Now that the holidays are over, we are left with a handful of New Year’s resolutions and several holiday plants that we want to save and possibly integrate into our homes or landscapes. The Norfolk Island pine is a cute little pine that can grow up to 80 feet if planted in the landscape. This subtropical pine must be kept as an indoor plant if you live in Cold Hardiness Zones 9 or lower. It also should be kept inside if you live in a dry area of the country. This pine needs warmth and at least 50% humidity at all times to survive. Place the pine on a humidity tray if your house if very dry during the winter months. These plants grow best in high, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct intense sunlight. When watering your pine, water from below. The soil should be kept moderately moist. Do not allow the plant to sit in water. Fertilize your plant with a liquid green fertilizer. Always follow the product label instructions when using any fertilizer. And as always, keep all plants out of the reach of pets and children.

With proper attention and the right environment, Zygo cacti will continue to bloom year after year. Zygo Cacti or Christmas Cacti have flowers in various shades of pink, coral, red, and white.

Potting or Re-potting: Zygo cacti require soil containing rich, organic material. The recommended growing medium is one part potting soil, two parts peat, and one part sand. It is very important to choose a pot that allows for proper drainage. Pots appropriate in size for the plant should be used when up-potting your Zygo (Christmas Cacti year after year

Lighting: Moderate, filtered lighting is recommended for your Zygo. Direct sunlight can be damaging, especially in the autumn, spring, and summer months. Christmas cactus can be placed outside in a partially shaded location during the summer. To avoid shocking the Christmas cactus, it should be gradually acclimated to indoor conditions before it is brought back inside at the end of summer. This can be done by bringing the Christmas cactus inside for a few hours each day and gradually increasing this time throughout out the late summer.

Re-Blooming: In order to promote blooms, placing Christmas cacti in locations ranging between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit beginning in November. In addition, in order to bloom, they need several hours per day of complete darkness beginning around the middle of October.

Pruning: After blooming, is the best time to prune your Christmas cactus. Remove a few sections of the larger branches of your Christmas cactus either by pinching or by cutting them off with a well-sharpened knife. Doing so will promote branching and new growth.

Watering: Proper watering is important to the successful growth of the Christmas cactus. If you want to encourage buds to form, less water should be given in late spring. After the Christmas cactus has formed blooms, it will require regular watering. Although these plants are considered as succulents it does not tolerate drought conditions very well. The best way to decide if the plant needs water is by feeling the soil. It should never be completely dry.

Fertilizer: Christmas cactus should be fertilized once a month after blooming up until autumn. Do not apply fertilizer during autumn and winter months. Using a fertilizer with a high potassium (potassium is the K in the fertilizer.) Be sure to follow label directions carefully for proper application and dosage information.

Tropical houseplants and container plants give such a lush look to our patios, decks and gardens during the warm summer months. When the temperatures drop, these plants should be brought inside the home. Because these plants are tropical, they do not go dormant so putting them in a basement or garage like you would do for bulbs or other plants is not the correct course of action. Since tropical plants are cold sensitive, should not be planted in the ground in areas where it gets colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you can’t resist the tropical beauty the plants add to your home, plant them in containers so they can be moved indoors when the weather dips below 50 degrees. You should keep your tropicals in a heated area until conditions allow the plant to be moved outdoors again. Hibiscus in particular, do not flower and can end up with yellow leaves over the winter. This is just the hibiscus telling you it does not like the winter and you should continue to care for the hibiscus normally. Once outdoor conditions improve and you may move your tropicals outside.

Pets are such an integral part of our families. They bring comfort and joy as well as endless hours of entertainment. Whenever you add a plant to your home or landscape, make sure you research its harmful degree, especially if your pet may make contact with it. There are a variety of online resources you can use to determine this information; however your best resource is your veterinarian. Not only does your vet know the common plants that can cause your pet to get ill, he also knows if your pet has any allergies or individual health issues that would make your pet sensitive to plants including the ones listed as “non -toxic.”

When researching online, www.aspca.org is a great place to start. This site will give you an extensive, though partial list of toxic and non-toxic plants. The ASPCA site also has valuable information and resources on how to care for your pet.

Many animal lovers keep terrariums with reptiles. It is important to note that the plants need to be free from chemicals before introducing them into the habitat. So when it comes to reptiles, it is crucial to consult your vet or the store where the pet was purchased to determine the best supplier of safe, yummy greens for your reptile.

Imagine a mosaic of plants on the wall of your patio or home. Wall décor is now being extended into the realm of plants. This interesting concept had its inception in Europe and is now spreading around the world. From Australia to North America, living walls are popping up everywhere.

Living walls and green roofs became popular several decades ago in Europe. This was a result of bringing back green areas to heavily populated urban areas to help mitigate storm water runoff and the excess heat trapped by concrete in cities.

