Gardening Zeal

All About Gardening

String of Hearts Plant Care Guide – Ceropegia wodii

By Sarwat Rehman

Is your string of hearts plant not producing marbled green leaves or is dying? If it is so, make sure you are taking good care of it.

String of hearts plant is easy to take care and needs some basic growth conditions to be fully green, vibrant, and healthy. Give water when soil is dry, place in bright light, and maintain ideal temperature and humidity level to make it all alive. Don’t forget to fertilize once a month with diluted fertilizer.

Here you will get all about string of hearts watering, light, best place, temperature variation during winters, fertilization and problems in detail. Above all, 3 different modes of propagation are also given.

So, don’t let your precious plant suffering and take good care of it. Let’s go!

String of Hearts Plant – A Brief Intro

String of hearts plant, Ceropegia wodii, also known as chain of hearts or rosary vine is an evergreen, succulent trailing vine. It is native to South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

string of hearts plant
String of Hearts Plant

This magnificent plant with heart shaped dark green leaves has made us all spell bound for its cascading leaves. The leaves with variegated silver margins make variegated string of hearts plant eye-catching.

It is one of the most tolerant houseplants you can ever grow and it can grow up to 2-3 inches tall. The stem of chain of hearts also grows long and can reach up to 3-9 feet long. So, this evergreen plant is perfect for planting in hanging baskets or plant in a glass pot placed on a windowsill.

String of Hearts Profile

 ?‍?   Scientific NameCeropegia woodii
 ✅     Common NameRosary vine, Chain of hearts, Hearts-on-a-string Collar of hearts, Sweet heart vine
?       TypeSucculent, Vine
 ⬆⬆       Height3-9 feet
↔         Spread2-2.5 meter
?      FoliageVariegated green
?       FlowerPurpulish Red
⚡       Blooming SeasonSummer, Fall
⛪     Suitable PlaceIndoors
?          SoilWell- draining
?   LightBright, Indirect
?        WaterModerate
?     Temperature80 – 85 oF
Fertilisers Agriculture Organic fertilizer Computer Icons, fertilizer, orange, smiley png | PNGEgg    FertilizationInfrequent, Dilute fertilizer
?     Zone9 to 12 USDA
?     ToxicityNon-toxic
?     UsesOrnamental plant

How to Care for String of Hearts?

String of hearts care is as simple as any other indoor plants. You just need to provide balanced or ideal growth conditions to make it fuller and healthier. Here is easy to follow care guide for your beautiful string of hearts.

1.      Watering

Watering routines are also helpful in growth of your string of hearts plant. Before giving your plant a drink, it is better to check the moisture level of the soil.

String of hearts is a semi-succulent plant which means it is more tolerant of dry soil than wet soil.

String of hearts plant, Ceropegia wodii, loves to grow in well-drained or fertile soil but it also needs watering once after every 10 days.

You can allow the soil to dry completely between watering cycles. Because of its native conditions (South Africa), you should not take this plant to wet conditions. Otherwise it can get bunches of roots.

Overwatering tends to result in yellowing of the leaves and eventually results in leaf loss. If you think you have overwatered your plant then aerate your plant place and let the soil completely dry out.

2.      Light & Suitable Growing Place

String of hearts plant prefers to grow in bright light but does not tolerate 24/7 direct sun.

Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and make your vine feeble.

Under the right warm conditions and filtered light, the variegated string of hearts plant will grow fast and will flower abundantly. If there are large spaces between leaves, this maybe the reason that your plant is not getting enough light.

  • As it is widely grown indoor plant, south or west facing windows are best to place a pot or hang a basket. You can also give your chain of hearts equal amount of light by rotating the plant time to time. This will ensure all sides of your plant are getting a balanced amount of sunlight.
  • On contrary, some home gardeners living in moderate or warm climate grow string of hearts outdoors. If you have mild or favorable conditions, you can also grow in balcony or backyard. When growing outdoors, be sure to place your plant at a spot receiving 3 to 4 hours of bright indirect sun and have shade in afternoon.

3.       Temperature & Humidity

String of hearts or rosary vine plant thrives well in warm temperature and a slight humid environment. So, maintain indoors temperature to about 80-85 oF. On the other hand, don’t let your string of hearts sit in temperature below 41 oF during winters. You can easily keep record of daily temperature with digital thermometer.

chain of hearts plant
Chain of Hearts Plant Care

If the temperature at your place is exceptionally cold, you can also get benefit of grow tents or simple use grow lights to give appropriate warmth to the plant.

This plant also enjoys 40-50% humidity and is well suited to mostly home conditions. Similarly, you can also enhance humidity level with humidifiers.

4.       Flowering

The beauty of this plant is striking heart shaped leaves in a chain and the gorgeous pattern on the trailing leaves. But it can also produce small purple flowers in the spring/summer. These small flowers make this plant prominent and give a real indoor plant.

5. Fertilizer

String of hearts needs infrequent fertilization with a light fertilizer. You can give your plant a feed of half-diluted fertilizer once a moth during its actively growing season, May – August.

Ensure the fertilizer must not be rich in nitrogen.

An important thing is avoid fertilization in winters as plant goes in dormant phase and winter fertilization can harm more than good.

6. Potting & Repotting

In the highly suitable conditions, chain of hearts or rosary vine is easy to grow in water or soil. Make sure that the conditions are friendly to your plant. Once it is properly rooted, you can pot or repot your plant to any place you want.

It is best to repot string of hearts during summer. As plant is growing actively, the risk of plant damage minimizes.

String of Hearts Propagation

Here are some different ways to propagate this beautifully gorgeous and versatile variegated string of hearts.

  1. Water Propagation
  2. Soil Propagation
  3. Tuber Propagation

Water Propagation

Water propagation of hearts-on-a-chain plant is simply easy. The steps you need to follow are:

  • Firstly take some healthy stems from several cuttings that are a few inches long. Place them in water pot.
  • Remove the leaves from each stem that are under the water in your glass. This will prevent the over rooting of the stems.
  • Keep the water pot filled with fresh water. Make sure you have a few leaves on each stem that are not under water.
  • Must change the water of pot at least once a week or so. As i mentioned above, water must be fresh. If you notice the water is getting muddy, change it more frequently.
  • Don’t forget to place your pot in indirect light. This is how you can have better results in few weeks.

When your water propagated cuttings get some roots, don’t wait for them to get too long. Just go and plant them in soil.

Propagation in soil

Propagation in soil follows the same method as propagation in water described above. In this method you would stick the cuttings directly into the soil.

In this way, must ensure that the nodes are properly covered into the soil. After that the root can grow. Also make sure the cuttings are placed in aerated place.

Normally using the stem cutting method is simply easy and generally shows good results.

Tuber Propagation

Tubers on chain of hearts plant describe how old your plant is. Older your plant goes; tubers of various sizes all along chain of hearts vines become visible.

  • Without cutting off the vines, you can place the vines with the tubers on the top of the pot.
  • Now bury the tubers. You will find new roots from tubers. Once it is rooted, you can cut it off from the plant.
  • Plant these roots to some suitable place and get a brand new chain of hearts plant.

So, if you have an old plant in your house that has lost a lot of leaves. Don’t be sad. You can easily apply this propagation method and can get another string of hearts plant, Ceropegia wodii. Just get new roots and plant them in a nice bright place. Soon you will have a newly grown string of hearts plant.

String of Hearts Problems

String of hearts is generally a resistant plant and endures varying environmental conditions to its best. Still, certain diseases and pests arrest healthy plant growth and result in various issues.

Diseases – Root Rot

Root rot is one of the most serious issues the string of hearts faces and is caused by improper watering. This problem arises when plant is overwatered. As it is a succulent and doesn’t like to sit in soggy soil, excessive amount of water rot the plant.

string of hearts plant problems
String of Hearts Problems

You can easily secure your chain of hearts by being careful in watering and allow soil to be completely dried out before second round of watering.

Pests – Mealy Bugs

Mealy bugs are tiny, pinkish bugs that hide in plant without being unnoticed. They make white cottony webbing and feed on the houseplants to weaken them. Same happens with the string of hearts plant but you can wash them off with water or wipe alcohol dipped swabs on the leaves.

FAQs – String of Hearts Care

Why Is My String of Hearts Showing Yellow Leaves?

The yellow leaves on string of hearts or rosary vine are clear indication of overwatering. String of heart hates sitting in wet soil for too long and maximum plant issues arises from excessive water in the soil. If you are in doubt and cannot judge soil condition, simply put your plant out and have a finger test. Just insert a finger in the soil, if I sticks, it shows plant have wet feet. Another indication is the smell of waterlogged soil. Put yourself near to the pot, if you smell awkward, problem is in your soil.

The second obvious option is to use moisture meter as it gives definite values instead of random guess that is superb. When you will be able to maintain a balanced dampness of the soil, your plant will recover soon. In addition, using perlite in potting mix also gives best results.

Why Is My string of Hearts Leaves Curling?

String of hearts grows well in proper, bright and indirect light. When it receives inadequate amount of light or have more shade, the leaves do not grow as thick as they should and end up with curled leaves. To fix this string of hearts plant problem, shift your plant to a brighter area or if growing indoors, move your plant to outdoors for a certain time period. Placing the plant near to light source is also a good option.

Why Is My String of Hearts Leaves Drying?

The string of hearts leaves dry for inadequate watering. Although the plant is succulent, capable to withstand little watering but the leaves are directly affected and dry gradually. The older plant leaves have comparatively more water content than young foliage and can bear under watering. On the contrary, young leaves dry or shrivel early.  So, the remedy of string of hearts drying leaves is proper watering.

The second most obvious reason of string of hearts dried leaves is round bounded plant. When the roots are clamped in a small pot, plant prefers losing some leaves. The leaves are dried out before falling off the plant.

Why Is My String of Hearts Leaves Falling Off?

The string of hearts also or rosary vine prefers bright indirect sunlight to give healthy green leaves but in continuous shade or insufficient light, plant leaves fall off. Plant gets low light as a stress and responds by shedding the leaves. So, if notice your Ceropegia wodii is losing leaves move it to a bright place. You can also place it outdoors unless leaves stop falling off.

If your plant’s leaves are falling despite of proper light, consider its soil moisture. If it is sitting in soggy potting mix, it must be losing leaves especially the ones closet to the roots. Terracotta pots have best drainage and help growing indoor plants without major issues.

What Is The Reason for String of Hearts Leaves Rotting?

The string hearts leaves rot if the plant is in waterlogged soil and pot has no drainage hole. The second major reason of leaves rotting is lack of light. When plant is placed in damp spaces like washroom with little light, plant suffers and leaves start decaying.

So, observe plant conditions and if using pot without drainage hole, repot in a well-draining planter. Secondly, give it adequate light as it is not good for rooms that lack light.

What Is The Reason of My String of Hearts Color Loss?

The string of hearts color loss is primarily caused by lack of light. As plants leaves have a pink hue when grown in ideal conditions, but if take away bright light, there will be no pink color in the leaves. This mostly happens with Variegated Ceropegia woodii variety as it is well known for this startling color combination. Address this color loss issue by placing string of hearts in bright light or give it a corner outdoors.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): 8 Exceptional Rubber Plant Benefits

By Sarwat Rehman

If you start counting Rubber Plant Benefits, you may get tired but this splendid rubber plant tree will not.

As this is such an attractive houseplant, it will not let you go without praising its beauty. So, why not grab its beauty plus benefits?

Get ready to take double benefit after reading this article because…

Here you will get all the details of extremely surprising 8 Rubber Plant Benefits starting from its air-purifying capability with the whole mechanism to its simply easy and workable care tips.

