After discovering his love for plants, Brian was eager to spread the joy that he gets from them to others in his community. One day, he found himself exchanging one of the plants he had propagated, a rubber plant, with a neighbor, who let him pick one from her garden. This gave him the idea to find an app for connecting people who wanted to swap plants like he had just done - but, there was no such app to be found. So, Brian took matters into his own hands, pitching the idea to his friend Nick to help him develop the app. Blossm was born. Years later, the team has grown to four, with the addition of Nick&#39;s brother, Calvin, and surf and climbing buddy, Ari. Frustrated with all the free plant identifier and plant care apps out there, we know the best plant knowledge is produced by other people. The future of Blossm will focus on growing your collection, sharing knowledge and plants with each other, and promoting education &amp; plant care to build community and share this green journey together. <iframe width="100%" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GTFBagzJ_18" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Plant Pop - Meet Brian Feretic & Hear How Blossm Grew into a Flourishing Plant Community

Shipping plants is actually easier than you think and quite common! At Blossm, many of our community members ship plants all over the country! When in doubt, you can follow up with us directly via email hello@blossm.garden or directly in app with the verified Blossm account: <a href="https://my.blossm.garden/user/qL9emLXhDMQHVt7CZF26oJckdBp2">@Blossm</a>. You can also access this how-to video in your &quot;Account&quot; page under the topic &quot;Help.&quot; You&#39;ll need a few items before you start: <ol> <li>Plastic wrap</li> <li>Sphagnum moss</li> <li>Polyfil</li> <li>Reflectix Insulated bubble wrap (Optional: For when it&#39;s very cold or hot)</li> </ol> Step-by-step instructions! <ol> <li>Wrap the roots or node with moist sphaghnum moss (wring out like a sponge)</li> <li>Wrap the moss with plastic swap</li> <li>Tape the plastic wrapped moss to the box with tape so it doesn&#39;t move around</li> <li>Add Polyfil to cushion the plant</li> <li>Before taping shut, conduct a &quot;shake test&quot; to make sure nothing is moving around</li> <li>Add label and drop off for shipping!</li> </ol> Watch the awesome video for detailed instructions :) Helpful Tips: <ul> <li>I highly recommend using &quot;USPS Priority&quot; at minimum, which will ensure the package arrives in 3 days and comes with insurance if the package is lost. </li> <li>You can upgrade to overnight if the weather is extreme or the plant is very delicate.</li> <li>Ship only on Mondays &amp; Tuesdays to ensure your plant package doesn&#39;t get stuck over the weekend. (Wednesday can be ok too, depending on where the packages is sent)</li> <li>Communicate with your buyer when you plan to ship out!</li> </ul> <iframe width="100%" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o4j6yg9wa_g" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

How to Ship Plants

Identifying common pests on houseplants is essential for maintaining their health. We first start looking for signs of damage such as holes, discoloration or wilting. It is also good to check for unusual webbing or sticky residue on the leaves. Some pests like the larvae of fungus gnats inhabit the soil of houseplants. Inspect the soil’s surface for tiny insects flying around or crawling on top. Here are 5 common pests that are visible on the plants themselves: <ol> <li>Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can be green, black, brown or even translucent. They cluster on the undersides of leaves and feed on plant sap. </li> <li>Spider mites are tiny arachnids that are usually red, brown, or yellow and can also be found on the underside of leaves. They create fine webbings and cause stippling or yellowing of the leaves. </li> <li>Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that resemble cottony masses and often gather in leaf axils or on the underside of leaves. They suck sap from the plants, causing wilting or yellowing. </li> <li>Scale insects have a hard shell-like covering and can be found attached to stems or leaves. They come in various colors and sizes and often cause leaf yellowing and stunted growth. </li> <li>Whiteflies are small, white, fly-like insects that are usually found on the undersides of leaves. They fly away when disturbed and can cause leaf yellowing and wilting.</li> </ol> Some pests are extremely small and hard to spot with the naked eye. Utilize a magnifying glass or a smartphone with a macro lens to inspect your plants more closely. If you are unsure of a particular pest, Blossm has a very friendly and welcoming forum within the app where you can get help and advice from fellow plant lovers! From here, it is important to take action promptly. Start by isolating the affected plants from the healthy ones to prevent further infestation. Consider natural remedies like insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or homemade solutions like a mixture of water and mild dish soap to control the pests. For severe infestations, you may need to resort to specific chemical insecticides but use them with caution and follow the instructions carefully. <iframe width="100%" max-width="560" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_c2n4127OP4" title="Planting Mediums" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

How to Identify Common Pests on your Houseplants

It&#39;s plant experiment time again! <h4 id="-which-medium-is-best-to-propogate-an-alocasia-corm-or-bulb-">&quot;Which medium is best to propogate an alocasia corm or bulb?&quot;</h4> When I was repotting one of Alocasia plants, I uncovered a bunch of baby bulbs or &quot;corms&quot; that were growing on my Alocasia Cuprea momma plant. I plucked them off and decided to take this opportunity to test 5 different propagation mediums: <ol> <li>Soil</li> <li>Spaghnum Moss</li> <li>LECA</li> <li>Perlite</li> <li>Vermiculite</li> </ol> Check out the video to see my results! You&#39;re in for a treat! Now I&#39;m really excited to repeat these experiments with some other favorites in my collection: <ol> <li>Alocasia Black Velvet</li> <li>Alocasia Wentii</li> <li>Alocasia Odora</li> <li>Alocasia Frydek Variegated</li> </ol> <iframe width="100%" max-width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hV1jVKvKX_U" title="Planting Mediums" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

