How to Grow and Care for African Marigold (Mexican Marigold)

These aromatic flowers brighten gardens from early summer until frost. While bountiful, these marigolds are not aggressive or invasive. Be aware that the flowers and sap of African marigold are mildly toxic to humans. The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy To welcomeTagetes erectato your garden, purchase plants in spring or grow them from seed. First, remove any weeds and grass from the site. Till the soil to about six inches deep....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 451 words · Megan Coffey

How to Grow and Care for African Milk Tree

African milk trees have triangular stems with three distinct sides seamed with ridges. The ridges are peppered with thorns and teardrop-shaped leaves. This plant stays lush and green throughout its growing season, with new growth sprouting a light green hue. It is often grown as a hedge due to its rapid and enthusiastic growth. When grown indoors, this plant will only grow to about half of its maximum height. Like all Euphorbia (spurges), the African milk tree is toxic to humans and pets....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 540 words · Stephen Caldwell

How to Grow and Care for African Violets

African violetsare one of the world’s most popular houseplants and for good reason. These compact, low-growing plants flower several times a year. They are available in a multitude of leaf forms and colors. The Spruce / Letícia Almeida Don’t be put off by their reputation for difficulty. Providing you follow a few simple rules, African violet care is easy. Keep water from touching their leaves or brown spots may develop....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 514 words · Donna Bates

How to Grow and Care for Agastache

Agastache is a plant genus that includes giant hyssops and hummingbird mint. It has a minty, herby fragrance. The leaves and flowers are edible and they can be dried to make a delicious herbal tea. Agastache is deer-resistant and rabbit-resistant, and a veritable magnet for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It’s also a fairly long-blooming perennial, flowering all summer and offering vivid color for weeks on end. It is a close relative ofcatmint, another pollinator-friendly flowering perennial....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 393 words · Mark Clark

How to Grow and Care for Agave

Grow this striking succulent indoors or in your garden Agaveplants aresucculentswith large leaves that end in pointy tips. Agaves have a lot of variety, with over 250 species in the agave genus. A few agave species have soft leaves and no spines. The Spruce / Kara Riley Agave grows best in rocky, sandy, well-drained soil in full sun. Note that raw agave sap is toxic to people and pets. The Spruce / Kara Riley...

May 4, 2025 · 5 min · 1008 words · John Frazier

How to Grow and Care for Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor

You will definitely want to add this variegated plant to your collection. As a result, it enjoys dappled light, warm temperatures, and moist, humid conditions. Light This tropical plant does best with several hours of bright, indirect light. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Avoid exposing your Aglaonema pictum tricolor to any direct sunlightparticularly harsh afternoon sunwhich will burn its variegated leaves. This means it should be planted in soil that retains some water while draining well....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 393 words · Willie Dominguez

How to Grow and Care for Air Plants: No Soil Required

Learn how to keep these tropical plants happy indoors. What Is an Air Plant? Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight which can easily burn their delicate leaves. The Spruce / Cori Sears Water Air plantsrequire regular wateringto thrive indoors. However, some air plants prefer regular misting, or a quick dunk versus a longer soak. Air plants prefer warm, humid conditions to ensure that they do not dry out. The Spruce / Cori Sears...

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 601 words · Debra Kent

How to Grow and Care for Almond Trees

It typically takes about five years to grow a tree that is mature enough to produce nuts. The fruit growing on almond trees initially looks nothing like the almond you later end up eating. The"nut" is nestled inside the layers of a leathery green hull. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Inside the hull is a hard, light-colored shell with a brown seed, the almond. The tree won’t tolerate clay soil....

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 641 words · Jordan Parker

How to Grow and Care for Alocasia

In the summer, alocasia grows quickly, producing a new leaf every week. However, it’s important to know that the plant is toxic to humans and pets. Read on to learn more on how to take care of alocasia, so your plant flourishes. The Spruce / Cori Sears Warning Some alocasia speciesare considered invasive especially along the Gulf Coast of the United States. Consult with your local municipality beforeplanting them outdoors....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 549 words · William Lee

How to Grow and Care for Alocasia 'Dragon Scale'

The perennial plant is almost cinematic-looking. Plus, it is a relatively compact plant which makes it perfect for small spaces. The plant is toxic to humans and pets. The Spruce / Cori Sears It is considered less finicky than some of its relatives but is still picky compared to other houseplants. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight as it is susceptible to leaf burn. Ensure that you rotate your plant regularly to keep the growth even on all sides....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 534 words · Stephen Smith

How to Grow and Care for Alocasia Black Velvet

Black velvet is much more slow-growing and smaller than many in the genus. It’s sometimes referred to as a jewel alocasia because it’s a diminutive gem. You won’t be growing this plant for the flowers. The Spruce / Missy Schrott It rarely blooms, and the white inflorescence is fairly inconspicuous when it does. Alocasia Black Velvet is toxic to humans and pets. A north or east-facing window works well, providing the morning light isn’t too intense....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 463 words · Stacy Sandoval

How to Grow and Care for Alocasia Frydek

It is commonly grown as a houseplant but grows outdoors in tropical climates. LikemostAlocasia, keeping alocasia frydekhappy can be tricky, but its foliage makes the challenge worthwhile. Note that, like otherAlocasia, this houseplant is toxic to people and pets. Light ThisAlocasiadoes best in bright,indirect lightwhen grown indoors and in partial shade when grown outdoors. Ensure it is not exposed to prolonged periods of direct sun, as that will burn its velvety leaves....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 490 words · Ashley Carter

How to Grow and Care for Alocasia Jacklyn

The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala Alocasia Jacklyn is a newly discovered plant in the aroid family. Deep lobes give each leaf the shape of a stag’s head. It is toxic to both humans and animals. The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala Give this houseplant a warm, humid environment, indirect light, and moist, well-drained soil. Here’s how to care for alocasia Jacklyn. Light Put your alocasia Jacklyn in a spot with medium to bright indirect light....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 545 words · Jonathan Cobb