How to Care for the Raven ZZ

The Raven ZZ plant is gaining popularity with houseplant collectors and it’s easy to see why. They have beautiful black leaves and stems except for the new growth which comes in a bright chartreuse color. They contrast nicely with other plant foliage which is great if you are a plant collector or they look beautiful by themselves as a statement plant.

The ZZ plant has a lovely structural shape that makes it interesting to look at all by itself or paired with your other favorite plants.

If you are new to the Raven ZZ, this article should give you some guidance in caring for them. We will discuss; watering, light, best location in the house, temperature, fertilizer, humidity, flowers, insects, diseases, pruning, propagation and toxicity.

The scientific name of the Raven ZZ plant is Zamioculas zamiifolia ‘Dowon’. It is most commonly called the Raven ZZ or ZZ ‘Raven’ by plant collectors.

ZZ plants are endemic to East and South Africa which tells us how to care for them. ZZ plants store water in their stems and in large rhizomes that look similar to small potatoes. Their ability to store so much water in their stems and roots lets us know that they are accustomed to droughts in nature. Our care should mimic the ZZ’s natural habitat if we want it to thrive in our homes.

Watering – Water deeply but only once the soil has dried out in the pot. I make sure that the potting mix has dried out down several inches before I even consider watering my ZZ plants. You can check the moistness of soil with your finger or with a moisture meter. Once I know my plant is dried out, I take it to the sink and use the sprayer nozzle to moisten the soil until water drains out the bottom of the pot. (Drainage holes in the planter are a must for the ZZ plant.) Make sure to provide it a fast-draining potting mix and let all excess water drain out of the pot after watering.

Light requirements – Medium to bright light is what I recommend for ZZ plants even though that is not what any other website or blog will tell you. Unfortunately, ZZ plants have been marketed for years as only requiring low light. It is certainly true that they can live in low light. But if you want a plant that grows and thrives, you will have to offer more than low light levels. If your plant is stalled in its growth, it needs a brighter location in the house.

Best Location in the House – If you are able to give your Raven ZZ a spot in an East facing window, it will thrive. I have also grown them in a North facing window, fairly successfully, but they really do want more light if possible. I haven’t grown one in a West facing window personally, but I’d imagine that a ZZ would do very well in a West window.

Temperature requirements – Like most houseplants, the Raven ZZ will live happily in the same temperatures that we humans like to live in.

Fertilizer – Dilute fertilizer by half. I believe that if my plants are actively growing, they need to be given fertilizer. Even if that happens to be during the winter. If you don’t believe in fertilizer in the winter, try offering fertilizer from the beginning of March through the fall and then give the plant a break from fertilizer during the winter.

New growth on the ZZ ‘Raven’ comes in a bright chartreuse in contrast to its mature leaves which are a deep glossy black.

Humidity – Normal household humidity levels are completely appropriate.

Flowers – ZZ plants do produce flowers, but not very commonly. Their flowers are reminiscent of a Peace Lily’s bloom.

Insects – I brought home some spider mites on three Raven ZZ plants at the beginning of 2020. (Which is why I always preach that we should examine our plants carefully before bringing them into our home. Why didn’t I follow my own advice, you may wonder? We may never know…) I had to isolate the plants and treat them but after a few weeks the mites were gone.

It seems that ZZ plants are not too likely to have pest issues. Of course, insects are always a possibility on our indoor plants. Some of the pests you may experience on your ZZ plants are mealy bugs, aphids, scale, white flies, fungus gnats or spider mites. And most likely, the “plague” will have spread from a nearby infested plant.

Pruning – Pruning ZZ plants is almost completely unnecessary. Simply remove any dead or damaged leaves by hand to keep your plant clean and it should be happy.

Propagation – The Raven ZZ propagates just like regular ZZ plants by leaves, stem cuttings and by pups (small plantlets growing from the “mother” plant). However, the Raven ZZ is a patented plant and cannot legally be propagated by anyone other than Costa Farms.

Toxicity – All parts of the Raven ZZ plant are considered to be toxic to dogs, cats and humans. Like most (all?) Aroids, ZZ plants have small crystalized minerals that can cause swelling in the throat, tongue and lips, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.

If you have children or pets that may be interested in your ZZ plant, my advice is to keep this plant out of their reach.

Link to my Etsy shop, Matilda and Clementine where I sell many different collector houseplants.

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Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.

Social Media

Instagram  @liquidambar_girl

For Mercy, Peace, Love merchandise click here

Products I use and (therefore) recommend:

Planty friends – Feel free to use these links to the products that I use for my houseplants.  I receive a small percentage of any sales through these links, so feel free not to use them if that bothers you.

Horticultural 1/4” pumice – https://amzn.to/2KfcNPT

Horticultural perlite – https://amzn.to/3f9wwvE

Coco coir – https://amzn.to/2UBBiZF

Orchid Bark – Extra small chips – https://amzn.to/38OXWWJ

Orchid Bark – Small chips – https://amzn.to/3kA8HOU

Earthworm castings – https://amzn.to/38TRkGw

Coco Loco potting mix – https://amzn.to/2UHV3OY

GE Balanced Spectrum grow light bulb – https://amzn.to/3fdeAAu

Monios L LED grow lights – 2 ft. – https://amzn.to/391NmeS

Heat Mat (for propagating) – https://amzn.to/2MSezbk

Heat Mat w/ Thermostat – https://amzn.to/2PIjCwc

Bonsai scissors – https://amzn.to/33a6F29

Hygrometer (humidity monitor) – https://amzn.to/32WtiqO

Moisture meter sticks – https://amzn.to/35FR7Vk

Horticultural charcoal – https://amzn.to/2UKOv25

Organic houseplant fertilizer liquid – https://amzn.to/3pIb7ij

Insecticide/Miticide – (many bug sprays don’t kill spider mites, this one does) – https://amzn.to/3pHKREw

Systemic houseplant insecticide – https://amzn.to/36MuoX8

Espoma Rose Tone (fertilizer for roses and flowering perennials) – https://amzn.to/3m8OGkU

Full disclosure – the last four product links will be much cheaper if you can find them in your local garden center.  I’ve put them here so that you can see what they are called and what they look like, but I’d advise that you buy from these links only as a last resort.

References for this article:

Patrick, Lee. (2016, Feb. 23). ZZ Plant: A Narrative Guide.  Brooklyn Botanic Garden. https://www.bbg.org/gardening/article/zz_plant_a_narrative_guide

(2022). Raven ZZ Plant. Costa Farms. https://www.costafarms.com/plants/raven-zz-plant

My 2022 Houseplant Wishlist

It is becoming a difficult task to make plant wish lists. I am personally at a place in my plant collecting where I will either have to build a glass house on our property to grow my plants or give up on the hobby entirely. That’s it. That’s where we’re at, my friends.

Actually, my way of dealing with the space issue is I have to keep only my favorite plants. All of the plants I grow are my favorites, there’s no room in my house for any plants that kept just to impress others or because they’re a popular plant. I have to choose very carefully when it comes to new plants. Any new plants that come in our home mean getting rid of one of the favorites I already own (#firstworldproblems). Something I do like about my situation is that I am forced to make mindful choices whenever I am plant shopping.

With those issues in mind, my list this year has nine plants. My plan is to try one new plant at a time and to grow it for several months before deciding if it becomes a “favorite”. If so, it will stay and take the place of one of my other plants which will then have to be sold off.