How to Propagate Alocasia Bulbs or Corms

About six weeks ago, I started a plant experiment to compare the different types of rooting hormone for propagating my houseplants. I tested 3 different rooting hormones in my go-to propagation medium of water: <ul> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="6" data-line-end="7">Bonide’s Rooting Hormone</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="7" data-line-end="8">CLonex’s Rooting Gel</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="8" data-line-end="10">Dip N Grow’s Rooting Solution.</li> </ul> Stay tuned for follow-up experiments comparing my favorite houseplants to propgagate, such as succulents, pothos, snake plants, and especially monsteras! Watch the video to see my results! <iframe width="100%" max-width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vxx6LferYpo" title="The Best Rooting Hormone for Plant Propogation" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Best Rooting Hormone for Plant Propagation

We have grown to really love using LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate) for almost all of our plants. LECA has been used in semi hydroponics and has gotten more popular throughout the years for gardening and horticulture. It consists of expanded clay pellets that are lightweight, porous, and provide numerous benefits for plant growth. We’ve been using it for years and have gotten great results! <img align = "center" src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Fleca-florida.png?alt=media&amp;token=e0504f8b-41a4-4dfc-b967-46c0a7b95e79" alt="Florida in Leca"> A Philodendron Florida happy in LECA for over 3 years! Benefits of LECA that we’ve really come to love is that it provides excellent drainage. The LECA pellets have a porous structure that allows for excellent drainage of water. This prevents waterlogging and helps maintain optimal soil moisture levels. This helps reduce the risk of root rot and other water-related issues. he porous nature of LECA provides ample aeration to plant roots. This allows for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, promoting healthy root development and preventing suffocation of the roots. Earlier, we talked about moisture retention. Despite their ability to drain excess water, LECA pellets can retain a certain amount of moisture. They act as a sort of reservoir, gradually releasing water to the roots when needed. This helps in maintaining consistent moisture levels in the root zone. LECA also has a neutral pH, which means it does not alter the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. This allows gardeners to have better control over the pH levels and make adjustments according to the specific needs of different plants. This has been really good for us! There has been little-to-no guesswork when taking care of different kinds of plants with all their different needs. Before using LECA, we would have bins of soil that took up a lot of space and would be messy to deal with. LECA is super lightweight, making it easy to handle, transport, and work with in gardening. This is particularly useful for rooftop gardens, container gardening, and situations where heavy soil is impractical or undesirable. We aren’t perfect here though! We’ve had many plants that just weren’t cut out for our living conditions. Collecting all the soil from these plants just left bins and bins of soil. LECA pellets are durable and can be re-used for multiple growing seasons. After each use, they can be cleaned and sterilized; which makes them a sustainable option. <img align = "center" src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Fleca-albo.png?alt=media&amp;token=3ad5d912-cbe7-4300-86af-cf6196d90e62" alt="Monstera Albo in Leca"> My Monstera Albo thriving in LECA When mixed with soil, LECA helps prevent soil compaction by maintaining a loose and well-aerated structure. This allows plant roots to penetrate the soil easily and facilitates better nutrient uptake. LECA acts as a physical barrier between the soil surface and potential weed seeds, reducing weed growth. Additionally, the lack of organic matter in LECA discourages pests, such as fungi, nematodes, and soil-borne diseases, providing a cleaner and healthier environment for plants. <img align = "center" src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Fleca-philo.png?alt=media&amp;token=91e63a26-d8b6-420b-8804-e948323e8c41" alt="Philodendron in Leca"> Aroids, like this Philodendron Billietiae, love LECA Overall, the benefits of LECA for gardening include improved drainage, aeration, moisture retention, pH neutrality, lightweight handling, long-term usability, prevention of soil compaction, weed reduction, and pest resistance. LECA can also be used for a wide range of plants, including ornamentals, herbs, and vegetables.

The Benefits of Growing Plants in Leca

As a first time founder, I didn’t really fully understand what I was getting myself into… I knew Blossm would need at least 3-5 years to see it through, and the journey was going to be extremely difficult, but I didn’t truly understand the magnitude of the rollercoaster ride of #startuplife. The “peaks” can be glorious, but the valleys can be lenghty and seemingly bottomless. What really kept me going all these years was the value I was creating for my plant community and the constant feedback of love &amp; stoke from them. Every handwritten thank you note, Blossm message, app store review and in-person plant exchange has helped me survive the tough times and remind me what I’m doing. It has been my most effective form of therapy while I navigate this new entrepreneur venture. While plants and horticulture themselves are effective forms of therapy (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7037774/">Horticultural Therapy Program</a>), bonding with passionate like-minded people through this shared love takes it even a step further. Knowing I created a safe and happy place for this community, my own plant community, has been the most efficacious therapy for my own mental health. It’s a constant reminder, that Blossm has grown much bigger than my own interests, and thousands of people want me to succeed, for Blossm to continue growing. Thank you Blossm community for your kind words, support and patience over the years as I navigate this first time founder experience. I will always strive to keep creating and building with you in mind. Love you guys, Brian aka @PlantDaddyBry I’d like to share some of the lovely notes, messages and feedback I’ve received from our “Blossmr’s” below: <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Freview-1.png?alt=media&amp;token=b05d1fdf-bd1d-4e42-9cb5-2a2a296418fd" alt="User Review 1"> <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Freview-2.png?alt=media&amp;token=7d004adc-8ee8-4eef-bd69-7f87429a54c1" alt="User Review 2"> <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Freview-3.png?alt=media&amp;token=e228cb63-8856-429e-a343-90a7b15b31e0" alt="User Review 3"> <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Freview-4.png?alt=media&amp;token=0bd7c637-21b7-4c93-bf18-b4f5df1708df" alt="User Review 4"> <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Freview-5.png?alt=media&amp;token=20e280fb-9aa7-44f4-8adc-adc07b195a75" alt="User Review 5"> <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Freview-6.png?alt=media&amp;token=005e1980-a862-40bb-988d-47ea14a84184" alt="User Review 6">

