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@Popcornjoness avatar @Popcornjoness · 3M
Does anyone else do this?
@ImpartialMakole avatar @ImpartialMakole · 8M
I have been a new plant mom now for about six months. I have been trying to expand my collection of a variety of plants. Today, l had the craziest experience. I ordered a dwarf cavendish banana tree plant about a month ago. Today, a box arrived to my front door which was about 5 feet tall. I dragged it inside and opened it up. It’s a banana tree. A fully grown/ ripe banana tree with the roots and no pot. So, I forgot to mention, I live in a as condo. What the h*** am l gonna do with a five foot tree in my unit? I thought about it a bit. And l determined, l probably could not send this back to whatever poor island man sent it to me. So, I found a pot big enough for it, gave it some peat, perlite and fresh water and sat it underneath a growing light. Who knows, maybe I can grow some bananas inside? Wish me luck! Any advise would be greatly welcomed. #plantaddicts #happyplants #tropicalplants #plantsmakepeoplesmile #dwarfbananaplant
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 11M
I’ve been raising a debutante 
 Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce you to
a Better First Lady than we are getting, but will never have. #anthuriumradicansxluxurians #PlantWantsToBeInternetFamous #optimizedsubstrate #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 11M
Anybody else growing one of these Kalanchoe? This was an impulse “why not” purchase that I threw into my basket at the grocery store. Kalanchoe seem to be the only succulents I’m any good at lol. #MyPlantWantsToBeInternetFamous #optimizedsubstrate #GregGang#My #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 11M
Does this picture make anyone actually want to buy this? I mean
..let’s just let it swallow the house up next 
. #MyPlantWantsToBeInternetFamous #optimizedsubstrate #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad
@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
For this of you happily collecting each and every of the royal philodendron family, like Majesty, Royal Queen, Prince of Orange, and their courtesans like Dark Lord, White Wizard and gradually branding out into the non-royals, yet no less royal, if unofficial philodendron royalty, the royalty without titles, such as FuzzyPetiole, Black Gold, Florida Ghost, Summer Glory, Golden Crocodile
you get the idea
well what happens when you get good at keeping the alive ? And the keep growing ? And growing ? Just keep this in mind as I’m trying to stay chill while winter approaches and i have to figure out how much room —or not— I have for all of them and —who gets stay or who has to go (out in the cold) I’m trying not have a panic attack ! For those of you have also starred to site on the syngoniums and collect those too, they might not look big enough in to be anything the flower girl at wedding compared to their bigger cousins, so I thought I’d share this picture: Mature Syngonium podophyllum vines climbing up a tree in the wild. PlantWantsToBeInternetFamous #optimizedsubstrate #GregGang#My #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad
@COPlantMom avatar @COPlantMom · 1Y
It's so cold tonight the heaters are on. #plantsmakepeoplehappy #greenhouse #plantaddicts #plantmom #spoiled #falltemps #happyplants
@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 (ÎŒmol/mÂČ/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
@FinestCacto avatar @FinestCacto · 1Y
Any suggestions to save calathea?
@SucculentHeaven avatar @SucculentHeaven · 1Y
Good morning #plantaddicts! Update on my sedum, Jelly Bean: I watered her yesterday and her leafs are getting a lot more vivid, specifically her red tips. I will post a picture later, I'm not home right now. Happy gardening everybody! #plantsmakepeoplehappy #happyplants #jellybeanplant #jellybean #plantmom
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 1Y
Plants for windowless rooms and no grow lights I see many inquiries on here re selection of suitable plants for, e.g., the bathroom with no windows, the dark nook with no outlet to plug in grow lights
.and despite being advised that no plant can live like this without dying a slow slow slow death, many nonetheless want a plant
I now stand corrected: Plant for windowless rooms without grow lights https:// #myplantwantstobeinternetfamous #optimizedsubstrate #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 1Y
Article: Why I Decided to Name My Houseplants After Lesser-Known Heroes in Black History I came across this article and found it not just clever, but reverent. We owe so much to those who come before us and finding ways to incorporate their sacrifices into our daily mindfulness
.is just brilliant. Pictured was “Frederick Douglass.” I decided to get better at keeping plants alive before I started naming them to honor certain people. That was a few years ago. Maybe it’s time I start doing that again
. https:// #myplantwantstobeinternetfamous #optimizedsubstrate #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 1Y
Tuberous Begonias anyone ? Has anyone grown these indoors ? Do they get to a small shrub size by fall? #nonstopbegoniamoccapink #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-ˈmÈŻr-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
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 1Y