More you will find how to prune and propagate rubber plant and most worthy common rubber plant problems.

So, let’s start to dig in all about rubber plant and their benefits!

Rubber Plant Scientific Name

Here is the scientific name of Rubber plant ‘Ficus elastica’.

Rubber Tree Information – An Elegantly Showy Plant

Rubber tree belongs to the Banyan group of figs, native to eastern parts of South Asia.

It is absolutely stunning with broad thick glossy leaves and unusual height reaching up to several feet if not cut.

Leaves: The leaves are one of the reasons for their captivating beauty. Broad bright thick green leaves are the specialty of rubber plant trees that make them unique from the rest of the plants.

Broad oval leaves may grow up to 10-30 cm long and 5-15 cm broad which is one of the rubber plant benefits for cleaning indoor air.

Flower: This plant is well known for its long height not because of the flower. As it is a plant not producing bright and striking flowers.

Many of the growers get confused about the newly emerging leaves as they emerge from the bright red sheath. But these do not flower.

You may get figs on mature plants but remember before giving it a corner of your room or lounge that it is popular for bright green foliage not because of the flower.

This plant will give you a perfect green sight!

General Summary

Scientific Name Ficus elastica
Common Name Rubber Plant
Height Natural Habitat: up to 100 feet

Pot: 7-10 feet
Special Characteristic Air Quality Enhancers

Highly Manageable
Suitable Place Indoors
Foliage Bright waxy green
Flower No colorful or fragrant flower
Light Indirect bright
Water Variable
Temperature Variable
Toxicity Sap may cause irritation
Problems Not specific

Rubber Plant Benefits – 8 Exceptional Rubber Plant Tree Benefits

  1. Air Purifiers

One of the exceptional benefits of the Rubber plant is its air-purifying quality that makes this plant worthy of the rest of the indoor plants.

Broad thick leaves make this plant suitable as an air purifier. According to studies of NASA, the rubber plant is categorized among plants capable of improving indoor air quality.

Rubber plants can purify air as

  • Absorbs and convert harmful airborne chemicals into harmless ones
  • Increase breathable oxygen
  • Eliminate microbes from air e.g; bacteria
  • Make air free of mold spores

Air Cleaning Process

Rubber plant exhibiting multiple benefits is well known to clean air due to its broad leaves that play a central role in this cleaning process.

These oval thick leaves are broad enough 5-15cm and 15-35cm long. Due to the vast surface area, leaves absorb air containing pollutants and other chemicals.

When water is supplied from roots to the upper plant body, as the natural system works, the air is drawn downwards. As a result, contaminants are also drawn with air and deposited in the soil.

Here, comes the ultimate fate of these contaminants. Soil is rich in microbes. When pollutants encounter contaminants, they are broken down into harmless compounds or other nutrients that soil may provide plants as a nutritional source.

This is how rubber plant freshens the air in addition to giving a stunning look to your indoor garden.

  1. No pollen – No Allergy Problem

If you grow plants indoors and get worried about the allergy, you must know that it is due to the pollens produced by their blooms.

Most indoor growers face this issue.

But rubber plant gives the tremendous benefit of not producing pollen grains. Now, this is the best choice to grow at the home, office, or even in your clinic.

  1. Inexpensive – Easy to Propagate

Growing plants may be the desire of many of you but costly plants may push it far away but adding to your good luck, the rubber plant is not an expensive plant.

You can easily afford and manage with little care to grow by propagation that you can see below in detail how you can propagate rubber plant.

Now it’s up to you how much time you waste without getting benefits from the rubber plant.

Just do it fast and enjoy its benefits.

  1. Anti Bacterial

You know bacteria exist where we live. In water, soil, food, and most importantly in the air. Here is a huge count of bacteria in the air we think clean and safe. According to a study, almost 1800 kinds of bacteria are present in the air.

Among some airborne harmless bacteria, most of them are dangerous as they may cause infections. So, there is an ultimate need to control.

This act is accomplished by the rubber plant because it is anti-bacterial and can reduce bacteria and mold up to 50%.

  1. Carbon Dioxide Removal – Best Rubber Plant Benefit

Adding to rubber plant benefits, especially air freshening quality, this astonishing rubber plant will not only remove pollutants but also give you plenty of oxygen.

Yes!

More oxygen, fresh air!

If you are wondering how this rubber plant benefit can be achieved is you just have to grow it indoors and it will efficiently convert exhaled carbon dioxide into oxygen.

As you know, indoor spaces are mostly closed and fresh air is restricted to enter. The rubber plant is the best of all indoor plants to give you what you want.

  1. Bright Green Leaves – Keep Plant Alive

Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) has leathery green leaves with a shiny broad oval shape. These large leaves are the largest in size on young plants approximately 18 inches long.

This leaves’ texture gives the plant a tough waxy nature that you can easily clean and make the plant glowy.

  1. Rubber Plant – An Indoor Specimen

Rubber plant grows and continues to grow upwards. It would not be wrong to say it is an indoor tree because of its growth.

This plant was one of the best houseplants some decades ago when people were used to living in big houses but unfortunately, when we became more modernize and made smaller apartments, this houseplant moved away.

Fortunately, this rubber plant revived its value and people started to grow it as an indoor plant.

Even if you have grown this plant and it’s getting beyond the limit tall, you can easily restrict its height by pruning after reading how to prune the rubber plant below.

  1. Easy to Care

Rubber plant is such a friendly plant that if you give it little time, it will give you back fast growth without any problem.

So, just read the simple and easy-to-follow care tips and apply them to your indoor rubber plant to get the best of rubber plant benefits.

Rubber Plant Tree Care Tips

Ficus elastica, commonly known as rubber plant is an easy to grow plant that requires little care.

Some people say rubber plants may go well even with negligence but don’t be a careless grower because plants and trees demand nothings but little care.