The Blossm Plant Community is My Form of Therapy 💚 

When I first came up with the idea for Blossm in October 2019, it didn’t start off explicitly as an entrepreneurial endeavor, but rather as a personal problem I wanted to solve. After a random plant trade in my neighborhood of Ocean Beach, SD (beautifully covered here by - <a href="https://shoutoutsocal.com/meet-brian-feretic-plantdaddy-scientist-musician-surfer/?fbclid=PAAaY5wSWLTqgLyNHY2dExMQZNM-IYzVsC5EekNPbH6LqxmbeiqQG_UWgdGqI">Shoutout Socal</a>) I went home to look for a plant- dedicated platform where I could swap plants with people in my town, and at its essence, connect with like-minded green thumbs. After a couple of days of venturing down the internet rabbit hole, I was in disbelief that this platform didn’t exist! After further research, I realized that the houseplant market was rapidly growing (<a href="https://money.com/millennial-home-ownership-house-plants/">Millenials &amp; Houseplants, 2020</a>), with some unique characteristics. <ul> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="6" data-line-end="7">Millennials are the passionate demographic really driving this houseplant buying behavior and collecting them like pokemon. Many were creating separate Instagram (IG) profiles focused only on their plants, akin to someone making one for their dog or cat (an early signal of a new market development I discovered). Hence, &quot;Plants as the New Pets” slogan we have adopted for Blossm.</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="7" data-line-end="8">Disruption of the traditional plant market. Consumers were no longer strictly buying plants at their local nursery, but were flocking online to buy coveted wishlist plants and species that didn’t exist at these brick and mortar stores.</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="8" data-line-end="10">Formation of a new gig economy. Many plant collectors jumped at the opportunity of this growing market by propagating their plants and selling them as a side-hustle and/or even establishing legitimate LLC online plant businesses.</li> </ul> A few months later in December 2019, I secured a technical co-founder in my climbing and surfing buddy, Nick Mitchell, and we got to work. Soon after, the pandemic struck, and this already growing houseplant market really accelerated (<a href="https://www.pacificsandiego.com/latest/story/2021-02-22/houseplant-trends-for-2021">Houseplants Trends for 2021</a>). We launched Blossm in June 2020, with an early focus on trading or “plant swapping.” In response to clear user feedback, we quickly added buying and selling functionality, but were explicitly marketing and branded as a swapping platform. During this time, I spent the next two years swapping plants, growing my plant collection and receiving unemployment as the pandemic kept extending benefits. I knew this would eventually end and my plan was to sell my plants on my own platform once the time arrived. July 2021 arrives and I commit to becoming a Blossm “power seller.” I was able to build a plant selling business within my own platform, establish the proof of concept for this emerging gig economy and grow the community for my company. HOW COOL IS THAT!? Here’s how I started selling plants from my personal collection, on my own platform and extended my runway for 2 years. I was able to pay all my monthly bills, averaging $1.5k a month, until we received our 1st large investment of $120k, through the <a href="https://www.techstars.com/">Techstars</a> '23 accelerator program. <h2 class="code-line" data-line-start=20 data-line-end=21 ><a id="Plant_Selling_Guidelines_20"></a>Plant Selling Guidelines</h2> <ul> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="22" data-line-end="23">Learn the types of propagation. It’s not difficult. Just have fun, try different mediums like LECA, Stratum, perlite and experiment! A few useful techniques to pick up are air-layering and node propagation with “prop boxes.”</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="23" data-line-end="24">Include high-demand plants in your inventory like: the Monsters Albo, Philodendron Pink Princess &amp; Monstera Thai Constellation. Some of the top genera are: Hoya, Philodendron, Anthurium, Monstera &amp; Alocasia.</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="24" data-line-end="25">Add some variegated plants to your inventory. These are still expensive because they are less common or rare and are much more difficult to find. Highly variegated plants will still fetch a premium price.</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="25" data-line-end="26">Think Long-term: Like any business, think long-term and establish rapport and trust with your buyer. A short gain in money is not worth ruining a long-term relationship.</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="26" data-line-end="27">Prompt communication &amp; transparency. Communication is key in any relationship, especially one involing money. Respond quickly and try to avoid leaving users on “read.” Be clear about the history of your plant. Is it imported? Was it recently cut? Add pictures of the mother plant, root and stem if it’s variegated.</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="27" data-line-end="28">Package with care - Tape your plants down inside the box so they don’t move around in transit. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fairfield-PF-5-Poly-Fil-Premium-Fiber/dp/B002OUP6JE/ref=asc_df_B002OUP6JE/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=167152383254&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=12219187266076866874&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9031332&amp;hvtargid=pla-372054044317&amp;psc=1">Polyfil</a> is your best best friend for cushioning your plants and is the standard for packing material. You can read further instructions here: <a href="https://blossm.garden/how-to-package-plants">How to Package Plants Guide</a>.</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="28" data-line-end="29">If problems arise, be willing to compromise &amp; meet their needs. Many are open to chat if you communicate, show an openness to work with them. We built partial refunds into Blossm for this.</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="29" data-line-end="31">Go above &amp; beyond &amp; check the weather for them. I usually offer add-ons like heat packs and insulation for free.</li> </ul> <h2 class="code-line" data-line-start=31 data-line-end=32 ><a id="Tips_to_Sell_on_Blossm_31"></a>Tips to Sell on Blossm</h2> <ul> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="32" data-line-end="33">“Bump” items often. Bump your items everyday.</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="33" data-line-end="34">Keep your shop fresh by uploading new items, which sends notifications: to your followers, to anyone who has your plant on their wishlist, to people who have saved searches for those items</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="34" data-line-end="35">Utilize the Blossm transaction system. We built this to prevent scamming and help plant buyers and sellers track packages. It really streamlines the process. Asking people to leave the platform or using other payment methods comes off as scammy.</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="35" data-line-end="36">Socialize in the Blossm Community Forum to give yourself visibility and the community will get to know you. This is a great way to build trust and make friendships with your fellow plant people</li> <li class="has-line-data" data-line-start="36" data-line-end="38">Sign up for a Blossm Giveaway. You can message the verified <a href="https://blossm.garden/links/share/5aot">@Blossm</a> account in-app.</li> </ul> If you ever have any questions, feel free to shoot me a message on Blossm. I’m always happy to share knowledge, nerd out and talk about plants!

