Anthurium papillilaminum hybrids have some of the most velvety, heart-shaped leaves of any houseplants.
The best way to develop a relationship with your plant is to spend time observing and watching the way your plant grows, reacts to light, and looks between waterings. Changes in leaf position, leaf texture, leaf shape, leaf color, stem shape, growth habit, and soil appearance can all point to your plant’s potential needs—for water, light, fertilizer, a repot, or a change in humidity.
In practice, observe your plant for a little each day. Watch new leaves unfurl. Notice that leaves angle toward the light. Observe your plant plump up after watering.
Pachypodium, Euphorbia, and cacti may be slow-growing, but subtle changes in their form appearance (especially shriveling between the spines) could indicate that it's time to water.
Although it’s fun to pet and touch leaves, many plants don’t like too much handling. Leaves that are fuzzy or very thin can get damaged from our touch. However, some plants’ leaves change in texture when they are in need of water. A plant’s normally succulent or stiff leaves can feel lax, shriveled, or flimsy when the plant is ready for a drink.
Succulents like jade, Aloe, and Haworthia feel loose and squishy when they are ready for more water. The leaves of tropical succulents like Hoya and Peperomia feel flimsy and look wrinkled after prolonged drought. Even the leaves of staghorn ferns and pothos vines will feel thin and pliable when left dry for too long.
Air plants like this Tillandsia ionantha have leaves covered in fuzzy trichomes to help it better absorb water. To protect these fragile structures, avoid rubbing and touching the leaves too much.
For most tropical houseplants, regular watering is essential to maintain a happy healthy plant. As a general rule for most plants, we water when the top half of the soil feels dry to the touch. Because environmental factors like temperature, light levels, and humidity are constantly changing, we like to let our plants tell us when it’s time for water. Dry soil, a lightweight pot, shriveled stems, thin leaves, and a deflated appearance are good indicators that it’s time for a thorough watering.
With consistent care, you and your plant can build a long-lasting bond based on trust and love.
Anthurium magnificum and most other tropical plants look their best with regular water. These plants naturally grow in rainforests and don't often experience periods of drought.
The occasional gift can go a long way for your plant. For most tropical plants, a diluted well-balanced fertilizer can help a plant grow bigger, stronger, and faster. But just like in other relationships, be careful not to overdo it with the gift-giving. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and leaves of your plant. Small, intentional gifts help keep your relationship with your plant going strong, and your plant may even reward you with beautiful blooms.
Cacti like Rebutia krainziana generally want an extra gentle, low-nitrogen fertilizer applied only during their growing season. Tropical plants like birds of paradise (Strelitzia) appreciate dilute fertilizer year-round, but it's less important during the winter months.
Although it seems silly, speaking words of affirmation to your plant can help strengthen your relationship. Express gratitude for their beauty and the joy they bring to your home. Talking to your plant will help set your intentions to keep you mindful of any required maintenance—from watering to pruning to pest treatment.
With one of the more well-known aroid flowers, Anthurium andreanum hybrids bloom in many colors, but one of our favorites has big green leaves with the iconic red heart-shaped flower.
Most plants want a combination of all five love languages to thrive in the home. By expressing love in a variety of ways, we begin to holistically understand our plant’s wants and needs and start to build a symbiotic relationship with the natural world. As an act of love, we invite you to sit with your plant and take the opportunity to understand what it needs from you. Should you, you’ll find it a harmonious, rewarding journey.
]]>The Huntington was once a working ranch but now encompasses a world-renowned research library, an art museum, and world-class botanical gardens. We took a walk through the institution's plant collection and had to share some of the plants we encountered.
For fans of cacti and succulents, the Huntington has plenty of mature plants to inspire. From columnar species to mounding ones, Agave to Crassula, we encountered some of the coolest combinations of arid plants.
Here at Pistils, we love epiphytic, climbing, and jungle cacti. Many genera fall under this category: Rhipsalis, Hatiora, Epiphyllum, Selenicereus, Schlumbergera, and more. These cacti make forgiving houseplants, as they are generally more tolerant of lower light, infrequent watering, and variable levels of humidity. We found some examples of cactus species climbing trees and making a home high in the canopy.
Thaumatophyllum can thrive in full-sun conditions with enough access to water, but they grow just fine in shady conditions. The plants featured in the Huntington are likely T. speciosum or T. × evansii.
Monstera deliciosa do best in bright, indirect light, climbing a vertical surface—in this case, a tree. As a houseplant, we use a moss pole or trellis to get bigger leaves. Also, notice that these plants experience some direct sun, low humidity, temperature fluctuations, and slight drought; the brown tips are scars that don't affect the future growth of the plant.
The gardens are home to beautiful Platycerium specimens. In Portland, we grow staghorn ferns as houseplants, mounted on cork bark and cedar boards, but in Southern California, these plants can thrive outdoors all year with a little shade and regular watering.
Platycerium bifurcatum grows pups and offsets as it gets larger. These pups could be separated and grown as separate plants or left as a large clump.
Platycerium superbum is one of the “moosehorn” ferns. This plant doesn’t produce pups like Platycerium bifurcatum and grows mostly shield fronds until it reaches maturity.
The Huntington Gardens has an impressive and well-maintained bonsai collection. Even common garden staples like rosemary and ginkgo are transformed into beautiful works of art.
The Huntington has an unusual collection pachyforms that show the giant potential of these strange plants.
Tree Aloes are related to the medicinal Aloe vera, but they form a trunk as they grow taller and shed their lower leaves.
Ponytail palms are common houseplants, but this Beaucarnea demonstrates how big they can get in ideal conditions.
Dioscorea elephantipes is a winter-growing caudiciform often called “Elephant’s Foot” because of the lumpy texture of the caudex.
Although the Queensland Bottle Tree makes a great houseplant and a fun bonsai specimen, Brachychiton rupestris can become a huge tree with a swollen base with enough heat and light.
Dracaena draco, called Dragon Tree, is closely related to the houseplant Dracaena marginata.
Alluadia procera has a thick, water-storing trunk with succulent leaves tucked between its spines. Although often called "Madagascar Ocotillo," this plant is not related to the Southwestern-native Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens).
We loved seeing the amazing plants throughout the Huntington Botanical Gardens. Where should we visit next?
]]>Often dubbed “Window Sill Orchids,” these SE Asian natives are versatile plants that can be grown in protected areas outside or indoors in a spot with plenty of light.
These spring bloomers emerge early and can put out up to 3 flowers each, usually 3 to 4 inches across. After flowers are spent, each pseudobulb grows a single leaf that lasts all summer, going dormant for the cold winter months.
While in bloom, keep the orchid mostly dry. An occasional mist or surprise rain shouldn't ruin your orchid. After blooming, it's time to start watering.
While the plant has a leaf during the warmer months, you should strive to keep the soil evenly moist--not too soggy or bone dry. We also recommend using a gentle organic liquid fertilizer at a weak dilution through the spring and summer. This will ensure the best blooms the following spring.
When the plant’s leaf starts to yellow: Stop watering completely. Let your pots dry out. The leaf will fall off the pseudobulb, and the pot should be stored in a cool environment where temperatures can approach freezing. A garage, cool pantry, or windowsill are great spots to keep the plant. This cool, dry dormancy is necessary to keep your plant happy and blooming year after year.
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Many of our customers visit Pistils not just to shop, but to experience a place that embodies serenity through nature, a place of discovery, wonder, and creativity. We take pride in the aesthetic of our stores, and often draw inspiration from Japanese design principles. Ikebana is a traditional Japanese artform that aligns with our appreciation for imperfections and finding beauty in underappreciated elements. It ties in with the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which embraces all that is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete in life. At its core, ikebana design communicates tranquility and peace through plants. These arrangements seek harmony, balance, and movement in an attempt to connect with the natural world - a principle our business hopes to pass along to our customers.
Western floral arrangements commonly place emphasis on flowers, hiding the stems below the surface of the vase or vessel. In contrast, ikebana floral arrangements are meant to emphasize design and experimentation, while highlighting stems and leaves alongside flowers. Some other differences lie in the space and symmetry of the arrangements. Western arrangements are often packed tightly together, with all sides of the display being relatively symmetrical. Ikebana arrangements are typically asymmetrical, with various stems wandering off in their own direction.
While the flowers are the stars of most western arrangements, they are rarely the main event in ikebana arrangements. The goal of the artform is not purely the end result, but everything leading up to it. When gathering materials for your ikebana arrangements, take time to find serenity in both the process and your surroundings. Feel free to get creative with what you use! Non-floral elements such as branches, dried plants, bamboo, and grasses all make lovely additions to your arrangements. Combine seasonal items, dead and alive, and embrace the temporary nature of your arrangements.
Just like any other artform, ikebana can be practiced in a variety of styles ranging from traditional to modern. There are currently over 3,000 different schools of ikebana, the three most popular being Ikebono, Sogetsu, and Ohara. Ikebono places a focus on the more traditional approaches of ikebana and is the eldest of the three schools. Contrarily, Sogetsu offers a modern take that is rooted in the expressive nature of the art. Ohara falls somewhere in the middle, focusing on the seasonal aspects of nature and arranging materials in a naturalistic fashion.
Ohara is also famous for introducing the style of moribana, which is a take on ikebana that displays arrangements in a shallow dish; this is the style you will most often see displayed at our stores! If you’re looking to create your own ikebana arrangement, finding inspiration through various styles and artists is a great place to start.
As we pay homage to an artform we value and appreciate, please consider learning more from the Portland Japanese Garden’s ikebana artists and experts in the resources listed below:
]]>Alocasia cuprea, Philodendron 'Black Cardinal,' Plerandra elegantissima, and Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'
With its ease of care and funky floral look, Aeonium ‘Black Rose’ is a fabulous specimen for a gothic aesthetic. This succulent boasts rich black and purple leaves formed in a rose-like shape.
This eye-catching Alocasia sports large, toothy black leaves with contrasting white veins and margins. Perfect for fall, Alocasia x amazonica looks like a skeleton straight out of a Tim Burton film!
Featuring black-and-red opalescent leaves, this otherworldly aroid is a fun and unique option for lovers of the Alocasia genus.
Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ has dark velvety foliage and white lateral veins. This once-rare aroid has recently been easier to find and beautifully compliments a gothic look!
This famous houseplant is sure to turn heads with its velvety, cordate leaves and web-like white venation. A collector's favorite, this stunning aroid is sure to stand out.
This hybrid Anthurium is the holy grail of dark velvet houseplants. Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’ is a showstopper in any collection - if you’re able to get your hands on one. While juvenile specimens often grow green leaves, mature plants grow completely black and velvety foliage.
This gothic rex Begonia cultivar offers jagged, spiraled leaves with black and silver patterning. Unique in both shape and texture from any other plant on this list, this charismatic Begonia is sure to turn heads!
A must-have for lovers of black plants, this Colocasia is known for its spectacularly large foliage, lightweight leaves, and deep purple-black coloring.
Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’ is a classic favorite that boasts large, elliptic leaves with black and burgundy coloring. This adorable little tree is a great option to add some height to your gothic garden.