So, here are some care tips for rubber plants that you can take care of and get a fully grown fresh and amazing plants.

  1. Light

Just like other houseplants, rubber plant grows well in bright indirect sunlight. You can place your pot near a window with sheer curtains so that plant gets the right amount of sunlight.

They can withstand dim light but not bright direct light as they may burn the leaves and damage plants.

So, be choosy while placing your rubber plant even most of the houseplants.

  1. Soil

The best soil for rubber plants is well-drained and well-aerated soil. If you are having well-drained soil in a plant pot, half of your caring steps are fulfilled.

Stay concerned for your greens!

  1. Water

Give water to the rubber plant rightly so that it may not get any problem of leaves and any other. You can set watering by seeing its stage and season as

Growing season: Summer; require more water (once or twice a week)

Dormant season: Winter; less water (once or twice a month depending upon need)

Don’t make the plant standing in the water-filled pot. In the growing season or in dry conditions, you may water once or twice a week but be careful especially in winter.

If you overwater your plant, it may be susceptible to root rot.

In addition to watering, you must have a check on misting the leaves or just wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Moist clean leaves will be more efficient to give all the benefits.

  1. Temperature

Rubber plant is quite a temperature-sensitive plant. Just like other care checkpoints, the temperature is also a worthy one.

Generally, it prefers a humid environment because of its tropical origin and doesn’t like hotter conditions.

The plant will happily grow if you keep the temperature between 10-30oC. In a hotter environment, the plant will not be able to sustain its turgidity.

In winter, it can withstand temperatures as low as 4oC.

  1. Fertilization

There is not much need for fertilization to rubber plants but like other indoor plants, the best time to fertilize is during the growing season.

Don’t fertilize in winter.

Precaution – Be Alert!

You must be aware of the fact that the rubber plant produces milky white material ‘Sap’, if injured, that may prove toxic if taken internally.

So, be careful when handling this plant and wash your hands after dealing with it because it may cause irritation to the eyes or diarrhea.

Rubber Plant Pruning

Pruning of rubber plant trees is not a big deal. If you live in a space not supporting extensive plant growth, just prune the plant.

As the rubber plant is fast-growing and can reach a height of feet within years, you have to prune to restrict its growth.

  • Don’t cut the top of the plant until you have achieved desired height.
  • Once your plant got an appropriate height, cut the branches to reshape it.
  • Like other plants, the best time to prune rubber plant trees is spring or summer.
  • Don’t do this in winter.

Rubber Plant Propagation

Hopefully, you are done with caring rubber plant tree and it’s growing well.

Now your friends must be driveling for this beautiful plant. So, here is the way you can propagate rubber plants and gifts to your loved ones.

  • How to Propagate a Rubber Tree Plant

Four steps easy way to propagate rubber tree plant

  1. Take a 10-15cm long piece of a growing plant. You may also take a growing tip.
  2. Wash it after removing leaves until sap stops oozing.
  3. Plant the cut and washed stem or growth tip into compost or soil (can also use rooting hormone).
  4. Place the pot in a slightly warmer place.

  • Air Layering Rubber Plant

Propagation by air layering is another method of propagating rubber plants that you can easily opt for.

You just have to follow this simple method.

  • Make a cut in the rubber plant’s branch or stem and place a clean toothpick in that hole.
  • Wrap it in damp moss and cover it with plastic wrap so that it may remain on the toothpick.
  • When you see roots growing, cut the branch and plant in new soil.

Rubber Plant Pests and Problems

  1. Pests or Diseases

Generally, Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is pest-resistant but might be attacked by certain pests or caught by the diseases.

Here are some common pests that attack most of the houseplants so the rubber plant

  • Scale insects
  • Mealybugs
  • Aphids
  • Spider mites
  • Thrips

You just need to have a check on the plant so that you can figure out any damage at the initial stage.

But no need to be worried about if your rubber plant has been affected.

Try these

  • Neem oil is a better option for this purpose as it is not harsh and will not do any damage.
  • You can also use insecticidal soap sprays until you get plant pest-free.

  1. Common Problems

  • What if your Rubber Plant Leaves Curling?

If your rubber plant leaves are curling, it may be the effect of temperature or overwatering.

As it grows best in temperature up to 30 degrees, but if it gets higher than thirty degrees plant leaves may get affected and show curls.

  • Are Your Rubber Tree Leaves Drooping?

First, observe are the leaves only drooping or drooping leaves are falling?

Only Drooping: If the leaves of your rubber plant are drooping but not falling it means your plant is underwater. Water it properly and timely.

You will see leaves will strengthen again.

Leaves Drooping and Falling: If you locate the problem as the drooping leaves are falling, your plant is overwatered.

Check the pot. It must have drainage. If your pot doesn’t have holes for drainage either repot it to a new pot or give it less water so that roots will not rot.

  •  Rubber Plant Leaves Falling Off?

The two most common reasons for falling leaves of rubber plant trees are over-watering and change in light exposure.

If you bring your outdoor plant inside, it may be affected due to a change in light exposure and leaves will shed.

Another reason is overwatering. As rubber plant is sensitive to watering, neither over water nor underwater it.

Hope you got all the points clear regarding rubber plant benefits and are now ready to take advantage of this plant.

Happy gardening!

Lipstick Plant: A Complete Lipstick Plant Care Guide |15 Best Care Tips

By Sarwat Rehman

Turing your hectic days and gloomy nights into splashy colors of life is the duty of FLOWERING PLANTS.  In the catalog of flowering plants, LIPSTICK PLANT is not less than any plant showcasing its charms.

Lipstick plant is a beautiful flowering plant with unusual lipstick like red flowers beautifully grown on glossy green leaves.

It is a tropical plant with a warm and humid-loving climate.

You can easily grow and take care of this amazing plant by following this care guide as 15 best exceptionally working tips are waiting for you.

Lipstick Plant Scientific Name

The scientific name of this amazing plant is ‘Aeschynanthus radicans’ while its common name ”lipstick vine” is also popular among people.