#9 Hoya multiflora – It may baffle you, Reader, that this Hoya is on my list. Even a year ago I wouldn’t have included it on my wish list, I used to think of it as rather plain. In the past, I collected Hoyas almost exclusively for their beautiful and interesting foliage with no care whatever for their flowers. But after 2021 gave me loads of Hoya blooms, I’ve begun to look at Hoyas with a new set of eyes. If you haven’t Googled the blooms of Hoya multiflora, you really should. You might add it to your list too.

#8 Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ – These Philos have large pillowy, heart-shaped leaves. Oh yes please! When I consider the shortage of space in our home, I don’t plan on buying this plant any time soon. Maybe someday when I have a house with an attached conservatory. What??? A girl can dream.

#7 Hoya gunung gading – This is the only plant that has remained on my wish list from last year. (You can see my 2021 Houseplant Wishlist here.) I’ll just share the same description of this Hoya from last year…This plant is one that I desire to own because of the colors it is capable of displaying. It can literally look like a rainbow. The leaves, under sun-stress conditions, will have red, purple, orange, brown and yellow colors as well as their beautiful jungle green (non-sun-stressed) color. This Hoya has strong dark veining and rather large paddle-shaped leaves.

#6 Anthurium pallidiflorum – Have you grown Anthurium? I haven’t yet. But I’m willing to give it a go for this amazing plant. It has extremely long, pendant leaves that are thick and strappy, like belt straps. If you’re not familiar with it, it is very similar to Anthurium vittarifolium except that A. pallidiflorum’s leaves have a luxurious velvety texture. I’m willing to try a new genus of plants because I am so taken with this beautiful plant.

#5 Syngonium steyermarkii – I’m a Syngonium lover and this one has leaves that are really different from most houseplants. It’s extremely pricey and that’s if you can even find a cutting for sale. So I doubt I’ll get to add this plant to my collection in 2022. But, I’d sure like to grow one.

#4 Philodendron ‘Patriciae’ – Here’s another large jungle plant and this one has super long, rippled leaves. The mature leaves of P. ‘Patriciae’ are a thing of beauty. And just like with the P. ‘McDowell’, I won’t purchase this plant until/unless I have space from selling off a plant.

#3 Hoya EPC-319 PG-04 – There are so many names for this Hoya it can be confusing to know what is available out there. I’ll go ahead and list all the names I found this plant listed as so you can look it up if you want to – Hoya PG 04, Hoya sp. PG04, Hoya EPC 319, Hoya sp. Zambales, Hoya mini wayetti, and Hoya mini kentiana are the names I found in just a few minutes of searching. There are probably even more out there.

It is called mini wayetti/kentiana because the leaves are shaped and colored exactly like a Hoya wayetti, just a miniature version. It’s easy to see why people are wanting to get ahold of this one. This Hoya is such a cutie and I can usually find room for a new window plant so it’s the perfect plant for my wish list.

#2 Hoya ‘Kaimuki’ – This Hoya is a hybrid of Hoya archboldiana and Hoya macgillivrayi. The flowers are huge just like both of its parent plants and the blooms last for weeks. I also really like the long deep green foliage too so I hope to own this plant in 2022.

#1 Philodendron ‘Florida Beauty’ – If you don’t look up any of the other plants on this list, at least look at some pictures of this one. Just looking at these plants lowers my blood pressure. They have the same leaf shape as Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ and Philodendron pedatum and they can start growing mature leaves fairly quickly which I like too. If I can find one with nice variegation and a decent price tag, I’ll certainly make room for it here.

That’s it for me. Which plants are on your wish list for 2022? Do we have any wish list plants in common?

I do hope your 2022 is plant-filled. Thanks for reading!

Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.

Instagram  @liquidambar_girl

For Mercy, Peace, Love merchandise click here

Products I use and (therefore) recommend:

Planty friends – Feel free to use these links to the products that I use for my houseplants.  I receive a small percentage of any sales through these links, so feel free not to use them if that bothers you.

Stackable Moss poles – https://amzn.to/3nzgDoo

Velcro Plant Tape – https://amzn.to/3qUcHk5

Horticultural 1/4” pumice – https://amzn.to/2KfcNPT

Horticultural perlite – https://amzn.to/3f9wwvE

Coco coir – https://amzn.to/2UBBiZF

Orchid Bark – Extra small chips – https://amzn.to/38OXWWJ

Orchid Bark – Small chips – https://amzn.to/3kA8HOU

Earthworm castings – https://amzn.to/38TRkGw

Coco Loco potting mix – https://amzn.to/2UHV3OY

GE Balanced Spectrum grow light bulb – https://amzn.to/3fdeAAu

Aosbeic Grow light 4ft.x 4ft. – https://amzn.to/3x3l8uu

Monios L LED grow lights – 2 ft. – https://amzn.to/391NmeS

Heat Mat (for propagating) – https://amzn.to/2MSezbk

Heat Mat w/ Thermostat – https://amzn.to/2PIjCwc

Bonsai scissors – https://amzn.to/33a6F29

Hygrometer (humidity monitor) – https://amzn.to/32WtiqO

Moisture meter sticks – https://amzn.to/35FR7Vk

Horticultural charcoal – https://amzn.to/2UKOv25

Organic houseplant fertilizer liquid – https://amzn.to/3pIb7ij

Insecticide/Miticide – (many bug sprays don’t kill spider mites, this one does) – https://amzn.to/3pHKREw

Systemic houseplant insecticide – https://amzn.to/36MuoX8

Espoma Rose Tone (fertilizer for roses and flowering perennials) – https://amzn.to/3m8OGkU

Full disclosure – the last four product links will be much cheaper if you can find them in your local garden center.  I’ve put them here so that you can see what they are called and what they look like, but I’d advise that you buy from these links only as a last resort.

Did I Get My 2021 Wishlist Plants?

So, the idea for this blog is simple…I’ll go through my houseplant wish list from last year and let you know if I got the plant or not. If I didn’t get the plant, I’ll let you know if it’s on my 2022 wish list and why or why not. If I did get the plant, I’ll tell you how it’s doing and give you my thoughts about it. Thankfully, my wish list was a short one last year (Here’s the original blog Houseplant Wishlist 2021).

#6 Wish List plant – Hoya deykeae

I didn’t get it, friends. I still have a crush on the H. deykeae. But at this point I am thinking that I have enough drama in the Hoya family currently (I’m looking at you, Callistophylla!) without adding another fussy queen to my collection.

(Update edit: One of my Instagram friends has offered to trade me a Hoya deykeae cutting for a cutting of my beautiful Hoya vitellina. We’ll trade when the weather is warm enough to safely ship plants so it looks like I’ll be crossing this one off of my list in a few weeks. Bring on the deykeae drama.)

#5 Wish List plant – Hoya gunung gading

I couldn’t afford it and so still don’t own this plant. I remain just as smitten and, thankfully, the price of this plant has dropped down. But I think I’m going to wait for the price to fall a bit more. It still commands a hefty price tag (it’s running $185 – $200 for a cutting with two to three leaves) and is a notoriously difficult to grow Hoya. I’ll leave it on my wish list for 2022 since it is still one of the most beautiful Hoyas in existence, but I have no plans to purchase it until the price falls significantly. In case I get it and then kill it.

