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How to Stop Bud Blast From Ruining Your Flowers

Losing flowers before they bloom is heartbreaking for any gardener. Learn the signs of bud blast so you can stop the problem before it starts and enjoy better flowers this gardening season — both indoors and out.

For a plant enthusiast, there’s no worse feeling than watching a well-cared-for blossom fall off before it can bloom. If you see many instances where otherwise healthy plants lose their buds for no apparent reason, you might be dealing with bud blast.

But what is this scourge on plants, and how can you avoid it? Here’s what you need to know to stop bud blast from ruining your flowers.

What is Bud Blast?

“Bud blast” is a general term used to describe when flowers lose their buds before blooming. In most cases, the flowers develop up to a certain point but eventually stop growing, wither, and fall off.

What Causes Bud Blast?

Bud blast can have many causes, depending on your flower variety and the conditions that it grows in. The problem can be as simple as too much cold air around the plant or as complex as cross-contamination from a fungal pathogen.

Here are some of the most likely causes:

Wrong Lighting

The amount of light a plant receives directly impacts its health. When flowering plants are kept in low-light conditions, they can become starved of the energy they need to grow and drop the buds to conserve energy in other directions.

But on the flip side, low-light plants that get too much direct sun exposure can become stressed and overheated, which can dry out the buds and cause them to fall off.

Solve this problem by researching the lighting needs for each plant and placing them where they get the ideal amount of light for their growing conditions. You may need to add supplemental light for indoor plants.

Too Little Humidity

Plants need to be watered, yes, but they also rely on moisture in the air. Too little humidity or conditions that fluctuate repeatedly can harm tender plants like orchids and cause them to drop their blooms.

Indoor plants are prone to this problem, especially when exposed to the dry winter air. Solve the situation by running a humidifier in the room where they grow or placing the pots on pans of rocks filled with water.

Improper Watering

Not watering plants correctly can lead to many problems, not the least of which is bud blast. Too little water will cause plants to conserve what they have and direct it to self-preservation, not flower production.

However, overwatering can cause the same problem. It leads to root rot and other fungal infections that prevent the water from traveling up the whole plant and can cause widespread issues that destroy flower buds by drawing water out of them.

For best results, only water plants when the top two inches of soil are dry and add two to four inches of organic mulch to the surface to help maintain moisture levels.

Temperature Extremes

Temperature changes have significant effects on plants, as they can’t get away to protect themselves. Too much fluctuation leads to stress (especially for indoor plants) and can cause them to drop their leaves and buds as a defense mechanism.

It takes a lot of energy for plants to grow flowers, so they tend to be the first thing that’s given up when conditions get rough. Move indoor plants away from drafty doors or windows and far from air conditioning units, and keep them under heat lamps on the coldest days.

If your outdoor plants aren’t able to be moved, consider covering them with cardboard boxes until the weather warms again to protect them from the worst of the chill.

Chemical Damage

Sometimes, gardeners aren’t careful enough when applying fungicides, pesticides, and even fertilizer. Too strong a dose can harm the plants and damage their buds to the point they won’t form correctly.

Insect Problems

Sometimes, buds fall off plants due to pest damage. Insects like aphids and thrips can weaken plants by sucking out their juice, which can cause them to drop their buds before they bloom. You’ll likely see evidence of these insects on the plant in the form of bite marks or damaged and disfigured leaves.

Inspect every part of the plant, including the undersides of leaves, to find evidence of the insects, and remove all you see by hand. Thrips are best controlled with Diazinon or Malathion, while insecticidal sprays and soaps are effective for aphids. Be sure to apply these treatments regularly on outdoor plants, as rain will continually wash them away.

Atmospheric Pollution

If flower buds are falling off for no clear reason, the cause might be invisible. Some varieties, such as orchids and peonies, are sensitive to fumes from paint, gas leaks, air pollution, and other chemical contaminants. Even close proximity to ripening fruit might lead to excessive exposure to ethylene gas that can trigger bud collapse.

If you notice a bud blast, check your plant’s location to see whether any environmental factors could be to blame. After all, ensuring they have ample access to clean air is better for your health as well.

Fungal Infection

Buds that seem to give up before blooming may be weakened by a fungal pathogen. For example, buds that dry out and become paper-thin might be infested with a common landscape fungus known as botrytis blight. If so, regular applications of fungicide should fix the problem.

Genetic Issues

If you’ve attempted to address falling buds without success, the problem might lie within the plant itself. Sometimes, plants suffer from genetic mutations that make them abort their blossoms prematurely.

You may be able to narrow down this cause if multiple plants of the same variety are all suffering bud blast, even when kept under different growing conditions.

If this is the cause, the best solution is to start over with brand new plants in hopes that the new genetic material will help you avoid the problem going forward.

Deal with Bud Blast for Better Blooms

Bud blast is a serious problem, but it’s far from insurmountable. Take steps to identify the reasons why your flowering plants are giving up too early, and you’ll be able to solve the issue and enjoy more flowers in the future.

An Insider’s Guide to Virginia’s Historic Garden Week

For one week only in April, Virginia hosts an amazing garden “tour” (April 22-30, 2022, and April 15-22, 2023) where visitors can walk through a variety of private landscapes, public gardens, and historic sites at the peak of spring!