So, how can you build this living piece of art? There are many different strategies from using chicken wire to purchasing ready made kits. In the inaugural issue of Costa Farm’s Growing Styles e-magazine you will be able to read about some of these strategies.

If you are looking to experiment with living walls, you might want to start small. A good project is one using chicken wire. It is inexpensive, and you will be able to see how it works for you. This particular living wall is for the outside since it does not have a water catching system.

For the project you will need:

2 - 2x2 pieces of chicken wire

Sphagnum moss

Zip ties

About 20 succulents in 4 inch pots

Instructions:

1. Place one piece of 2x2 wire on workbench.

2. Place a generous amount sphagnum moss on wire. This will be the medium that the succulents will be planted in so make sure there is enough moss for the plants to take root.

3. Place the second piece of chicken wire over the moss. The moss should be neatly sandwiched between the wires.

4. Secure the wire with the zip ties

5. Water the moss thoroughly (make sure your work space is outside!)

6. Plant succulents in the frame to cover your 2x2 area, leaving some room for the plants to grow.

7. Keep project flat for 3 to 4 weeks or until the plants take root.

8. Once the plants have taken root, hang your piece of garden art on a fence or a patio wall (somewhere that you can water with a hose or a watering can. Water thoroughly when moss starts to dry out.

Remember, you can mix and match different succulents to create a mosaic effect. Group succulents together by color and texture to create a large area of color for visual impact.

Easy to care for, hard to kill, these plants are a busy persons dream! Sansevieria, ZZ plant, Ponytail palm and Aglaonema are the plants that make up our line of Plants of Steel. They make perfect for full-time professionals, college students, and anyone with a demanding schedule. The ZZ, Sansevieria and Ponytail palm are some of the most popular indoor plants. All of our house plants are grown in shade houses to mimic the conditions of the home.

The ZZ plant, also known as the “eternity plant,” is one of the hardiest plants on the market. It is a great ornamental plant in the kitchen or basement, since it does not require bright light to survive. The ZZ does well in a low light environment. This plant should not be kept in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the soil moist. Don’t let it dry out, but don’t let the plant stand in water. Use a liquid green fertilizer to feed your plant. Make sure you follow the product label instructions on the fertilizer.

The Sansevieria, also known as a Snake Plant, is also among the hardiest of house plants you can find. There are several species and cultivars of this plant. They range in size from just a few inches to several feet tall. This plant loves warmth, so place it in well-lit spot in your home. However, it can tolerate low light if necessary. Never allow the temperature to fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You should take care not to overwater this plant since it will rot if overwatered. Allow it to dry out completely before watering again. During the winter months, reduce the amount of water you give the plant. The Sansevieria only needs to be fertilized once a month. A liquid fertilizer for indoor plants will also work well with this plant.

The Ponytail Palm plant grows tall and is a sturdy plant that can withstand temperature changes better than most plants. This makes the Ponytail Palm ideal for a home entrance. It requires high light, and can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees and as high as 90. Keep the soil moist, and not allow it to dry out.

And as always, plants should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

During the hot summer months, we all want to find plants that will grace our gardens with color and yet stand up to the hot weather. Our Shades of Summer program offers several plants that meet those requirements. Hibiscus, Caladiums and Kanga Paw all love bright light and warmth.

In a recent survey of readers, Birds and Blooms magazine found that 46 percent of respondents said that they would like to have tropical hibiscus in their gardens. These plants have deep green glossy leaves and large, colorful flowers. During the hot summer months Hibiscus produce almost a constant show of flowers. These plants can be used in the landscape in zones 10 and 11. In the other zones, this plant should be planted in a container so the plant can be brought inside when temperatures dip below 50 degrees F. When planting Hibiscus, make sure the soil and the container provide very good drainage. These plants benefits from being moderately moist, but not continuously soaked.

Hibiscus bloom well in high light conditions. You may use a bloom buster fertilizer to feed your plant during the growing season. When the summer season winds down, make sure to bring in the plant inside. The plant should be placed in a location with bright light. Once the growing season slows down, you might need to decrease the amount of water you give her. Hibiscus leaves tend to yellow from the bottom up if the plant is not getting enough light. Make sure you keep an eye on your plant. Some of our most popular varieties include: Tye Dye Wind, Candy Wind, Sunny Wind, Starry Wind, Cool Wind, Montego Wind, Mandarin Wind, Carolina Breeze, Baja Breeze.

Caladiums are tropical perennials grown from tubers. Caladiums are grown for their large colorful leaves. Although these plants produce flowers they are not significant. One of the great advantages of this plant is that it comes back year after year after year. Not only do they come back but they multiply. Caladium leaves come in a variety of colors and patterns. They make lovely bedding plants as well as container plants. Caladiums should be planted in part sun and in well drain soil. These plants go dormant during the winter season. In zones below 9 the tubers should be dug up when the leaves die back. Store them indoors until the spring.