This mystical semi-succulent houseplant features leathery black leaves with slight silver stripes in the center and dark burgundy undersides. It also displays mousetail blooms from late summer through early fall, adding a unique look to your collection.
Another favorite gothic Peperomia is the ‘Burgundy Ripple.’ Its black-and-burgundy foliage is deeply ruffled, creating plenty of depth and drama in a small, compact plant.
This self-heading Philodendron is loved for the color of its new growth. Each new leaf emerges a blood-red hue before fading to black, creating a wonderfully gothic color combination.
Often called Black Gold, this is one of the darkest, most velvety climbing aroids we've seen. This Philodendron can get huge leaves measuring over 20" long, and the contrasting venation makes the plant really glow.
This rare Scindapsus stands out from the rest with a rich, dark green color that turns black as the plant matures. Train it to climb your wall or hang it from the ceiling for an elegant, effortless look.
The darkest plant of the Syngonium genus, this vining aroid has black foliage with deep red undersides. Syngonium ‘Red Arrow’ is a trailing plant, making it a great option for a hanging basket or floating shelf.
Not only is this plant remarkably low maintenance, but it's also perfect for a gothic look! Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ sprouts lime green new growth that gradually turns into a fabulously gothic deep purple-black color as it matures.
Begonia 'Midnight,' Sinocrassula yunnanensis, Macodes sanderiana x limii, and Alocasia x amazonica
The world of botany is full of magic and mystery, and all of these dark leaves keep us intrigued and exploring. Send us pictures of your gloriously grim house plant set-ups so we can share them on our Instagram! What’s your favorite black houseplant?
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Watering individual plants from our epiphyte display, featuring Rhipsalis, Dischidia, Brassavola, Aerangis, Tillandsia, and more.
The word epiphyte comes from the Greek words “epi” meaning “upon” and “phyton” meaning “plant.” Epiphytes are non-parasitic organisms that grow on other trees and plants, absorbing rain water and moisture from the air while obtaining nutrients from other plant debris.
Though you may not be familiar with the word itself, there is a good chance you already own one! A wide range of popular houseplants such as ferns, orchids, aroids, Hoya, Bromeliads, and Tillandsia are all examples of epiphytes. While many true epiphytes are leafy tropical plants, various forms of cacti can also be epiphytic, such as Rhipsalis, Disocactus, and Hylocereus. Unlike their desert relatives, these epiphytic jungle cacti typically do not have spines, nor do they thrive under desert conditions. In fact, epiphytic jungle cacti can receive over 100 inches of rainfall annually in their natural environment.
Rhipsalis growing in dried Cholla Cactus skeletons, an Oasis in the Desert. These cacti are epiphytic, tropical plants from Central and South America.
Many species of plants evolved as epiphytes due to the competition for sunlight in dense jungles and forests. Tall trees block out most of the available light, but these piggybacking plants made homes in the high branches of trees as a way to reach streams of sunlight that they weren’t getting on the forest floor.
Epiphytes are commonly mistaken for parasites, as they both live on a host plant. However, the crucial difference between a parasite and an epiphyte is that epiphytes do not extract any nutrients from the tree itself, causing the host plant no harm. In fact, many epiphytes grow roots downward into the forest floor from a tree's branches or start from the jungle floor and grow up tall trees. Plants that root into the ground and vine up a tree are called hemiepiphytic, such as Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron ‘Micans’.
You may be wondering where epiphytes get their nutrients if not from their host, and the answer is simply from the environment around them! Epiphytes act as treebound recycling bins, taking in debris, animal droppings, and leached water. For example, Asplenium mainly obtain their nutrients from leached water and decaying matter falling into their nest-shaped leaves, while Tillandsia get their nutrients from dust and debris that gets caught in their trichomes.
Tillandsia are distinctive from many other epiphytic houseplants due to their unique ability to live without the need for any substrate. Though they often have visible roots when sold in stores, they don’t typically use them as their primary source of water intake. Instead, they can absorb water through the trichomes on their leaves, which is why we recommend soaking them in water once a week when kept as a houseplant. Check out our Tillandsia blog for nuanced information about these epiphytes.
A display of multiple species of Tillandsia, including xerographica, bulbosa, ionantha, and stricta.
Bromeliads, close relatives of air plants, have evolved to obtain as much water as possible, some absorbing it from trichomes on the plant’s surface, and others through an air-tight trunk in the center of the plant.
Neoregelia bromeliads growing on a tree in the wild.
Many epiphytic orchids have succulent leaves as well as round, thick bulbs toward the base of their stems. These are called pseudobulbs, which act as backup water storage for orchids during times of drought.
Epiphytes also have rather unique root systems. Epiphytic roots are a special type of aerial root with the goal to secure the plant to a host. Some epiphytic root systems, such as most orchid roots, consist of a spongy material that excels at capturing moisture from the air. Epiphytes can’t afford to be too picky about where or how they get their water, which is why so many have evolved new ways to absorb water from the air around them at any time.
An epiphytic wall display, featuring Hoya, Dischidia, orchids, Tillandsia, Rhipsalis, Lepismium, and more. Other epiphytes frame the display, including Philodendron erubescens, Aeschynanthus sp., Anthurium veitchii, Epiphyllum oxypetalum, and Macleania insignis.
One of the many great things about epiphytes is their ability to thrive in different living arrangements. They can live happily in pots or mounted in a variety of ways. One popular way to mount epiphytic plants is onto pieces of cork. Cork is not only durable and water resistant, but it also visually and texturally mimics the natural environment of epiphytes. Cedar board and burlap mounting are other fun and creative ways to mount epiphytes.
Our cork mount display, featuring Scindapsus pictus, Philodendron hederaceum, Platycerium grande, Hoya 'Krimson Queen,' Lepismium cruciforme, Rhipsalis sp., Dischidia ruscifolia 'Variegata,' and others.
When growing epiphytes in pots, the best substrate options are aroid soil mix, orchid bark, sphagnum moss, or a combination of all three. Orchid bark keeps the substrate airy and light, which is incredibly important for the health of epiphytic root systems. Sphagnum moss locks in moisture while providing airflow for the plant. As for the pots themselves, a simple terracotta pot goes a long way! The terracotta is porous, making it great for airflow and absorbing excess moisture.
Epiphytes grow in a variety of light conditions, from direct sunlight to heavy shade. A safe bet for growing epiphytic plants is bright, indirect light. Read about your specific species to learn about its light preference.
These plants store water in their leaf tissue, so if you ever see your epiphyte deflating, puckered, or wilted and you haven't watered in the last few days, it's time to water! Most epiphytes appreciate water a day or two before the substrate is completely dry. Stick your finger into the soil or moss around your plant to check its moisture level.
When watering, use room-temperature water to fully saturate the substrate. For mounted specimens, soak the root ball in a basin of water or put the plant in the shower for 3-5 minutes.
This is the most important part of epiphyte culture! Your substrate (soil, bark, perlite, or moss) must be airy. These plants are susceptible to root rot if the soil is too compact or dense. Tight soil mixes like All Purpose Soil Blends suffocate epiphytic plants that are used to growing in humid, airy environments in the treetops. Use soil blends like Orchid Mix, Aroid Mix, Sphagnum Moss, or even normal houseplant soil amended with lots of perlite or orchid bark. These mixes balance moisture and airflow to keep your epiphytic plants growing strong.
Hanging kokedama featuring three different epiphytes, Anthurium andreanum, Platycerium bifurcatum, and Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime'
Platycerium bifurcatum (Staghorn Fern) - Known for its famous antler-like fronds, this unique and easy-care fern makes a statement both in a pot or on your wall!
Platycerium species can grow HUGE under the right conditions. But in the home, they tend to stay more manageable in size.
Pseudorhipsalis amazonica ‘Blue Flame’ - This exceptional jungle cacti is loved for its bright, otherworldly flowers. Blooming from late spring to early summer, these fascinating blue and purple blooms line the edges of the Pseudorhipsalis amazonica.
Asplenium ‘Austral Gem’ - This fabulous fern offers the best of both worlds. It sports the delicate look of a maidenhair fern, with foliage that is hardier than most in its genus. Each frond is lined with leaflets, creating a full and beautiful appearance.
Anthurium veitchii - Also known as “King Anthurium,” this larger-than-life tree-dweller produces deep green, corrugated foliage.
Tillandsia xerographica - Commonly called an air plants, this Tillandsia is the our favorite of the amazing genus. Huge, pale, curling leaves growing in a rosette make for a beautiful statement piece.
Dendrobium prenticei (Australian Stonecrop Orchid) - This mounted mini orchid offers adorable ovate succulent leaves and delicate pale pink blooms, bringing a gorgeous and miniature piece of the jungle into your home!
Billbergia ‘Hallelujah’ - These colorful Bromeliads boast mottled, rich purple and white leaves, making them a gorgeous option for a tablemount centerpiece or wall accent.
Epiphyllum anguliger - Commonly known as the Fishbone Cactus, these funky epiphytes look straight out of a contemporary art piece! The succulent foliage grows into perfect zig zags that produce stunning flowers around late summer to early fall.
Hoya linearis - This unique vining epiphyte is perfect for hanging baskets and floating shelves with thin, pale green cascading foliage and lemon-scented blooms.
Hoya obovata - Another Hoya favorite, H. obovata sports large, rounded foliage with light speckling and beautiful, fragrant blooms.
Monstera adansonii - A classic for any houseplant collector, this stunning aroid is known for its oval-shaped fenestrations. These plants love to climb, and when provided with a moss or coco coir pole their foliage can reach its full potential in size.
This is a very short list compared to all the epiphytic plants we grow. What is your favorite epiphyte? Any other tips to share? Leave a comment below!
]]>Throughout the years she and a team of contractors delved into her passion for gardening by creating 18 designated areas of living art. Featuring fantastical gardens of many themes and varieties, Lotusland’s design was ahead of its time in more ways than one. Walk with us through one of our favorite gardens as we show off the magic of Madame Ganna Walska’s Lotusland!
Madame Ganna Walska was known to love her favorite things en masse, her gardens being no exception. Lotusland welcomes its visitors with mass-planted Aloe and Agave lining the driveway of the main entrance, which was a new style of planting not seen before the creation of Lotusland. Madame Ganna Walska spent much of her time driving around in search of the perfect specimens, offering up expensive jewelry and large sums of money in exchange for the mature Aloe trees pictured behind the fountain. She chose to paint the pool white as a reflection of the moon, and used real clam shells for both the fountain and the lining of the pool.
Bromeliads were favorites of Madame Ganna Walska due to their bright and sensational colors. This garden features a variety of both terrestrial and epiphytic Bromeliads, as well as suspended clumps of air plants that hang alongside Spanish moss in the trees.
Lotusland’s cactus garden was donated entirely by Merritt Dunlap, a close friend of Ganna Walska. Each one of his 530 cacti specimens were meticulously documented based on their positioning in the sun for replanting. Now, the garden features over 300 species of cacti from around the world, alongside a beautiful stone staircase that leads to a viewpoint of the area.
