Friday, December 27, 2013

Taking Care Of Indoor Cactus Plant


Cacti are type of plants called succulents, they can be displayed both at the office or at home. Most of the cacti live in habitats subject to atleast some drought, but many live in extremely dry environments, even being found in the Atamaca Desert, which is one of the most driest place on Earth. Most species of these cacti lost its true leaves retaining only spines, which are highly modified leaves. Spines help prevent water loss by reducing air flow close to the cactus and providing shade, as well as defending against herbivores. Did you know that cacti from desert areas, like the Mammillaria and Echinocactus, are plump and spiny while thos that originally grew in the jungle areas are flat or thin and spineless.


On the other hand when we say succulents, they can be referred to as any plant with fleshy parts, like the leaves, stems and roots, usually are adapted for storing moisture in times of drought. Putting a medium cactus garden in the middle of the center table in your living room or at a table top in your office would totally change the environment of the whole area. Medium cactus garden is composed of seven different cacti plants and succulents in a 7" planter, can transform the look of it's environment. Many people think that cacti and succulents require a small amount of water, while it is true that these type of plants are tough, and can usually survive under such circumstances, but they will unlikely not thrive. 


In most cases cactus plant will do well in pots as long as you remember three things. They are the food, light and water requirements. When you bring the plant home, most of the time it is in a pot or planter and has probably grown there for a long time, which means it has used up all the in the soil, So think about re-potting and setting up feeding program. A potted cactus will live and flower in the house if given enough light but not too much and also remember that cactus in pots or planters require more care in watering than those in the ground. Growing a cactus is very rewarding.

Friday, December 13, 2013

A Precious Friend

 

A friend of mine, got admitted at a hospital yesterday because of some chest pains. She undergone some stress test and 2D echo, and now she is just waiting for the results. It was not her first time to be hospitalized, and since her mother and sisters are not here to accompany her, we, her friends are there to help her. We know that she had been through a difficult time lately because of a broken heart, but what we did not know is that, when she is at home she is not eating at all and just lays down on her bed all day long thinking about how her past relationship ended up that way. She did not disclose ay details to us about the causes of her illness, because I know that she does not want us to worry about her situation. She strictly told the doctors and nurses not to tell anything to us too.


We were worried but at the same time, we are all praying that she gets better quickly and that we will help mend her broken heart. When I went to the hospital today, I passed by a fruit stand and a flower shop to buy something for her. Then at the flower shop, I saw a lucky bamboo hearts arrangement on display and bought it for her as a lucky charm. They call it the All My Love Lucky Bamboo Hearts, because it gives good luck to those who are broken- hearted, and I feel that she badly needs it. While on my way to her hospital room, I can not stop smiling because I know that she will definitely love it. Some of our friends are already there when I arrive and when I handed her my gift and explain what the plant is for, we all laughed and the room was again filled with our happy voices.


We do not know when she can leave the hospital, but there is one thing we know of and is sure of, that we will always be there for her no matter what. Because, friends gives us the courage to lift the blinds on our hearts. To open up and show what we generally keep hidden from the rest of the world.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Taking Care of Our Growing Gifts


Sending specialty flowers on special occasions are made easy today because of the extra service that flower shops have offer to their customers. These are payed extra but for people who are busy and can not personally give their gifts , they are very much willing to pay extra for it. Giving plants is a website online that sells growing plants on a specialty designed pot or planter. They came up with the idea of giving or sending gifts that grow instead of the traditional bouquet of flowers which will eventually wither and die after some hours. One of their best selling potted plant this Christmas season is the Christmas cactus in rattan basket. This type of plant blooms at both Spring and Christmas time, and is a very unique and special gift that you could give to a friend or your special someone this season.


The Christmas cacti are popular flowering houseplant which are native to Brazil and are available in a wide variety of colors including red, rose, purple, lavender, peach, orange, cream, and white. There are few things to remember when growing a Christmas cacti, first of all, this type of plant appreciates bright but indirect light. Since, this is a houseplant, you must make sure that it is place in a well-lit location, like near the window, but away from direct sunlight which can stunt growth and burn the leaves, as well as places like near the drafts, heat vents, fireplaces or other sources of hot air. Second is by providing a source of humidity for the plant, if you live in a dry environment. you could put a tray of water next to the plant so that the water evaporates and thus, provides humidity for the plant.


Third, you need to water them with care, make sure that this plant receives the exact amount of water that it needs to grow. Do not over water or under water it, because unlike the other specie of cactus, Christmas cacti is tropical plant and not a dessert cacti. Last but not the least is by adding fertilizers to assist plant growth. Fertilizing is important to keep the plant in good condition, it should be fertilized 2 to 4 times a year with a 20-20 feed, but stop feeding about a month before the buds appear. Having your own plant at home, is also like having a baby because you must make sure that you provide them with your attention, love and care for them to grow happily.