How I Paid All my Bills by Selling Plants on Blossm

Almost 5 years ago, I attended a meeting at the <a href="https://www.missionhillsgardenclub.org/">Mission Hills Garden Club</a> which had a segment focused on Staghorn Ferns, scientifically known as Platycerium Bifurcatum. Prior to the meeting, I was recently introduced to this cool, yet incredibly weird looking plant that seemingly grew antlers. I was quite keen to learn more. Somewhat of a DIY fanatic, I was especially interested to learn how to mount it to a wooden board on my own, like I&apos;ve seen at my favorite local nursery,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walterandersen.com/">Walter Andersen</a>. I was delighted to have all my questions answered about this odd plant, with a demonstration on how to adhere them to a cedar board. A garden club member even gifted me a piece of one! <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Fbrian-staghorn-min.png?alt=media&token=5dbe01e3-2cc9-49c0-af94-787b68669e00" width="100%" alt="Brian - Staghorn"> My first staghorn fern I mounted myself! Plants always resembled living art to me, so I framed it and this is the result! Now let&apos;s go through a step-by-step process on what I learned on &ldquo;How to Mount a Staghorn Fern&rdquo; <ol> <li> Propagation:&nbsp;These plants are true ferns and reproduce asexually. Underneath the antler-like leaves aka fertile fronds are spores, which will often land on the plant itself and eventually create &ldquo;pups.&rdquo; You can be quite aggressive with removing the pups. Here&apos;s a short video of my friend propagating a very large specimen. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRw4gANg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TikTok Video</a> </li> <li> Supplies: <ol> <li> &nbsp;<a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Outdoor-Essentials-19-32-in-D-x-5-1-2-in-W-x-6-ft-H-Cedar-Dog-Ear-Fence-Picket-327357/314521365">Cedar board (Cedar fence pickets)</a> </li> <li> &nbsp;Screws, nails, or I prefer these <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/OOK-1-1-4-in-Matte-Brass-Cup-Hook-40-Pack-534265/301942177">hooks</a>&nbsp; </li> <li> <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Mosser-Lee-432-cu-in-Sphagnum-Moss-110/202745057">Sphagnum moss</a>&nbsp; </li> <li> <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hillman-100-ft-24-Gauge-Green-Floral-Wire-Twister-57223/203753737">Floral wire</a> </li> </ol> </li> <li style="font-size: 17px;"> Build your mount: Measure the size of the board needed for your staghorn fern. It may require cutting a few cedar fence pickets with a saw and attaching them together with screws. </li> <li> Wet and add moss to the board: The other structure of the plant is called the sterile frond, which is essentially a shield that protects the fern&rsquo;s root system. You&apos;ll first want to wet the moss, wring it out like a sponge and add enough moss to the board to cover all the roots. </li> <li> Add screws, hooks, or nails: Around the perimeter of the staghorn, to the board. Typically 8-10 is enough. </li> <li> Tie the floral wire over the staghorn to the hooks: Tie the wire around the hooks, connecting as many pairs as possible. Sometimes I like to make cool designs, but it will be short-lived. Eventually a new shield will grow over the wire and will be fully hidden! </li> </ol> Here&apos;s a short video demonstration of the full process: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRw4Cm28/">https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRw4Cm28/</a> Staghorn Fern Care Tips: <ul> <li>🌞&nbsp;Sunlight: Only bring indirect light</li> <li>💧&nbsp;Water: 1/week but twice a month is ok</li> <li>💩&nbsp;Fertilizer: cow manure? Nope lol Use fertilizer tablets or 🍌 peels</li> </ul> Over time, I loved sharing this knowledge with friends &amp; the Blossm community. I even led 3 workshops, 2 in my backyard, and one most recently at <a href="http://barcrushed.com/">Crushed</a>, a family owned restaurant managed by Amy &amp; Andy Ballester. <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Fstaghorn-workshop-min.png?alt=media&token=03bb7f6e-37c8-4a6c-bb28-618f5539374d" width="100%" alt="Staghorn Workshop"> 18 stoked plant people showed up to my workshop, with help from fellow Blossm Co-founder Calvin Mitchell (bottom right). The most rewarding aspect of building this Blossm community has been all the new friends I&apos;ve made, and all the wonderful people I&apos;ve met along this beautiful journey. Here are a few of them 💚 <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Fstaghorn-camper-min.png?alt=media&token=87fd8fd8-ebdb-42e4-b30d-18927b223a7d" width="100%" alt="Staghorn & Camper"> My local friend, Azul (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/azulnomadart/">https://www.instagram.com/azulnomadart/</a>), who hand paints our Blossm hats and specializes in Murals and wearable art. Special cameo from Camper, my favorite furry plant friend. <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Ffriend-w-staghorn-min.png?alt=media&token=16df1052-a1bd-4459-b298-1fa4ddb9320e" width="100%" alt="Pose with Staghorn"> I gifted this staghorn to my friend&rsquo;s roommate pictured here. When I went to her house for the 1st time, I was excited to see a indoor jungle similar to mine, and shared one of favorites with her. <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Fstaghorn-nick-min.png?alt=media&token=40b07891-bd6f-41f1-b7bd-8d1e46a2f001" width="100%" alt="Staghorn with Nick"> Co-founder Nick Mitchell and I posing for a shot in front of my Staghorn Fern wall. <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Fstaghorn-friend-2-min.png?alt=media&token=8b8f83a6-fc49-467b-a3f5-b6f866b87771" width="100%" alt="Staghorn Friend"> My new friend, Alison, who I met on Blossm. She came over and we mounted her staghorn for her. She was stoked! <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Fstaghorn-friend-3-min.png?alt=media&token=fc975bb3-e1e5-480b-9d4e-bd399bc31c09" width="100%" alt="Staghorn Friends"> My first true plant pal, Lauren. We loved DIY projects, especially planty ones! Here she is proud to show off her 1st staghorn fern she is about to mount on her own. She helped Nick and I in the early Blossm days to build out our plant care database. <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Fstaghorn-friends-4-min.png?alt=media&token=15e0c166-3314-46e2-9b4d-2d8c78194e5f" width="100%" alt="Staghorn Mounted - Friends"> My friend, Gonzo, and his wife in their home. I made this statement piece to welcome them on their next big chapter of starting a family. <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/irys-mobile-20994.appspot.com/o/blog%2Fstaghorn-bunch-min.png?alt=media&token=70f59c9d-3f72-48d9-9ae5-a462736cac88" width="100%" alt="Staghorns Mounted"> Plants make the best art :)