Virginia is for all kinds of “lovers,” including flower lovers! For one week in April, you can enjoy Historic Garden Week, also known as America’s largest open house. During the week-long extravaganza, you can take part in one of 28 unique tours organized and hosted by 48 member clubs. The clubs come from various parts of Virginia from the Shenandoah Valley to Tidewater.

About Historic Garden Week

Historic Garden Week is presented by the Garden Club of Virginia — a historic organization that started in 1920 with eight founding members. The club officially started the Historic Garden Week in 1929 as a way to help preserve Virginia’s historic public gardens. The idea for the event was sparked by a small flower show in 1927 that raised $7,000 to take care of trees planted by Thomas Jefferson on the lawn at Monticello.

Since 1929, Historic Garden Week has grown in size and now attracts almost 30,000 visitors from around the country. The event has only been canceled twice since its inception: once during WWII and again during the 2020 COVID lockdowns. It remains one of the biggest contributors to Virginia’s state and regional economies, earning around $518 million since the 1970s. The proceeds raised from the various tours are used to primarily fund the restoration of Virginia’s historic gardens and provide graduate-level research fellowships for students in landscape architecture.

Attractions and Tours

Historic Garden Week is a coordinated effort between the 48 garden clubs that will take you through public and private gardens as well as historic sites. Virginia is at its height of springtime blooming during Historic Garden Week so you won’t be disappointed by nature’s beautiful display. You can expect to see tulips, peonies, azaleas, dogwoods, and more!

To make sure you don’t miss anything, you should pick up a copy of Historic Garden Week’s guidebook, which is offered for free at many businesses in Virginia. The 200-page guidebook provides descriptions of tour sites and logistical information for all 28 tours. If you don’t live in Virginia, you can download the PDF online at the Garden Club of Virginia or pay $20 to have it shipped to you.

Speaking of tours, they are one of the best ways to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the attractions. Depending on the tour you choose, you may be required to book in advance or in-person. The cost of the tours range in price from $20 to $60 and some even include a lunch for an additional fee. You won’t be able to go on every tour during the week-long event, so make sure you consider your choices carefully! if it’s your first time at Historic Garden Week, some great tours to check out include:

Old Town Alexandria — Experience historic and private gardens during this one-day tour and enjoy complimentary refreshments afterward! The walking tour features flower-arranging demonstrations and gardening lectures.
Martinsville — steeped in rich architectural history, the Martinsville tour showcases mid-century and 20th century homes and gardens. During the tour, you can receive a discount from a local stationary and gift store and visit the Piedmont Arts Pollinator Garden.
Roanoke-Fincastle — This driving tour features five private homes and gardens and provides box lunches for an additional fee.
Williamsburg — The Williamsburg Garden Club is one of the 48 member clubs that host Historic Garden Week. During this tour, you can enjoy a self-guided walk around Bicentennial Park Project and walk through the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg and the National Center for State courts.
Norfolk — Enjoy the cobblestone streets of historic Norfolk and experience the beauty of the Norfolk Botanical Garden and the public d’Art Center, which features an exhibition of botanical and floral 2D and 3D artwork.
Albemarle-Charlottesville — For the first time, three remaining homes of the Brown family will be open to the public for Historic Garden Week: Mount Fair Farm, Brightberry, and Walnut Level.

If that’s not enough, each tour destination will have a gorgeous floral arrangement created by Garden Club of Virginia members or a total of 2,200!

General Information

You can go on as many tours as you like, but you will need to purchase a separate ticket for each one. There will be a few tours in 2022 that have reduced capacity due to COVID-19 health precautions, while others offer two time slots for tours to ensure social distancing. While it’s best to purchase tickets in advance, many tours do offer day-of tickets, though they cost an additional $10 per person. While the event generally doesn’t offer refunds, due to the unique circumstances involving COVID-19, you can make cancellations until 4 p.m. on April 4, 2022.

Photography of any kind is prohibited inside tour properties and some exteriors as well. Make sure to look for appropriate signage and follow them. Otherwise, you might be asked to leave. It might be tempting to take pictures, especially since it’s so easy to snap a picture with your phone, but some of these locations are private homes and gardens. Luckily, many of the host garden clubs post professional-quality pictures of the arrangements on social media, so you can always enjoy them that way!

The Garden Club of Virginia takes safety very seriously, so make sure to abide by the following rules:

Enjoy Spring in Virginia by Attending Historic Garden Week

While you can enjoy the beauty of spring in Virginia by simply driving around and enjoying the many national parks, there’s something to be said about visiting during Historic Garden Week. You’ll often have access to gardens that are not open to the public normally all while learning something new about the area or flowers. Plus, it’s a great activity for the whole family! Even if you can’t make it for 2022, the 2023 dates are already out so you can plan ahead.

15 Most Popular Varieties of Easter Flowers

As Easter coincides with the springtime blooming of many plants, there are several flowers associated with the holiday. The following list includes the most popular Easter flowers and their symbolism.

Easter is highly symbolic of rebirth. Not only because of the Christian connotation but also because the holiday is typically right when everything outside is beginning to turn green and open up after a long winter.

This symbolism has resulted in many different flowers associated with the popularly celebrated holiday. The following 15 flowers are some of the most popular flowers gifted at Easter or used as decor in celebrations.

Easter Lilies

By far the most popular Easter flower and one of the most well-known lily varieties, brilliantly white Easter lilies are a staple potted plant, adorning homes and places of worship. The large trumpet-shaped flowers set atop long stalks symbolize a fresh start or a clean slate accompanying a new beginning. They have a rich Christian history and are mentioned many times in the Bible.