#4 Wish List plant – Rhaphidophora decursiva

I found this one, dear Reader. It’s everywhere nowadays. I assume the R. decursiva has been tissue cultured because it has been in every garden center I’ve visited since about August of 2021.

Grow, baby, grow! My Rhaphidophora decursiva is taking a break from growing this winter.

My plant is actually two plants that I potted up together. It lives down in my basement which is not providing ideal temperatures or humidity this winter. The lack of prime conditions has stalled its growth but I’m looking forward to a massive jungle plant in the upcoming growing season (see photo above).

#3 Wish List plant – Hoya carnosa ‘Argentea Princess’

Heck no, I didn’t get this one. I actually only found one for sale in the past year. It was in an auction on Facebook and the opening bid was $1,000. So, no, I don’t own this plant. Also, I’m going to take it off of my wish list for 2022 because I’m not feeling gaga about it anymore. I don’t even think the price has soured me on this plant, I’ve lost the “need” to own it. Have you ever lost the desire for a plant that used to be on your wish list? Make sure to comment below with your plant wish list experiences.

#2 Wish List plant – Hoya ‘Larisa’

I bought this one! If memory serves, I got this Hoya at the beginning of 2021. It is still one of my favorite plants after owning it. Larisa has some truly lovely leaves and seems to be an easy care plant.

My Hoya ‘Larisa’ is one of my favorite plants.

It arrived with two leaves originally and has given me two more leaves under my care (see photo above). I’m hoping to get many more leaves this year now that the plant is acclimated to my environment. Also after growing it for a year I feel like I have a decent knowledge of its care needs.

#1 Wish List plant – Hoya carnosa ‘Nova Ghost’

I did not get this plant. But…I just purchased a very similar looking Hoya that is (in my opinion) even prettier than the NG. The Hoya I bought is called Hoya nicholsoniae ‘New Guinea Ghost’. Both plants have silvery gray leaves, but I like the leaf shape of the NGG better than the leaves of the NG. Additionally, the leaves of the NGG can sunstress to the loveliest purple/pink color which perfectly complements the shiny silver leaf coating. You should really take a minute and Google some photos of this plant.

You may be wondering why I didn’t put the NGG on my wish list last year and the answer is simple. I didn’t even know it existed. Now that I have seen many examples of both plants, it’s quite simple. I love the New Guinea Ghost. I don’t even have my plant yet because Ohio is currently being pounded with ice, snow and wind; just a typical January for us. The seller agreed to keep my plant and ship it when the weather permits. Until then, it’ll be visions of the New Guinea Ghost dancing in my head.

I really enjoyed going back through my wish list with you. I feel proud that I didn’t get all of the plants on it. It makes me feel like I’ve curated my plant collection thoughtfully over the past year.

I hope you are all doing well, staying safe and keeping warm. Take care, my friends.

If this blog was interesting and/or helpful to you, please like it and share it. Also don’t forget to subscribe so that you don’t miss any new posts.

Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.

Instagram  @liquidambar_girl

For Mercy, Peace, Love merchandise click here

Products I use and (therefore) recommend:

Planty friends – Feel free to use these links to the products that I use for my houseplants.  I receive a small percentage of any sales through these links, so feel free not to use them if that bothers you.

Stackable Moss poles – https://amzn.to/3nzgDoo

Velcro Plant Tape – https://amzn.to/3qUcHk5

Horticultural 1/4” pumice – https://amzn.to/2KfcNPT

Horticultural perlite – https://amzn.to/3f9wwvE

Coco coir – https://amzn.to/2UBBiZF

Orchid Bark – Extra small chips – https://amzn.to/38OXWWJ

Orchid Bark – Small chips – https://amzn.to/3kA8HOU

Earthworm castings – https://amzn.to/38TRkGw

Coco Loco potting mix – https://amzn.to/2UHV3OY

GE Balanced Spectrum grow light bulb – https://amzn.to/3fdeAAu

Aosbeic Grow light 4ft.x 4ft. – https://amzn.to/3x3l8uu

Monios L LED grow lights – 2 ft. – https://amzn.to/391NmeS

Heat Mat (for propagating) – https://amzn.to/2MSezbk

Heat Mat w/ Thermostat – https://amzn.to/2PIjCwc

Bonsai scissors – https://amzn.to/33a6F29

Hygrometer (humidity monitor) – https://amzn.to/32WtiqO

Moisture meter sticks – https://amzn.to/35FR7Vk

Horticultural charcoal – https://amzn.to/2UKOv25

Organic houseplant fertilizer liquid – https://amzn.to/3pIb7ij

Insecticide/Miticide – (many bug sprays don’t kill spider mites, this one does) – https://amzn.to/3pHKREw

Systemic houseplant insecticide – https://amzn.to/36MuoX8

Espoma Rose Tone (fertilizer for roses and flowering perennials) – https://amzn.to/3m8OGkU

Full disclosure – the last four product links will be much cheaper if you can find them in your local garden center.  I’ve put them here so that you can see what they are called and what they look like, but I’d advise that you buy from these links only as a last resort.

My 10 Favorite Hoyas – Winter 2021 Edition

I just made it through a long dry spell where I fell out of love with my Hoyas. Perhaps nursing multiple cases of root rot caused my apathy, we may never know for sure. Ha. What I can say is that I’m thrilled to be loving my Hoyas again.

10. Hoya lacunosa (Black) – I found this Hoya at a Lowe’s about six months ago. I grabbed it up and spent the next few months nursing it back to health. I’m so glad I did because it is a really beautiful plant. I’ve never seen black leaves on a Hoya lacunosa, but it’s a close relative of H. krohniana which has a black leaf form so it makes sense that H. lacunosa can have black leaves too. I’m so happy I found this Hoya. It feels really special.

9. Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple’ – Three of these Hoyas live in my house, so I guess it’s safe to say that they are a favorite. Their growth is about the fastest of any of the Hoyas that I have owned and their leaves are simple and beautiful. If you are a Hoya lover and don’t own one, you should add this one to your wishlist.

Top left – Hoya callistophylla. The new leaf is the biggest one. Top right – Hoya ‘Seanie’. Bottom left – Hoya lacunosa with beautiful black leaves covered in silver splashes. Bottom right – Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple’.

8. Hoya ‘Seanie’ – I love this Hoya for two reasons. First, is the beautiful and rather unusual leaf shape. Second is the dark, almost black, leaves. One of the parents of Hoya ‘Seanie’ is Hoya archboldiana, so I hope I’ll get to see those giant Hoya blooms someday.

7. Hoya callistophylla – This poor Hoya almost died a horrible death by root rot just over a year ago. Then it sat for the following year and did not grow one leaf or stem. I figured all was lost but it must have used the time to recover its root system. At the beginning of December, a full year and two months after its near death experience, I found the tiniest new growth point. Within a few days the tiny growth point began forming a leaf which is now the largest leaf on the plant. There are currently two tiny new leaves growing as well. Long story short (too late), I’ve fallen back in love with Hoya callistophylla. Hopefully she keeps giving me beautiful new leaves.

Top left – Hoya crassipetiolata. The leaves on this plant are some of my most favorite Hoya leaves. Top right – Hoya polyneura. This Hoya is one of the most beautiful Hoyas in my opinion. Bottom left – Hoya ‘Viola’. Bottom right – Hoya callistophylla ‘Kalimantan’. The top two leaves are brand new.