This non-traditional Japanese garden features a variety of elegant structures, a shallow pond lined with blooming lotus flowers, weeping willow trees, Farfugium japonica, and maidenhair ferns.
Dividing the insectary garden and orchards is a stunning trellis with lemon trees that have been trained to climb and grow along the structure. The orchards feature a colorful collection of apricot, cherry, lemon and plum trees, all grown organically.
This enchanting lotus garden was made from a 1920’s swimming pool that originally came with the property, along with the bath house pictured behind it. The pool features blooming lotus flowers, lily pads, and papyrus, among many other beautiful specimens.
As you may recognize from our shop, a magnificent staghorn fern (Platycerium) towers above the fern garden, growing out of a palm tree stump. This area also features an impressive variety of our favorite ferns, such as blue star, maidenhair, and Australian tree ferns.
Potentially some of the rarest specimens in Lotusland, the Cycad garden features almost half of all described Cycad species, some dating back to prehistoric times. This was one of the most, if not the most, expensive garden in Lotusland. It was also the last garden Madame Ganna Walska created before her passing.
Lined along the side of Madame Ganne Walska’s home is an array of Euphorbia and cactus specimens that she planted almost immediately after moving into her new house. Among the most interesting is a Weeping Euphorbia ingens that drapes over the branch of a tree. This particular Euphorbia is pictured alongside Madame Ganna Walska in photos from the 1940’s.
This incredible archway is actually made up of large Dracaena trees! These magnificent specimens were hand-picked and purchased by Ganna Walska. After years of growth, this remarkable structure formed over the pathway you see pictured.
By Hannah Elders
We're so inspired seeing the vision of Lotusland in person. The unique mass-plantings and rare collections of overlooked plants have us excited to take Madame Walska's ideas and apply them in our own garden creations.
Do you have an idea for a garden we should feature next? There are so many inspiring botanical institutions to explore. Leave us a comment with your wishlist travel destination!
]]>An aroid with many nicknames, Syngonium are commonly referred to as arrowhead plants and, interestingly enough, Nephthytis! Though common names are often easier to pronounce than genus names, Syngonium got its strange nickname from its resemblance to the African aroid Nephthytis. The name Syngonium is derived from the Greek word for gonad, referring to the ovaries of female flowers.
Syngonium are popular for many reasons: their diverse cultivars, wide range of colors, and adaptability. Whether you’re a novice collector or a plant connoisseur, there is truly a Syngonium for everyone! These unique tropicals can be found in shades of green, white, yellow, black, and baby pink.
Syngonium are native to Mexico, as well as Central and South America. This environment has year-round high temperatures, medium to high humidity, and is covered in dense shaded rainforest, making it a perfect houseplant! The average household humidity is 50 to 60%, which works perfect for most plants in the genus. Warm and consistent indoor temperatures are perfect for keeping your Syngonium happy and healthy.
Young Syngonium often start out bushy, but this enchanting plant will eventually mature into a climbing vine. Syngonium can be trained to climb trellises, poles and even walls! If you are partial to Syngonium’s youthful, bushy form, these easy-going epiphytes can be pruned back to their original shape without any fuss.
Many Syngonium also have variable leaf morphology, meaning the leaves will change shape in response to how well its environment is contributing to its needs. The juvenile arrowhead shape changes as the vine grows up a support structure in bright light, and the upper lobes of the leaves eventually become exaggerated and separate into leaflets as the plant matures.
by Hannah Elders
]]>We sat down with some of our staff to capture memories and love of green to share with all of you.
I come from a long line of perennial gardeners—all of the women in my family for five generations have had magnificent gardens! I grew up with stories of my great grandma's gardening adventures. She dug plants up in the woods behind her Ohio home and put them in the garden. Almost all the plants were natives, except for vegetables that she grew from seed. Growing up poor, she gardened for enjoyment but also for sustenance. She would walk over to a friend's house and come back with a couple clumps of plants that her gardening circle shared. Great grandma was president of her neighborhood gardening club until she was 100 years old! My mother and grandmother take after her and are prolific perennial gardeners. Although my great grandma has passed on, her love of gardening lives on through the heirloom plants that she gave to the women in my family—there are several bearded irises that thrive in their gardens to this day. Some day, I will have them in my yard too.
My dad has always been very interested in horticulture and landscape design. He used to take my younger sister and I to plant nurseries all the time growing up. Botanic gardens were always a must on family vacations. So when it came time to science fair projects in elementary school, it was a no-brainer to do something related to plants. My dad helped me design a few experiments using tomato plants. They were readily available, inexpensive, and easy to grow in our Mediterranean San Diego climate. We tinkered with light availability and watering methods. Though my Dad helped me design the experiments, I was in charge of caring for the plants. I still remember the feeling of tending to them, and getting excited about their growth (or upset about their decline). Tomato plants still hold so much nostalgia for me—especially the smell.
When I was living with my parents during the pandemic I accumulated a lot of plants that I couldn't take with me when I moved to Oregon. My parents kept them and even though we were far away, we kept in touch of how much they've grown. I sent my mom a kokedama and she tells me all the time how much she loves it and how it makes her think of me.
I have a hazy, sunlit memory of picking blackberries with my great uncle when I was just barely old enough to run around without tripping over my own feet. That summer he taught me how to avoid the thorns and pick the ripest berries without squishing them. A fruit-filled stickerbush—I was enamored. My great uncle passed away soon after that summer, but my memory of him is so closely tied to blackberry bushes.
How grateful we are for these memories colored in green. We hope these stories help remind you how plants have helped your life and that you’ll consider sharing them with us. For bringing new plants into your lives, whatever the reason, we offer our passion, expertise, and skills to all who seek their inner green.
]]>Getting creative with where we place our houseplants not only benefits our furry friends, but provides an opportunity for us to change up our décor and add new and exciting pet-friendly elements to our homes. One of the many wonderful things about plants is their effortless ability to look fabulous just about anywhere, whether they are mounted on a wall, placed on a shelf or hung from the ceiling. Pet-friendly houseplant décor is also incredibly easy to acquire, which is why taking steps to protect the living things in your home is a fun and simple way to prevent unnecessary stress, setting you up for success.
Displaying plants on our walls is a great way to fill those open spaces while simultaneously keeping them out of reach of even the craftiest pets. Here are some of our favorite options:
Cork mounts are naturalistic displays that serve as a unique piece of décor and keep plants up and away from your pet's reach. If you are unsure how to go about mounting them yourself, we sell many varieties of plants that are already mounted for you. One of our favorites is the Hoya Cork Mount, specifically because Hoyas are non-toxic to pets.
With many sizes, colors, and shapes to choose from, floating shelves provide a stylish and secure area for your plants. Place your favorite plants and crystals on a floating shelf for a beautiful wall accent.
Water-resistant boards create a perfect backdrop for a plant display. Our burlap staghorn ferns and diamond stags are mounted on durable cedar, able to withstand repeated waterings. When making your own burlap mount, you can also choose from a range of epiphytic plants, providing options to those who want a variety for their collection.
If your pet is a notorious climber, hanging plants from the ceiling may be the only option for you. Luckily, we have a few fun and creative ideas to get your plants in the air.
A staff favorite, Kokedama are hangable houseplants with roots bound in moss, offering an eye-catching and elegant way to display your favorite houseplant. Trailing Philodendrons and wispy Asparagus Ferns are not pet-friendly plants, but as hanging kokedama, they can thrive out of reach.
Fabric plant hangers are a great option for minimalists, serving as a simple and complimentary way to keep your plant away from your pet. These hangers pair beautifully with trailing plants such as string of hearts, a pet-friendly sweetheart with dainty heart-shaped leaves.
Macramé is back in style! This knotting technique was first developed in Babylon and Assyria in the 13th Century and slowly spread through Northern Africa and into Europe. In the 17th Century, the technique was extremely popular in Victorian England, even with the Queen herself! Sailors added these knotting techniques to their repertoire to form hammocks and belts, continuing to develop new techniques and designs. The next big macramé resurgence occurred alongside the 1970's houseplant boom, where macramé was used to hang houseplants in an elegant and interesting way!
For those whose windows are a variety of heights, iron S-hooks are a great tool to adjust the height of your hanging plants. With different sizes to choose from, these sturdy hooks can help your plants reach the light they need while still keeping them out of reach from pets.
If the tips above may not work for your space, don’t worry! There are still small steps you can take to keep your pets away from plants placed on tabletops or the floor. We do strongly advise, however, that any plant within reach of a curious pet should be non-toxic.
Cinnamon is a spice that often repels cats due to its strong and spicy scent. Sprinkling a small amount of cinnamon on the top of your soil is a great way to keep even the most mischievous kittens away from your plants. Cinnamon is non-toxic to cats and acts as a natural fungicide with properties to help plants root, making it a safe option for pets and beneficial for your houseplants.
To our pets, everything about our plants can be interpreted as a toy—all the way down to the soil. Placing some large, heavy stones on the top of your soil can keep dogs and cats from digging up your favorite plants and disturbing the roots. (And making a mess!) River rock, lava rock or cinder, pumice, and gravel are great options! Rinse the rocks in the sink before adding them to your planter.
By Hannah Elders
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Urban planting gives us much more than sentimental and ornamental value. Trees provide many environmental services that help us combat climate change on a local level and are essential for the health and safety of our communities.
Water: Trees planted in urban landscapes filter our rain water and reduce runoff, protecting us from flooding and water pollution.
Temperature: Tree canopies provide shade and release water vapor, helping to regulate hot temperatures during summer months. This temperature regulation reduces energy consumption of nearby homes and provides safety to communities during heat waves.
Air Quality: Trees clean our air by filtering out harmful pollutants often found in urban environments.
Climate Change Resilience: Trees sequester carbon that would otherwise enter our atmosphere, helping in the fight against climate change. As our global climate continues to become hotter and drier, trees will become even more important in keeping our communities safe and habitable.
Mental Health: Planting trees in cities is especially important for our mental health. They have proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and help us to feel a sense of calm. Trees give us a break from a harsh concrete landscape.
Community Building: City Streets lined and shaded with beautiful trees are more enjoyable and bring more people outside because of the many reasons listed above. The more we are out enjoying our environment, the more likely we will talk with our neighbors and build a community.
This year for Earth Day, we are giving our retail customers a free Ginkgo biloba sapling with a qualifying purchase. In this way, we are empowering our community to help us battle climate change locally.
Ginkgo biloba, otherwise known as "Maidenhair Tree," is neither a broadleaf or a conifer, but has its own division in Ginkgophyta. It is the only tree in this division. It has no living relatives, and the tree’s fan-shaped leaves have been found in fossils that date back to 270 million years ago. In 1691 this living fossil was rediscovered in a small grove in China and has since made its way all over the world through human intervention.
In China the Ginkgo tree is a symbol of peace and a hope for a bright future. It also has a wide representation in literature and art. For instance, ancient Chinese artists often depicted the Buddha's Dragon Tree as a Ginkgo.