Daffodils

Daffodils are known for their strength and tenacity, pushing through late winter weather and storms to announce the arrival of warm, spring days. These cheerful survivors bring joy and happiness as their sunny yellow and white flowers push up through the earth, showing an appreciation for being alive. They are known as symbols of new beginnings and rebirth.

Tulips

Tulips are another iconic spring flower, making an appearance after daffodils to announce the arrival of warmer weather. White flowers are symbolic of asking for forgiveness, and yellow blooms represent positive thoughts. Originally a wildflower native to Central Asia, the tulip is one of the most popular garden flowers and is celebrated worldwide.

Daisies

Available in many colors and types of blossoms, the traditional white daisy with a yellow center disk is a staple in many cut flower arrangements, including Easter bouquets. The bright, cheerful flowers symbolize positivity, rebirth, and new beginnings as they close their petals at night and reopen them in the morning to welcome the sun. In this case, their simplistic nature is part of their appeal.

Hyacinths

Although small in stature, these flowers are popular at Easter because of their delicate blossoms and incredible fragrance. They have many different meanings and are often found in Christian churches symbolizing love and happiness. When given as a gift, white hyacinths mean someone is praying for the recipient. The ever-popular blue hyacinth expresses sincerity, making them a fitting flower for Easter.

Crocus

Another demure little flower, the tiny crocus, blooms bright and early, bringing needed color to the landscape after a dreary, lackluster winter. The crocus’ arrival signifies spring’s beginning and delight, gladness, and youth. These cheerful Eastertime flowers come in the iconic pastel purple-tinged with yellow and shades of pink, blue, yellow, white, and orange.

Easter Cactus

The Easter cactus is a flowering succulent that blooms in springtime, lasting long after the holiday has passed. Similar in appearance to the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti, these plants bloom just in time for Easter in shades of white, pink, orange, red, and purple. Not only does their name associate the Easter cactus with the holiday, but these plants are also a symbol of rebirth.

Gardenias

Gardenias are grown outdoors as an evergreen shrub, known for their intoxicating fragrance. The characteristic white flowers are symbolic of forgiveness, compassion, and purity of the heart. Giving someone a gift of gardenias — whether a potted plant or cut flowers — is also a symbol of trust, showing love and respect towards the recipient. With blooms up to four inches across, a bouquet of these aromatic flowers will be enjoyed for days to come.

Iris

Irises are also strongly linked with Christian theology and tradition. They symbolize the sufferings of Christ and the story of his arrest, trial, punishment, and resurrection. Symbolically they stand for courage, faith, hope, and wisdom that accompanies reaching a level of spiritual enlightenment. They are also famous worldwide since they were van Gogh’s flower muse.

Hydrangeas

Symbolizing understanding and gratitude, a bouquet of large hydrangea blossoms is perfect for the Easter holiday. Flowers come in different colors ranging from white, pink, purple, or blue. The large, showy blooms can span eight to ten inches in width and, when grouped, make an awe-inspiring bouquet.

Orchids

Exotic in nature, orchids represent luxury, strength, fertility, innocence, and love. They are perfect for celebrating all of life’s moments, including Easter. The individual colors of the fragrant flowers also have their own symbolism. White orchids symbolize purity; yellow flowers represent new beginnings and joy; green flowers are thought to bring good fortune and health; red blossoms symbolize perseverance, desire, and passion.

Ranunculus

Many different ranunculus species, including the joyful buttercup varieties, are popular as Easter flowers. Celebrated for their bright cheerfulness, the flowers symbolize beauty and charm. The rose-like blossoms span up to five inches across, perched on top of long stems, so they make a stunning cut flower arrangement. Flowers come in shades of creamy white and pale yellow to pink, red, orange, and burgundy lasting 10 to 12 days in a bouquet.

Azaleas

Giving a bouquet of azaleas at Easter expresses a desire for the lucky recipient to take care of themselves. They symbolize love, attraction, temperance, and moderation. The funnel-shaped, fragrant flowers are known for their bright, vivid colors and elegant appearance. With more than 10,000 varieties to choose from, there’s a color to suit every taste.

Lily of the Valley

The rich history of the lily of the valley flowers dates to the Victorian era and meant “return of happiness.” It was believed the bell-shaped white flowers brought in good spirits, warding off evil forces. Today the sweetly scented bell-shaped blooms symbolize happiness and luck. Their dainty, delicate appearance adds a touch of elegance to Easter decor.

If you’re looking for a beautiful floral addition for your holiday celebration or something to gift to a friend or loved one, all of the above are fantastic options.

Go Behind the Scenes of a Private Castle During Floralia Brussels

Go Behind the Scenes of a Private Castle During Floralia Brussels

Enjoy an unforgettable flower experience in Brussels at the 19th edition of Floralia Brussels at the castle of Groot-Bijgaarden Castle and Gardens from April 2 to May 3, 2022. Visitors can view over a million flowering bulbs with special attention to tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils.

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium sometime this year and can’t decide when to go, consider booking your trip in April so you can attend the amazing Floralia Brussels. This spring flower exhibition takes place at the gorgeous Groot-Bijgaarden Castle and Gardens, which is normally closed to the public.