How to Care for and Mount a Staghorn Fern - My Favorite Plant 💚

With the arrival of spring, we often think about giving our homes a thorough cleaning to freshen up and embrace the new season. But, while you&apos;re dusting, decluttering, and polishing, don&apos;t forget about your leafy companions! Spring is the perfect time to give your houseplants some much-needed TLC to set them up for a healthy and happy year. In today&apos;s newsletter, I&apos;m going to share some tips on pruning, repotting, and fertilizing your houseplants for a thriving indoor garden. Let&apos;s dive in! <div> <figure><a target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F570fd1cc-9f91-4dc5-bfa7-9c2a8ac67da0_1089x119.jpeg" rel=""> <div> <div> </div> </div> </a></figure> </div> <h3>🌱 Pruning: Out with the Old, in with the New<div> <div> <div href="https://houseplanthobbyist.substack.com/i/116946942/pruning-out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" fill="none">&nbsp;<path d="M10 13a5 5 0 0 0 7.54.54l3-3a5 5 0 0 0-7.07-7.07l-1.72 1.71"></path> <path d="M14 11a5 5 0 0 0-7.54-.54l-3 3a5 5 0 0 0 7.07 7.07l1.71-1.71"></path>&nbsp; </svg></div> </div> </div> </h3> Spring is a time of growth and renewal, and that applies to our houseplants as well. Pruning is an essential aspect of plant care that encourages new growth, improves the plant&apos;s overall shape, and helps prevent diseases. Here&apos;s how to go about it: <ol> <li> Inspect your plants for dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves and stems. These should be your first priority when pruning. </li> <li> Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts at the base of the stem or the leaf node. This helps the plant heal faster and prevents the spread of diseases. </li> <li> Don&apos;t forget to remove any spent flowers or fruit, as these can consume valuable energy that could be better used for new growth. </li> </ol> Here are a few examples of pruning I need to do on my own plants. <div> <figure> <div> <div> <source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4690b62-7430-4c2e-9f17-7d05f7ed9429_3072x4080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4690b62-7430-4c2e-9f17-7d05f7ed9429_3072x4080.jpeg 720w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4690b62-7430-4c2e-9f17-7d05f7ed9429_3072x4080.jpeg" sizes="100vw" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4690b62-7430-4c2e-9f17-7d05f7ed9429_3072x4080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4690b62-7430-4c2e-9f17-7d05f7ed9429_3072x4080.jpeg 720w" style="width: 193px;"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbfaca854-20ab-426e-a98a-f3b9eb2bbb3b_3072x4080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbfaca854-20ab-426e-a98a-f3b9eb2bbb3b_3072x4080.jpeg 720w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbfaca854-20ab-426e-a98a-f3b9eb2bbb3b_3072x4080.jpeg" sizes="100vw" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbfaca854-20ab-426e-a98a-f3b9eb2bbb3b_3072x4080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbfaca854-20ab-426e-a98a-f3b9eb2bbb3b_3072x4080.jpeg 720w" style="width: 192px;"></div> <div> <source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F85dd4752-0c44-4ece-b9c9-788b5c8388e8_3072x4080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F85dd4752-0c44-4ece-b9c9-788b5c8388e8_3072x4080.jpeg 720w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F85dd4752-0c44-4ece-b9c9-788b5c8388e8_3072x4080.jpeg" sizes="100vw" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F85dd4752-0c44-4ece-b9c9-788b5c8388e8_3072x4080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F85dd4752-0c44-4ece-b9c9-788b5c8388e8_3072x4080.jpeg 720w" style="width: 190px;"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78713411-d287-4635-b582-1dc92cf14094_3072x4080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78713411-d287-4635-b582-1dc92cf14094_3072x4080.jpeg 720w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78713411-d287-4635-b582-1dc92cf14094_3072x4080.jpeg" sizes="100vw" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78713411-d287-4635-b582-1dc92cf14094_3072x4080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78713411-d287-4635-b582-1dc92cf14094_3072x4080.jpeg 720w" style="width: 191px;"></div> <figcaption>The first photo is of some old flowers on my African Violet. The second photo is a bloom that is coming to an end on my Croton Petra, and the last two images are just some old leaves that need a little chop.