African Violet Diseases & Insect Pests
African violets are easily the most popular flowering houseplants in America. Their popularity arises from the fact that they are easy to grow and can bloom for 10 to 12 months of the year. They...
Category: Indoor Plants
Indoor Plants – Soil Mixes
It is important to have a quality soil mix for healthy plant growth. A high-quality container mix has the following general requirements: Dense enough to support the plant. Good nutrient-holding...
Armored Scale Insects & Control
Many armored scales are serious pests of ornamental shrubs, trees, groundcovers, and turfgrasses in South Carolina. Almost 40% of the Clemson Plant Problem Clinic sample submissions for home...
Growing Begonias Indoors
Begonias (Begonia species) belong to a huge family that includes over 1000 species worldwide. Except for the hardy begonia, which will survive winters in South Carolina, begonias don’t tolerate cold...
Indoor Plants – Watering
The main cause of death of potted plants is over-watering. Roots need both water and oxygen, and when surrounded by water, they cannot take up oxygen. These roots may rot and eventually the whole...
Amaryllis
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) are perennial bulbs known for their large, showy flowers. They are most often sold in the fall for forcing to bloom indoors in late fall and winter, especially in time for...
Moving Houseplants Indoors & Outdoors
Moving Plants Indoors in Winter Temperatures of 50 °F or lower can damage many tropical plants. It is a good idea to move houseplants inside when outside and inside temperatures are about the same....
Florist Cyclamen
The genus Cyclamen contains about 23 species, which are all native to the Mediterranean region. Florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) was introduced in Western Europe in the early 17th...
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
The Christmas tree is the focal point of holiday decorating. Live cut trees fill a home with natural beauty and a pleasant fragrance and are adorned with treasured ornaments collected over the...
Holiday Decorating With Fresh Greenery
One of the oldest winter holiday traditions is decorating the house with fresh greenery. Evergreens are used to represent everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. Southerners have been...
Brighten Up Your Home with Houseplants
Are these gloomy winter days getting you down? One way to brighten up your home is the addition of tropical houseplants. Some of my favorite flowering ones are moth orchids (Phalaenopsis species),...
My, What Beautiful Bracts You Have
Plants are often prized for their flowers, but that isn’t the case for the Poinsettia. The showy portions of this popular holiday plant aren’t petals or even flowers at all. Instead, they are...