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@COPlantMom avatar @COPlantMom · 2w
It's so cold tonight the heaters are on. #plantsmakepeoplehappy #greenhouse #plantaddicts #plantmom #spoiled #falltemps #happyplants
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 3w
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 · 3w
Any suggestions to save calathea?
@SucculentHeaven avatar @SucculentHeaven · 2M
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 · 3M
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 · 3M
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 · 3M
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 · 3M
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 · 4M
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 · 6M
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 · 6M
Presenting the Pothos Topiary #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad #biophyllicdesign #indoorjungle
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 8M
#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 · 8M
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
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 8M
Any thoughts on these photos? I found nothing moving. No bugs. Just the lesions on the leaves and every now and then I saw something translucent that more like an egg of some sort. Not entirely convinced these are some sort of eggs. This is a Medinilla cummingii I received very recently. Nothing wrong with the other plants in the same box 
. #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad
@PlantHapppy avatar @PlantHapppy · 8M
Name plants that will grow well in the ceramic pots with attached trays? They’re so many pretty ones, but I know they don’t have as much drainage. #HappyPlants #plantaddicts #GregGang
@PlantHapppy avatar @PlantHapppy · 8M
Introducing Elvira, my Black Raven ZZ. I received her today, a gift from my husband. I saw a few of these plants on the #Greg app and had to have one, too. Beautiful plants. She was purchased online from a company called Plant Addicts. Wish us luck! Appreciate any tips. #HappyPlants #PlantAddicts
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 8M
Is tap water killing your plants ? I used to use tap water my plants. That was before I understood that tap water can be toxic to houseplants. Over time I started seeing leaf burn on my plants and was surprised to learn it was from the tap water. I have a water distiller that is a pain to use and I otherwise fill up water from my parents reverse osmosis. But this can be a hassle. I saw this filter on Amazon. I’m going to buy and I think it will be a big improvement. Tap water may be okay for some plants but the additives can be problematic. Houseplants in native habitats often evolved with rainwater or naturally filtered water, free from additives like fluoride and chlorine. Municipal tap water, on the other hand, often contains these chemicals due to water treatment processes. Fluoride and chlorine toxicity can impact plant health, causing leaf burn and growth issues, particularly in sensitive plants like orchids, carnivorous plants, ferns, bromeliads, and some aroids. The garden hose filter pictured, with KDF and Coconut GAC filters, efficiently reduces chlorine, odors, heavy metals, and sediment, making tap water more suitable for sensitive plants. While it may not remove all fluoride, the filter helps create a healthier water environment, mitigating potential toxicity issues and promoting optimal growth for a variety of houseplants. Attached are some pictures of plants damaged by tap water. Here is a link for the aqua crest water filter for plants https:// #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 8M
Your plants as Art I came to houseplants, in part, is an offshoot of art therapy for the treatment of PTSD. I noticed that having pictures of the Dutch golden age floral still life prints elevated my mood. So I thought why not try real plants. I didn’t know it at the time, but there is a lot of science and evidence linking plants and nature with treating various health conditions including mental health. For those of you interested in this aspect of having house plants might, I suggest combining it with artistic expression. I have some progress with respect to this in the photos, I posted where I have vines undulating about the art across my wall. Have you ever heard of this expression art imitating life imitating art? Have you ever considered how cultivation of plants can be an art form? "Art imitating life imitating art" captures the cyclic relationship between artistic expression mirroring reality, and life drawing inspiration from art. The term's origins trace back to the Greek philosopher Aristotle's concept of "mimesis," emphasizing imitation and representation in art. Consider Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night." This masterpiece exemplifies art imitating life through van Gogh's interpretation of the night sky. Life imitates art as this iconic painting has influenced and inspired various forms of expression, from fashion to home decor. The swirling patterns and vivid colors have become synonymous with the romanticized depiction of the night sky, showcasing how classical art can permeate and shape our cultural consciousness in tangible ways. The most iconic example of plants as art form comes from Louis XIV of France. The Gardens of Versailles stand as a pinnacle of artistic expression, where the cultivation of plants is elevated to a classical art form. Crafted in the 17th century, these gardens seamlessly merge geometric precision with the organic beauty of nature. Through meticulously designed parterres, water features, and sculpted greenery, Versailles achieves an aesthetic synthesis of classical principles and horticultural mastery, establishing the cultivation of plants as a grand classical artistry. In my more modest surroundings, I have my monstera weaving its way across my art from art therapy. I like to think the greenery adds a dynamic and organic dimension to the artworks, creating a symbiotic relationship where the natural world reflects and enhances the artistic expressions, completing a captivating loop of influence and inspiration. Are any of you using plants as your pallet ? If you find plants as an art form interesting, take a look at this article about Piet Ouldolf. He is a renowned Dutch garden designer, and has been a transformative figure in the realm of garden design, elevating the use of plants to an art form. His approach, often referred to as "New Perennial" or "Oudolfian" style, emphasizes the careful selection and placement of plants to create dynamic, naturalistic compositions that evolve with the seasons. REVISED I FORGOT LINK https:// . #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad #plantsareart
@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 8M
Public Service Announcement: Ubiquitous among credible resources and hobbyist blog posts alike is the advice that using a pebble tray can address those crispy leaves on your calathea or help your queen anthurium thrive. I myself have several humidity trays and pebbles of all sorts, including those made from jade. Save your money. Upon reflection it occurred to me that it’s scientifically impossible given the limited amount of water involved. Use a humidifier, instead. Here is how the myth unravels, using a 10 x 10 room and a six” square humidity tray as example. 1. Limited Water Volume, Quantifying the Insufficiency: Our 6" x 6" pebble tray, holding a mere 0.15 gallons (approximately 567 milliliters) of water, is overshadowed by the expansive 10x10 room. To be precise, achieving a substantial increase in humidity requires several gallons of water – a quantifiable amount well beyond the tray's capacity. 2. Hygrometer Measures the Negligible Impact: Even under the hypothetical scenario where the entire 0.15 gallons evaporates instantly, the impact on a common hygrometer would be quantifiably negligible. The tray's water volume categorically falls short of creating a measurable change in room humidity. 3. Quantifying the Short-Lived Impact: For those aiming to sustain a 1% increase in humidity for one hour in a 10x10 room, we're talking about needing several gallons (specifically, more than 2 gallons) of water to meet this goal. This quantifiable requirement surpasses the pebble tray's meager capacity. 4. HVAC as the Quantifiable Final Blow: To bolster our case with precision, the pebble tray's effectiveness is quantifiably hampered by HVAC systems. The forced air from these systems rapidly disperses any moisture, quantifiably diminishing the tray's impact in an ephemeral manner. In conclusion, let's be unequivocal – the quantities matter. Humidity trays, exemplified by our 6" x 6" pebble tray in a 10x10 room, are not just less effective than they seem; they are quantifiably ineffective for significantly and sustainably increasing humidity levels. For those of you wondering if the area around the plant would achieve sufficient increases in humidity as compared to the rest of the room, the answer is no. Not enough to register on a hygrometer considering rate of evaporation and impact of air circulation within the room. However A 1-gallon humidifier can modestly increase humidity around a houseplant, but HVAC systems may disperse moisture rapidly, limiting its impact. Moreover, the effect is temporary, contingent on regular refilling after the water is vaporized. #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad
@RespectPlants avatar @RespectPlants · 1Y
Droopy Monstera in LECA