In Japan Ginkgos are often found in tea gardens and have similar cultural symbolism. The tree personifies longevity, as individual specimens can live to be thousands of years old. This was further solidified in 1945 after the US bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. Scientists predicted that nothing would be able to live in the area for 75 years following the nuclear explosion, but Hiroshima's Ginkgo trees survived the bombing and made a full recovery, living on as a symbol of endurance and hope for the future.
Ginkgos also have made many appearances in the Art Nouveau movement, which is often described as a balance between technological advancement and nature.
What a perfect tree to help us celebrate Earth Day this year! They are a living embodiment of resilience, peace, and hope for the future.
Every year Earth Day becomes more and more important in response to our changing climate, and this year we are skipping the tree hugs and planting new trees instead. While showing appreciation to the natural landscape around us, we are looking to the future with a Ginkgo to guide the way and fill our cities with clean air and hope for a resilient tomorrow. What trees will you plant this year?
By Bee Oxford
Sources:
https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail
https://treeboston.org/tree-equity/benefits-of-urban-trees/
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/ginkgo
http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators
https://friendsoftrees.org/blog/gingko/
What does it mean to have “leggy” houseplants? We have a resident chicken named Leggy, and her long slender legs are perfect representatives of this gangly houseplant phenomenon.
The term describes plants that have long spindly stems with sparse leaves, or vines with long internodes and leaves just at the ends. Sometimes described as “etoliated,” these plants spent winter stretching for sunlight and dropping their lower leaves to conserve energy. So it makes sense that when sunlight hours are shorter, our plants start to get “leggy.” Not to fret!—with springtime sun on its way, we can give our plants a little refresh and shape them into their former, luscious looks.
Move leggy houseplants to a position with brighter sunlight to encourage new bushy growth. You can also supplement your houseplants' light source with grow lights, especially in darker times of the year. You can also turn your houseplants periodically to keep your plants round and symmetric.
Some plants become leggy if they are not given an ample amount of humidity or moisture in the air. Some of these include: Hoya, Scindapsus, and Begonia. Consider positioning a humidifier nearby or building a pebble tray if your home has dry air.
We love all of our houseplants, even if they look stretched out and sparse, but it’s rewarding to freshen them up and watch them grow densely in the spring and summer months. We can learn a thing of two from our plants as they start to relax and take in the extra sunshine. Winter is hard for a lot of us, the the longer days and extra sun encourage us all to grow.
By Bee Oxford
]]>Here at Pistils, we love our Plant Craft for the aesthetic pleasure of the works of art, but also because the pieces often strike up curiosity and conversation in even the most seasoned plant owners. Often, customers stare in awe as they puzzle over a form of plant craft that they’ve never encountered before. As a retail staff member in our shops, some of the most memorable conversations we have had start when customers begin to say “I’ve never seen anything like that before! What is it?!”
Behind each cork mount, kokedama, or terrarium, there’s a story. All of the plant craft in our shops is lovingly and patiently handcrafted in-house by our Plant Craft staff of two: Claire (she/her) and Bee (she/they). Each week, upwards of 150 pieces of living art travel from their capable hands to our retail shops in Portland, OR, and ship nationwide to adorn homes all over with unique greenery.
The practice of stewarding our Plant Crafts is rooted in a reverence for plants and the many beautiful forms that they take. To care for a piece is to take part in a tiny ecosystem and is a chance to get a new perspective on familiar plants.
This week, I sat down to speak with Claire and Bee to gain some insight into their craft and the magic that they work behind the scenes.
What drew you to Plant Craft?
Claire: I have been an artist all of my life, and I also hold a B.S. in Botany from Humboldt State University in Northern California. Creating living art allows me to meld those two major areas of my life—art and science—in a really fun and engaging way.
Bee: Like Claire, I have a background in both art and science, but I think what really drew me to living art here at Pistils is working with my hands. For me, terrarium building and kokedama creation is all a form of meditation and a way to escape into my own little world for a while.
Pistils promotes that “plants have the power to inspire, connect, and transform – they’re our reason for being, and a gift to be shared.” How do you see the creation of Plant Craft fulfilling this ideal?
Claire: Personally, plants have always been a major inspiration. Not only are they beautiful beings, they are also so resilient and creative. Making beautiful pieces of art that people can not only enjoy visually in their homes, but that also require care and tending feels very special. The ritual of slowing down and tending to plants is a welcome balm in our busy, chaotic lives. I know it is for me! People often purchase living art pieces to mark important life changes and events, for themselves and others as a gift, which brings an even greater connection to it.
Bee: Our mission statement here at Pistils resonates true especially in our living art, because it pushes us to expand our understanding of what a potted plant can be in our homes and hopefully question the connection we have to the living creatures we use in our craft. I love when customers ask us about our kokedama and cork mounted pieces because it starts a conversation about mindfulness and natural habits of these amazing plants and what they are capable of. My hope is that these plants are seen with more admiration and respect through the process of this crafting.
How do you express yourself artistically outside of creating Plant Craft?
Claire: I am primarily a painter, though I also work in a variety of media. I write poetry, make jewelry, and also do commission work for friends and family.
Bee: I express myself artistically just by living. I am of the opinion that you don’t actually have to create anything to be an artist. You just have to challenge the way you see the world and what that means to you. I might write a poem or create a private joke or just make myself laugh. I love reading and engaging my friends with creative ways of thinking. If you know me, I probably have annoyed you with bizarre questions about the world.
How has your creative expression been shaped by this job?
Claire: Working full time on Plant Craft production has really opened up my own personal art practice in unexpected ways. Showing up to a creative practice everyday has created an internal discipline that serves me well in my own practice. So much of creative work is just sitting down and showing up. It helps to eliminate anxiety about “feeling inspired” or “in the mood.” The only way to figure out how to complete a project really is just to sit down and work through it!
Bee: I would say my creative expression has been challenged in new ways through this aspect of my job. I have experience with ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, etc. But nothing related to crafting with live plants. I think what has shaped me is realizing that all creative expression is easily translatable. The same concepts of movement, color, and texture I am familiar with have become second nature to me and it brings me joy to be able to use those skills in something like putting a terrarium together for a customer.
What is it like working at the Pistils warehouse?
Claire: It’s really a fun working environment. We have a very fun and lively group of folks who work in our warehouse, including our shipping and plant care team. I really enjoy being able to work independently on my own projects, but also have great people around.
Bee: The Pistils Warehouse has such a special place in my heart. Not only is the space beautiful, big, warm, and full of plants. It is also filled with the best people. I have never worked somewhere so inclusive and lovely. The people that work for Pistils make it what it is, which is a home.
How has your relationship to plants changed as you’ve worked on the Plant Craft team?
Claire: When I was completing my botany coursework, the emphasis was almost exclusively on wild species of plants. There were no courses on horticulture. So to spend everyday working intimately with plants has been a real gift, and has added a whole new dimension to my relationship with them. Plants are an ordinary and everyday part of my life, as opposed to something I have to seek out on a long hike in the woods (which is also wonderful!)
Bee: My story is pretty similar to Claire’s where my relationship with plants actually started off in the field conducting research. Which is a pretty stark difference to making kokedama out of tropical houseplants. It’s changed my relationship with people more than with plants I think. It has made me realize how important it is to us to connect with the natural world and how it seems strange we have taken this path to get back something that has been missing from our everyday lives.
What are your biggest challenges with Plant Craft production? What is most rewarding?
Claire: Like many other businesses, we’ve definitely had issues with supply chain disruptions. I’ve definitely spent a lot more time than I would like on the phone with FEDEX this past year. We are also a tiny team—it’s just the two of us! So we are always doing our best to keep up with the (very welcome) demand for our products. Making beautiful pieces takes time, so I am always trying to optimize production, while also keeping the quality of our pieces high.
Bee: The biggest challenge with living art is time. With a two person team and an increase in demand online and in stores it can become overwhelming quickly. But in a way that feels good because it is validation that what we are doing is being noticed and going home with someone who will care for the plants we have crafted. I love seeing photos of living art in people’s homes because I was part of the team that made that for someone, and brought them joy in their space. It’s a rewarding feeling to be a part of that connection to space and the natural world.
Do you have a favorite type of living art to build? (Terrariums, aeriums, cork mounts, kokedama, staghorn mounts, etc.?)
Claire: From day one I’ve been absolutely obsessed with making perfectly rounded kokedamas. It takes a lot of time and skill to get the shape just right, but when I finish a beautiful kokedama, it’s deeply satisfying.
Bee: I love the large statement cork mounts! Something that will be a showstopper in the shops and not get lost in the chaos. A large piece of cork wood with the perfect shape and a big lush plant carefully mounted onto it. I could make those all day.
And the obvious question…what is your current favorite plant? Tell us about it!
Claire: Always such a hard question! I’m obsessed with jungle cacti. I love Rhipsalis—they can get so long and wonky, and there are so many fun species. They’re such a charismatic plant, and I can’t get enough of them.
Bee: I don’t know if I have a favorite plant, but I do have a soft spot for anything with a unique adaptation like carnivorous plants, Lithops ‘living stones,’ or moosehorn ferns. I just love it when plants blur the boundaries of our understanding. Like a plant eating an animal or mimicking a stone. The natural world is so wonderfully queer.
Plants have the power to inspire, connect, and transform – they’re our reason for being, and a gift to be shared. We revel in the creativity that Plant Craft can spark in us when we’re faced with the challenge of relating to plants in a new way, and we aspire to pass this feeling on to our fellow plant lovers! Whether your house is full of living art, you’re dabbling in plant craft, or you’re simply curious to see what creative new forms plants can take, we hope that our Plant Craft pieces can be a source of inspiration. Want to learn how to make your own plant creations? Come and craft along with us in our upcoming Virtual Workshops or purchase one of our Plant Craft Kits!
By Amalia Ackerman
]]>Ficus is the largest genus in the mulberry family (Moraceae), containing upwards of 800 different species of vining plants, shrubs, and woody trees. These plants have many common names, including “rubber trees” due to their latex sap that can be used in the production of rubber and “fig trees” because many produce edible fruit.
Most of the Ficus that we cultivate as houseplants are evergreen trees that can reach heights upwards of 10 feet indoors, though this is minuscule in comparison to how large they can grow in their native environments.
The fruit that common fig trees (Ficus carica) are known for houses hundreds of small flowers on the inside. In the wild, fig trees bear fruit when they are pollinated through a symbiotic dance between the plant and a species-specific wasp. In their native environments, they can fruit all year long and are key to many ecosystems that include fruit-eating mammals. Though they probably won’t produce edible fruit when kept indoors, they are a magnificent ornamental addition to any collection.
Ficus species are notorious for being finicky. Their natural reaction to stress is to drop their leaves, so it’s important to give them the right care. The key to growing a happy Ficus is replicating its natural environment and keeping its light, water, and temperature consistent.
Light: Most species of Ficus enjoy lots of bright, indirect sunlight. Placement in front of a south- or west-facing window is your best bet. A few hours of direct light per day is great, but in the heat of the summer you might consider pulling it a few feet back from the window to avoid burning the leaves.
Water: Moderate, consistent watering is key. Water when the soil has gone about 1/3 of the way dry from the tops. Soil retains moisture for longer in the winter, so you might consider cutting back on watering at this time. Ficus will not tolerate being over- or under-watered, and it can be difficult to coax them back to health after inconsistent watering.
Soil: Ficus enjoy rich and well-draining soil. A tropical mix should work great, or you can make your own mix: 1 part soil, 1 part bark, and 1 part pumice or perlite. Due to the trees’ sensitivity to change, it’s best to wait until spring to repot them or refresh their soil to avoid unnecessary shock.
Temperature: Ficus are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Place your plant in a spot away from any cold drafts, or heating/ cooling units. Once situated, try not to move it. If a few of your plant's bottom leaves drop or yellow in the winter, don’t fret! This is common during their dormant period in the winter.
Pet safety: Ficus are toxic to pets. When a leaf or stem breaks off, the tree oozes sap called latex that can be dangerous if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin, eyes, nose, or mouth of your pet.
Ficus can be beautiful, long-lasting additions to your home when provided with the right care and environment. With these Ficus care tips, you will be well-prepared to help your Rubber Tree thrive. If you have any Ficus care suggestions of your own, let us know in the comments!
Show off your ficus by tagging us @pistilsnursery on Instagram!
By Amalia Ackerman
]]>We don’t typically think of plants as flowering in the winter, so the handful that do shine among the plain foliage of their dormant siblings. Many of our favorite winter-blooming plants have adapted to bloom as the days get shorter and colder. The two processes involved here are vernalization and photoperiodic flowering. Vernalization is the process by which flowering is promoted as plants are exposed to cold winter temperatures. Photoperiodic flowering describes the process of a plant’s flowering cycle being dependent on day-length.
Conventional wisdom tells us to shelter our plants from the drafty window sills that they inhabit during the colder months and supplement their light intake. However, there are a few special winter-blooming plants that rely upon these environmental changes to trigger their blooms! Always do your research before subjecting your plants to darker or colder environments than what they’re used to. Not all plants will appreciate the change, especially if they go dormant in winter. Remember that winter-blooming plants are outliers, and not all plants will bloom this way.
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum sp.) and Paperwhite (Narcissus papyraceus) bulbs are classic holiday favorites, delighting us with their fragrant, trumpet-like blooms during the darkest months of the year. These bulbs can be "forced" hydroponically in the winter by placing their roots in water. Generally, you can expect to see flowers approximately 6 weeks after the bulbs have been planted. Once they are finished blooming, you can cut the stalks down to the bulb and store them in a cool, dark place until next year. See our article about How to Force Bulbs for Indoor Blossoms for more detailed care instructions.
Schlumbergera plants are flowering cacti commonly known as Holiday cacti (including Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter cacti). Their colorful, exuberant blooms are reminiscent of Fuchsia! Holiday cacti will re-bloom year after year, provided that they have long nights and cooler temperatures to trigger budding in the wintertime. To simulate these conditions, cover your Holiday cacti with an opaque cloth overnight in the winter until you see buds forming!
Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum sp.) are another winter-blooming houseplant must-have! Always swoon-worthy, their stately white spathes rise gracefully above glossy deep green leaves. Many species of Peace Lilies have been cultivated to bloom multiple times throughout the year, including over the winter! They typically initiate blooms during the short days of winter and move into full bloom as spring begins. Peace Lilies have particularly long-lived blooms that last about two months, after which you can trim them off to encourage foliar growth.
Hoya plants are widely varied, beloved for their ease of care and darling blooms. Hoya vines produce blooms that grow in firework-like clusters of star-shaped flowers. Their fragrant blooms boast a dazzling array of shapes, textures and colors. There are hundreds of cultivars to collect, and each as unique as the next! Some of our favorites are Hoya 'Krimson Queen,' Hoya retusa, Hoya compacta, and Hoya shepardii. Hoyas typically bloom under two sets of conditions: when they are thriving and when they are environmentally stressed. When they're stressed, they may bloom as a spectacular attempt to reproduce. During winter, the short, cold days in conjunction with less frequent watering can trigger winter blooms. When they reach maturity, they will bloom again and again from the same growth point, so don't cut off the peduncles once they've finished for the season.
Anthurium andreanum is another eye-catching, winter-blooming staple. Anthurium blooms can come in white, pink, red, purple, green, yellow, brown, orange, or black flowers, and are sure to add a splash of color to your space! Like Peace Lilies, Anthurium blooms come in the form of a spathe and spadix duo — a hooded inflorescence (the spathe) that stands up like a fancy collar, protecting the protrusion in the middle (the spadix). The spadix holds the Anthurium's actual flowers, which are very, very small. While the "real" flowers don't last very long, the colorful spathe is the star of the show and can last for up to two months!
What winter-blooming houseplants are on your list this year? Share some of your favorite or unusual finds with us in the comments, or tag us @PistilsNursery on Instagram!
By Amalia Ackerman
]]>Cozy up with a cup of cheer and create along with us as we share these simple holiday plant crafts. We've selected simple and cost-effective projects that can easily be turned into annual traditions. Connect with the natural world, enhance creativity and find joy from the comfort and warmth of your homes this winter.
Get into the spirit by decorating your home! Here are some tips for when using holiday plant crafts to deck your halls.
Create a festive wreath to hang on your front door to welcome the changing season.
String together a garland to drape and display over your mantle.
Hang mistletoe.
After giving the tree a trim or constructing a wreath, save the scraps for these holiday plant crafts. You can bring a sentimental and classical charm to your home by using ecologically-friendly materials for gift wrapping and adding botanicals to your environment. Use trimmings to put together stove-top simmers and give them to friends and family for holiday aromas.
Gift Wrap
Stovetop Simmer:
Fill a pot with water, add the above ingredients, and simmer for seasonal scents!
Spread cheer to those you love with these holiday plant crafts!
Order a kokedama or mounted plant as a unique and thoughtful botanical gift to send to a loved one.
Or share a piece of your personal collection by taking a small cutting from a favorite houseplant and propagating it. Wrap the cutting in a moist paper towel, place in a sandwich bag, and send it in the mail with a handwritten holiday card.
One plant we especially suggest is the Holiday Cactus. It will bloom and spread cheer in time for the holidays each year.
Forcing bulbs is high on our list of holiday plant crafts that will turn into a botanical tradition every year. Narcissus (aka Paperwhite) Bulbs are popular for their sweet scent and awe-inspiring winter blooms. This craft is easy to start and exciting to watch as it progresses like a living advent calendar.
How are you spreading cheer this season? Which holiday traditions are you looking forward to? From all of us at Pistils Nursery, we wish you a warm holiday season with happiness and health for the New Year. Cheers!
By: Bee Oxford
]]>The botanical world never disappoints with its mystery and magic. This collection explores oddity plants that come back from the dead, digest small animals, and come in frightening shapes and colors!
The first to make our list of creepy plants is of course the infamous corpse flower. This plant has the world’s largest unbranched inflorescence. It gets its name from the chemical odor the plant’s spadix emits that has an eerie resemblance to rotting flesh. They do this to attract insects that eat dead animals or lay eggs in rotting meat. The odor increases from late evening into the middle of the night luring insects to come and pollinate this cleverly disguised flower.
The Resurrection Plant is a fascinating prehistoric spikemoss. This desert species adapted itself so well that it can survive near death, allowing it to go long periods of time without any water. The name comes from its ability to "resurrect" itself as it dries up and curls into a ball and then unfurls and comes back to life when exposed to moisture.
Native to central Mexico, this creepy plant has a unique crested shape resembling brains or worms. Weirdly enough this growth pattern did not happen through cultivation but rather through a rare mutation that happens when cacti get damaged from their central growth point. Potted up, this plant would look right at home in a mad scientist’s laboratory.
Nicknamed "Living Stones," Lithops species are strange and unusual succulents that look like they belong in an alien garden. Their hoof-like shape splits in the middle where new growth emerges and outer leaves wither away. Native to deserts in south Africa they adapted to survive extreme drought and heat. The tops of the leaves are actually translucent allowing sunlight to penetrate into the base of the plant protecting themselves from burning while saving water and photosynthesizing.
Next on our list is a unique Angel Wing Begonia that has pink leaves with silver splashes called Begonia 'Pink Mink'. The leaves are something you would expect to see on a winged reptile or supernatural creature. Its unique colors and leaf shape have us thinking of vampire lairs and lounging among beautiful red velvet robes in the candlelight.
Look closely enough and you just might see this creepy plant moving! Called Ctenanthe burle-marxii, and part of the Prayer Plant family (Marantaceae), these understory plants move their leaves throughout the day to protect themselves from harsh sunlight. The name ‘Fishbone’ comes from the alternating striped pattern on the top of the leaves that resemble a fish skeleton. Maybe a favorite garden companion of a sea witch.
Perhaps the most famous creepy plant lies in the many carnivorous species you can grow and feed in your home. Native to acidic bogs and places with Nitrogen deficient soil these plants adapted to get Nitrogen elsewhere, by digesting insects and even sometimes small animals. Some of the most famous for indoor houseplants being Venus Flytraps and Pitcher plants. Set one up in your kitchen to help you get rid of those pesky fruit flies.
This South African succulent has an underground stem and snake-like branches that grow flat on the ground. This bouquet of green serpent tentacles earns it the nickname ‘Medusa’s head’ and while looking at them might not turn you into stone the leaves contain a toxic sap so keep this creepy plant out of the reach of pets and small children.
Careful not to say the name of this houseplant three times alone in a dark room. This easy to grow Philodendron has a gothic draw to its unique leaf coloring. New leaves will emerge orange and as they harden off they will turn blood red and finally a deep dark green. Giving us autumn colored foliage all year long.
Finally on our list of creepy plants is a species of Hatiora native to eastern Brazil. Among the many common names for this flowering jungle cactus is dancing bones or drunkard's dream as the leaves look like bones or little liquor bottles. A fitting potted plant for a sunken pirate’s ship.
Trick a friend or treat yourself to a creepy plant this October. Maybe one of your potted plants has some frightening facts hidden in their evolutionary history. What green ghouls are haunting your house?
By: Bee Oxford
]]>Those who garden indoors or outdoors have a similar mindset of tending to the Earth, and creative reuse – the act of taking something that's no longer being used and giving it a new purpose – is at the forefront of that philosophy. As 1% for the Planet members, we're always looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint, and so the overlap between creative reuse and houseplants is very much up our alley!
Some common household items for houseplant care may be surprising and exciting to try, everything from cinnamon to bobby pins, and even old lampshades. The houseplant community is simply teaming with creativity and experimentation for growing greener thumbs.
Houseplant pests and fungal diseases are a frustrating reality for collectors, and being prepared for them is essential for successful eradication. Checking for pests regularly and catching disease and unwanted bugs early is the key. For most common houseplant pests, the treatment supplies you will need can likely be found in your cleaning supplies or in your kitchen cabinet!