The 14-hectare park boasts almost 500 varieties of spring flowers, more than 400 of which are varieties of tulips. In order to make the experience unforgettable, the team of gardeners at the castle hand-planted more than 1 million bulbs.

Groot-Bijgaarden Castle and Gardens History

Originally constructed in 1110, the castle has a typical design found in Belgium, with deep protective moats and a single arched bridge that connects the castle to the outside world. It was first owned by Almaric of Bigard, though successive owners added their own touch, including the four-story dungeon tower built in 1347 and the central part of the gatehouse that dates to the 14th century.

The owner who made the biggest mark was Count Ferdinand de Boisschot. He enlarged existing buildings and added a chapel in 1640. After the count’s death, the property was split up and sadly became dilapidated. By 1902, the entrances were blocked by various farmsteads, and the moat filled with earth. Luckily, Raymond Pelgrims de Bigard decided to restore the castle to its former glory and spent 30 years renovating the castle.

In 2004, Bigard’s family decided to reopen the park to the public in April. They did so by organizing the largest flower show in Belgium: Floralia Brussels. Since 2004, attendance has grown, and it is now an annual tradition that attracts locals and tourists alike. More importantly, the yearly event helps maintain this important part of Belgium’s heritage.

Today, the castle itself is only accessible if you host or attend an event there. However, there is a small flower exhibit during Floralia Brussels in the castle’s chapel. You can also climb to the rooftop terrace of the dungeon tower and enjoy the view over Brussels and the countryside. The dungeon tower’s four floors also have themed rooms you can explore on your way to or from the rooftop.

Floralia Brussels 2022

The spring flower exhibition is one of the most highly anticipated events in Belgium — and for good reason. Every year, the head designer, Maarten Bakker, works closely with major Dutch bulb producers and exporters in order to find the most beautiful species and producers. Once he has found the perfect flowers, he then designs the different gardens, taking into account the various colors and blooming times for each flower. Many of the flowerbeds have unique arrangements, such as the 3-meter-high peacock! All of the flowerbeds are original designs of Bakker’s except for the labyrinth, which was originally designed for a countess in 1748.

In addition to the 1 million flowers in the garden, there’s also a greenhouse that displays new flower arrangements every week in Floralia Brussels. While it’s certainly not the largest greenhouse at 1000 m2, it features different flowers from the gardens, and you can watch master flower artist Hans Danko create flower arrangements with no less than 10,000 flowers. If it starts raining, you can also wait in the greenhouse for the rain to pass.

The Venetian Parade

Every year, Floralia Brussels hosts the Venetian Parade that takes place on a specific weekend. Despite being called a parade, there isn’t a formal procession or route. It’s more a group of people dressed up in Venetian costumes who wander the gardens separately or in duos to make the exhibit look more colorful and impressive.

As you would expect, the weekend of the Venetian Parade gets very crowded, but it’s worth it to visit during this event as it definitely adds to the ambiance. Plus, the people in costume are always more than happy to pose for pictures, so you can get some great shots, especially when you incorporate the castle and gardens in the backdrop. Be forewarned that there will be many people who want to take pictures of the parade, so you’ll need to be patient!

Visiting Floralia Brussels

As noted, Floralia Brussels is only open to the public for a single month between April and May. The hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the ticket desk closing at 5:30 p.m. Due to COVID restrictions measures, there is a visitor limit per day, so it is highly suggested that you purchase your tickets online in advance if you plan on buying a day ticket. You can also purchase season tickets.

Tickets vary in price: seniors and children ages 6-14 receive discounts, groups of 20 or more receive a discount, and children younger than 6 get in for free. You can check the prices directly on the Castle Groot Bijgaarden site. If you plan on visiting the park multiple times to view the different flower stages, it makes sense to purchase the season pass as you’ll recoup your costs by your second visit.

What Else to Do

Groot-Bijgaarden Castle is around 15-20 minutes away from Brussels, the capital of Belgium. As you would imagine, there’s plenty to explore and do in Brussels, including:

The Atomium — a unique heritage and cultural landmark that also has various exhibitions about Belgium and digital arts.
Mini-Europe Park — this park features all the wonders of Europe, in miniature, including 350 monuments that have been reproduced at a 1/25th scale.
Comic Book Route — visit the city center and Laeken and admire the comic book murals painted along the walls that pay tribute to the characters and authors of Franco-Belgium comics.

And don’t forget to enjoy the amazing food! The unofficial national dish of Belgium is mussels and cooked in classic vegetable broth or Belgian beer. They’re generally served with a side of fries. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, you should try the waffles. There are two types: the Brussels waffles that are flaky and often topped with whipped cream, and the Liege waffles that are rounder and sweeter with no toppings necessary.

Enjoy the Beauty of Floralia Brussels

Sure, there might be larger flower shows in Europe, but Floralia Brussels offers a unique experience as you get to enjoy the flowers against the backdrop of a cultural heritage site. Plus, the fact that you can only access these gardens once a year makes this event even more special. So if you’re planning a vacation to Belgium between April 2 to May 3, 2022, make sure to add Floralia Brussels to your itinerary.

Zen Interior Design and Flower Arrangements

Zen philosophies are evident in minimalist Japanese designs, including those used in interiors and flower arrangements. This aesthetic focuses on subtle, uncluttered elements with beautiful forms that allow for a calm, contemplative environment.