What is Lipstick Plant – Key Characteristics

Lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans), a member of the Gesneriaceae family is an unusual flowering plant with shiny, waxy foliage and showy flowers that bloom all the year.

It is an outstanding indoor plant that can easily grow and beautify your lounge or simply adds color to the dining room.

Conspicuous lipstick plant is also called lipstick vine as is the native to temperate regions where it grows as trailing vines along with substantial trees.

The plant gets its name lipstick plant as flower buds protrude from tubes resembling lipstick tubes. Bright red blossoms (just like your favorite red lipstick) emerging from dark maroon tubes, manifest multiple lipsticks hanging over the vine.

Lipstick Plant Varieties – Each with Unique Characteristics

The lipstick plant gives you a wide range of varieties to grow in your indoors. Exotic angle plants give 400 plant species including wide varieties.

You can easily plant and care any of the following varieties

  1. Cassiopeia Lipstick Plant

An outstanding plant with bright red flowers emerging from dark purple red buds.

  1. Curly Q Lipstick Plant

It has curly dark green leaves as the name indicates. These leaves curl and twist giving an unusual appearance to the plant.

  1. Krakau Lipstick Plant

Most widely grown lipstick plant with shiny, pointed dark green leaves and countless red flowers.

  1. Mini Variegated

Unique characteristics associated with it are medium green leaves with small reddish flowers.

  1. Purple Star Plant

Lush bright green leaves with red flowers are unique specialties of the purple star lipstick plants.

  1. Red Lipstick Plant

It has red flowers and shiny bright green leaves like purple star.

red lipstick plant
Red lipstick plant

  1. Tangerine Lipstick Plant

Orange-yellow flowers with green leaves are the main unique characteristics of the tangerine variety.

  1. Variegated Variety

It is a variety with the most unique and diversified features. It has white streaking leaves and orange-red flowers.

All of the above-mentioned varieties are worth growing and have their own specific characteristics but there are bonus varieties that must be irreplaceable from your lounge

  • Black Pagoda
  • Mona Lisa
  • Rasta Lipstick Plant

Lipstick Plant Black Pagoda

Pagoda Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) blooms beautiful yellow flowers and variegated leaves that is why this variety of lipstick plants is of prime interest.

You can easily grow it by placing it in indirect bright light under regular watering and humid environment at 65-850C.

Height: 12 in.

Spread: 10 – 25 inches

Flowering Time: Late spring to early summer

There are more or fewer similarities in lipstick plants and columneas but not to be confused.

You can easily differentiate between these two. Both produce beautiful blooms but are more prominent produced on columnea than on Aeschynanthus.

Lipstick Plant Mona Lisa

Aeschynanthus pulcher ‘Mona Lisa’ blooms Orange-red flower and displays dark green leaves on it. It is beautiful indoor greenery that you can hang in decorative pots to freshen your indoors.

  • Like other lipstick plants, Aeschynanthus pulcher ‘Mona Lisa’ also likes bright indirect light. South or west-facing windows are the best places near indoor windowsills.
  • Temperature ranging from 17-20 0C is ideal for its growth. It can also tolerate under 100.
  • Do not overwater Mona Lisa Plant as it requires moist, not soggy soil. Try to give it a humid environment.
  • You can also put it in the washroom or kitchen.
  • Balanced liquid fertilizer would be needed to feed it. Fertilize it every month during its growth time i.e, spring and summer.
  • Height: 40 cm
  • Feeding: Balanced, after three weeks approximately

Lipstick Plant Rasta

Aeschynanthus radicans Rasta, the beautiful houseplant with curly green leaves and abundant red flowers peeking out of maroon calyx, is the best option for your indoor plant catalog.

Curly leaves beautifully covering flowers add a splendid soothing feeling to your lounge.

‘Rasta’ does not need pampered conditions for growth. It is easy to grow plants requiring bright light but can thrive low light as well.

Best blooming occurs in late summer or early fall presenting plant a cascade of protruding lipsticks over the vine.

Height: 10-25

Light requirement: partial sun to shade

How to Grow Lipstick Plant Aeschynanthus – Growth Requirements

Growing this plant is a not difficult task. If you are a beginner or an expert gardener you can easily grow and maintain it by reading this article.

Detailed best caring tips of this plant are also discussed after elaborating growth requirements. Keep reading for the best understanding of all aspects.

Here we discuss all growth requirements of this stunning plant.

1. Location – Best Place for Aeschynanthus

The first and foremost step to grow any plant is to decide its suitable place. If you have planted seeds for any plant without considering its location and waiting for blooms, you are not going to get the fruit for your efforts.

Decide location first, grow plants later on.

lipstick plant flower
Lipstick plant flower – Maroon tubes

As the lipstick plant is native to Malaysia, it grows best in warm and moist conditions. Basically, it is an indoor plant and requires a damp and shady place where it feels more comfortable.

You can place your pot on the porch, lounge, or on a balcony not facing direct sunlight. Hanging decorative pots in rooms or offices with under saucers are best for vines.

2. Lipstick Plant Soil Requirement

Lipstick houseplant does not require a special type of soil. Balanced, aerated and light soil with proper drainage is needed as light soil to do not retain water and is easy to drain.

  • You can also use potting mix specially designed for houseplants but most of them need a light substance for proper growth as the potting mix will be heavy.
  • If you want the best growth, the most advisable is to prepare your own potting mix by taking potting soil, potting mix, and peat in equal proportions.
  • Compost, peat, and potting mix in equal proportions also give the best potting soil.

3. Watering

Watering a plant at a time adds to its life. Make your principle not to overwater plants especially indoors. The same is the case with lipstick houseplants.

It does not require much watering. Check the plant before giving water. If the top quarter of the soil is dried, it is time to water it.

It will give the best blooms.