Repotting can be messy and tricky business, these items can make the process a little easier.
Repurpose and reuse these items when caring for your plant to save your wallet and reduce waste in your home.
The cutest repurposed household items can be used for propagating your houseplants, so you can grow and share your collection.
These items are a little quirky and add a unique style to displaying your plants in your home.
Everyone has different little tricks for creative reuse of household items in plant care. Did you know some people use milk or even mayonnaise to shine leaves with? We aren’t so sure about that trick as it may cause an odor in your home, but we admire the dedication of indoor growers!
What common items are you using for your houseplants? We would love to hear from you and grow greener alongside you.
By: Bee Oxford
]]>However, there is a little bit of disagreement around Begonia care and just how fussy this broad group of plants actually is. Within the plant community, some swear Begonias are simple to care for and have a large collection, while others contend Begonias are actually difficult to keep happy.
The answer falls somewhere in the middle: because there is almost no end to the varieties and hybrids of Begonias available (likely because people have been smitten with them for some time), there are likewise easier and more challenging members of this genus. In this guide, we aim to demystify this old fashioned and charming plant group so that you understand the ins and outs of proper Begonia care.
Begonia are one of the largest flowering plant genera, with well over 2,000 species native to tropical and subtropical regions. With such a large spectrum of plants, it is clear that care is not the same across the diversity if species, hybrids, and cultivars. In order to clarify general Begonia care, we first must break them into their main groups:
Shop pup Pablo guards a few Angel Wing Begonias
What are your favorite Begonias? We know it's hard to pick when there are so many different kinds and more being made all the time. Maybe an easy to grow classy cane Begonia sent from the heavens or a more challenging rhizomatous Begonia with an odd leaf?
One thing is for sure: once you have fallen for a Begonia you can’t help but start searching for more to bring home!
By: Bee Oxford
]]>We founded Pistils Nursery in 2001, and for the last 20 years, we've been on a mission to share this gift with our neighbors and a growing community of plant lovers here in Portland and around the world.
As we celebrate the milestone of 20 years in Portland, we always go back to the seed of it all: a passion for plants, and a deep belief that there is a plant for every person, an inner green just waiting to be discovered.
This seed sprouted into the Pistils Nursery that we know today, and to reflect upon the milestone of 20 years of growth, we decided to sit down with our founder, Mégan Twilegar, to learn about her original vision for Pistils, how she got started, and where she sees us heading in the future.
Bee: The original Pistils storefront on Mississippi Avenue has become somewhat iconic. When you first found the location, it was just an empty lot, and the structure you ultimately built looks nothing like the other buildings on the street. Where did you find inspiration for the design of "The Mothership"?
Mégan: The inspiration for the Pistils building harkens back to my Idaho roots, where there are a surfeit of old mining towns with shoe box structures and false fronts - also called Western false front architecture. My childhood was spent in the Rocky Mountains and I so often frequented these towns, much of them bordering on ghost towns.
I love the simplicity of these structures. I feel there is a timelessness to them, and that they truly embody the classic architecture of the old West.
B: Pistils officially opened its doors in 2001. As you reflect on 20 years in business, I imagine you might do a few things differently. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself for starting the business?
M: I would say: It’s wouldn't be a bad idea to get a business degree! Having a vision can only carry one so far. Hire people that know more than you. Treat and pay them well. Emotional intelligence is key to keeping employees happy and fulfilled, which is essential to any business’ success.
B: How has Pistils Nursery shifted and evolved in the last 20 years?
M: The business has evolved dramatically! My original dream was to start an outdoor plant nursery. Honestly, that’s why the Mothership building is so small. We wanted to have as much outdoor space as possible to share outdoor plant material and garden supplies.
We first started as an urban farm store that sold chickens along with plants and were known for spearheading the chicken movement that pulsed through Portland for several years. We didn't know that, over time, the plants and product inside the building would end up being Pistils' focus.
Then I had two kids, and withdrew from Pistils to be with my family. The business started to suffer, and I decided I either needed to sell it or infuse it with talent that I didn’t have in order to grow it – which is ultimately what we did. We began to really curate the shop, and found a staff passionate about keeping plants inside the home, as well as outside. We built the solarium and dove head first into the world of indoor plants. Little did we know that we were on the forefront of a plant renaissance that has blossomed over the last few years!
About 7 or 8 years ago, we launched our online shop. It started with just eight products -- our handmade pieces like terrariums and kokedama. From these humble beginnings, it's grown into what it is today. We began to share on social media with wild abandon. My husband, Glenn, changed careers and began to develop PLD – the landscape design-build division of the business. And now today we have this really diverse business with several legs.
It is this diversity coupled with the surge in plant love that has afforded us to, in essence, not only survive the Coronavirus Pandemic, but grow as a business. We feel so blessed.
B: What areas of Pistils are you most excited to grow in the future?
M: If I were to be really ambitious I would open a shop in another state or even abroad – maybe Europe. I’ve lived abroad before and reaped so much from the experience. It’s on my bucket list to do this again. This would provide an opportunity to grow the business on an international level.
Early in 2020 we joined 1% for the Planet, and really honed in on social, cultural and environmental justice efforts. We defined our business' core values, with Environmental Advocacy, Sustainability and Community Consciousness front and center. As we grow larger, I look forward to being able to support more organizations whose missions are focused on tending the earth and its inhabitants, both here and Portland and around the world.
B: What have been your biggest challenges in the past 20 years?
M: The biggest challenges the business has faced over the years is the constant need to pivot to consumer demands, to stay abreast of industry trends and strive to be a trendsetter or influencer in the industry. I think we have been able to do this whether that was through leading the chicken movement, reintroducing the terrarium and all the living art we produce, or embracing the Nuevo plant movement at its incipient stage years ago.
B: What have been your biggest successes?
M: My biggest success after 20 years in business is that it can run without me.
It’s kind of scary because sometimes I wonder, "where do I fit into the picture today"? But I also think it’s a sign of success that I can focus on other things – my kids, personal interests, and growing the business in other areas. I have had to trust talented people – pass the reins and letWe their talent shine and grow.
B: What wisdom can you share with us from being a central part of the Portland plant community all these years?
M: You must do what you love. Those of us who have been afforded the gift to understand how important it is to get your hands in the dirt, to tend plants, to be in touch with nature and its many cycles have been bestowed one of the greatest riches life can offer. I want to be able to continue to share this with others.
As plants need healthy roots in order to grow, reflecting on our past allows us to look into our future. Coming out of the pandemic, the collective dreaming and re-imagining of the future after a time of such harsh uncertainty is especially necessary.
Looking back on 20 years, we are overwhelmingly grateful to our customers and strong community plant lovers here in Portland and around the world. You've allowed us to get where we are today. From an online shop, to a second storefront, to design services and beyond, we've grown many new leaves over these 20 years – thank you for helping us grow.
We hope you'll join us from wherever you are during our weeklong anniversary celebration from 7/26-8/1, as each day we find a new way to say thank you and give back, with sales, fundraisers, raffles, giveaways, community events and more.
To read more about Pistils Nursery and Mégan’s vision, check out: The Earth in Her Hands: 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants by Jennifer Jewell; Aesthetica Botanica: A Life with Plants, Sandu Publications; Gardenista's A Love Affair with Houseplants and Architecture Digest's The Most Beautiful Independent Store in Every State in America.
Interview by Bee Oxford
]]>With their vast array of growth habits, foliage and flowers, we wanted to share some insight into these botanical wonders in a quick guide for growing and caring for tropical bulbs. That way, the next time you have company you can explain that, no, that new plant on the windowsill is not in fact a potato, it's a caudiciform!
When growing and caring for tropical bulbs, it's important to realize that "bulb" is both a specific botanical term, and also used more generally to refer to a group of plants that have a similar growth cycle.
So before we dive into our favorite species and tropical bulb care instructions, there are a few botanical terms to refer back to.
Bulb: A bulb is actually modified stem consisting of large, globe-shaped, underground bud with membranous or fleshy overlapping leaves arising from a short stem. Many of our favorite springtime flowers, such as Tulips, grow from bulbs.
Tuber: A tuber is a specialized storage stem that is short and thickened, and grows below the soil. Tubers are composed of starch-storing tissue. Caladiums are deciduous aroids that grow from tubers.
A dormant Caladium tuber
Caudex: A caudex is a thickened, usually-underground base of the stem of many perennial herbaceous plants, from which new leaves and flowering stems arise. While these plants may not have anything in common genetically, plants that grow from caudices are called caudiciforms, and an example that we absolutely adore is Stephania erecta.
Corm: A corm is a rounded, thick, underground stem-base bearing membranous or scaly leaves. These act as a vegetative reproductive structure. One tropical example that grows from a corm are members of another aroid genus, Amorphophallus.
Don't fret if you are still scratching your head to try and distinguish these terms! Regardless of their technical taxonomy, “bulb” is the common terminology for plants with a seasonal adaptability and dormancy period in their life cycle. This is just a fancy way of saying that these plants typically die back for part of the year and store energy during their dormant season.
For some of these plants, the period of dormancy might coincide with a dry season. For others (think Tulips), it may coincide with cold weather. In our homes, we mimic these seasonal shifts and trigger dormancy in our tropical bulbs by withholding water in the late fall and winter.
Curiosity seekers and oddity collectors delight with this spooky tropical bulb. With common names shrouded in mystery such as ‘Corpse Flower’, ‘Devils Tongue’, and ‘Voodoo Lily’, these deciduous aroids grow to look like small trees with foliage that emerges bright green and darkens as it hardens off. Numerous species are available, including one that produces the world's largest flower, Amorphophallus titanum. Another species we adore (that is much more practical to grow in your home!) is Amorphophallus konjac 'Nightstick' -- with a solid, dark-purple petiole, it's simply beautiful.
Amorphophallus operculatus
If growing conditions are just right your Amorphophallus just might flower for you and show you first-hand where it gets its name sake. Though beautiful to behold, the flowers give off the scent of rotted meat to attract fly pollinators native to their natural habitat. While you'll certainly be excited to see the flower emerge, be warned you might want to put a bag over the top to contain the smell!
Amorphallus Care:
Appropriately nicknamed ‘Angel Wings,’ these deciduous aroids look like they were a gift from the heavens with their delicate heart-shaped leaves and stunning colors of pink, red, and green. Caladiums grow in open areas of the forest and on the banks of rivers in their tropical habitats. Native to South America, they thrive during the warm and wet rainy season, and take a rest during the dry season.
A few of our favorite cultivars include Caladium 'Pink Beauty', Caladium 'Cranberry Star', and Caladium 'Gingerland.
Caladium Care:
Stephania erecta is a show-stopping statement piece plant that has quickly become one of our favorites to grow. With their potato-like caudex and charismatic round leaves, they are reminiscent of a bonsai. When this bulb comes out of dormancy, it forms vines with green peltate leaves that can be trailing or trained up a trellis.
‘Stephania’ is Greek for ‘crown’, named for the crown-like spiral of leaves arranged at the top of a caudex. They are sure to make you feel like royalty when the first sprout of green pushes its way up and creates adorable round leaves.
Stephania erecta caudex and bulbs
Stephania erecta Care:
As you can see, growing and caring for tropical bulbs opens up a whole new window into the ever-evolving world of houseplants. While we've always enjoyed our irises, tulips, bluebells and alliums outdoors, now you can bring the beauty of seasonal growth into your home with Caladiums and caudices.
What tropical bulbs have you been growing? What have you been searching for?
]]>Here is a little homage to these beloved plants and our recommendations for how to grow and care for indoor aroids. Take it from us – we know once you adopt one, your space will soon be filled to the brim with these beauties.
Anthurium 'Fruffles'
An aroid is flowering plant in the family Araceae. This plant family is quite impressive, with over 100 genera and approximately 3,700 recognized species. All these plants have a distinctive inflorescence (flower structure) known as a spadix. A common example of this flower is that of Anthurium andraenum hybrids. Aroids are found on every continent in the world (except Antarctica). Typically, they reside in the understory of many of the world’s forests.
Anthurium hybrid inflorescence
Aroids have made some smart evolutionary adaptations. They contain oxalate crystals in a milky sap inside their foliage, which is toxic to ingest. This keeps them from getting munched on in their natural habitats, but means that when grown indoors they should be kept away from pets and small children.
Some members of the Araceae family are even thermogenic, meaning that they have the ability to generate their own heat from stored energy tucked away in their roots. Botanists are not completely sure why they do this but most believe it has to do with increasing pollination success in colder temperature seasons.
Some of our favorite genera belong to the aroid family. Here’s an overview of a few of the key players in the aroid family that you’re likely to encounter in local nurseries
From the classic Heartleaf Philodendron to rare and unusual hybrids like Philodendron ‘Pink Princess,’ this genus has a ton of diversity. “Philo” means love and “dendron” means tree, which makes sense considering that many of these plants grow epiphytically, vining and climbing high in trees.
Native to the Americas and West Indies, Philodendrons are easy to grow and propagate. For vining types, you can encourage larger leaves by providing something to climb up like moss pole, and keeping the humidity high.
Philodendron pedatum
Native to the Caribbean and South and Central America, these epiphytic aroids grow some of our very favorite foliage. We especially love velvety varieties, like Anthurium clarinervium and Anthurium magnificum. For a detailed write-up on these special plants and their care, check out our Introduction to Anthuriums!
Anthurium clarinervium
These rhizomatous or tuberous flowering perennials are native to tropical and subtropical Asia and Australia. They’re finicky plants and often drop leaves or go dormant, requiring lots of heat and humidity to grow happily indoors. But their foliage is amazing! Often nicknamed Elephant Ears, some grow massive leaves. We’re particularly fond of a small subset of the genus nicknamed Jewel Alocasias, which includes Alocasia baginda, A. 'Maharani,' A. reginula, and A. cuprea.
Alocasia 'Maharani' (A. reginula x melo)
Yellowing leaves and leaf curling is most likely a sign of over- or under-watering. If you notice these signs of stress check to make sure your soil is drying out properly before watering and that your plant has enough sunlight.
Browning leaf tips and edges are typically a sign that your aroid is not getting enough humidity. Consider getting a mister or humidifier, or use a pebble tray to get some more moisture in your air.
The more you learn about caring for indoor aroids, the more you’ll want to grow your collection. What aroids currently enchant you? Whether they are grown for their foliage or long-lasting flowers, aroids make lovely and relatively easy-going companions for our indoor spaces.
By: Bee Oxford
]]>As one step to advance that core value, we joined 1% for the Planet last year, in January of 2020. 1% for the Planet is global organization that inspires people and businesses to support environmental nonprofit organizations through annual membership and everyday actions. As a member, we've committed to donate at least 1% of our annual gross revenue each year to organizations that fight to protect our environment and promote environmental justice locally, nationally and around the world.
Now that a year has passed, we wanted to share with you a little bit about the fantastic nonprofit organizations that we have been able to partner with. Your support makes these donations possible, and we are so grateful to each of you for affording us this opportunity to further our mission.
The view from Dog Mountain in the Columbia River Gorge
There's no such thing as a "houseplant." In fact, the majority of the plants we commonly think of as indoor plants are native to tropical regions, including areas threatened by deforestation, industrial development and climate change.
We wanted to find an organization working to protect that habitats of the tropical plants we grow and love, and we found this in Rainforest Trust, one of the world’s most effective conservation charities. As a Conservation Circle Partner, our donations support and protect endangered species, threatened rainforests and other tropical ecosystems around the world.
Rainforests are one of the most important natural resources on Earth, and affect the daily lives of everyone on our planet. They safely store billions of tons of carbon, helping to mitigate climate change, stabilize global weather patterns, clean water, and are even a source for modern medicines. Rainforests are also home to 50% of the world’s species, many of which are critically endangered. Thousands of indigenous communities rely on these forests for their food, water and economic prosperity. In short, rainforests help to sustain life on this planet, and their long-term protection is absolutely vital for our survival.
Rainforest Trust ensures the protection of these vital ecosystems through partnerships with local communities and trusted in-country partner NGOs. The charity has already saved over 24 million acres of rainforest and other tropical ecosystems.
Environmental stewardship is inextricably linked to issues of racial, social and economic justice. We were inspired by the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund's mission to "connect single women, people of color, and young people under 35 to our country’s civic process because our democracy fails when any voices are excluded and these communities overwhelmingly want to solve the climate crisis."
LCV sees the climate crisis, systemic racism, and COVID-19 as three lethal pandemics, inextricrably tied and with each exacerbating the consequences of each other. Our donation will support programs to win progress on climate change and clean energy, environmental health and chemical policy reform, public lands protection, and increased participation in the democratic process through nonpartisan voter participation programs.
The Columbia River Gorge is an iconic locale in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. An immense scenic area forged by the mighty Columbia River, it provides a world of waterfalls, canyons, trees, wildflowers, hiking, biking, and more, right in Portland's backyard. For those of us who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, it forever holds a special place in our hearts
Several years ago, a massive wildfire tore through the gorge, and the work of restoration is immense. We knew we wanted to protect and restore this special region through our 1% commitment, and were thrilled to partner with Friends of the Columbia Gorge to this end.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge first led the fight to create the National Scenic Area over 40 years ago, and been working ever since to safeguard the Gorge and ensure the natural wonders found today will be preserved for generations to come. They are the only conservation organization entirely dedicated to safeguarding the Gorge’s scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
Problems like climate change and environmental justice can feel abstract and globalized, but they affect us every day, whether we realize it or not, right here in our local community.
Growing Gardens "uses the experience of growing food in schools, backyards and correctional facilities to cultivate healthy, equitable communities." Founded in Portland in 1984, their vision "is for everyone to have equal access to healthy food and to be stewardesses of our own communities through sharing of resources, educating each other, and learning new skills."
We know that shipping has a big impact on the environment. It's important to us to reduce our footprint, while still being able to create joy for our customers by shipping out new plants around the country. Along with replacing nearly all of our packing supplies with recyclable and reused materials, we decided we wanted to offset unavoidable emissions associated with shipping our online orders for 2020.
Partnering with Bonneville Environmental Foundation was a dream, allowing us to quickly and accurately calculate the metric tons of CO2 emissions we needed to offset, and gave us options for which carbon offset projects we wanted to support.
We chose a wide range of projects – from improved forest management in the PNW, to international REDD+ initiatives, to national carbon capture programs – and look forward to continuing finding ways to reduce our environmental footprint.
Community consciousness does not stop at our relationship with the natural world, and as a business strive to take an active role in addressing the challenges facing our city, state and nation.
We are excited to share a few of the ways we were able, as a business and through our community, to support organizations working for social, environmental and racial justice. In the past year, Pistils in collaboration with our community:
We look forward to continuing our 1% for the Planet commitment for many years to come. We know that as a business and as individuals, we always have opportunities for growth, and we are excited to continue pursuing new avenues to be better members of our community. Don't hesistate to reach out with initiatives or organizations you think we should support!
And again, thank you for your support. It means the world – in trying times like these, and outside them.
]]>The more we learn about ferns and their allies, the more we grow our fondness for these frond-producing friends. Come along with us on a brief tour of ferns, where we'll explore why these plants are so unique, where they come from, and, of course how to grow and care for your indoor fern collection.
Microsorum diversifolium - Kangaroo Paw Fern
What makes a fern a fern? Who are they exactly? Why are they so enchanting? Simply put, a fern is a member of a class of plants called Polypodiopsida that has a primitive life cycle and does not produce flowers. No flowers means no seeds, and so these plants have a very unique method of reproduction.
Ferns actually go through two different, independent forms in the course of their life cycles. The first is what you are likely familiar with, the sporophyte. These have stems, leaves, roots and (as you might have guessed from the name) produce spores. When you pick up a fern at your local houseplant nursery (or plant one in your garden), you've got your hands on the sporophyte!
The second structure of the fern life-cycle is called a gametophyte. These form when spores land on fertile ground, and are typically small green, plate-like structures smaller than a blueberry, each with its own male and female reproductive organs. In favorable conditions, water facilitates fertilization (which is why ferns are commonly found in wet areas) and a new sporophyte forms!
The sporophytes also create clones of themselves through their root structures, creating the clusters of fern colonies we are familiar seeing on a hike through the forest floor.
Besides their unique reproduction method, ferns also have special leaves called fronds. New fronds unfurl from “fiddlehead” structures, which is quite beautiful to behold
Ferns bring along the wisdom and magic of ancient ancestors into our spaces. The characteristics of our fern friends can be seen in fossil records as early as the Devonian period over 400 million years ago. For perspective, this period of time is before dinosaurs made their first giant steps on the Earth!
Ferns today serve a very important role to research for evolutionary studies because they are believed to be mostly monophyletic, having just one evolutionary line. Imagine being able to follow one straight line all the way back to the beginning of time, or a family tree with one very long, tired branch stretching all the way back. That's how ancient the fern family is!
Ferns make for beautiful landscaping plants (look for species hardy in your region) as well as indoor potted companions. If you don’t have a collection of ferns yet, consider getting one if you love being hands on with your indoor plant care or have an outdoor environment suitable to their needs.
An unfurling frond of a Cyathea cooperi, the Australian Tree Fern
Ferns enjoy medium to bright indirect lighting, must be kept moist, and prefer warmer temperatures. A well-watered fern will unfurl many new fronds and quickly take over your space with delicate lacy green leaves. Ferns can be easily propagated year-round, but are best tried in spring and early summer.
Fern Propagation Methods
Growing and caring for these diverse and ancient living ferns indoors and outdoors is very rewarding, and we recommend these plants to gardeners of all stripes! Here are a few of our favorites for in the home:
Platycerium genus
• Common Name: Staghorn Fern
• Origin: Australia
• Why we love them: Unique epiphytic ferns that can be mounted in wall displays in your home.