The minimalism associated with Japan takes its inspiration from the philosophies of the Zen Buddhist religion. This aesthetic focuses on cleanliness and simplicity in all parts of life. It also celebrates the beauty of ephemerality and imperfection. You can find minimalism throughout Japanese culture, including home interiors, art, and decorative items like flowers.

Zen Buddhism is complex, but at its core is the quest for each of us to achieve enlightenment. The keys to enlightenment are within each of us, and requires contemplation and accepting things as they are without being trapped in logic or words. To that end, the Zen aesthetic is one that allows focus, a calm mind, and contemplation.

A minimalist interior design inspired by Japanese Zen style often features several distinctive themes. The first is a lack of clutter, which allows for empty space. By focusing on just a few items, this design style allows for each item to be appreciated. There is nothing in a minimalist Japanese design scheme that is accidental: Each item is carefully chosen and displayed to the best advantage.

This aesthetic also generally has a neutral color palette, often on a backdrop of white or off-white walls. This helps even small spaces feel calm, spacious, and airy, and gives the eyes plenty of places to rest. The introduction of bright color may come from artwork or flowers, but is generally small and isolated so as not to distract from the calm, Zen feeling of the design.

Subtle and Unobtrusive Design

Most minimalist Japanese design schemes also incorporate plenty of elements from the natural world. Wood, stone, paper, and straw accents are common elements. It is rare to find highly produced items in Japanese designs. This reflects Buddhist beliefs that we are part of the natural world and need to live mindfully to maintain balance with the environment around us.

The term “shibui” in Japanese refers to subtlety and unobtrusiveness. Design is more attractive when it is understated as compared with an overly bright or flashy style. While they can look simple, upon further inspection shibui items include intentional details that add a refined complexity. Items in a Japanese minimalist interior are usually selected for their quality, refinement, and elegance.

As items age or become broken, Japanese minimalism appreciates those imperfections. Zen philosophy teaches that one must accept that nothing in our lives will ever be perfect, and to appreciate the world as it is. By appreciating the beauty in imperfection, we can avoid disappointment and feel in harmony with our surroundings.

Zen’s Influence on Floral Arrangements

Zen philosophies also present themselves in the practice of ikebana or Japanese floral design. This style of flower arrangement focuses on the color, shape, and uniqueness of each element. Compared to other types of floral design, ikebana can appear simple. But it is actually far more difficult to make an interesting flower arrangement from just a few stems. The overall composition of the piece is important, but each individual element should also be chosen carefully to create a visually appealing design.

A minimalist Japanese-style flower design may not be flashy or over-the-top, but instead invites contemplation and appreciation for the artist’s eye in choosing the flowers and the arrangement. Ikebana does not use only beautiful blooms, but also uses other parts of the plants such as branches, leaves, and stems. In keeping with the Japanese aesthetic sense, all parts of a plant have beauty and are worthy of appreciation.

As with interior design, Japanese minimalist flower design doesn’t focus only on the elements of the design, but also on the empty space between and around it. The interaction of the positive and negative space in the design gives a sense of movement and life. An arrangement that doesn’t include enough space will appear cluttered and disorganized, and lack the harmony that is a hallmark of ikebana designs.

The practice of ikebana itself is meant to be a contemplative, meditative activity. It is usually done in silence, allowing practitioners to appreciate the form and detail of each element of their design. This allows them to slow down, experience deep focus, and experience a connection with nature that they may not have in their normal lives.

When creating an ikebana arrangement, the materials themselves suggest the form that the design should take. Instead of starting with an idea and choosing the correct flowers and stems to create that design, the designer will take inspiration from the plants and follow that to create an arrangement that is in harmony with each element included.

The tradition of Zen Buddhism in Japan is evident in a variety of facets of Japanese life, from art and architecture to the design of a simple teacup. Interior design and flower arrangements both reflect the minimalist aesthetics through uncluttered, subtle choices that lead to an overall feeling of calm and appreciation for the beauty of nature.

A Guide to Giving Your Houseplants the Perfect Sunlight

Monitoring the lighting needs of houseplants can be a challenge. Here’s a guide to getting it right, no matter the time of year. Read on to learn how to gauge indoor light intensity and make changes for healthier plants.

Every plant grower knows that light is critical for healthy houseplants. Without it, your plants will wither and never reach their full potential. However, determining precisely how much light each plant needs can be challenging, and you may feel limited by what’s naturally available in your space.

Light, whether natural or artificial, provides plants with the energy they need to photosynthesize. While lighting requirements vary by variety, all species need a minimum light exposure to continue growing.

The key to healthy indoor plants is determining how much light they need and modifying your space to accommodate those requirements. Unsure where to start? Here’s what you need to know.

More or Less Light?

It can be challenging to determine whether your plants require more or less light exposure. Some signs that your place has too much light exposure include:

In contrast, slow, leggy growth is a sign that plants are struggling to get enough light and need more direct exposure.

Understanding Indoor Lighting Needs

Growing plants indoors is a far different process than outside. Even the brightest window lets in only a fraction of light compared to being outside.

As a general rule, expect to lose up to 50% of the light intensity even just one meter away from the window. But even so, the window you choose will make a big difference in how much light exposure your houseplant gets.

The Importance of Window Orientation

Where your windows are located in the home has a direct effect on the light exposure for your houseplants. Here are the general rules for everyone in the Northern Hemisphere.