6. Hoya callistophylla ‘Kalimantan’ – I feel like this Hoya looks exactly like the regular H. callistophylla except with bigger and longer leaves. So H. callistophylla on steroids basically.

5. Hoya wayetti variegata – One of the easiest Hoyas to care for in my opinion is Hoya wayetti. The variegated H. wayetti is just as easy care as the non-variegated plant. They have both bloomed for me which always endears Hoyas to me. The leaves on the variegated plant sun stress to a brilliant pink (pictured below).

The completely gorgeous variegated Hoya wayetti.

4. Hoya ‘Viola’ – Like many of the other Hoyas on this list, H. ‘Viola’ has recently been giving me new leaves. Giant new leaves to be specific. The new leaves also are coming in a deep forest green color as compared to the smaller, pale green leaves it had been giving me. I’m not sure why the difference in leaf size and color and I’m certainly not complaining.

3. Hoya polyneura – I got this plant in July as a tiny cutting with three leaves. It began growing as soon as it acclimated and is now a decently long plant. My plan is to take several cuttings, root them and then replant them all together to make a lovely full planter of Hoya polyneura. I’ll probably wait until spring to take the cuttings since it has slowed its growth recently.

2. Hoya crassipetiolata (Splash) – This beauty is a wishlist plant for me. I got it as a Christmas gift from my husband (bless him) who understands my desperate love of Hoyas. I’ve only had it for a few weeks so I haven’t even seen it grow, but I’m including it on this list in the hopes that someday it will be a big gorgeous plant.

Hoya linearis blooms smell like soft citronella.

1. Hoya linearis – My H. linearis is actually taller than I am. Not hyperbole, I can actually hold it over my head and it is still touching the ground. I’d say it’s just under six feet tall. H. linearis is easily my favorite Hoya at the moment. I think maybe it’s always my favorite. This Hoya has never given me any grief which makes any plant a more attractive one to me. This is the first time this Hoya has bloomed for me (in two years) and they are certainly worth the wait. They are the longest lived Hoya blooms I’ve ever seen and the scent is like a light citronella. Not overpowering, just a light perfume when you enter the room. I took what felt like hundreds of cuttings of this plant in the fall and they are currently propagating. Fingers crossed, I should have several of these for sale in my Etsy shop in the spring.

Thanks for reading and I wish you a very healthy and very calm new year! If you enjoyed reading this blog, make sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss any new posts!

Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.

Social Media

Instagram  @liquidambar_girl

YouTube  Liquidambar Girl Gardening

For Mercy, Peace, Love merchandise click here

Products I use and (therefore) recommend:

Planty friends – Feel free to use these links to the products that I use for my houseplants.  I receive a small percentage of any sales through these links, so feel free not to use them if that bothers you.

Stackable Moss poles – https://amzn.to/3nzgDoo

Velcro Plant Tape – https://amzn.to/3qUcHk5

Horticultural 1/4” pumice – https://amzn.to/2KfcNPT

Horticultural perlite – https://amzn.to/3f9wwvE

Coco coir – https://amzn.to/2UBBiZF

Orchid Bark – Extra small chips – https://amzn.to/38OXWWJ

Orchid Bark – Small chips – https://amzn.to/3kA8HOU

Earthworm castings – https://amzn.to/38TRkGw

Coco Loco potting mix – https://amzn.to/2UHV3OY

GE Balanced Spectrum grow light bulb – https://amzn.to/3fdeAAu

Aosbeic Grow light 4ft.x 4ft. – https://amzn.to/3x3l8uu

Monios L LED grow lights – 2 ft. – https://amzn.to/391NmeS

Heat Mat (for propagating) – https://amzn.to/2MSezbk

Heat Mat w/ Thermostat – https://amzn.to/2PIjCwc

Bonsai scissors – https://amzn.to/33a6F29

Hygrometer (humidity monitor) – https://amzn.to/32WtiqO

Moisture meter sticks – https://amzn.to/35FR7Vk

Horticultural charcoal – https://amzn.to/2UKOv25

Organic houseplant fertilizer liquid – https://amzn.to/3pIb7ij

Insecticide/Miticide – (many bug sprays don’t kill spider mites, this one does) – https://amzn.to/3pHKREw

Systemic houseplant insecticide – https://amzn.to/36MuoX8

Espoma Rose Tone (fertilizer for roses and flowering perennials) – https://amzn.to/3m8OGkU

Full disclosure – the last four product links will be much cheaper if you can find them in your local garden center.  I’ve put them here so that you can see what they are called and what they look like, but I’d advise that you buy from these links only as a last resort.

Plant Disaster – My Giant Rhaphidophora Snapped

If I had given this plant the proper support, we wouldn’t be here right now…

I was innocently walking through my living room and I heard a snapping sound followed by my huge, beautiful Rhaphidophora tetrasperma tipping off of a plant stand and crashing down onto the floor. Lechuza pon spilled all over the carpeting and the three stems of my plant had all snapped right off the top of my plant.

Just like that, my big beautiful plant is reduced to a fraction of its size.

This Rhaphidophora had been growing in my living room for just over two years. It came to me in September of 2019 as a four leaf stem cutting. This was back when you could not buy a Rhaphidophora in the United States. I had attempted several disastrous imports of the plant, each dying more quickly than the last and completely destroying my planty confidence. Finally, I found a U.S. seller with a few stem cuttings for sale. It arrived in rough shape, but I managed to baby it through that rough transition time and slowly but surely, it became the huge jungle leaved plant that I had been dreaming of.

Before it was broken, my plant reached all the way to our 9 foot ceiling and then trailed back down about another 3 feet.

Until I broke my poor baby.

Three broken stems and Lechuza pon all over the carpet. Sigh…

So be warned by me and give your plants some proper supports to climb. I’ve actually linked the moss poles that I’m now using down below if you are interested. No more bamboo poles for my plants. I’ve learned my lesson.

Upon further reflection, I also think that my plant was terribly unbalanced because I refused to propagate it. What I mean is, if I had taken cuttings and grown them all around my bamboo poles (or a moss pole), they would have balanced each other out and the potential for tipping over would have gone down drastically. So I’m vowing to you now that I will not be afraid to cut my expensive or rare plants anymore.

I plan to start cutting immediately…I’m looking at you, Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’!

New leaves on my Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ come in a bright, beautiful white.

Thanks so much for reading! If you’d like to see this in a video format, here’s the YouTube video.

If you enjoyed this blog, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!

Instagram  @liquidambar_girl

For Mercy, Peace, Love merchandise click here

Products I use and (therefore) recommend:

Planty friends – Feel free to use these links to the products that I use for my houseplants.  I receive a small percentage of any sales through these links, so feel free not to use them if that bothers you.