  • Spring to summer is the time of growth, so be careful during the growing season because the plant does not need much water at the growth phase or dormancy period.
  • Water once a week from spring to summer.
  • Fall to winter is the colder time and growth slows down. You need to give less water.
  • Once in 2-3 weeks is most appropriate in winters.

4. Humidity

Lipstick plants like humidity as they are native to a humid environment. Keep them moist by spraying on a regular basis or place them in a moist area of your house.

They won’t survive in dry air.

 5. Lipstick Plant Light Requirement

Bright indirect light is ideal for the best growth of lipstick houseplant. If it is not blooming, change its place in brighter light.

It will give you blooms.

Direct sunlight can burn leaves which results in drooping of leaves.

6. Temperature

Lipstick plant is native to tropical region, therefore, survives in warm conditions.

  • It gives ideal flowering when the temperature ranges from 70-800F (22-280 C).
  • Can tolerate below 600F but shows fewer blooms.
  • Most of the damage is caused when the temperature drops down below 500F (100C) as it is not clod tolerant.

You can also assess temperature fluctuations by seeing getting dark red leaves that show internal damage to plants.

7. Fertilizer

Use organic fertilizers for indoor houseplants as they cause less or no harm as compared to other fertilizers.

  • General-purpose liquid fertilizer or compost fertilizer is the best option to use.
  • If you are using slow-release fertilizer in potting soil, you can skip further fertilization for up to 3 months.
  • After that fertilize once every three-week during the growth phase from spring to summer.
  • No need to add fertilizer in winters.
  • Adding a small number of vitamins with fertilizers also gives good results.

8. Pinching

Pinching the tips of branches gives good dense growth.

Lipstick Plant Care – 15 Best Exceptionally Working Tips for Blooms

  1. Prune with care. Use sharp pruning shears and prune at a leaf node.
  2. The best reporting time is spring or summer. Repot just one pot size above. It will give the best blooming.
  3. Giving plants some rest in winters will give you good results in spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in this resting time.
  4. Use a room humidifier to moisten the air as indoor hanging plants are closer to the ceiling and get warmth from the roof and walls.
  5. Aphids, insects, and bugs are attracted to lipstick houseplants. Use neem oil to prevent the plant from pests.
  6. Not overwater plant as it causes fungal attack producing black spots on leaves and stem. These spots lessen its beauty so, keep it moist but overwatered.
  7. If the plant is attacked by fungus, use fungicide at right time before its spread.
  8. Do not repot plant after a short time of growth. The best time to repot for dense blooms is 3-4 years.
  9. Place the plant in a humidified area. You can place it in the bathroom or kitchen.
  10. Do not place the lipstick plant near air condition vents as exhaust will damage it.
  11. If the leaves are falling off or getting yellow, consider your watering schedule or light requirements.
  12. If your houseplant is facing the problem of browning of leaf edges, chances are it is facing direct sunlight or too little water.
  13. Growing lipstick plant in a small pot or container gives more blooms. If you will grow in a large container, its leaves will grow densely instead of flowers.
  14. Fertilize the plant in spring and summer and dilute ½ of the recommended strength.
  15. Check its status on a weekly basis whether it is safe from pests and insects. It will give you a clear and instant indication of upcoming diseases.

Lipstick Plant Problems

Lipstick house plants often face some problems. It might be attacked by insects or some diseases. Common insects or pests that attack it are aphids, bugs, mites, and scales.

Even some other problems can also cause trouble. Here are some pests and problems that the lipstick plant faces.

These insects affect plants in different ways.

  • Aphids – dark brown insects that might cause severe distortion of young plants. It may also cause stunted growth.

Control – Use some sprays to control aphids. Neem oil would be the best application.

  • Bugs – mealybugs are the most common bugs in damaging lipstick plants. These are whitish masses on the lower sides of leaves or on roots. It also causes stunted growth.

Control – use insecticides to control bugs.

  • Mites – are so small and damage plant in an unnoticed way until it is severely damaged. Leaves are prominent affected sites of mites causing brittle and twisted leaves.

Control – be careful about these small invading insects and spray at a time with proper insecticide.

lipstick plant problems
Lipstick plant – Pest affected

  • Scales – are feeding on leaves and stems causing the death of plants.

Control – use insecticides on plants with the care of drainage.

  • Drooping leaves – are its main problems that affect its beauty.

Control – you need to observe your watering schedule. If soil is too dry, water it and if it is too wet, stop watering until soggy water dries.

Can Cats Eat Lipstick Plant – Is Lipstick Plant Poisonous to Cats?

Definitely no, the lipstick plant is not poisonous to cats, dogs, or other pets. You can easily place it indoors without being worried about your pets.

It will simply decorate your room or office or any other place you hang it. You can also keep it at your side table.

Are You Worried About Lipstick Plant Blooms?

If your lipstick plant is not blossoming it might be the result of improper light or nutrients. Move your plant to the brighter area (you can place it outdoor for some time) and observe flowering.

Too much direct sunlight can also cause disturbance in blooms. If it is facing a direct light, shift your plant to indoors or shady places.

Notice your fertilizing schedule and add vitamins to the fertilization program.

What If Your Lipstick Plant Is Losing Leaves?

Falling off leaves of lipstick plants is a much-concerned question of its growers. But it is very easy to handle it. You need to see whether you are giving water on a set schedule.

Less water will cause the stem to loop down and causes shrinkage that leads to falling off the leaves.

Reschedule your watering plan and you will see good results.

After reading the detailed guide on Lipstick Plant and finding all the instructions about this interesting plant, hopefully, you will be able to grow and maintain it at your place.

You can also grow its described varieties and try multiple ones.

Read More:

  1. Touch Me Not Plant (Mimosa pudica): How to Grow with 10 Amazing Facts

 

Blue Star Fern | Detailed Blue Star Fern Care Sheet

By Sarwat Rehman

The blue star fern (Phlebodium aureum) is an epiphytic fern commonly known as ‘Golden Polypody’.