North-Facing Windows: These windows tend to provide the weakest light, and often spend most of the day shaded out. They will work for shade-loving plants but might be too dark to support plant growth in the winter.
South-Facing Windows: Known for providing the strongest light intensity, these windows are ideal for sun-loving plants that can tolerate direct light. Any outdoor plants brought inside should be put near south-facing windows to maximize sunlight exposure.
East-Facing Window: These windows tend to get lots of early morning light exposure, but this light isn’t as strong as it would be midday. Keep plants that need moderate sunlight in these spaces.
West-Facing Window: These windows get lots of afternoon and evening sun. In fact, the light exposure can be as strong as south-facing windows in the summer months. Keep your most sun-loving plants in this space.

How to Measure Light Intensity

The intensity of light is measured in units known as foot candles (ftc). As a way of explanation, one foot candle is the approximate brightness of a single candle placed one foot away.

Outdoor light is exceptionally bright compared to indoors. Even in the middle of winter, outdoor brightness easily reaches over 400 ftc. In contrast, north-facing windows might not ever get over 40 ftc.

What do these terms mean for light intensity? Here’s a primer on different indoor light intensities:

20-50 ftc: Low light intensity, similar to deep shade. This is too dark for most plants.
50-100 ftc: Low light intensity, but considered bright enough to read. This is suitable for shade-loving plants.
100-200 ftc: Bright but indirect sunlight that will produce a shadow. This works best for plants needing indirect light.

200-400 ftc: Considered to be about 40% of the light intensity of the midday sun, this bright indoor light is good for plants that require lots of light exposure.
400-500+ ftc: Measuring about 50% the intensity of noon light, this strong, direct light brightens a room and is ideal for plants that require lots of sunlight.
1,000-1,200 ftc: Full sun outdoors.

Note that it’s hard to gauge light intensity objectively, as our eyes acclimate to different lighting conditions and will perceive them as more similar than they are.

One way to gauge the lighting is to assess the shadows cast. Sharp, well-defined shadows are signs of bright light, while fuzzy, indistinct shadows indicate moderate light. If shadows are faint or non-existent, then you’re dealing with low light intensity.

A better option is to measure light intensity with professional tools, such as a light meter. Look for the type that will give you a reading in foot-candles or lux (one foot candle is equivalent to about 10 lux). You can also consider using phone apps for a measurement, though these tend only to give estimations.

How to Manage Sunlight Intensity

The brightest indoor spaces rarely approach even half the brightness of being outdoors. Even so, it’s possible to burn plants by placing them too close to windows. That’s due to the magnifying effects of the glass, which can concentrate the heat in one direction. For this reason, it’s important to keep plants a few feet away from glass on the brightest days.

You can also dim down the reflective power of windows by covering them with sheer curtains that filter the light.

If you want to enhance the light within a room naturally, ensure that walls are painted light colors and place mirrors around the room. Both will reflect light around and boost the ambient brightness within your space. However, the easiest way to increase light intensity is by adding grow lights to the planting space.

Note that light intensity within your home will change throughout the year. Houseplants that thrive in sunny south-facing windows in the summer might need supplemental light to get through the winter months when sunbeams are weaker and angled lower in the sky. Likewise, you may need to move sensitive plants to a more protected space once the summer sun starts to heat your windows.

For this reason, it’s important to be flexible with your houseplant placements. For certain varieties to be at their healthiest, they may need to rotate through your home to optimize their light exposure for the time of year.

6 Easy Ways to Remove Dust From Houseplants

Despite spending their whole lives indoors, houseplants tend to get dusty. Cleaning houseplants doesn’t have to be a challenge. Follow these tips to keep yours dirt-free and healthy.

Keeping plants clean can be a challenge, especially indoors. Inside your home, houseplants have no exposure to rain or wind, meaning that any dust that settles on their leaves tends to stay there. Not only will this layer of dust make the leaves look drab, but it can also interfere with photosynthesis.

It may seem overwhelming to clean a living plant, but the process is straightforward once you know what steps to take. Here’s how to keep your houseplants clean to ensure they live their healthiest, most vibrant life in your house.

Why Clean Houseplant Leaves?

There are two main reasons to clean your houseplants: aesthetics and health. A dusty home isn’t a pleasant space to be in, and coated houseplants can make the living space look dirty. Likewise, a layer of dust on plant leaves will reduce the amount of light they can absorb, which interferes with photosynthesis and slows down growth in the long run.

Even artificial plants need regular cleaning. Without it, they will start to look faded and might even become sticky and unappealing. Frequent cleanings will keep them vibrant and extend their lifespan in your home.

How Often to Clean Houseplant Leaves?

There’s no official rule on how frequently you need to clean plant leaves. Generally, it’s wise to inspect them before every watering session. If you see dirt on the leaves or feel it between your fingers when you touch them, then it’s time to do some cleaning.

Certain living conditions will make plants dusty faster than others. For example, if you live with pets, are in the middle of indoor renovation projects, or have windows open frequently, your plants will tend to get dirtier faster.

Six Strategies for Cleaning Houseplant Leaves

There are several different strategies for cleaning houseplants, each of which is better suited to some varieties than others. Read through this complete list before determining what cleaning solution is the best fit for your situation.

1. Clean Plants in the Shower

One of the easiest ways to give a houseplant a refresher is to take it into the shower with you. Small plants do well with a quick dip in the sink, but consider bringing in the larger potted plants for a more immersive cleaning.

