Latest news with #Pothos
See - Sada Elbalad
18 hours ago
- General
- See - Sada Elbalad
A Green Gift: Why Indoor Plants Are the Perfect Present in Times of Rising Prices
Pasant Elzaitony When visiting friends or family, many people wonder what gift to bring. Flowers and chocolates are often the first choices. But in today's world, where prices are skyrocketing globally, flowers have become extremely expensive, and chocolates are now priced like gold. That's why a potted green plant has become the ideal gift. This choice is not only practical and thoughtful but is also backed by numerous studies confirming that indoor plants boost positive energy, dispel negative vibes, and act as a natural source of oxygen, refreshing the air inside the home. Recent research also shows that plants can feel and respond to their owners—they grow better when gently touched by human hands. So, how do you choose the right plant to give as a gift? And how do you care for it at home? You can opt for small plants like Pothos, which is easy to care for and thrives in indoor spaces with minimal sunlight. Or you may prefer larger plants that also do well indoors, such as the Monstera. Large Indoor Plants Larger plants have the advantage of adapting easily to indoor living. They don't require intensive care. It's important, however, to provide simple natural fertilizers, such as banana peels soaked in water for four hours, and then use that water to nourish the soil. A key tip when repotting: choose a slightly larger pot—not one that is too wide. Overly spacious pots can affect the plant's stability and growth. Why Choose Monstera? The Monstera is known for its large, dramatic leaves. The name is derived from 'monster,' due to the size of its foliage. It's a strong, hardy plant that tolerates both under- and over-watering, making it ideal for busy people or beginners. The Golden Tip Plants love to be touched and cared for. Gently touching their leaves from time to time helps them flourish. It's also recommended to wipe the leaves using a soft cloth dipped in water with a little white vinegar to clean their surface and keep them looking healthy and beautiful. Whether you're visiting a friend or simply want to bring life into your own home, a green plant in a pot is a gift that lasts—and grows—with time. read more 15 Ludicrous Cosplay Costumes That Will Blow You Away Watch... Dorra's natural beauty will blow your mind in latest photo session Exercising For As Little As 150 Minutes A Week Will Make You Happier، Study Claims ARIES: Your Horoscope for April 7 FDA Now Considers Vaping A Rising Epidemic In High School Lifestyle How to make Dried salted fish (feseekh) -By Chef El-Sherbini Lifestyle Batarekh Dip & Sardine Dip Lifestyle Best of Easter cookie and cakes Lifestyle ARIES friendship News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Daily Record
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Householders urged to place plants near windows and doors this summer
House plants help improve air quality as well as having other important uses. British homeowners are being advised to place house plants close to windows and doors this month as hay fever season peaks. Pollen levels rise between late March to September, with the first peak being the first two weeks in June. In late March, tree pollen is released and lasts until mid-way before grass pollen takes over and is active until July. Shortly after this weed pollen peaks from late June until September. This timeline can vary depending on where you live. The north of Britain usually has less pollen than the south of the UK. It's believed grass pollen affects the majority of hay fever sufferers. This is what usually causes symptoms in people in June and July. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. There is currently no cure for hay fever and it is managed with preventative medication and measures, including antihistamines. Experts believe there are several things people can do at home to help minimise pollen exposure, reports the Express. One easy thing experts recommend is introducing some house plants into your home, as these not only help filter air pollutants, they can also trap pollen. Some good options to introduce include Dracaena plants, Pothos, Peace Lilies and snake plants. Simply place them on windowsills and by doors to help trap pollen particles that enter your home. Haldi Kranich-Wood, Wool Interiors Specialist at British Wool, says: 'Make a pollen trap with house plants. Some house plants, like spider plants, peace lilies, or Boston ferns, act like natural air filters and can help trap airborne particles, including pollen. 'Try positioning a few by your windows and doors to create a leafy line of defence. Just make sure to wipe their leaves regularly, that trapped pollen still needs evicting.' Online doctor and pharmacy e-Surgery adds: "Certain plants can eliminate toxins in the air so they may be beneficial in reducing allergy symptoms. The best plants to keep in the house are ones that remove formaldehyde and benzene, both of which can be harmful to those that suffer from allergies. Plants that do not flower are best for hay fever sufferers. "Some plants can absorb toxins through their leaves and release moisture which can reduce dust in the air. The best plant for cleaning the air is Aloe as having one of the plants in your house is equivalent to nine biological air cleaners. "Another which is just as good is a spider plant. Spider plants are efficient at getting rid of the harmful compounds' formaldehyde, styrene, carbon monoxide, and benzene. The plants are also super adaptable to living inside as they can photosynthesis under very little lighting. "The snake plant, or also known as Mother-In-Law's Tongue is almost indestructible, so this is a particularly good one if you're not the best at caring for your plants. It's also good at cleaning the air around itself so is perfect for allergy sufferers."