Stackable Moss poles – https://amzn.to/3nzgDoo

Velcro Plant Tape – https://amzn.to/3qUcHk5

Horticultural 1/4” pumice – https://amzn.to/2KfcNPT

Horticultural perlite – https://amzn.to/3f9wwvE

Coco coir – https://amzn.to/2UBBiZF

Orchid Bark – Extra small chips – https://amzn.to/38OXWWJ

Orchid Bark – Small chips – https://amzn.to/3kA8HOU

Earthworm castings – https://amzn.to/38TRkGw

Coco Loco potting mix – https://amzn.to/2UHV3OY

GE Balanced Spectrum grow light bulb – https://amzn.to/3fdeAAu

Aosbeic Grow light 4ft.x 4ft. – https://amzn.to/3x3l8uu

Monios L LED grow lights – 2 ft. – https://amzn.to/391NmeS

Heat Mat (for propagating) – https://amzn.to/2MSezbk

Heat Mat w/ Thermostat – https://amzn.to/2PIjCwc

Bonsai scissors – https://amzn.to/33a6F29

Hygrometer (humidity monitor) – https://amzn.to/32WtiqO

Moisture meter sticks – https://amzn.to/35FR7Vk

Horticultural charcoal – https://amzn.to/2UKOv25

Organic houseplant fertilizer liquid – https://amzn.to/3pIb7ij

Insecticide/Miticide – (many bug sprays don’t kill spider mites, this one does) – https://amzn.to/3pHKREw

Systemic houseplant insecticide – https://amzn.to/36MuoX8

Espoma Rose Tone (fertilizer for roses and flowering perennials) – https://amzn.to/3m8OGkU

Full disclosure – the last four product links will be much cheaper if you can find them in your local garden center.  I’ve put them here so that you can see what they are called and what they look like, but I’d advise that you buy from these links only as a last resort.

Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.

How to Care for Episcia ‘Strawberry Mist’

I can’t figure out why more people aren’t obsessed with these plants. They have some of the prettiest leaves of any houseplants I’ve ever seen (see photo below).

Episcias have lovely and delicate spade-shaped leaves. Their leaves are covered in tiny soft hairs and come in a rainbow of colors; pink, green, gray, blue and brown. This particular cultivar, E. ‘Strawberry Mist’, has bright pink leaves with olive green patches along the leaf margins.

Episcias have a bit of a reputation for being difficult to grow, but I have found them to be truly low-maintenance plants…if you simply provide them with the growing conditions that they need.

If you are new to Episcias or have struggled with caring for this plant in the past, this article should give you some guidance. We will discuss; watering, light, best location in the house, temperature, fertilizer, humidity, flowers, insects, diseases, pruning, propagation and toxicity.

Episcia cupriata is the scientific name of this plant, its common name is Flame Violet. They are very closely related to African Violets, which seem to be much more popular. If you are able to successfully grow African Violets, you will do just fine with Episcias. Their needs are almost identical.

Let’s talk about how to care for this plant.

Episcias are native to tropical regions of Central and South America and the West Indies. So that will give us some clues about their care needs.

Watering – Water only once the potting mix has begun to dry out. Allow all excess water to drain out of the pot after watering. Potting mix should be kept moist but not soggy.

Light requirements – Bright light is a must for this plant. It allows the leaves to color up brightly. As a caution, too much direct sun can burn those beautiful sparkly leaves. Only morning sun is appropriate for these plants. If you begin to see faded leaf color or burning of leaf margins, you may want to move your plant out of the direct sun.

Cuttings root easily once they are divided from the parent plant.

Best Location in the House – I’ve kept my Episcia in a North facing window, an East facing window and under grow lights. They seem to do equally well in all three of those locations.

Temperature requirements – Like most houseplants, Flame Violets will live happily in the same temperatures that we humans like to live in. They will naturally slow down their growth when temperatures drop in the winter. Something important to keep in mind concerning temperature is that even though Flame Violets can live in regular household temperatures, they prefer heat (remember that they are endemic to Central and South America).

Fertilizer – Dilute fertilizer by half or more. Apply fertilizer as long as the plant is showing active growth. Once the plant slows down its growth, give it a rest from the fertilizer.

Humidity – Normal household humidity levels are not going to cut it for an Episcia. And as the temperature rises, an Episcia needs higher humidity to match. In cooler temperatures they can grow well in 65-75% humidity. Once the temperatures go above about 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the humidity will need to be 80% at a minimum. So if your home does not naturally have these humidity levels (mine certainly does not), expect to grow your Flame Violets in a greenhouse cabinet, under a cloche, in a terrarium or near a humidifier.

I keep my Episcia ‘Strawberry Mist’ in this cloche to keep the appropriate humidity levels.

Flowers – Flame Violets can flower when they are happy. This is generally when they are experiencing warm temperatures and super high humidity. The blooms are either bright orange, red, pink or even white. If your plant chooses to give you flowers, you are doing very well. I haven’t bloomed my own E. ‘Strawberry Mist’ yet, but I’ve seen others in bloom. They have very bright orange blooms which contrast rather oddly with the shiny pink foliage.

Insects – Mealy bugs and spider mites appear to be the most common insect complaints for this plant. Spider mites should not be an issue at all if humidity is kept high enough. They will generally avoid any high humidity situations. If Mealy bugs show up, they can be dealt with by dipping a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol and applying it to the mealies. If you decide to use a commercial pesticide, use caution. The leaves of Flame Violets are delicate and easily damaged. I’d advise treating one or two leaves as a test before treating the entire plant.

Diseases – Because Episcias enjoy warm and moist environs, diseases can be an issue. Botritis, Powdery Mildew and Erwinia Blight can happen if there isn’t enough air circulation.

Pruning – Obviously, one of the attractions of this plant are its long, trailing stems. But Episcias can take on an untidy appearance so pruning is often necessary. It won’t hurt your plant at all and you can trim it back as harshly as necessary.

Propagation – Flame Violets propagate themselves by sending out stolons, just like a strawberry plant. I simply cut off the tiny new plantlets and pot them up in whatever potting media I have handy. They’re not at all picky and you’ll have new plants very quickly.

Toxicity – Episcias are not poisonous to humans, cats or dogs.

Link to my Etsy shop, Matilda and Clementine which often (but not always) has Episcia ‘Strawberry Mist’ cuttings available.

If this article was helpful to you, make sure to follow this blog. Simply head to the bottom of the Home page of this website, click the Subscribe button and type in your email address. Sharing and liking these articles is also very helpful to us. Thanks for reading!

For Mercy, Peace, Love merchandise click here

Products I use and (therefore) recommend:

Planty friends – Feel free to use these links to the products that I use for my houseplants.  I receive a small percentage of any sales through these links, so feel free not to use them if that bothers you.

Stackable Moss poles – https://amzn.to/3nzgDoo

Horticultural 1/4” pumice – https://amzn.to/2KfcNPT

Horticultural perlite – https://amzn.to/3f9wwvE

Coco coir – https://amzn.to/2UBBiZF

Orchid Bark – Extra small chips – https://amzn.to/38OXWWJ

Orchid Bark – Small chips – https://amzn.to/3kA8HOU

Earthworm castings – https://amzn.to/38TRkGw

Coco Loco potting mix – https://amzn.to/2UHV3OY

GE Balanced Spectrum grow light bulb – https://amzn.to/3fdeAAu

Aosbeic Grow light 4ft.x 4ft. – https://amzn.to/3x3l8uu

Monios L LED grow lights – 2 ft. – https://amzn.to/391NmeS

Heat Mat (for propagating) – https://amzn.to/2MSezbk

Heat Mat w/ Thermostat – https://amzn.to/2PIjCwc

Bonsai scissors – https://amzn.to/33a6F29

Hygrometer (humidity monitor) – https://amzn.to/32WtiqO

Moisture meter sticks – https://amzn.to/35FR7Vk

Horticultural charcoal – https://amzn.to/2UKOv25

Organic houseplant fertilizer liquid – https://amzn.to/3pIb7ij

Insecticide/Miticide – (many bug sprays don’t kill spider mites, this one does) – https://amzn.to/3pHKREw

Systemic houseplant insecticide – https://amzn.to/36MuoX8

Espoma Rose Tone (fertilizer for roses and flowering perennials) – https://amzn.to/3m8OGkU

Full disclosure – the last four product links will be much cheaper if you can find them in your local garden center.  I’ve put them here so that you can see what they are called and what they look like, but I’d advise that you buy from these links only as a last resort.