</figcaption> </div> </figure> </div> <h3>🌱 Repotting: Room to Grow<div> <div> <div href="https://houseplanthobbyist.substack.com/i/116946942/repotting-room-to-grow"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" fill="none">&nbsp;<path d="M10 13a5 5 0 0 0 7.54.54l3-3a5 5 0 0 0-7.07-7.07l-1.72 1.71"></path> <path d="M14 11a5 5 0 0 0-7.54-.54l-3 3a5 5 0 0 0 7.07 7.07l1.71-1.71"></path>&nbsp; </svg></div> </div> </div> </h3> As your houseplants grow, they may eventually outgrow their current pots. Repotting not only gives your plant more space to grow but also provides fresh soil and nutrients. Spring is the ideal time to repot, as many plants are entering their active growth phase. Follow these simple steps: Note: I see a lot of people online claiming you need to wait until spring or summer to repot your plant. While these are definitely the best time to do so, I will repot my plant any time of year if needed. As long as they are getting a consistent temperature and bright light, they can&rsquo;t tell that it&rsquo;s winter, they are indoors and should grow fairly consistently all year long in a controlled environment. <ol> <li> Choose a new pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. Make sure it has drainage holes to prevent root rot. </li> <li> Gently remove the plant from its current pot, and carefully loosen the root ball to release any compacted roots. </li> <li> Fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix, and place the plant inside. Be sure not to plant it too deep or too shallow; the soil line should be at the same level as it was in the previous pot. </li> <li> Gently firm the soil around the plant, water it thoroughly, and place it back in its favorite spot. </li> </ol> <h3>BONUS: Root Pruning<div> <div> <div href="https://houseplanthobbyist.substack.com/i/116946942/bonus-root-pruning"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" fill="none">&nbsp;<path d="M10 13a5 5 0 0 0 7.54.54l3-3a5 5 0 0 0-7.07-7.07l-1.72 1.71"></path> <path d="M14 11a5 5 0 0 0-7.54-.54l-3 3a5 5 0 0 0 7.07 7.07l1.71-1.71"></path>&nbsp; </svg></div> </div> </div> </h3> Below is a video I saw recently that piqued my interest. Root pruning gives your plant room to stretch out again and can allow for continued growth without needing a larger pot. Simply cut off the bottom third of your plant&rsquo;s roots, add more soil, and place it back in the same pot. I haven&rsquo;t tried this method myself, but in the video, he explains that he tried it last year on three of his plants with success on all three! <div> <div><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/wTBhy5RH8hs?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" width="100%" height="409">&nbsp;</iframe></div> </div> <h3> </h3> <h3>🌱 Fertilizing: Food for Thought<div> <div> <div href="https://houseplanthobbyist.substack.com/i/116946942/fertilizing-food-for-thought"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" fill="none">&nbsp;<path d="M10 13a5 5 0 0 0 7.54.54l3-3a5 5 0 0 0-7.07-7.07l-1.72 1.71"></path> <path d="M14 11a5 5 0 0 0-7.54-.54l-3 3a5 5 0 0 0 7.07 7.07l1.71-1.71"></path>&nbsp; </svg></div> </div> </div> </h3> Houseplants, like all living things, need nutrients to grow and thrive. Spring is an excellent time to start fertilizing your plants, as they begin their active growth phase. Here are some tips for fertilizing your houseplants: <ol> <li> Choose a well-balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that&apos;s specifically formulated for houseplants. You can find these at your local garden center or online. </li> <li> Follow the package instructions for the recommended dilution rate and frequency. Over-fertilizing can be just as harmful as under-fertilizing! <ol> <li> I ALWAYS dilute my fertilizer to 1/3 - 1/2 the recommended dosage and I fertilize with that heavily diluted fertilizer more&nbsp;often than recommended. I believe this spreads out the fertilizer for more consistent feeding and helps prevent over-fertilizing and burning the roots. </li> </ol> </li> <li> Consider the specific needs of your plants. Some plants, like succulents and cacti, require a specialized fertilizer and less frequent feeding. </li> </ol> <a href="https://twitter.com/mardensgarden/status/1405159558914482177?s=20" rel="" style="color:#079365;">Here is a Twitter Thread</a> that I have shared many times, but I believe it is the most accurate mini guide to fertilizing your plant. <div> <figure><a target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3997a609-42b5-42ef-9596-7a89d093d940_1089x119.jpeg" rel=""> <div> <source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3997a609-42b5-42ef-9596-7a89d093d940_1089x119.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3997a609-42b5-42ef-9596-7a89d093d940_1089x119.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3997a609-42b5-42ef-9596-7a89d093d940_1089x119.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3997a609-42b5-42ef-9596-7a89d093d940_1089x119.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"> <div> </div> </div> </a></figure> </div> <h2>Final Notes<div> <div> <div href="https://houseplanthobbyist.substack.com/i/116946942/final-notes"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" fill="none">&nbsp;<path d="M10 13a5 5 0 0 0 7.54.54l3-3a5 5 0 0 0-7.07-7.07l-1.72 1.71"></path> <path d="M14 11a5 5 0 0 0-7.54-.54l-3 3a5 5 0 0 0 7.07 7.07l1.71-1.71"></path>&nbsp; </svg></div> </div> </div> </h2> By giving your houseplants a little extra attention this spring, you&apos;ll set them up for a year of healthy, vibrant growth. So, roll up your sleeves, and let&apos;s get to work on our indoor gardens! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or share your plant success stories. I&apos;d love to hear from you! Happy Spring Cleaning! 🌿🌼

