Community #MyPlantWantsToBeInternetFamous

MyPlantWantsToBeInternetFamous




@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat ¡ 1Y
The gremlins of the botanical world Are you scared of your house plants? Did you ever see the movie the gremlins back in the 80s? Cute gizmo except don’t feed them after midnight don’t let them get wet or they turn into gremlins and menace society? There’s a botanical counterpart. Just don’t let them out of the pot. Don’t let them out of your sight. Keep them away from your other plants…. In case you think I have a pension for the drama, let me explain: I have a few varieties of this plant because revere it, but I’m also a little nervous about it the same way one might be nervous about having a pet gizmo. Now, looking at the plant it is a site to behold. It doesn’t look like anything ever seen on this planet in fact, it evolved on Madagascar, geographically isolated since…it broke off from the first continent on Earth. Madagascar began its separation from the African landmass around 160 million years ago during the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana. This isolation allowed for the unique evolution of its flora and fauna, leading to a high degree of endemism. Many plant and animal species found in Madagascar are found nowhere else on Earth, showcasing the remarkable diversity and adaptation that occurred in this isolated environment. It might as well be from Outer space — actually that’s exactly what it looks like an alien species. Suffice to say it is exotic and beautiful bizarre and fierce. You might recognize one of the varieties of this plant from the musical little shop of horrors—Audrey 2. Are you beginning to get an idea of why they pick this plant to be the man eating menace from the plant shop ? As I learned about this plant I’ve always found the mother of thousand type plants rather menacing, and sometimes I shy away from its countenance. It’s not that I’m a scaredy-cat, It’s just that I can’t help and behold this plant and see a marauder. It’s best to keep this this mother a safe distance from your other plants because it could very well take over their pot. Your poor Peace Lily won’t standard chance. Kalanchoe delagoensis, a menacing invader from Madagascar, possesses a formidable arsenal of survival tactics. Its rapid growth and prolific reproduction, earning it the name "Mother of Millions," allow it to quickly overtake landscapes. Its unique growth habit, with stems rooting mid-air and leaf-tip plantlets dispersing toxins, ensures its dominance. This aggressive plant's conquest-driven survival strategy makes it a frightening force of nature, much like a relentless Viking horde. Now this plant grows so quickly that I have several pots of it and a couple of them I put over in a corner that doesn’t get much attention. In fact I don’t really think I’ve gone over to that side of the house all summer. I realize it’s now December, they’re pretty resilient. Apparently, it got sunburned. Could it look any more pissed off? Aye: rule # 3: don’t let it get sunburned ! #MyPlantWantsToEatMe #Audrey2 #The3RulesForMoT #MyPlantWantsToBeInternetFamous #optimizedsubstrate #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad

@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat ¡ 1Y
Finally the list you need to select suitable grow lights. You could spend perhaps dozens of hours in vain trying to select from among a dizzying selection of grow lights and not really understand if you’re getting value for your money. Even if you get lucky, do you know whether your plants would grow better if the grow light were perhaps adjusted two inches closer? Or two inches away? Will they get bleached if it’s too close? Despite all the technical details provided with lights the Rosetta Stone you need is one that tells you, e.g., how much PPFD (more below) will endure optimal growth for a philodendron vs a begonia. I finally found a list that provides the vital information needed to correctly configure grow lights to ensure optimal growth, which I have attached below. Scroll toward bottom for houseplants: Genera Specific PPFD Recommendations – Carnivero. https:// For those of you for which this is Greek here is a more detailed explanation: When selecting grow lights for your plants, one of the most important factors to understand is PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density). This might sound technical, but it's simply a way to measure how much light your plants are actually receiving in a given area. Think of it as the intensity of light hitting your plants' leaves, which directly affects their ability to grow and thrive. You'll see a lot of terms like PPF, lumens, and wattage when shopping for grow lights. These can be confusing, but here’s why PPFD is what really matters: * PPFD tells you how much light your plants are getting in their specific growing area. It’s measured in micromoles per square meter per second (μmol/m²/s). High light plants, like succulents or herbs, need higher PPFD, while low-light plants, like ferns or orchids, require less. * PPF (Photosynthetic Photon Flux) measures how much total light the grow light produces. This sounds useful, but it doesn’t account for how well that light is spread across your plants. A high PPF doesn’t guarantee all your plants are getting enough light. * Lumens measure how bright a light appears to the human eye. The problem? Plants don’t "see" light the way we do. Lumens are irrelevant for plant growth. By using the recommended PPFD range for each plant type (see link), you'll ensure your plants get the right amount of light, maximizing their health and growth without wasting energy. #MyPlantWantsToBeInternetFamous #optimizedsubstrate #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad




@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat ¡ 1Y
Anthropomorphism and thinking of your plant as a high maintenance friend. Anthropomorphism (ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm) Merriam-Webster Dictionary refers to the attribution of human traits,emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. It's a common human tendency, seen throughout history in mythology and storytelling, where animals and even objects are depicted with human characteristics. But how does this relate to our houseplants? The urge to talk to our plants, give them names, or imagine them feeling happy or sad is a form of anthropomorphism.While seemingly whimsical, it can unlock a powerful tool for plant care: mindfulness. The Link Between Anthropomorphism and Mindfulness: The decision to see our plants as living beings with needs motivates us to be more attentive. Instead of simply watering on Wednesdays, we become plant detectives. We observe subtle changes in leaf color, drooping stems, or signs of pests with a heightened sense of awareness. This is mindfulness in action – a present-moment focus on observing our plants without judgment. From Observation to Breakthrough: Mindfulness goes beyond just noticing changes. It encourages us to analyze these cues critically. A drooping plant isn't just "sad," it might be thirsty, lacking light, or battling root rot. By actively connecting these observations to potential causes – like recent changes in watering or light exposure – we can identify the underlying problem. Unlocking Mysteries: Consider the quintessential Karen of the plant world, the Fiddle Leaf Fig. (well IMHO, a tie with calathea). For weeks, a given fig can have drooping leaves. Increased watering doesn’t resolve the issue. Different light source, still no improvement. However an approach using mindfulness would consider the greater context such as a recent repotting. Bingo! The roots were crammed, restricting water flow. A thoughtful repotting, and the plant perks up. The Takeaway: Talking to your plants might seem silly, but the underlying concept – anthropomorphic mindfulness – can be a game-changer for plant care. By viewing our plants as living things with needs and actively analyzing the cues they offer, we can cultivate a thriving indoor jungle, filled with happy and healthy plants, even the "fussy" ones. Who knows, you might just have a breakthrough with a plant that has been struggling for a long time, all thanks to the power of mindful observation. But then there is always the other side to consider… Take my philodendron dark lord. What a menacing posture it exhibits. It makes me wonder whether its namesake is “the Dark Lord” and that body language and expession? Already a megalomaniac. I had this plant in my bedroom one night and just cloud not shake this feeling it was already plotting my demise. And that countenance. Could it be any clearer: when I am grown up I wills be your overload. I knew I shouldn’t have given it a vantage point so high above … #PhilodendronDarkLord #MyPlantWantsToBeInternetFamous #PlantCare #GreenThumb #IndoorGardening #UrbanJungle #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad