for a couple of weeks. In the spring and summer months, you should replace the spikes about every 30 days. During the fall and winter, replace them every 60 days.
And just like that, your plants are set up to thrive! Share your flourishing home gardens and help other home gardeners build up a beautiful plant collection.
Companion plants are plants that lend a helping leaf to one another in terms of growth and production. One plant may attract an insect that might protect a companion plant. Another plant may act as a repellent for a bug that might be harmful to the plant next to it.
When growing different varieties of plants side by side, try to group them together by water needs. Deep-rooted vegetables like tomatoes and asparagus should be placed in the same bed, as they will thrive with less frequent (but more thorough) watering that soaks deep into the soil.
Shallow- to medium-rooted plants like beans and chard benefit from more frequent watering that saturates just the first few inches of soil. Wind soaker hoses around your plants and attach them to dual outlet electronic timers to easily manage your watering schedule for different beds.
Companion planting is a great way to ensure you have a garden that will grow healthy plants and produce large bounties. A lot of work goes into maintaining a productive garden, so it is worth the time, effort and research it takes to grow like-minded plants that will help each other out. We hope this takes some of the guesswork out of the process for you!
The most flexible way to grow lots of plants and vegetables is in containers. Whether it’s baskets, buckets, boxes, and barrels … your options are endless.
Container gardening is extremely versatile, you can grow anything and everything. Vegetables, flowers, herbs, shrubs, trees, you don’t have to pick one you can or all of them together. A filled planter can be heavy to move, so decide where your container garden will go and set up there.
Once you’ve found your spot, here are some herb and vegetable container gardens that are easy to grow – and tasty, too.
1. Salad Garden: Lettuces, cherry tomatoes, herbs
2. Pizza Garden: Basil, oregano, tomatoes, peppers
3. Perennial Herbs: Mint, lemon balm & oregano
In gardening there is a saying, it’s thriller, filler, and spiller. The “It” is the wow factor and getting it in your container garden is as easy as 1-2-3.
All container gardens need a little TLC. Container plants need airy soil that lets them spread their roots, plain soil is too dense. That means using something that promotes good drainage and proper airflow like Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix.
Your first step before planting, is to wet your potting mix well. Water the mix well and stir, making sure it’s moist all the way through. Next add your plant and top with more mix, leaving a little room at the top for watering.
Next trim any circling roots, then plant to about the same depth as the grow pot. Water often, making sure the mix doesn’t dry out.
An important ingredient to a thriving garden that is often overlooked is plant food. Plants pull nutrients from the soil to grow and those nutrients need to be replenished. Using a slow release fertilizer on its own is a great, low fuss option. It provides a small amount of food for an extended period – up to 3 months. Water soluble plant food is a great option too, but are more high maintenance. They provide a lot of nutrients instantly, and deliver results for your garden when used every 7-14 days.
For those who want results but find it hard to stick to a schedule, use a bit of both. Put down Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® at the beginning of the season and after the first month, and boost your garden with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Plant Food when you remember throughout the season.
We’re here to tell you. Annual flowers grow for one season, then die with the onset of freezing weather. Annuals are a great way to change the look of your garden from year to year. They also tend to have a longer flowering period than perennials. With perennials the above ground the portion of flower dies off in freezing weather, but the plant returns from the base and rootstock the following spring. Perennials give you the most value for your money as they keep returning year after year. Their flowering season is usually shorter so make sure to plant different varieties to keep your garden colourful throughout the season.
We have a few suggestions to help you choose your annuals. Popular flowers include petunias, marigolds, zinnias and impatiens. If you’re looking for something a little more exotic than these traditional bedding plants, try spider flower (cleome), gazania, vinca and lisianthus.
Some annuals are known for their attractive foliage and not their flowers. Try coleus, Joseph’s coat (Alternanthera) or dusty miller.
Add some edible interest to your annual garden with plants like ornamental peppers, flowering cabbage and okra.
Perennials are a smorgasbord of colours, textures and sizes. Some of the most popular perennials include daylilies, hostas, and peonies. For a spikey show of blue, try blazing star. For a delicate bouquet of yellow, try the coreopsis variety called Moonbeam. For dramatic late-season colour, the black-eyed susan and purple coneflower are showstoppers.
Happily, there’s no need to pick a favourite for your garden. Annuals and perennials can be combined and you’ll get to enjoy the best of both worlds. Annuals are hard to beat in terms of show stopping, season-long colour. Perennials will give you long lasting value for your money. Since the perennial flowering season is usually shorter, make sure to offset different varieties to keep the colour going throughout the season. Good planning will keep your garden blooming and thriving all season long.
New to gardening? No problem-o. You can start your own dream garden with these 10 easy-to-follow tips.
Stock up on the basic tools you need to make it easier to grow, and keep at it.
A great garden takes a little time to grow.