Spring Cleaning for Your Houseplants

Transferring a potted plant to LECA is a great way to improve its growth and health. LECA, or Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate, is a porous material that provides excellent drainage and aeration for plant roots. We at Blossm like to use glass vases for our plants. It&rsquo;s a beautiful way to display your plants, you can see the water levels, and you can also keep an eye on your root system. To transfer your potted plant to LECA, follow these simple steps. <ol> <li>Choose a suitable glass vase: Select a glass vase that is large enough to accommodate the root ball of your plant and has a wide enough opening to allow for easy access.</li> <li>Prepare the LECA: Rinse the LECA thoroughly with water to remove any dust or debris. We also like to boil it to sterilize the balls from unwanted bacteria, fungi, or pests. Soak the LECA in water for 24 hours to allow it to absorb water.</li> <li>Add LECA to the vase: Add a layer of LECA at the bottom of the vase, about 1-2 inches deep.</li> <li>Remove the plant from its current pot: Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, being very careful not to damage the roots.</li> <li>Remove excess soil: Gently remove excess soil from the root ball. You can use your fingers or a small brush. Then, rinse the roots thoroughly with water to remove any remaining soil.</li> <li>Place the plant in the vase: Set the plant on top of the LECA layer in the case. Adjust the plant&rsquo;s position, making sure it&rsquo;s centered in the vase.</li> <li>Fill the vase with LECA: Add more LECA around the root ball until it&rsquo;s covered. Gently press down the LECA to secure the plant in place. The pellets should reach just below the top of the pot.</li> <li>Fill the vase with water: Water your newly transferred plant by pouring water into the pot until it reaches just below the top layer of LECA pellets. This will ensure that your plant has enough moisture without drowning in excess water.</li> <li>Monitor the plant: Monitor your plant closely over the next few weeks to ensure it&rsquo;s adjusting well to the new environment. You may need to adjust the watering frequency and fertilization accordingly.</li> </ol> Overall, transferring a potted plant to LECA can be a stunning way to showcase your plant while promoting healthy growth. Just be sure to monitor your plant closely and provide the care it needs to thrive in its new environment.

How to Transfer Soil Plants to LECA

Plants in the Workplace: The benefits of greenery in your workspace

When it comes to growing plants, a lot of it is trial and error. For example, will my room&rsquo;s natural level of humidity work for these plants? Am I watering it too much? Not enough? Is it getting enough sunlight? Why is it turning yellow? I have had a couple of plants that just weren&rsquo;t cut out to live in my fast-paced environment&hellip; In other words, they died. But what do I do with the soil? We can reuse it! Not right away though. Before reusing the soil, it is recommended to sterilize or pasteurize it. This will help in removing any pests and microbes. We have to make sure that we remove any dead roots or plant debris, and break up any clumps before sterilizing it. There are 2 things you can do: <ol> <li>Bake the soil: Remove any roots and debris from the soil before baking them at 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 90 seconds. Heating the soil will cause it to release a pretty gnarly smell so be ready for it.</li> <li>Solarize it: Get large black plastic bags or 5-gallon buckets with lids then place them in a sunny spot outdoors for 4-6 weeks. The heat will build up inside the containers and kill the bacteria inside. This will probably be the easiest of the two methods listed.</li> </ol> We are not quite ready to reuse the soil after it has been sterilized. Potting soil can lose its nutrients and structure over time, making it less effective for growing plants. So, how do we reverse this? <ol> <li>Add organic matter: Mix in some compost, work castings, or well-rotted manure to add nutrients and improve soil structure.</li> <li>Add perlite or vermiculite: Adding perlite or vermiculite can improve soil drainage and aeration, which can help prevent soil compaction.</li> <li>Slow-release fertilizer: Add to the soil to provide the necessary nutrients for plant growth.</li> <li>Mix in new potting soil: If the potting soil is too old and degraded, it may be best to mix in some new potting soil to help rejuvenate it.</li> </ol> Also, keep in mind that some plants may require specific soil conditions, so it&rsquo;s important to choose the right type of soil for the plants you are growing. Before reusing the soil, moisten it thoroughly and let it sit for a few days to allow the ingredients to settle and the moisture to distribute evenly. By following these steps, you can rejuvenate your potting soil and provide a healthy growing environment for your plants.

How to Rejuvenate Old Potting Soil? 	

There isn&rsquo;t a &quot;one size fits all&quot; for plants. The type of substrate you should use for your plants depends on the specific needs of the plants you are growing. Some plants require well-draining soil, while others may require soil with more moisture retention. Additionally, some plants may require a specific pH level in their soil. Here are some general tips on choosing the right substrate for your plants: <ol> <li>Consider the type of plants you want to grow: Different types of plants have different requirements for soil. For example, succulents and cacti require well-draining soil, while ferns and other moisture-loving plants require soil with higher water retention.</li> <li>Check the pH level: Some plants require a specific pH level in their soil to grow properly. For example, blueberries require acidic soil with a pH between 4.0 and 5.0.</li> <li>Consider soil amendments: Adding compost, peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite to your substrate can improve drainage, increase water retention, and add nutrients to the soil.</li> <li>Choose a high-quality substrate: Look for a substrate that is free of weed seeds, disease-causing organisms, and other contaminants. Use the right amount:</li> <li>Make sure to fill your pots with enough substrate to allow the plants&rsquo; roots to grow and thrive, but not so much that water cannot drain properly. Overall, it&rsquo;s important to do your research on the specific needs of the plants you want to grow and choose a substrate that meets those needs.</li> </ol>

What is the Best Substrate for your Plants?