I doubt my #SummerGlory could have had a better security detail yesterday, bar maybe, armed Pinkerton guards. Or a designated orkin man #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad #myplantwantstobeinternetfamous
@Travanote1 avatar @Travanote1 · 1Y
My #philodendron pink princess opened up her leaf. â˜ș I really am enjoying the alterations I made to (thicker cotton rope) to my self watering pot. When I checked the reservoir there wasn't any more water in there. So far so good. #selfwateringpots #philodendron #happyplants #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantaddicts
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 1Y
Presenting the Pothos Topiary #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad #biophyllicdesign #indoorjungle
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 1Y
#PlantLimerick In a pot lived Philodendron Dean, A terrestrial, yet with a dream so keen. Though meant for the ground, In climbing, he found, His joy, like a sailor's ship seen. With happiness, he pushed out a bloom, His tendrils reaching, dispelling the gloom. In his upward quest, He felt truly blessed, With each petal, his heart found its room. His shape, like a figurehead grand, On a seafaring vessel, he'd stand. As he grew and he swelled, His pot almost felled, His climbing desires, now unplanned! In his planter, he'd soon overflow, His dreams, like his roots, they would grow. As he reached for the light, His joy took to flight, A climbing philodendron, aglow! #MyPlantWantsToBeInternetFamous #PlantCare #GreenThumb #IndoorGardening #UrbanJungle #BotanicalBeauty #PlantLove #HealthyHabitat #LeafyLife #GrowTogether #optimizedsubstrate #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad LeafItAllBehind #AloeYouVeraMuch #SuccaForYou #JustKeep Growing #FiddleLeafin'Good #LeafItAllBehind #PetalToTheMetal #BudToTheBone #FiddleLeafin'Good
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 1Y
đŸŒș đŸŒ” đŸŒžđŸŒŒ Is being told you're “overwatering” your beloved Monstera leading you astray? 🌿💧 đŸŒ§ïžđŸ’Š l đŸ•”ïžâ€â™‚ïžđŸŒ±đŸ”đŸŒż Raise of hands for anyone who has felt empowered after being told that the apparent problems affecting your otherwise perky beloved Monstera, Mr Bigglesworth, looks the way it does because of “overwatering?” As if you had done something wrong. Show of hands? Anyone? Raise your hands if after being told that Mr Bigglesworth had been overwatered, that you knew precisely how much water you should have witheld from your thirsty plant to have prevented a fungal infection? Anyone?? No??? Raise your hand if you could say with confidence that you know precisely how to differentiate the quantity of water that makes the difference between “underwatered” vs “sufficiently hydrated” vs “overwatered”. Anyone??? *cue the sounds of crickets* I’m kidding of if I couldn’t possibly see the hands but I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that none of you raided your hands. I would like to invite you all for a discussion on how the language we use to discuss identifying and treating fungal infections can lead us astray. I find that providing advice is more successful when it equips someone not only with an understanding of the immediate issue but also with the context sufficient to prevent a recurrence. Recently, after a heavy rainstorm, I had an epiphany regarding the care of my Split-leaf philodendron in a large 20” plastic container. I wondered if watering it shortly before the rain would leave it susceptible to fungal infections, given the compounded moisture from both sources and the non-porous nature of the container. Fortunately, it remained unaffected, but it made me realize that the outcome relied on chance rather than accounting for this risk when initially potting the plant. What I came to understand was how the composition of the substrate, considered alongside the type of container and other factors, all play a role in the incidence of fungal infections. I realized that I could safeguard against fungal pathogens through strategic considerations of the interplay of these factors. To this end, I deem it prudent to abandon terms like "overwatering" and "underwatering" from my lexicon. These terms are imprecise at best and misleading at worst. If my philodendron had developed an infection from the rain, it would not have been because I "overwatered" it, but rather because too much moisture was trapped in the substrate, creating conditions ripe for fungal pathogens to proliferate. Thus, using terms like "overwatering" and "underwatering" to conceptualize plant care can indeed oversimplify the complex dynamics of moisture management and substrate composition, potentially leading to misinterpretations and detrimental effects on plant health. In the scenario described, where a plant receives proper watering but later develops a fungal infection due to excessive moisture in the substrate, attributing the issue solely to "overwatering" would indeed be a mischaracterization. Instead, it is more accurate to recognize that the substrate became waterlogged, creating an environment conducive to fungal proliferation. This distinction highlights the importance of understanding the role of substrate composition in moisture management. An optimized substrate composition, designed to provide adequate drainage, would mitigate the risk of waterlogging and fungal infections. By incorporating materials like perlite, coarse sand, or vermiculite into the substrate