Davallia genus
• Common Name: Rabbit’s Foot Fern
• Origin: Fiji
• Why we love them: Unique, fuzzy rhizomes that grow down the side of the pot that look like cute little rabbit’s feet.
Phlebodium aureum
• Common Name: Blue Star Fern
• Origin: Subtropical Regions of the Americas
• Why we love them: Beautiful blue foliage!
Doryopteris pedata
• Common Name: Digit Fern
• Origin: Tropical South America
• Why we love them: Striking, furcated fronds! This plant looks like a rare aroid!
Each one of these ferns is as rewarding to watch unfurl as the last. We could go on about which species has caught our attention at the moment but we know we love them all. What ferns have you fallen for?
By: Bee Oxford
References:
https://britannica.com/plant/fern/Ecology
http://sciencelearn.org.nz/videos/712-why-are-ferns-unique
Indoor plants offer us a sense of hope, especially in difficult times. When the day to day weighs heavily, we find looking to our plants – to their continued growth and resilience – gives us a breath of life. Specific types of houseplants have long been associated with rituals, good luck and good intentions in traditions around the world. Caring for houseplants has been proven to improve mental health, clean air toxins, and offer us a renowned sense of hope.
Instead of strict New Year’s resolutions, which may be especially hard to keep this year, we offer a softer and more gentle way to celebrate this January: appreciating, cultivating and collecting a new plant.
With the weigh of the world bearing down so heavily these days, join us in throwing out dieting and rigorous exercise this New Year, and welcome in a new tradition: a houseplant to bring us good health, positivity, and good fortune. This January 2021 we celebrate turning over a new leaf.
By: Bee Oxford
]]>
This got us wondering – since each astrological sign has such a distinct personality, what might we learn when we look at our houseplant collections from an astrological perspective? Dusting off our telescopes, we have created a list of astrological plant pairings so you can discover the best houseplant for your zodiac sign.
Finding the right houseplant to fit your personality and lifestyle can make a big difference in how successful the match is. If you travel a lot you might be better suited for something with minimal care needs and if you like to be more involved in plant care you might want something a little more tender. Or perhaps the perfect pair is written in the stars.
Whether you believe in astrology or not, best houseplant for your zodiac sign is certainly a fun, creative way to pick out a new green best friend. Whatever you believe, finding the right houseplant for your lifestyle and personality is always a bright idea.
By: Bee Oxford
]]>For healthy houseplants, start at the roots. Hidden deep in your houseplants' soil is a secret world filled with a magic all its own, like a blanket of life for roots to settle into.
Plant parents and collectors have long experimented with and perfected mixtures and ratios for their soil. Much like a grandmother's sacred cookie recipe, soil mixes are altered ever so slightly and then shared with the ones you love. That is precisely what we are here to share with you: a list of soil ingredients and carefully crafted soil recipes for your beloved houseplants.
Why is it so hard to buy a bag of dirt?
Packaging can be misleading, confusing, and vague when it comes to choosing the right substrate. Let’s talk about what makes a good potting mix and what to look for so you get the best bag for your plants at home.
Commonly listed ingredients of potting mix include peat moss, worm castings, perlite and vermiculite. Other ingredients might be added in such as fertilizer and natural soil amendment materials.
A good potting mix will be fluffy to prevent compaction and sterile to prevent unwanted pest problems. Look for potting mixes with a balance of moisture absorbing material and airspace. Be sure to avoid bags that list "soil" as an ingredient (these are not for indoor use), bags that don’t list any ingredients at all, and bags that have any harmful synthetics listed.
Before getting started making your own soil mix, it's important to start by identifying your plant and understanding its basic needs.
A healthy and happy houseplant begins with a strong root system, which is in turn supported by the right soil mixture. Consider what type of roots your plants have, where are they from and what supports their new growth. Is it very wet where they are from or sandy and dry? Do the plants climb up trees, or creep along the forest floor? Do they live in the rainforest, or thrive in the desert?
Now that you've got the basics covered, here are a few recipes to start with!
Use for arid plants such as Euphorbia, Crassula, Aloe, Opuntia etc.
Use for tropicals in the Araceae family such as Anthurium, Monstera and Philodendron species
Use for terrestrial tropicals such as Begonia, Strelitzia, ferns, palms, etc.
Use for bog-dwelling carnivorous plants such as Nepenthes, Sarracenia, Dionaea etc.
Use for members of the Marantaceae family such as Maranta, Calathea, Ctenanthe etc.
We can learn a lot from our houseplants if we listen to them: they teach us through the way they live and how they grow. Experimentation is encouraged and knowledge is shared in the large and loving plant community. We'd be delighted if you share with us your recipes, your successes, your failures, and your stories. This way we can all grow a little more green with love.
By: Bee Oxford
]]>The idea is to place your potted plant on top of the pebble tray filled with water. The pebbles prevent the plant from getting its feet too wet. Then, as the water evaporates into the air, your plant will get that spa day it's been asking for.
Creating your own pebble tray at home is remarkably easy. Before we launch into how to make a pebble tray, how do you know if your plants are looking for more ambient moisture? Browning leaf tips and edges, curled or wilted foliage and misshapen or torn new growth can all be caused by a deficit in humidity.
Plants that love extra humidity are usually from tropical environments. Some of our favorite humidity loving plants include: prayer plants (like Maranta, Calathea and Ctenanthe), ferns, and Begonias.
Here's how to make one at home!
A few other easy ways to add humidity into a room is through the use of a humidifier or mister. Humidifiers should be the appropriate size for the room – in other words, get a larger humidifier for large rooms and smaller humidifiers for small spaces. Misters should have a fine spray so that large water droplets are never sitting for too long on your tender leaves. You could even consider taking your plants for a field trip to your bathroom the next time you take a shower to soak up the steam!
So if you’re tired of seeing browning tips on your moisture loving friends simply add decorative pebbles to a shallow dish with water and let science do the rest.
By Bee Oxford
]]>Every seasoned plant parent reaches a point when they want to start sharing their lush plant life. Eventually we have more foliage than we know what to do with and as we are cutting things back we see opportunity to give instead of discarding our clippings away.
Let’s talk about methods of plant propagation so everyone can share this pure joy our houseplants give.
Simply put, propagation is the process of plant reproduction. This can happen in one of two ways: sexually or asexually (vegetative). Sexual plant propagation involves the literal birds and bees and results in seed production. Asexual or vegetative propagation can happen in a number of ways utilizing plant cells and growth hormones that have the ability to create new plant parts from the mother plant’s body.
It’s this latter type of houseplant propagation we’re concerned with, a seemingly magical process by which one plant becomes many. Here with a list of tools and tips to get started, along with 3 common methods explained so you can get rooting.
Tip 1: It is important to remember that there is no wrong way to propagate. Research methods that work best for your specific plants and then experiment with them! Approach this process with curiosity and excitement and we think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Tip 2: You will increase your chances of successfully propagating your houseplants if you do so in the spring and summertime. This is the time that plants are actively growing, and will produce new roots much more readily
Tip 3: Water succulents a few days before propagating them so they have water in their leaves when you start, and avoid propagating plants recently fertilized.
Water rooting is perhaps the easiest and most common way to propagate most of your houseplants. We are able to propagate plants in water because the cuttings will draw in oxygen and supplemental nutrients from the water while being supported by the vessel.
The cuttings are then able to develop aquatic roots or roots adapted to a very wet environment. Once these roots are formed it is important to keep soil moist when transferring from the aquatic environment to a more terrestrial environment or a pot of soil.
Here is an example of how to root the common houseplant Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) in water:
The node of this Raphidophora tetrasperma can be identified by the bumps (roots) near where the leaf meets the stem
Rooting in soil is the same as rooting in water except the roots will be developing in a more terrestrial environment and you will not be able to actually see the roots as they develop. The key to rooting clippings directly into the soil is a balancing act of soil moisture level.
You want to find that sweet spot where the soil is adequately moist but not too wet. If the soil is too wet it can rot the cutting before the roots have a chance to develop. Adding activated charcoal to a well-draining soil and being cautious when watering is a good start to this method. Here are some examples of plants commonly rooted in soil:
Snake plant (Sansevieria aka Dracaena sp.): You can actually take leaf cuttings from Snake plants and root several at once!
Root division is simply dividing the roots of your mature plants, when there are multiple plants per pot or the plant has produced an offset or “pup”. It is best to use this method when your plants are in need of being repotted and have crowded roots in their pot.
Many tropical plants purchased from nurseries, like Monstera deliciosa, will typically be planted with multiple plants in the same pot which lend themselves well to division! Others, like Pilea peperomioides, readily produce “pups” which can be cut away from the main plant and propagated using one of the methods above.
Keep in mind that when working with roots you should apply a gentle touch taking your time to detangle and trim. Your plant may exhibit signs of stress after repotting or root division, this is normal behavior! The most common way plants fail is from overwatering because we tend to want to ‘help’ them in times of stress with more water than they know what to do with. So, if your plant is stressed after repotting, be patient and water as normal.
To divide plant roots:
We hope this propagation guide has sparked some inspiration with plants at home to root and share the joy of lush green life. For more in-depth explanations of propagation methods, DIY projects, tips, and beautiful photographs give the book Root Nurture Grow a read, we highly recommend it. Here at Pistils we are all rooting for you.
Words by Brittany Oxford
]]>Here, we unravel the mystery of what fertilizer is and what it does for your plants, and present a list of 5 fertilizing tips to get started so you can confidently turn your thumb a deeper shade of green this spring.
Although the name is a bit misleading, fertilizer isn’t actually “Plant Food.” Rather, plants make their own food using sunlight in a process called photosynthesis.
Fertilizer is more like a multi-vitamin for your plants with essential nutrients. In a natural environment, these essential nutrients get replenished in the soil from decomposition of organic material and weathering of rocks over time.
In our homes, however, the nutrients in the soil of our potted plants get depleted over time, as our plant friends use them. This is why it is important to refresh soil and add fertilizer when appropriate.
You don’t need a degree in chemistry to understand your fertilizer label, but it is helpful to have a basic understanding of what each component does for your plant.
The main nutrients found in houseplant fertilizer are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), which are the fundamental nutrients your plant will need. These are called macronutrients and will be seen on labels in the form of a numeric ratio. For example, a package that says 10:4:3 means the fertilizer contains 10 parts Nitrogen, 4 parts Phosphorus, and 3 parts Potassium.
Here is a breakdown of the main nutrients and why they are important:
Other beneficial nutrients found in fertilizers are calcium, magnesium, and iron. These are referred to as micronutrients on fertilizer labels.
Time waits for no one, and with spring in full swing the time is now to start fertilizing and refreshing soil, so our houseplants have what they need to grow big and strong this year.
Our plants grow the most during spring and continue their growth into the summer, starting to slow down in the fall for their more dormant winter rest. Keep this in mind when adding fertilizer to your care regimen; starting strong in the spring and summer, slowly winding down into the fall, and leave them be for the winter.
Be thoughtful and mindful with your plants so we can keep them and our thumbs a vibrant color green.
Words by Brittany Oxford
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