My Current Top Five Favorite Houseplants

My favorite plants change on a regular basis, so don’t hold me to this list in a few weeks time. But for now, these are my favorite plants.

#5 – Peace Lily ‘Platinum Mist’ (Spathiphyllum ‘Platinum Mist’) –

My Platinum Mist is still going strong. It is such a beautiful and easy care plant. The leaves are silvery which makes me a dedicated fan. It’s sitting right in the middle of our living room because I never get tired of looking at it.

#4 – Hindu Rope Hoya (Hoya carnosa compacta) – This plant is now five years old and has been blooming and reblooming since June of 2020. And although I’ve loved Medusa since before she ever gave me blooms, I love her even more devotedly now that she’s sharing her big beautiful and fragrant blooms. Yes, my compacta has a name. You’ll understand when you see her photo (below). It’s the only plant in my home that has a name, but it makes such good sense. Don’t you agree?

This curly haired beauty is named Medusa. For obvious reasons.

#3 – Hoya polyneura – This Hoya is a fairly new plant to my collection. I’m already smitten by its lovely mermaid tail shaped leaves. I’m also a bit afraid of this plant because I recently killed one (sigh). That’s a story for a different blog though, so wish me luck with polyneura #2.

Hopefully someday my Hoya polyneura will be a full and glorious plant.

#2 – Domino Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum ‘Domino’) – I keep this plant in my IKEA greenhouse cabinet and the result of the excellent lighting it receives there is some truly fantastic variegation. Most of the new leaves are coming in with large beautifully variegated leaves. I wasn’t even aware that a Domino could make variegation like this. I thought they could only produce the little white splashes on their leaves. It’s been a very pleasant surprise.

The newest all white leaf probably won’t survive due to the lack of chlorophyll, but I’ll enjoy it as long as it lasts.

#1 – Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ – This one is finally coming into its own. If you are somehow unfamiliar with this plant, it is highly desired for the ghost-shaped bright white new leaves. The leaves, once mature, are such an interesting shape and the plant is very easy care. It’s really just an all-around great plant.

Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ is my current favorite houseplant.

As always, thank you for reading and take care, my friends.

Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.

Social Media

Instagram  @liquidambar_girl

Facebook  Liquidambar Girl Gardening

For Mercy, Peace, Love merchandise click here

Products I use and (therefore) recommend:

Planty friends – Feel free to use these links to the products that I use for my houseplants.  I receive a small percentage of any sales through these links, so feel free not to use them if that bothers you.

Horticultural 1/4” pumice – https://amzn.to/2KfcNPT

Horticultural perlite – https://amzn.to/3f9wwvE

Coco coir – https://amzn.to/2UBBiZF

Orchid Bark – Extra small chips – https://amzn.to/38OXWWJ

Orchid Bark – Small chips – https://amzn.to/3kA8HOU

Earthworm castings – https://amzn.to/38TRkGw

Coco Loco potting mix – https://amzn.to/2UHV3OY

GE Balanced Spectrum grow light bulb – https://amzn.to/3fdeAAu

Monios L LED grow lights – 2 ft. – https://amzn.to/391NmeS

Heat Mat (for propagating) – https://amzn.to/2MSezbk

Heat Mat w/ Thermostat – https://amzn.to/2PIjCwc

Bonsai scissors – https://amzn.to/33a6F29

Hygrometer (humidity monitor) – https://amzn.to/32WtiqO

Moisture meter sticks – https://amzn.to/35FR7Vk

Horticultural charcoal – https://amzn.to/2UKOv25

Organic houseplant fertilizer liquid – https://amzn.to/3pIb7ij

Insecticide/Miticide – (many bug sprays don’t kill spider mites, this one does) – https://amzn.to/3pHKREw

Systemic houseplant insecticide – https://amzn.to/36MuoX8

Espoma Rose Tone (fertilizer for roses and flowering perennials) – https://amzn.to/3m8OGkU

Full disclosure – the last four product links will be much cheaper if you can find them in your local garden center.  I’ve put them here so that you can see what they are called and what they look like, but I’d advise that you buy from these links only as a last resort.

Potentilla recta – A Pernicious Weed

For my outdoor gardening friends, (from this point forward I shall refer to you as my fellow Dirt People), I thought maybe learning about the weeds in our area would be very helpful.

Maybe you are wondering why you would want to identify weeds that show up in your gardens. It is my firm belief that knowing how a plant (weed) spreads can be extremely valuable when preparing a new planting site or when maintaining flowerbeds or gardens. Also, being able to refer to a weed by its common name or its botanical name can help you have meaningful and uncomplicated discussions with other gardeners regarding weed control. Knowing the toxicity of a weed is paramount to the safety of our families and beloved pets. And in the U.S., we have many weeds that are very poisonous to humans and pets.

I encountered the Sulfur cinquefoil for the first time last year in a vineyard. As a farmer, I generally see the same few types of weeds repeated throughout the areas where I work. So I identified the Sulfur immediately as a stranger and stopped to study the plant. The leaf shape is very distinct; they look like tiny, very hairy palm leaves.

The leaves and stems of the Sulfur cinquefoil are covered with light colored hairs.

I did my best to find the name of the plant online, but failed miserably. My friend, Angela, is the one who identified this plant for me. It was an extremely difficult task to correctly identify this plant since there are so many cinquefoils found across the United States. Although there are many native cinquefoils in the U.S. this cinquefoil is not endemic, but was accidentally introduced to the United States in the early 19th century. Angela was able to identify this particular Potentilla by the hairs that stand out from the stems at 90 degree angles.

The Sulfur cinquefoil blooms from early May through July. The blooms are a soft buttery yellow and look similar to strawberry blooms. Each bloom has five heart-shaped petals. But watch out, if you see blooms then seed heads are not far behind. And the seed production of these plants is prolific.

Every bloom on the Potentilla recta has five soft yellow petals, shaped like hearts.

The flowers of the Potentilla recta, once pollinated, will become seed pods (see photo below) which can explode its tiny seeds into the air.

Seed pods have formed on this Sulfur cinquefoil.

The wind will carry the seeds a relatively short distance, but seeds will be carried long-distance by animal fur, clothing and vehicles. This Potentilla can take over established fields, agricultural areas, roadsides, pastures and basically any location that isn’t full shade. It is an aggressive grower and can completely displace native and non-native plants, thus it is a noxious weed.

On the bright side, this plant is not poisonous to humans or pets. It reportedly has a high tannin content which gives it a bitter flavor, but is not harmful if ingested.

Make sure to comment below if you’ve encountered this pernicious weed too.

Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.