This strategy works best if you have a detachable showerhead and can adjust the water pressure to ensure you don’t snap off fragile stems and leaves. Just bring the plant into the shower, turn the water on a gentle spray (make sure to keep the temperature lukewarm), and let the plants enjoy the water.

If you don’t have an adjustable showerhead, consider using a spray bottle in the shower instead.

Keep them in the bathroom until they’ve fully air-dried, or blot the leaves with a paper towel to speed up the process.

2. Clean by Hand with Soapy Water

While this method may be tedious for plants with tons of tiny leaves, it’s one of the most effective cleaning strategies available for houseplants with large, sturdy leaves.

All you need is a non-abrasive sponge or a soft microfiber cloth and some dish soap. Mix ¼ teaspoon of soap within a liter of room temperature water, and dip the sponge in to dampen it. Carefully wipe down each leaf, rinsing off the sponge or cloth as it gets dirty. You may need to make several passes to get everything.

After going over the leaves with soap, rinse the entire plant with plain water to remove any residue. Allow to air-dry (to reduce mold growth) and return to its normal placement.

3. Dust with a Microfiber Cloth

Water isn’t necessary to clean houseplants. In many cases, a dry microfiber cloth works just as well. You’ll need to wipe down each leaf individually, so consider using a duster for larger plants.

This is an easy way to perform regular dusting maintenance without the hassle of wetting down your plants, and it’s the perfect solution for varieties like African violets that don’t do well when their leaves get wet.

4. Dunk the Plant in Water

Keep things simple when it comes to cleaning small plants by dunking them directly in water. Hold the base of the plant at soil level, tip the plant over, and gently swirl the leaves in a bucket.

It’s best to water the soil beforehand to keep the leaves from falling out of the pot. Plastic wrap will also work in a pinch. Just make sure the water is room temperature to avoid any shock to the plant.

5. Use Compressed Air (Best for Cacti and Succulents)

Compressed air makes for the best cleaning solution for prickly cacti and waxy succulents. You want to avoid excessive contact with water for these varieties, as it can cause their waxy coating to disintegrate, leading to faster evaporation that can compromise their health over time.

To use compressed air, position a canister at least a foot away from the plant and spray it with short bursts until dirt and grime gets dislodged.

Note: You may want to perform this cleaning ritual outdoors to ensure the dirt doesn’t end up scattered through your home.

6. Use a Paintbrush

For fans of detail work, it’s possible to remove dust and grime from houseplants with a paintbrush. This is a smart strategy for fuzzy varieties like ferns, flowers, and African violets. Choose a small, soft brush for delicate plants to ensure you don’t knock off all the leaves.

Extra Tips for Cleaning Plant Leaves

No matter what method you follow to clean your houseplants, it’s best to have the following tips in mind:

How Plants Communicate With Each Other

Plant communication is far more complex than you might expect. There are several unique ways that plants share information with one another — read on to discover the most captivating examples.

At first glance, it may appear as though plants have little to no means of communication. However, in recent decades, researchers have discovered that plant communication is far more complex than most people think. While plants can’t share information with the level of detail and nuance that humans can, they are able to express crucial messaging in certain scenarios.

For example, avoiding danger and the threat of being eaten by a predator is a vital goal for any living species. The acacia tree is particularly well-equipped to avoid such threats. When an animal begins eating an acacia tree, the tree will begin to produce a toxin called tannin, which makes its leaves unpleasant to eat and can even cause death if an animal ingests too much. However, the amazing nature of the acacia tree does not end there.

When an animal chews on the leaves of an acacia tree, the tree not only makes its own leaves inedible, it also warns other trees nearby. The acacia tree accomplishes this by giving off another chemical called ethylene that can alert other trees that animals are browsing nearby. In response to that warning, any acacia tree within about 150 feet can begin producing tannin to discourage animals from eating them.

Plant communication is most prevalent when multiple plants are growing near one another. In those conditions, plants may use their root systems to send messages to other plants. Interestingly, it is not the roots alone that transmit those messages. Instead, plant roots rely on special fungi species that grow in the soil. Those fungi work with the roots to transfer a message from one plant to another.

The messages plants send via their roots are often meant to support the other plants around them. For example, the information a plant sends underground could warn of a pest infestation, drought conditions, or other threats to a plant’s survival. At times, plants may also send messages meant to do nothing more than encourage one another to grow more quickly, thus showing the hidden collaborative nature of plants.

Above-ground communication can also take place for these plants. One of the most prominent examples of this is a phenomenon known as canopy shyness. When two plants grow large enough that their leaves begin to touch, they can start to change their growth habits to avoid too much competition for space and sunlight. Rather than continuing to expand into one another, plants that experience canopy shyness will begin to limit their spread so as not to interfere with a neighboring plant’s growth space.

Other instances of plant communication are a bit more aggressive. One of the best examples of this is the black walnut tree, which contains a toxic hormone called juglone. Black walnut trees typically release this hormone into the soil around their roots. Juglone is effective for keeping other plants out of a black walnut tree’s growing area. In many cases, juglone is powerful enough to kill any plant that attempts to compete too closely with a black walnut tree.

The idea of plant communication was illegitimate in the scientific community not too long ago. However, as research continues, we’re learning more about the fascinating ways that plants can communicate with each other. As the examples above show, plants are far more capable of sharing important information than most people assume. As time progresses, we may find more intriguing ways that plants communicate to ensure each other’s survival.