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Root Awakening: Plant's leaves yellowing due to lack of water
Check soil moisture level to see how thirsty plant is I have been growing this plant for a few months. After I transplanted it to a bigger pot, the leaves started turning brown and yellow. I water it daily. What is wrong? Lee Teck Tiam The leaves may be yellowing due to a lack of water. Water your plant early in the day and, at the end of the day, stick your finger beneath the growing mix's surface to feel for moisture. If the soil is dry and the pot is much lighter, your plant has likely taken up all the water. Larger plants have higher water requirements. The volume and type of growing media you use determine the amount of water retained by your plant, so you may need to move your plant into a bigger pot. Prune it slightly to reduce the number of leaves and the amount of water lost through transpiration. You can also move your plant into a slightly shadier location to reduce water loss and intake. However, do not move it into deep shade. Semi-hydroponics suits many foliage houseplants I am looking to transition my houseplants from potting soil to Leca (light expanded clay aggregate). I have aroids and spider plants. Do you have any advice for creating a semi-hydroponics set-up in Singapore's climate? James Tan A wide range of foliage houseplants adapt quite well to being grown in self-watering systems like semi-hydroponics. You can refer to numerous online videos that demonstrate how you can start such a system. Choose plants that can withstand root disturbance, as moving them over will involve removing existing growing media and cleaning the roots. Ideally, your plants should be able to grow their roots quickly. Although it may be tempting to use clear containers for semi-hydroponics, these will allow light to penetrate the root zone, which can lead to algae growth. Apart from being unsightly, algae can rob nutrients from your plants. Finally, avoid placing containers near direct sunlight, as heat build-up will be detrimental to root health. Self-watering set-ups are often used for shade-tolerant plants which can thrive in cooler, shadier conditions. Ensure plant has enough sunlight and air circulation What has happened to the new leaf of my Pothos? I bought it three weeks ago and it unfurled like this. The rest of the plant seems healthy. Also, the bottom leaves are dark green but the rest of the leaves are much lighter. They are all roughly equal in size. Is there a reason for this? Sam Yeo This aroid species, though shade-tolerant, needs good light to grow. PHOTO: SAM YEO The appearance of the new leaves, especially the newest one, could be the plant adapting to its new surroundings. It will take some time for normal growth to resume. The aroid species you are growing, although shade-tolerant, still requires good light to grow. A lack of light can cause developing leaf tissues to be soft and fragile, and prone to damage and infection. Also, is there enough air circulation around your plant? Air circulation is required for plants to grow and develop properly. Make sure your plant gets four to six hours a day of filtered sunlight, which casts a fuzzy shadow. Grow lights can also be used to supplement your plant's light requirements. A small fan in the growing area can also be installed to move air around. Plant needs a bigger pot and protection from rust disease Consider providing this grape plant with light shade during hot, dry weather. PHOTO: JOHN LEE What are the growing conditions necessary for my new grape plant to flower and fruit in our local climate? John Lee Grape plants are climbers and can grow quite large. You will eventually need to transfer it to a bigger container. Avoid planting it in the ground, as waterlogged conditions during the rainy season can kill the plant. You may need to provide this plant with light shade during hot and dry weather. You will also need to protect the leaves from rainfall. This can help to reduce the likelihood of rust disease, a common issue with this plant. Spraying with copper soap can also help prevent this fungal disease. As for flowering and fruiting, plant trials are required to see if the cultivar you have will be productive, as the information available is largely based on cultivation in temperate climates. Lady's Finger may lack nutrients Fertilise this plant regularly and check for any pest infestations. PHOTO: LEE CHEE CHEE Is my Lady's Finger infested or lacking in nutrients? Lee Chee Chee The chlorosis in the lower, older leaves seems to indicate a lack of mobile nutrients such as magnesium. Give your plant fertiliser with magnesium on a regular basis. If you are using well-draining soil, the nutrients may be quickly leached away and you will need to feed your plant more often. Soil improvement can be difficult to perform on existing plants without disturbing their roots. Check if your plant is infested by sap-sucking pests like leaf hoppers, as the leaves have mosaic patterns and distortion common to infestations. Leaf hoppers can spread viral diseases with no cure. Use pesticide to reduce the pest population and limit any damage. Answers by Dr Wilson Wong, an NParks-certified practising horticulturist and parks manager. He is the founder of Green Culture Singapore and an adjunct assistant professor (Food Science & Technology) at the National University of Singapore. Have a gardening query? E-mail it with clear, high-resolution pictures of at least 1MB, if any, and your full name to stlife@ We reserve the right to edit and reject questions. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Independent
25-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
After a long winter, send your houseplants on a summer vacation