References for this article:

Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Potentilla recta. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=368252&isprofile=0&

National Park Service. (2016, June 28). Exotic Species: Sulfur Cinquefoil. https://www.nps.gov/articles/sulfur-cinquefoil.htm

Social Media

Instagram  @liquidambar_girl

Facebook  Liquidambar Girl Gardening

For Mercy, Peace, Love merchandise click here

Products I use and (therefore) recommend:

Planty friends – Feel free to use these links to the products that I use for my houseplants.  I receive a small percentage of any sales through these links, so feel free not to use them if that bothers you.

Horticultural 1/4” pumice – https://amzn.to/2KfcNPT

Horticultural perlite – https://amzn.to/3f9wwvE

Coco coir – https://amzn.to/2UBBiZF

Orchid Bark – Extra small chips – https://amzn.to/38OXWWJ

Orchid Bark – Small chips – https://amzn.to/3kA8HOU

Earthworm castings – https://amzn.to/38TRkGw

Coco Loco potting mix – https://amzn.to/2UHV3OY

GE Balanced Spectrum grow light bulb – https://amzn.to/3fdeAAu

Monios L LED grow lights – 2 ft. – https://amzn.to/391NmeS

Heat Mat (for propagating) – https://amzn.to/2MSezbk

Heat Mat w/ Thermostat – https://amzn.to/2PIjCwc

Bonsai scissors – https://amzn.to/33a6F29

Hygrometer (humidity monitor) – https://amzn.to/32WtiqO

Moisture meter sticks – https://amzn.to/35FR7Vk

Horticultural charcoal – https://amzn.to/2UKOv25

Organic houseplant fertilizer liquid – https://amzn.to/3pIb7ij

Insecticide/Miticide – (many bug sprays don’t kill spider mites, this one does) – https://amzn.to/3pHKREw

Systemic houseplant insecticide – https://amzn.to/36MuoX8

Espoma Rose Tone (fertilizer for roses and flowering perennials) – https://amzn.to/3m8OGkU

Full disclosure – the last four product links will be much cheaper if you can find them in your local garden center.  I’ve put them here so that you can see what they are called and what they look like, but I’d advise that you buy from these links only as a last resort.

How to Care for Philodendron ‘Brasil’

Philodendrons are arguably the most popular genus of houseplants in today’s market. Their allure is completely understandable, there are hundreds of species and even more cultivars, each more beautiful than the last. Many of the Philodendrons are easy care plants which ups their appeal that much more. The Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’ certainly falls into the “easy care” category which makes them basically perfect for any plant parents, new or experienced.

Philodendron ‘Brasil’ may be in a lot of homes, but it is easy to see why.

If you are new to Philodendron hederaceum, this article should give you some guidance. We will discuss; watering, light, best location in the house, temperature, fertilizer, humidity, flowers, insects, diseases, pruning, propagation and toxicity.

Philodendron ‘Brasil’ only has a few synomyns including Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’ and Brasil Philodendron.

Watering – Water deeply but only once the soil has dried out in the pot. Using a finger or moisture meter to check the moisture level is a must. I make sure that the potting mix is dried out down several inches before I even consider watering. Also, a drainage hole in the planter is a must. Make sure to provide it a fast-draining potting mix and let all excess water drain out of the pot after watering. I have found that bottom watering this plant works really well.

Light requirements – Medium light is all that is needed for this plant. Direct sun will burn a Philodendron Brasil’s leaves. You will know the appropriateness of your light levels just based on the coloration of the leaves. If the leaves begin to be mostly green with very little or no chartreuse coloring, your plant needs a brighter location in the house. Direct sunlight is not recommended.

Best Location in the House – Place P. ‘Brasil’ directly in a North facing window and it will love you forever. If you don’t have a North window in your home, place it a few feet away from an East or West facing window (3-4 feet should be appropriate).

Temperature requirements – Like most houseplants, this Philodendron will live happily in the same temperatures that we humans like to live in.

Fertilizer – Dilute fertilizer by half. Apply fertilizer beginning in March as a general guideline. I personally use fertilizer from spring until fall and give the plant a break from fertilizer during winter.

Humidity – Normal household humidity levels are completely appropriate. However, if you own a humidifier, this plant will tend to grow more quickly in higher than average humidity.

Flowers – Philodendrons do not produce blooms until they are very mature. Like almost two decades mature. Once a Philodendron has reached the age of 15-16 years old, they will produce their first blooms. The blooms are quite unique and if you have the chance to see some at a botanical garden or other location, I highly recommend it. They can be pollinated by hand once the blooms have heated up. (Yes, the blooms create heat of up to 114 degrees Fahrenheit to attract scarab beetles that act as Philodendron pollinators in nature.)

Insects – Philodendron ‘Brasil’ is a fairly easygoing plant and I haven’t experienced any pest issues personally. If you do experience pests on your ‘Brasil’, they will probably be either mealy bugs, aphids, scale or spider mites. And most likely, the “plague” will have spread from a nearby infested plant.

Diseases – There aren’t many diseases to list here because Philodendron ‘Brasil’ is a robust and generally healthy plant. Two diseases that may occur are root rot and bacterial leaf spot.

Pruning – Since P. ‘Brasil’ is a vining plant, there are plenty of opportunities for pruning. You can prune to shape your plant or to encourage “thicker” growth from the top of the plant. Pruning cuts are also an easy way to propagate your plant.

Propagation – I prefer to propagate my vining Philodendrons by cuttings. Simply cut off a leaf, leaving the node intact, and plant in soil. They can go straight into soil, but if you like water propagating to see root growth, you can pop your cuttings into a glass or small vase of water. Once they have some roots between 1-2″ long they can be planted in potting mix.

Toxicity – Philodendron plants are toxic to dogs, cats and humans. All parts of Philodendrons have small crystalized minerals that can cause swelling in the throat, tongue and lips, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.

Philodendron ‘Brasil’ in particular could be very tempting to a curious child or playful cat because of its tendency to trail long beautiful tendrils that could hang in reach. My advice is to keep this plant well trimmed and up on high shelves if you have any creatures, human or otherwise, who may find it enticing.

Link to my Etsy shop, Matilda and Clementine which often (but not always) has Philodendron ‘Brasil’ plants available.

If this article was helpful to you, make sure to follow this blog. Simply head to the bottom of the Home page of this website, click the Subscribe button and type in your email address. Sharing and liking these articles is also very helpful to us. Thanks for reading!

Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.

Social Media

Instagram  @liquidambar_girl

Facebook  Liquidambar Girl Gardening

For Mercy, Peace, Love merchandise click here

Products I use and (therefore) recommend:

Planty friends – Feel free to use these links to the products that I use for my houseplants.  I receive a small percentage of any sales through these links, so feel free not to use them if that bothers you.