Semi-hydroponics, also known as passive hydroponics or soil-less culture, is a method of growing plants using a soil-less medium, such as perlite or coconut coir, instead of soil. In semi-hydroponics, the plants are grown in the soil-less medium and are watered with a nutrient solution that is delivered directly to the roots. This method of growing plants allows for more precise control over the nutrients and moisture levels that the plants receive, which can result in faster growth and healthier plants. One of the main benefits of semi-hydroponics is that it allows for the plants to access the nutrients they need more efficiently, as the nutrient solution is delivered directly to the roots. This can result in faster growth and healthier plants, as the plants are able to access the nutrients they need more quickly and easily. Additionally, the soil-less medium used in semi-hydroponics typically has a higher water-holding capacity than soil, which can help to reduce the frequency of watering and minimize the risk of over-watering or under-watering. Overall, semi-hydroponics can be a useful method of growing plants for those who want to have more control over the growing conditions and nutrient levels, and who are looking for a way to grow plants more efficiently and effectively.

What is semi-hydroponics?

Chemically induced variegation in plants refers to a phenomenon in which changes in the color or patterning of plant leaves, stems, or flowers are caused by the application of chemical agents. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including to produce plants with attractive or unusual coloring for decorative purposes, to create plants with enhanced resistance to pests or diseases, or to study the genetic basis of pigmentation in plants. Chemically induced variegation can be achieved using a number of different chemicals, including hormones, growth regulators, and pigmentation inhibitors. These chemicals can be applied to plants either directly or indirectly, through the use of media or plant growth conditions that affect the production or distribution of pigments within the plant. One example of chemically induced variegation is the use of auxin, a plant hormone that regulates cell division and elongation, to create plants with unusual leaf patterns. By applying auxin to certain areas of a plant, it is possible to create patterns of variegation such as stripes or rings. Chemically induced variegation is a useful tool in plant breeding and horticulture, as it allows for the creation of plants with unique and visually appealing characteristics. However, it is important to use these chemicals carefully, as they can have unintended effects on plant growth and development.

What is chemically induced variegation in plants?

There are many ways to propagate houseplants, and each method has its own set of benefits and challenges. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best methods for propagating houseplants, including stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. Stem cuttings are perhaps the most common method of propagating houseplants. To take stem cuttings, simply cut a healthy stem from the mother plant using a sharp knife or scissors. The stem should be about 4-6 inches long and have at least two or three leaf nodes (the small bumps on the stem where leaves or roots will eventually grow). Next, remove the lower leaves from the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This will help the cutting develop roots more quickly. Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, making sure the leaf nodes are buried just below the surface of the soil. Water the soil lightly and place the cutting in a warm, humid location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and within a few weeks, the cutting should begin to develop roots. Leaf cuttings are another popular method of propagating houseplants. To take leaf cuttings, simply cut a healthy leaf from the mother plant using a sharp knife or scissors. The leaf should be free of any damage or disease. Dip the cut end of the leaf in rooting hormone, then place it in a well-draining potting mix, burying the cut end just below the surface of the soil. Water the soil lightly and place the cutting in a warm, humid location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and within a few weeks, the cutting should begin to develop roots. Division is another effective method of propagating houseplants. To divide a plant, simply remove it from its pot and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy stem and a good number of roots. Replant each division in its own pot filled with well-draining potting mix, and water them well. Place the plants in a warm, humid location out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Within a few weeks, the plants should begin to establish themselves in their new pots. In conclusion, stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division are all effective methods for propagating houseplants. Each method has its own set of benefits and challenges, so it's up to you to choose the one that best suits your needs and skills. With a little patience and care, you can easily propagate a wide variety of houseplants and enjoy the beauty and benefits of plants in your home for years to come.

Best ways to propagate houseplants

Plants have long been known for their beauty and ability to bring life and color to a space, but recent research has also shown that they may have therapeutic benefits as well. One study found that interacting with plants can lower heart rate and blood pressure, as well as reduce levels of stress and anxiety. This is thought to be due in part to the calming effect of being in nature and the mindfulness that comes with caring for a living being. Plants may also have cognitive benefits. A study conducted at the University of Illinois found that students who had plants in their classrooms had higher levels of attentiveness and increased memory retention compared to those who did not. In addition to these mental health benefits, plants can also improve physical health by increasing indoor air quality. Many common household plants, such as spider plants and rubber plants, are effective at removing toxins from the air. This can help to reduce the risk of respiratory issues and improve overall health. Overall, the therapeutic benefits of plants are hard to ignore. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, or simply bring some life into your home, adding a few plants to your space may be a simple but effective solution.

Therapeutic Benefits of Plants

A tissue-cultured plant is a plant that has been grown from plant cells or tissues, rather than from seeds. Tissue culture is a method of plant propagation that involves growing plants from small pieces of plant tissue, such as cells or tissues, in a laboratory setting. The tissue is placed in a sterile environment and provided with the necessary nutrients and conditions to encourage growth. Once the tissue has grown into a plantlet, it can be transferred to soil and grown into a full-sized plant. Tissue culture is a common method of propagating plants because it allows for the rapid production of large numbers of genetically identical plants, and it can be used to propagate plants that are difficult to grow from seed or that do not produce viable seeds.

What is a Tissue-cultured (TC) Plant

Variegated houseplants are often more expensive than plants with solid green leaves because they are more rare and difficult to propagate. Variegation is a genetic mutation that causes the plant to produce leaves with white or pale-colored stripes or patches. This mutation occurs naturally, but it is relatively rare, so variegated plants are not as common as plants with solid green leaves. In addition, it can be difficult to propagate variegated plants because the variegation is often lost when the plant is propagated by cutting or layering. As a result, variegated plants are often produced by tissue culture or other methods that are more time-consuming and labor-intensive than traditional propagation methods. This added cost is often passed on to the consumer, making variegated plants more expensive to purchase. Another reason why variegated plants may be more expensive is that they are often in high demand due to their unique and attractive appearance. When demand for a particular plant is high, the price may increase as a result. Overall, the rarity and difficulty of propagating variegated plants, as well as the high demand for these plants, contribute to their higher price compared to plants with solid green leaves.

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