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.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Celebrating Thanksgiving Day with Special People


We celebrate Thanksgiving day every fourth Thursday of November, it is a national holiday in the U.S. and one of the major holidays just like Christmas and New Year. Thanksgiving is a part of the broader holiday season. It was during the Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Fathers who dwelleth in the Heavens and also a day of giving thanks to the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. Prayers of thanks and special thanksgiving ceremonies are common among almost all religions after harvests and other times.


It is traditionally a day for families and friends to get together for a special meal. A turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, pumpkin pie, and vegetables are always present in the table of every home during Thanksgiving day. In some cities and towns thanksgiving day parades are held, it also marks the opening of the Christmas shopping season. It is also a very popular time for trips and to visit family and friends because of a four day weekend, people have more time to spend with their loved ones. Today, I have received a very special gift from my best friend, it is an orange anthurium in brown embossed tin container. I wasn't expecting for any gifts from her because she told me that she can not visit me this Thanksgiving day because she will be spending it with her family. But, I was shocked when she entered the house and she even bought a gift for me.



She notice that lately I have been more interested in plants compared to any material things so she bought me something that I could treasure for a very long time and that she would check on it every year on Thanksgiving day. I promised her that I will take care of it and make sure that it will grow and bloom beautifully. This Thanksgiving day was made extra special because of the gift plant that I received from my best bud.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Worry-Free Air Plants


I strongly agree in the saying that "change is the only thing that is constant in this world", because everyone change, humans and animals alike. Even the environment changes from its true form as well as the weather. As a beginner in gardening, it is very hard for me to choose plants that I could maintain in all four seasons, especially during this winter. I am thinking of adding greens inside the house instead of adding plants in teh garden because of the winter. I didn't wasted my time and grab my laptop, and search online for plants that I could maintain at home. There are many options and suggestions that the internet has provided me. But one thing that really caught my attention is the air plant, because they are very easy to grow and less maintenance is needed.



Air plant or Tillandsia magnusiana, is a soft silver leaved specie that prefers good air movement. It is naturally gown horizontally so that the bottom of the plant can be on a vertical axis, and that way it can prevent water from collecting at the base of the leaves which can oftentimes cause the plant to rot. Air plants are an epiphyte, this means that this plant doesn't need soil to grow but instead, obtains water and nutrients from the air. I have searched for online sellers of this type of plant and it would be best if they have shipment because I don't have much time to visit any plant shops. Then I came across the website of Givingplants, good thing is that they are selling a tear drop terrarium kit with airplant, it's like hitting two birds with one stone. I don't have to worry where I will put the airplant since, it comes with a terrarium already and they will be shipping my order within 2 days.


For more information about the terrarium plants as well as other house plants you could visit their website or call directly their toll free number for further assistance. You could check the prices and shipment details and fees of these plants online too.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Getting to Know More of the Dwarf Plum

Growing a bonsai at home is such a tedious task, but for gardeners and bonsai lovers all the hard work is nothing because they are looking forward to the end result and not minding the process they have to go through. The natal plum bonsai or also known as dwarf plum is very appealing to the more-experienced bonsai gardeners, but is the first-pick of the bonsai beginners because it is easy to grow. It is an evergreen shrub which develops white and pink flowers, leathery leaves with small rounded tips and branches with thorns. The scent of the flower can be compared to the fragrance of Gardenia plant, and the flowers bloom most of the year.

The natal plum also produced a red to dark-purple edible fruit which contains numerous small seeds. They taste like a giant cranberry and are said to be rich in Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. On the other hand, the green fruit should not be eaten because it is very dangerous or poisonous and can affect ones health. If it is eaten before fully ripe, a bitter, poisonous latex is released from the skin. Natal plum is said to be a strong plant because it can tolerate almost any abuse and they can also be grown under almost any conditions except freezing cold. When the are grown under optimum conditions of high heat and humidity, growth is extremely rapid and the rooting of cuttings is gonna be a sure success.


The natal plum bonsai is a good choice as a gift because it can be an additional decor at home due to it's beautiful flowers and edible fruits. The recipient will surely cherish and take proper care of it, because it will surely increase in beauty as it matures through the years.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Plants As Gifts Benefit You

Time is too short.  You will never know what lies ahead that is why enjoying your life today is very important.  You should take all your effort to show to people very dear to your heart how much you love them.  Every day of our life is a gift that is why it is called present, so much so, that you should take this opportunity to appreciate all the things that you have and share it with your love ones.  Being able to live a harmonious life is a blessing and celebrating life to its fullest is something that you should appreciate.


There are moment in your life that you are a little confuse on how you will show your love to those people who are important to you.  Well, showing them your gratitude and love by giving away gifts will  be a warm gesture.  Actually, the price of the gift does not matter but the thought that you remember them are more than enough.  Gifts should not be expensive because people who will receive it will not look into the price but to the thought that you remembered despite your busy schedule.


Flowers is considered to be the most special gift a man could give to his love ones.  But, mere flowers will wither.  It does not stay long enough that is why other people will just give materials things instead.  On the other hand, there is the best alternative that you can give to people you love.  Plant gifts for all occasion is the best replacement for bouquet of flowers.  It guarantees you that it will not wither as long as it is well cared.  It is a gift that will serve as a good house decoration.


Surely, your love ones will always remember your thoughtfulness every time they see your gift placed in the middle of their home.  So, buy some plants as a gift to your love ones and you will discover that its benefits exceed its cost.