This popular houseplant, a member of the oak family, has curly bluish-green leaves that do not shed upon getting old. They prefer to branch into fingers and retain the plant’s attractiveness and symbolize star fern.

The interior of the house and your office too need a calm and air to freshen environment. This plant ‘blue star fern’ equally does justice with its air-purifying powerhouse nature.

You just need to follow blue star fern care sheet guide to freshly grow and maintain without pets and diseases.

Further Reading:

Blue Star Fern Care – Detailed Care Sheet

Phlebodium aureum, native to rainforests of South America, typically grows epiphytically; around stems of trees without damaging that shows this fern needs friendly.

You can easily maintain it by following the simple and easy guidelines that are discussed below.

Before going into a detailed care guide of blue star fern have a look at Phlebodium general summary.

Phlebodium Blue Star Fern Summary

  • Height: 0.6-1 m
  • Flower: Non-flowering
  • Foliage color: Bluish-green
  • Light exposure: Indirect, partial shade
  • Temperature: Generally, 15 – 25°C
  • Soil pH: Acidic 5.6 – 6.0
  • Soil conditions: Well-drained moist soil
  • USDA Hardiness Zone
  • 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
  • 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
  • 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
  • Toxicity: Safe (non-toxic)

1.Best Planting Place

This houseplant grows best in indirect sunlight.

Will tolerate shade.

Good light is most appropriate for the growth of Phlebodium aureum.

If you are placing near sunlight windowsill, it’s best to place it behind other plants so, it gets indirect sunlight. That is why ideal for homes and offices.

2. Choose Best Pot

To grow plant best needs appropriate conditions. If you want your fern to be evergreen, select the best pot.

A pot with a drainage hole is necessary as it doesn’t retain water and the plant would be safe from root rot.

You can choose a decorative pot, plastic nursery pot, or a hanging planter depending upon the place you selected for this funky fern.

blue star fern
Decorative Blue star fern

If you have selected decorative pot with drainage hole place saucer beneath so that drained water can go through hole.

Plastic nursery pot will give you option of decorative pot without drainage hole. You have to take fern out at watering time.

Drain at sink.

Hanging planter could be an option but as it is not a creeping fern that tends to hang down. But still give you pleasant look.

There are many indoor planter styles that you can select as per your need or space.

You can place it in your room or at office side table that will give you refreshing and soothing surrounding.

3. Blue Star Fern Soil

A well drained moist soil is best for growth of blue star fern. Natural potting soil gives good results.

Peat based soil mixed with pertile is also suggested but important thing to keep in mind is drainage. If you will not have proper drainage, water logging will cause problem for you.

4. Light and Temperature

Ferns grow very well in bright light conditions. Direct sunlight will damage curly fronds and spoil it beauty . Light sunshine will not cause much damage so you can place where it can get morning sunlight.

This fern flourishes best at 15-25°C (55-80°F).

5. Watering

Phlebodium aureum is native to tropical areas which means they require humidity and moist soil but don’t like to be over watered.

Water it once a week a keep an eye on it. When you see its drying water it properly. This plant also needs more watering in growing season and self-watering planters go best.

If you notice plant is not growing, decrease watering and humidify it.

Otherwise, there is no schedule for its watering.

Its ideal to give water from side because it does not like when water is directly poured on rhizome. You can pour water from side.

6. Feeding and Fertilization

Unlike other ferns, blue star fern does not require mush fertilization. You can add diluted regular plant fertilizer at initial stages of growth.

Avoid overfeeding!

7. Resting time!

If your fern is not growing, don’t be panic!

Its resting time of your blue star fern. Stop watering it in this time whereas, when you see it started growing, give it water and feed.

Phlebodium aureum Propagation – How to Propagate Blue Star Fern?

You can propagate Phlebodium aureum by dividing its rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs. But by rhizome is most easy and simple way to propagate that actually works.

Other methods can give you tough time.

For best and easy propagation:

  • Clean the tool which you are going to use for cutting
  • Cut a small fragment of rhizome and make sure that it has various leaves and sprinkle with charcoal
  • Take a pot with soil in it
  • Transfer rhizome and make sure roots are lying on soil surface. Not buried!
  • Water it appropriately to damp the soil

You can repot it if the size of the fern is exceeding the pot. It is ideal to repot this fern in the spring season.

blue star fern
Phlebodium aureum – Curly fronds

Phlebodium Blue Star Fern Problems

Taking care of this fern would not lead to problems but if you lose care it can cause slight trouble for you.

  • Too much moisture or poor drainage can lead to root rot
  • Poor light maintenance – leaves fall off ultimately fern degrades
  • Might be struck by the scale

Is Blue Star Fern Toxic to Cats?

Generally, ferns are safe. As its rhizome is reported to be a remedy for cough and kidney problems. It is not toxic for animals. Even cats and dogs are not at risk of blue star fern.

You can easily grow in presence of your lovely pets.

Now, by carefully following this detailed care sheet on ‘Blue star fern’ you can easily maintain your fern. Its place, suitable pot, and all of its requirements are comprehensively described for your funky fern.

Enjoy caring for your fern!

Read More:

Cat Grass – Learn What Is Cat Grass and How You Can Easily Grow Indoors

By Sarwat Rehman

Have you ever heard cat grass? Does it sound normal that cats eat grass although they are carnivores?

But yes! Cats not only eat but have craving for cat grass as snacks.

Cat grass is a type of cereal grass that is a healthy indoor garden corner of fluffy kittens. It is must for cat parent who loves gardening.

Being a gardener cat parent, here you will get all the details about what is cat grass, its types, growth conditions, and all the benefits that your cats will have when you will grow your own grass.

What Is Cat Grass?

Cat grass (Dactylis glomerate) is used to describe different types of grasses that cats love to eat as snacks and is beneficial for cats as it helps in digestion.