How Foxgloves Benefit Other Plants

Foxglove is a highly beneficial plant. It works with fungus, which is one of the reasons root crops grow so well near foxgloves. It also attracts animals, which helps nearby plants grow healthier.

Foxgloves help other plants grow more successfully by forming symbiotic relationships with fungus and animals.

Foxglove is a plant known for many things other than its exciting name, of which the origins are disputed. The scientific name Digitalis has originated from the observation that the blooms are thimble-shaped and sized to fit a finger.

Digitalis has been used to treat serious heart conditions, including heart failure, even though the plant itself is poisonous. Even touching the plant may cause skin irritation, and ingesting the plant in its natural form is toxic. The chemicals in foxgloves are extracted in a specific way to create a life-saving heart medication.

Not only is it a benefit for humans, but this plant also is known to be beneficial to other plants, specifically plants grown near foxgloves.

Foxgloves and Fungus

Foxgloves have a very beneficial, symbiotic relationship with a fungus. The specific fungus that foxgloves work with to not only benefit the growth of the foxglove but the growth of surrounding plants is from the phylum Glomeromycota.

This fungus will create hyphae to penetrate the roots of foxgloves. Hyphae is a long, fungal structure that grows in branches. When these hyphae penetrate the roots of foxgloves, the symbiotic relationship begins.

The fungus will share excess nutrients from the soil with the foxglove plant. The foxglove will, in turn, share its sugars with the fungus through this connection. Once the foxglove has supplied enough food to the fungus, it will spread throughout the soil in the surrounding area, benefitting any nearby plants.

Foxgloves and Animals

Animals that are beneficial to most plants are highly attracted to foxgloves. Most nectar-seeking animals will be drawn directly to this irresistible plant.

Butterflies and hummingbirds are strongly attracted to foxgloves’ nectar and recognize its bright flowers and sweet smell. These both help spread and pollinate the plants growing near foxgloves. But no living thing works better with foxgloves than bees.

Bees especially love foxglove plants. The blooms on these plants are full of both nectar and pollen. Bees will be taken in by the nectar and get a big dose of pollen at the same time.

Of course, because of this, more plants get pollinated in the area around foxglove plants, causing even more growth and spread of the surrounding plants.

Foxgloves and Surrounding Plants

This plant is known to be helpful to other plants growing nearby. Foxgloves have been specifically used to grow near root crops. Root crops that are grown near foxgloves store better and have a longer shelf life.

The foxglove plant’s symbiotic relationship with fungus is the reason behind the benefit to root crops. The fungus that works well with foxgloves is excellent for aiding in root growth for all plants.

Also, pine trees have been shown to have stimulated growth when foxgloves are planted nearby, even more so than other plants.

Green Plants Can Purify the Air in Your Home? Not So True…

Green plants are popular. They complement just the right interior design and make us feel good. Of course, besides using them as decorations, many people actually purchase green plants for a particular reason: it is believed that indoor plants are able to purify the air.

Can green plants really sterilize germs, purify dust, or absorb formaldehyde?

【A NASA report misled us】

The idea that “greenery can purify the air” came from a scientific research conducted in the late 1980s.

Bill Wolverton is a NASA scientist who studied the ability of common houseplants to clean the air of a type of pollutants called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene and formaldehyde, which are often released by common household products such as paint, nail polish, and shampoo. They can cause itchy throat in mild cases or nasopharyngeal cancer in severe cases. Unlike air pollutants such as soot or dust particles, VOCs cannot be filtered by air purifiers. Therefore they can accumulate in confined spaces, such as spaceships, laboratories, and homes.

Bill Wolverton’s research delivered a pleasing answer. The report says that plants are “a promising and economical solution …… If people are to enter enclosed environments, whether on Earth or in space, they must bring nature’s life support systems with them.” It is this study that provides the scientific basis for the online content on plants and air pollution.

There is nothing inherently wrong with Wolverton’s study, but to take the report’s results at face value would be to significantly overstate the role of plants. Wolverton measured whether houseplants could remove VOCs from a confined laboratory environment. However, a home is usually not a completely sealed space – it has open doors and windows; there is air circulation, and lots of clutter.

【Want to purify the air in a room with green plants? You have to place 1,000 of them in the room】

Over the years, studies have shown that indoor plants may be able to cleanse the air of certain pollutants. However, most scientists now believe this to be false.

For plants to really improve air quality, you have to plant them densely even in a tiny room to make it work.

Recently, Michael Waring, a professor of environmental engineering at Drexel University, along with his colleagues re-analyzed 196 studies on the ability of indoor plants to filter air. They found that certain species of plants removed more VOCs than others; however, once the condition of a “larger room” was introduced, none of the plants worked.

“Assuming there’s a room that is 10 feet long, 10 feet wide and 8 feet high; you would have to grow 1,000 plants in there to achieve the purification capacity of one air change per hour – the air exchange rate of a typical office ventilation system,” Waring said. That means an average of 10 plants per square foot. Even if you choose the most effective plants to filter VOCs, you still need more than one plant for each square feet in your room.

【Green plants are not completely useless as long as they make you happy】

In fact, happiness, not the removal of a tiny bit of air pollution, is the real reason to grow houseplants. These things around you that are full of life and that you care about will truly bring you happiness — whether they make the indoor air cleaner or not.