Kanga paws are exotic and unusual plants that originally are from “Down Under.” These plants have long flat leaves and the flower spikes end in fuzzy, colorful tips. Kanga paws are available in red/orange, pink and white. They make great specimen border plants, container plants and even work great as cut flowers. They can be place in a garden to attract birds, bees and butterflies. They should be watered regularly, but not over-watered. They need full sun to continuously bloom.

Cacti and succulents are often thought of as desert plants but they are becoming more and more sought after by homeowners. The exotic beauty of cacti and succulents has captured the interest of many gardeners and collectors. Many cacti are native to the Americas. They grow in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Most cacti are characterized by their spines. Some cacti even have showy blossoms. Succulents on the other hand do not have spines. They are characterized by their fleshy foliage that function to retain water. These plants are hardly ever bothered by pests, so you don’t have to worry about this aspect of plant culture.

Costa offers a wide variety of cacti and succulents to choose from, finding the right one for your home or landscape should be easy. From upright, tall cacti to small trailing succulents the choices are almost endless. These plants can be used as container plants on patios, porches and inside the home; they can also be used in a water wise landscape design. Cacti and succulents are a perfect match for rock gardens.

Sun Parasol^® Mandevillas are tropical flowering plants that can be used in baskets or on trellises. These woody vines come in several varieties of colors and sizes. Sun Parasol^® Mandevilla flowers vary from the large crimson trumpet flower to the small pinkflower. These plants are not cold hardy. Where temperatures get below 45 degrees, they can be brought. In these cases, Sun Parasol^® Mandevillas are treated as houseplants during the winter months. The plants might not flower and some leaves might fall off, however, come the spring, the plant will recover. Make sure to decrease watering in the winter while the plant is overwintering and not in an active growth period.

Once the spring arrives, the plant should be moved outside. Since it will be actively growing, make sure to increase watering. Sun Parasol^® Mandevialls sprout during April and May therefore a well balanced fertilizer should be applied during the growing season. Sun Parasol^® Mandevillas need warmth and bright light to grow optimally. The plants start flowering in late May and keep flowering until the temperatures dip down into the 50’s. Gently, prune this plant in the fall. Hard pruning is not recommended especially in the spring. Sun Parasol^® Mandevillas like rich, well draining soil, so when repotting, make sure you use a good quality soil as well as a pot with good drainage. These plants are fast growers therefore they should be given ample room to grow when they are transplanted.

April 22 is Earth Day! Celebrate the benefits of our environment by incorporating indoor plants into your interior design and planting trees and shrubs in the landscape. Indoor pollution is a major health concern in the United States and around the world because many of the products used to build homes and workspaces contain toxic materials Volatile Organic compounds that leach into the indoor environment, and can cause chronic disorders eventually into our bodies. Houseplants remove many of these harmful chemicals VOC’s from the indoor environment. Spathiphyllum and Anthuriums both beautiful and beneficial and can remove many harmful chemicals VOC’s from an indoor environment. .

Spathiphyllum, or Peace Lilies, are the rock stars of removing indoor air pollution. “Spaths”, like other plants, take in the air Carbon Dioxide we let out through small openings on the leaves called, stomatas. The plants then process the air CO2 taken in, and release clean fresh oxygen, fresh air. Spaths in particular, process Acetone, Ammonia, Benzene, Ethyl Acetate, Formaldehyde, Methyl Alcohol, Trichloroethylene and Xylene. There are several varieties of Peace Lilies that range in size and leaf texture. Peace lilies enjoy moderate light; however do not mind lower light environments like a bathroom, office cubicle or even classroom. Spaths like to be moderately moist and can be fed with plant food like Miracle-Gro® Watering Can Singles®, which come in a convenient, pre-measured package.

Anthuriums are part of over 800 species which are subtropical favorites with varieties growing in such diverse areas as South America and the Pacific. To get them to flower continuously, place in a high light location. Anthuriums remove Ammonia, Formaldehyde, Toluene and Xylene from the indoors and like to be moderately moist and fed with a high quality plant food. Both plants make great house warming presents, hostess gifts or office plants. Consider placing these plants in spaces that are newly constructed, or recently remodeled.

To learn more about the toxins mentioned in this article and where they can be found in your home, visit http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov. To learn more about Miracle-Gro®, visit www.miraclegro.com.

Hanging baskets are a wonderful way to usher in springtime. Baskets full of impatiens, geraniums, pansies and ferns are an instant way to bring color to the outside of the home when cooler temperatures are subsiding but have not disappeared completely.

Ferns have always been the classic choice when it comes to hanging baskets and interiorscaping the home. They offer a quiet, graceful beauty and soften landscapes indoors and out. Ferns became all the rage in the 1850’s. Their intricate and delicate appearance made them a great match with the tastes of the Victorian era. What started as a fad soon became a trend for homes in Europe and America. The fern’s staying power has made it the quintessential plant for homes all around the world. The minimal care this plant requires as well as its’ tolerant nature make it a great porch or deck plant as well as a suitable plant for a living room, bathroom or kitchen.