It also contains vitamins and minerals that the cat needs.

Despite eating meat, they have craving for greenery as well!

It is typically grown from barley, oat, rye, or wheat seeds. This indoor-grown grass is safe and healthy for your cats as compared to outdoor that might contain chemicals or pesticides that are harmful to be consumed. 

So, don’t let your cats go outside. Cherish them at home!

cat grass grown indoor
Cat grass – grown indoors

Types of Cat Grass

At stores, you often see packets labeled as “cat grass”. What do that packets contain?

It is basically a blend of seeds that grow to cat grass.

In addition to a blend of seeds, you can choose a single type to grow a specific type that your fur baby likes.

Basically, there are four types of cat grass each having a different set of benefits and qualities but each is special for your cats.

Different cats like different grasses.

So, it would be a good idea to try these types and give your cats a variety of greenery.

1. Oat grass

True cat grass is “Oat Grass” having a sweeter taste than others making it more delicious. Oat grass seeds readily give a robust growth for your cats. 

Usually, it requires direct sunlight to grow.

That is why it must be kept in windows facing towards the sun.

2. Wheat Grass

Wheat grass contains a significant amount of minerals and vitamins.

Containing 70% chlorophyll and packed with amino acids, it is not only nutritious for pets but also beneficial for humans to add to the diet.

3. Rye Grass

Rye grass has smaller blades and could be a perfect lounge as a grass tray to play on.

This is more durable and can easily spring back when cats roll in it.

4. Barley Grass

Barley grass is a tall and quickly growing grass that reaches up to 14 inches. Barley grass powder is also well-known for organically rich cat grass. 

It is also a good source of vital minerals, enzymes, and other nutrients that are good for blood circulation.

Is Cat Grass Good for Cats?

Cats like to eat cat grass and it is of no worry.

You must be glad if your cats are craving greenery because there might be some reasons that they want to change their taste from meat to vegetarian.

But you might think how much grass is safe for your cat?

Generally speaking, small doses would be safe.

It depends on your cats that how they respond and how much their stomach allows to be ok.

One thing you must consider is that you provide your cat with safe and healthy indoor cat grass.

As lawns have chances to be contaminated with fertilizers and pesticides.

They would be dangerous for your fur friends.  

This problem could be easily overcome by growing your own grass in sterilized conditions. There would be no worry about pesticides or other chemicals.

You can also give their favorite grass by mixing and blending different seeds and let them enjoy.

Your cat will be happy, you will be happy!

cat grass
Cat grass

How to Grow Cat Grass?

If you are a pet lover and have little furry cats, you must be very concerned about them.

Cats like to eat greenery as they like its taste and find it relieving.

But what if they eat from outside and get some health issues? Obviously, it would be quite painful for you.

To overcome this issue, you must grow it at your place. Your grown cat grass would be simply healthy and refreshing for your cat.

Growing indoors is quite easy and a fantastic job giving cats healthy greenery in their easy access.

Here is the way you can have your kitty garden:

Things You Need

Before growing cat grass you must collect things you will need.

Check the list whether you are having

  • Cat Grass Seeds
  • An Appropriate Container
  • Organic Potting Soil, avoid using potting soil as it contains fertilizers that would not be good as kittens play digging soil
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Water

Planting and Growth

A simply easy way to grow cat grass indoors is

  1. Add potting organic soil to the container about 2 inches below the top f container.
  2. Sprinkle a handful of seeds over the soil and put a thin layer of soil over seeds to about ¼ inch.
  3. Now add enough water to damp the soil. When you are done with this cover the container with plastic wrap (not too tightly) in such a way air can flow. Place the container ina warm and dark area.
  4. 70 0 F is the ideal temperature at which seeds will sprout.
  5. Wait and monitor. Don’t let the soil dry.

In two to three days you will see tiny sprouts emerging from the soil.

When seedlings are about an inch high, remove the plastic wrap ensuring that the soil is not dry. Transfer the container to a sunny location so that they can receive direct sunlight.

Windowsill is perfect for this but try not to reach your curious cat.

Just wait for ten to twelve days until grass reaches above 4-6 inches high. If you don’t wait cat will surely destroy it very quickly.

Now the wait is over!

Allow your cat to have delicious grass without any further delay. She will enjoy nibbling it!

How to Care for Cat Grass?

When you are done with growth you must follow some very easy tips to keep grass fresh and cat happy:

  • Watering is very important. As the surface soil dries, gently moisten it with a spray bottle and never let it dry.
  • Keep the seeds in the soil moist but don’t soak.
  • Try to provide immature grass to cats as mature grass is rough to consume. Grow it in multiple containers at different times to provide cats fresh and healthy grass.
  • Trim the grass on a regular basis so that damaged or diseased foliage can be removed.
  • As the grass changes its color and blades turn yellow it indicates improper light. Place the grass in strong indirect sunlight for few hours.
  • You may also sow the seeds again to grow new grass.
  • Avoid overwatering!

Cat Grass Benefits

Having your garden without a kitty garden corner would be injustice with your kittens as it is a non-toxic healthy snack that cats seek out.

You must grow your own grass because it contains several benefits as:

  1. Contains niacin and B vitamin
  2. Helps in removing hairballs
  3. Source of essential vitamins and folic acid
  4. Satisfies cats craving for greenery
  5. Non-toxic, cats enjoy eating without ruining other plants
  6. Prevents build-up of hairballs in the stomach of cats
  7. Speed up digestion due to high fiber content
  8. Induce vomiting and help to get rid of indigestible matter i.e. prey bones or fur
  9. Keep cats away from hazardous houseplants
  10. Cats do not go outside to fulfill their desire

Hope you find it easy and simple to grow cat grass at your place. You can also manage and take care of your pre-grown grass.

Now you will be tension-free from cats consuming chemically treated outdoor grass. It would be fascinating for your cats too.

Cats will enjoy their garden corner and not go outside!