Most houseplants are tropical plants that require the warm, somewhat humid conditions of their natural habitat. In the home, many can become tired-looking, especially over winter, when even your brightest window provides lower-than-ideal light levels. So why not send your houseplants on a vacation from which they'll return re-energized, invigorated and having grown like, well, a weed? First, slip plants out of their pots to ensure their roots aren't crowded. If they are, loosen them gently and replant them in a container exactly 2 inches larger (no more, no less), then make a game plan. Make sure the weather is right Just as you might avoid visiting certain areas during extreme seasonal weather events, your plants' summer vacation plans should also be carefully timed. Jumping the gun, such as setting them out on the first warm spring day, could be injurious or even fatal. Some tropical plants can suffer severe damage when temperatures drop to just 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait until nighttime temperatures remain reliably above 60 degrees, then harden plants off by placing them in a shady outdoor spot (to avoid sunburn) for an hour or two. Then bring them back indoors. Repeat this daily over the course of a week, increasing their outdoor exposure by one hour each day. At the end of the week, they should be well acclimated to the stronger light, longer days and the wind of the great outdoors, where they can spend the summer. Growing plants need nutrients While on vacation outdoors, your plants will benefit from natural sunlight, rain showers that will cleanse their leaves and provide hydration, and breezes that will train them to stand stronger. They'll also likely grow with reckless abandon. All this added vigor means they'll require the nutrients of a growing teenager. Apply a slow-release fertilizer according to package directions or a fast-release product diluted to half strength once every two weeks. Avoid fertilizing during heat waves or when plants are otherwise under stress; forced growth when they are struggling will only make them weaker. Plants that would rather stay home There are some plants, however, that are homebodies. Those with delicate, fuzzy or velvety foliage, such as African violets, should never be exposed to leaf-wetting rain, direct sunlight or wind. Low-light houseplants such as Pothos, ZZ plant, Chinese evergreen, snake plant and cast iron plant can be placed outdoors, but only in a shady spot. Even there, they should be monitored for signs of sunburn or scorch and returned home if they display symptoms. In late summer or early fall, when temperatures threaten to drop below 60 F in your garden, reverse the acclimation process by moving plants into the shade for incrementally longer periods each day for a week. Then, inspect them for insects and, for good measure, give them a hose shower before bringing them back home. They'll be happy campers. ___ Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. ___ For more AP gardening stories, go to
Associated Press
25-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Associated Press
After a long winter, send your houseplants on a summer vacation
Most houseplants are tropical plants that require the warm, somewhat humid conditions of their natural habitat. In the home, many can become tired-looking, especially over winter, when even your brightest window provides lower-than-ideal light levels. So why not send your houseplants on a vacation from which they'll return re-energized, invigorated and having grown like, well, a weed? First, slip plants out of their pots to ensure their roots aren't crowded. If they are, loosen them gently and replant them in a container exactly 2 inches larger (no more, no less), then make a game plan. Make sure the weather is right Just as you might avoid visiting certain areas during extreme seasonal weather events, your plants' summer vacation plans should also be carefully timed. Jumping the gun, such as setting them out on the first warm spring day, could be injurious or even fatal. Some tropical plants can suffer severe damage when temperatures drop to just 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait until nighttime temperatures remain reliably above 60 degrees, then harden plants off by placing them in a shady outdoor spot (to avoid sunburn) for an hour or two. Then bring them back indoors. Repeat this daily over the course of a week, increasing their outdoor exposure by one hour each day. At the end of the week, they should be well acclimated to the stronger light, longer days and the wind of the great outdoors, where they can spend the summer. Growing plants need nutrients While on vacation outdoors, your plants will benefit from natural sunlight, rain showers that will cleanse their leaves and provide hydration, and breezes that will train them to stand stronger. They'll also likely grow with reckless abandon. All this added vigor means they'll require the nutrients of a growing teenager. Apply a slow-release fertilizer according to package directions or a fast-release product diluted to half strength once every two weeks. Avoid fertilizing during heat waves or when plants are otherwise under stress; forced growth when they are struggling will only make them weaker. Plants that would rather stay home There are some plants, however, that are homebodies. Those with delicate, fuzzy or velvety foliage, such as African violets, should never be exposed to leaf-wetting rain, direct sunlight or wind. Low-light houseplants such as Pothos, ZZ plant, Chinese evergreen, snake plant and cast iron plant can be placed outdoors, but only in a shady spot. Even there, they should be monitored for signs of sunburn or scorch and returned home if they display symptoms. In late summer or early fall, when temperatures threaten to drop below 60 F in your garden, reverse the acclimation process by moving plants into the shade for incrementally longer periods each day for a week. Then, inspect them for insects and, for good measure, give them a hose shower before bringing them back home. They'll be happy campers. ___ ___