They all enjoy filtered light and moderately moist soil. Fertilize with a liquid green fertilizer for indoor plants.

The orchid family of plants (Orchidaceae) is one of the largest families of plants in the plant kingdom. It is comprised of over twenty-five thousand naturally occurring plants. At Costa, we have selected five genuses that are beginner friendly orchids to help ensure success in the home or office environment. We offer Phalaenopsis, Oncidum, Vanda, Dendrobium, and Cymbidium orchids. These genuses of orchids provide a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes that are sure to compliment any décor.

Given the proper growing conditions, orchids will perform beautifully year after year. The most important factor in growing orchids is understanding their needs

One of the most important, and tricky, parts of orchid care is watering. Many orchids hail from tropical, moist climates; they are usually attached to trees with their roots exposed. These wild orchids need the constant moisture that exists in the rainforest since they have no medium around their roots. In the case of the domestic orchid (except for the Vanda), they are planted in moss or bark. This allows the roots to stay moist for a longer period of time so they do not need to be watered constantly. A good rule of thumb is to water the day before that plant will be completely dry. Another good way to check if the plant needs to be watered is to feel its weight. If the plant is light, this is an indication that the media has dried out and needs to be watered. Water the plant by drenching it in the sink for about thirty seconds. Let the plant drain before it goes back to its permanent spot.

For more orchid tips visit us at orchidsareeasy.com

Lucky Bamboo is a false bamboo. It is part of the family of dracaenas or cordylines. This plant can be planted in water as well as soil. Lucky Bamboo can be trained to make different shapes or even sculptures. If your lucky bamboo is in an arrangement held together by twist ties, these should not be removed since they provide stability to the plant.

Lucky Bamboo usually comes in a container filled with pebbles or marbles. Add water until the pebble/marble base is fully covered. Check your bamboo’s water level frequently at first! Arrangements with several stems will need water at least twice a week, maybe more, especially during summer. If the chlorine content in your water is very high, please use filtered or bottled water. If you keep lucky bamboo in a vase, don’t fill it to the top as you do with flowers. Lucky bamboo grows roots wherever water contacts it so a higher water level will sprout roots further up the stem than is attractive.

Lucky bamboo is tough and resilient. It needs very little light and is content with the artificial lighting in your home. Insufficient light, however, will fade the leaves to a light green. If this happens, just try another location with a little bit more light. As tough as lucky bamboo is, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight or extreme heat. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 50–60°F. You may use a fertilizer for aquarium plants. You may find this at your local pet store. Another option is to use a liquid green fertilizer (Scotts Miracle-Gro has one) use it at a 1/10 of the strength indicated.

Poinsettias are tropical plants, originating in Mexico. These plants have tiny yellow blooms, surrounded by several colorful leaves or bracts (or modified leaf.) The traditional color is red; however, one can find them in an assortment of colors, ranging from deep red to white. The size and shape of the leaves can also vary. The most common leaf is the long pointed leaf, but as of late, one can find poinsettias with short, frilly leaves as well.

In selecting a healthy poinsettia, choose one that has abundant leaves and does not have long leggy stems. Poinsettias are somewhat fragile. The branches tend to break if bumped or mishandled. So getting to the store when a fresh shipment comes in is always the ideal time to get the pick of the litter.

Because poinsettias are tropical plants, make sure they are not exposed to temperatures below 60° Fahrenheit. The delicate leaves and branches will become damaged if the temperatures go below. At home, make sure the plant is in a warm, bright location (direct sunlight is not recommended). Avoid any drafts that can affect the plant, such as a cold blast of air that comes in the home when the front door is opened. Poinsettias enjoy temperatures between 60-70°F.

These plants do not like to be overwatered. Too much water can cause root rot. Wait until the top of the soil feels dry, then water the plant thoroughly. Let the plant sit in the excess water that drips out of the pot for about 45 minutes, then discard whatever water remains in the saucer or foil sleeve.

Finally, as with all plants, make sure that your poinsettia is out of the reach of children and pets. Houseplants are not edible.

Hibiscus and Tropical Plant Overwintering

The Hibiscus is a tropical plant and cannot withstand temperatures below 50°F. As with all tropical plants, it is best to bring them inside everyday/night it gets colder than 50°. Keep the plant in a warm, sunny spot until the temperatures outside warm up in the spring. The plant will probably not flower, and it will get yellow leaves (lack of sufficient light) and possibly drop some leaves. It is just telling you it does not like the winter. Keep caring for them has you normally would. Once it is placed outside in the spring, the plant should recuperate. As for pruning, a gentle job will do just fine.