Horticultural 1/4” pumice – https://amzn.to/2KfcNPT

Horticultural perlite – https://amzn.to/3f9wwvE

Coco coir – https://amzn.to/2UBBiZF

Orchid Bark – Extra small chips – https://amzn.to/38OXWWJ

Orchid Bark – Small chips – https://amzn.to/3kA8HOU

Earthworm castings – https://amzn.to/38TRkGw

Coco Loco potting mix – https://amzn.to/2UHV3OY

GE Balanced Spectrum grow light bulb – https://amzn.to/3fdeAAu

Monios L LED grow lights – 2 ft. – https://amzn.to/391NmeS

Heat Mat (for propagating) – https://amzn.to/2MSezbk

Heat Mat w/ Thermostat – https://amzn.to/2PIjCwc

Bonsai scissors – https://amzn.to/33a6F29

Hygrometer (humidity monitor) – https://amzn.to/32WtiqO

Moisture meter sticks – https://amzn.to/35FR7Vk

Horticultural charcoal – https://amzn.to/2UKOv25

Organic houseplant fertilizer liquid – https://amzn.to/3pIb7ij

Insecticide/Miticide – (many bug sprays don’t kill spider mites, this one does) – https://amzn.to/3pHKREw

Systemic houseplant insecticide – https://amzn.to/36MuoX8

Espoma Rose Tone (fertilizer for roses and flowering perennials) – https://amzn.to/3m8OGkU

Full disclosure – the last four product links will be much cheaper if you can find them in your local garden center.  I’ve put them here so that you can see what they are called and what they look like, but I’d advise that you buy from these links only as a last resort.

References for this article:

(2021). Philodendron hederaceum.  Kew Science. Plants of the World Online. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:87797-1

Wilkinson, S. (2016, June 4). Philodendrons in bloom. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.  https://www.lewisginter.org/philodendrons-bloom/#:~:text=Philodendrons%20are%20only%20open%20for,the%20middle%20of%20the%20night.

Perennial Plants That Will Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden

We all know that our Hummingbird population, like so many other pollinator populations, is dropping to dangerous lows. I’ve chosen the plants on this list because I have years of experience growing them in my own flower beds and borders and I know from my own experience that hummingbirds adore them. The plants are not in any particular order, just the order in which they came into my mind.

Phlox (Phlox paniculata) – Beautiful panicles of bright pink and white flowers are sure to catch the attention of every hummingbird in the neighborhood. Plant these perennials in full sun and near the middle or back of the flower bed since they can grow several feet tall. Water regularly as they don’t appreciate being allowed to dry out.

The candy pink Phlox (in rear of photo) is a beacon, inviting hummingbirds into your garden space.

Lupines (Lupinus polyphyllus) – A showy flower spike in purple, pink, yellow, (almost blue) and white will fill your flower beds with blooms. Hummingbirds love the flower spikes on these plants because there are lots of blooms available on each spike. Lupines are in the Legume family and so are “nitrogen fixers” which is great for your soil. They are rather short-lived when compared to other perennials, but they do naturalize so you will continue to have Lupines in your hummingbird flower beds (if not in the same place where you originally planted them).

Salvia – Sometimes referred to as Sage, this plant attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. Salvias may be perennial or annual so make sure to check the tag on any plants you may purchase. Also there are many different cultivars of Salvia available these days, so it’s easy to find a plant that grows to the size you would like if you already have established flower beds.

Here are three different colors of Salvia. Salvias also grow to different heights and so it is possible to find varieties for any space in your hummingbird garden.

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) – Tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers make this an irresistible temptation for our tiny bird friends. Flowers can be yellow, purple, pink or white and are “freckled” which adds to their charm. Foxgloves prefer a slightly shaded spot in the garden and will reward you with blooms beginning in June.

Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria) – Another common name for this plant is Torch Lily because the flower spikes look very much like they are glowing. Flowers begin at the end of spring and can last through until fall, so they provide a good source of nectar for hummingbirds. The flowers are narrow and tubular, perfect for hummingbirds, and come in many shades of orange and yellow.

Bee balm (Monarda didyma) – Also known as Oswego tea or Bergamot, Bee balm is a well-known and well-loved perennial plant. Its spicy scent and unusually shaped flowers make it easily recognizable. The flowers are a round bulb with a ring of tube-shaped flowers sporting an extremely long lower lip, perfect for the long beaks and tongues of our beloved hummingbirds.

Bee Balms are interestingly shaped flowers that provide color and a delicious spicy scent to your spring flower garden.

Beard tongue (Penstemon digitalis) – Pretty tubular shaped flowers with a ruffled “beard” or lip are the hallmarks of a Penstemon plant. The colors run the full gamut of pinks, purples, whites and reds; every shade and blend you could imagine. If you wanted, you could make a whole garden of just Penstemons since there are so many varieties available. If you only choose one, remember that hummingbirds are extremely attracted to the color red. Butterflies and bees also enjoy the blooms, so these flowers make lots of pollinators happy.

Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) – Just like the name sounds, the flowers on this plant are heart-shaped and beautiful. They come in a combination of pink and white or all white flowers; both are lovely, classic additions to your shade garden. Expect blooms in mid to late spring.

Catmint (Nepeta) – Nepeta is great plant for beginner gardeners since it is a vigorous grower. As suggested in its name, it is in the mint family and can therefore grow and spread. Some cultivars stay neater and spread less vigorously if that is what you desire. The flowers are lavender, white, soft pink or blue and appear through the summer and early fall.

Gayfeather (Liatris spicata) – Liatris blooms first appear in mid-summer and continue to bloom through until early to mid-fall frosts hit. The flowers are either white or purple and look like bright colored candles in the garden.

Liatris are favored by hummingbirds, but are also a treat for bumble bees and other pollinators too.

Coral bells (Heuchera) – Usually gardeners only plant Heucheras because of their fantastic foliage, but they are perfect for hummingbird gardens. Their flowers are either coral, soft pink or white and float high above the foliage on wispy stems.

Larkspur (Delphinium) – The name Delphinium is derived from the ancient Greek word for “dolphin”, supposedly because their flowers are shaped like dolphins. The flowers open on tall spikes and can be white, pink, yellow, red, purple or blue as well as combinations of those colors. Delphiniums will probably be the tallest flowers in your garden and can provide a dramatic display throughout the summer.

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Products I use and (therefore) recommend:

Planty friends – Feel free to use these links to the products that I use for my houseplants.  I receive a small percentage of any sales through these links, so feel free not to use them if that bothers you.

Horticultural 1/4” pumice – https://amzn.to/2KfcNPT

Horticultural perlite – https://amzn.to/3f9wwvE

Coco coir – https://amzn.to/2UBBiZF

Orchid Bark – Extra small chips – https://amzn.to/38OXWWJ

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Earthworm castings – https://amzn.to/38TRkGw

Coco Loco potting mix – https://amzn.to/2UHV3OY

GE Balanced Spectrum grow light bulb – https://amzn.to/3fdeAAu

Monios L LED grow lights – 2 ft. – https://amzn.to/391NmeS

Heat Mat (for propagating) – https://amzn.to/2MSezbk

Heat Mat w/ Thermostat – https://amzn.to/2PIjCwc

Bonsai scissors – https://amzn.to/33a6F29

Hygrometer (humidity monitor) – https://amzn.to/32WtiqO

Moisture meter sticks – https://amzn.to/35FR7Vk

Horticultural charcoal – https://amzn.to/2UKOv25

Organic houseplant fertilizer liquid – https://amzn.to/3pIb7ij

Insecticide/Miticide – (many bug sprays don’t kill spider mites, this one does) – https://amzn.to/3pHKREw

Systemic houseplant insecticide – https://amzn.to/36MuoX8

Espoma Rose Tone (fertilizer for roses and flowering perennials) – https://amzn.to/3m8OGkU

Full disclosure – the last four product links will be much cheaper if you can find them in your local garden center.  I’ve put them here so that you can see what they are called and what they look like, but I’d advise that you buy from these links only as a last resort.

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