mix, water retention is balanced with proper drainage, preventing excess moisture buildup. This ensures that even in situations of intermittent rainfall or accidental overwatering, the substrate can effectively regulate moisture levels, reducing the likelihood of fungal infections. Additionally, other factors beyond watering practices and substrate composition can contribute to substrate saturation and fungal infections. The type of container used, whether porous or nonporous, influences moisture evaporation and drainage. Containers with inadequate drainage holes or made from nonporous materials can exacerbate water retention issues, leading to waterlogged substrates. Moreover, factors such as exposure to direct sunlight, ventilation, and the presence of a top dressing can affect evaporation rates and substrate moisture levels, further influencing the risk of fungal infections. By considering these nuanced factors and moving away from simplistic notions of "overwatering" or "underwatering," plant caregivers can adopt a more comprehensive approach to moisture management and substrate composition, ultimately promoting healthier plant growth and reducing the likelihood of fungal infections. To break free from the pestilence of fungal pathogens and imprecise vocabulary, one must consider how to optimize the substrate. The characteristics of an optimal substrate vary depending on the species of plant being grown, with the primary aim being to mimic the native conditions in which the plant naturally thrives. However, some general principles apply across different types of plants: * Texture: Mimicking the natural texture of the plant's native habitat is essential. For most plants, achieving a balanced texture that allows for adequate aeration and drainage while retaining sufficient moisture is crucial. Incorporating a mixture of organic matter (such as compost or peat moss) and inorganic materials (such as perlite or vermiculite) can emulate the varied textures found in natural soils. * Drainage: Native habitats often feature well-draining soils to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Incorporating coarse materials like perlite, gravel, or sand into the substrate mimics the natural drainage characteristics of the plant's native environment. * Moisture retention: Plants in their native habitats have adapted to specific moisture levels. Mimicking these conditions involves providing a substrate that retains moisture adequately without becoming waterlogged. Organic matter like peat moss or coconut coir can replicate the moisture retention properties of natural soils. * Nutrient availability: The availability of nutrients in native soils varies depending on the ecosystem. Mimicking these conditions involves providing essential nutrients for plant growth through the addition of compost, aged manure, or commercial fertilizers tailored to the specific needs of the plant species. * pH balance: Native soils often have a specific pH range that suits the plant species. Mimicking this pH balance involves adjusting the substrate's pH using amendments like lime or sulfur to match the plant's native conditions. * Consistency: Native soils typically have a consistent texture and composition throughout the plant's habitat. Mimicking this consistency in the substrate ensures uniform water distribution and root growth. * Sterility: While native soils may contain beneficial microorganisms, they are generally free from harmful pathogens and pests. Mimicking this aspect involves sterilizing the substrate before use to prevent the introduction of harmful organisms. Specific plant species may have additional requirements or preferences for substrate composition based on their native habitats. By understanding and mimicking these native conditions, growers can create optimal growing environments that support healthy root development and overall plant growth, leading to thriving and resilient plants. Examples: * Succulents, native to arid regions, thrive in well-draining substrates that mimic their natural habitat. A blend of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite in a ratio of 2:1:1 provides optimal conditions. * Aroids, such as peace lilies and philodendrons, prefer consistently moist soils reminiscent of their tropical origins. Achieving this moisture retention requires a substrate composed of equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite. * Ferns, adapted to moist environments, necessitate substrates that retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. A suitable mix comprises potting soil, peat moss, and perlite in a ratio of 3:2:1. * For houseplants in general, a balanced mix of potting soil, perlite, and organic matter, such as compost or coconut coir, in a ratio of 3:1:1 provides adequate drainage, aeration, and moisture retention. I would love any insight y’all might have, whether you agree or disagree, as I find the opportunities to hear from such a community of plant lovers. And I think everyone benefits from such discourse, especially considering how fungus seems to be such a topic of repeated occurrence on here. I plan on doing another such discussion of a proper watering technique as this is the other side of the same coin. #PlantCare #GreenThumb #IndoorGardening #UrbanJungle #BotanicalBeauty #PlantLove #HealthyHabitat #LeafyLife #GrowTogether #optimizedsubstrate #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad