I'm sure that you, like most people, find it easy to fall in love with plants. The great variety that exists on the planet is a source of inspiration for art, literature and cinema. They are an infinite resource for decorating homes, gardens and terraces. Their flowers hypnotise us and the exoticism of their leaves are true miracles of nature. But what do you really know about plants? There are many things that might surprise you. For example, did you know that 85% of plant life is found in the ocean? or that many plants have been used as dyes, even since Neolithic times? and that more than 70,000 plant species are used for medicinal purposes?
Beyond these facts, there are many other curiosities that can be really useful for taking care of your plants. For example, you should know that just by observing your plants you can find out if they are getting sick. Knowing how to take care of plants is not a secret, nor does it require expert knowledge. There are little tricks, such as spotting if the young leaves turn yellow. This probably means that they lack sun. If, on the other hand, the ones that turn yellow are the older ones, it may mean that you are over-watering them.
On the other hand, if you detect a whitish coating on the leaves, you may be dealing with a damp fungus. It is also important to know when your plant should flower. That way you will be able to tell if it is growing under the right conditions.
Another curious fact is the widespread fallacy that cacti absorb electromagnetic waves. However, there is no scientific study to prove this. The origin of this myth comes from the statements of Blanche Merz, founder of the Institut de Recherches en Géobiologie in Switzerland.
Another classic debate about plants is related to the time of watering. The most widespread assertion is that it is better to water in the evening, so that the water does not evaporate quickly in the sun The best time to water plants is always at dawn, as the plant's metabolic activity starts in the early hours of the morning. This is the ideal time to provide hydration, vitamins and nutrients and also to prevent the leaves from burning in the sunlight.
As you can see, the more you know about plants, the more questions you have about them. Only with curiosity and interest will you be able to keep your plants full of life all year round.
General plant curiosities
how do plants breathe?
Through the energy they obtain from the sun, all plants are able to carry out photosynthesis to produce their own "food". But they are also able to carry out the reverse mechanism, which is also vital for their development and survival.
why are plants green?
From our earliest childhood, when we are asked to draw a tree or plant, we use the green crayon. It is something we have accepted and normalised, like the sky is blue and the clouds are white. But have you ever asked yourself why plants are green? and why some plants are beautifully coloured, like the triostar calathea? Today we explain the mechanisms behind the colour of plants.
which plants produce the most oxygen?
It is perfectly logical to say that plants are fundamental to our existence, our destiny is linked to these green beings in many ways, as they offer us food, medicines, wood, fibres, as well as regulating humidity and helping to stabilise the climate; but perhaps one of their most important functions is that through their respiration they absorb carbon dioxide and give us back oxygen, that irreplaceable compound we need to live.
do all plants produce seeds?
We have all at one time or another, whether motivated by curiosity or a school assignment, sprouted seeds, even beans. It is an amazing thing to see how from something so small a plant can emerge that will grow and develop into an adult capable of producing fruit, flowers and seeds. But not all plants follow this cycle to reproduce, because depending on their species they have other means at their disposal. Believe it or not, not all plants produce seeds.
do plants feel pain?
Plants are living beings, so it is normal to think that they can feel pain, but the answer to this question is negative: plants do not feel pain, as they lack the nervous system and brain to process stimuli in this way. Pruning a plant or biting a fruit is not painful for them, but this does not mean that plants are inert beings, quite the contrary. Their means of communication are very different, but they are present.
Curiosities about plants according to their type
How to care for houseplants: Tips to help your plants grow healthily
where should I place my cactus? Light or Shade
The unique beauty of cacti has been captivating us for some time now. Add to this the fact that they are one of the easiest plants to care for, and you can see why they have gained so many followers. The problem is that despite their popularity, there is a lot of misinformation about their care and needs.
Cross your fingers and plant jade at the entrance: What plants are good luck to have at home?
There are many superstitions and beliefs that claim that it is possible to change one's luck with the help of amulets that carry good energies, capable of attracting good luck in the home. These beliefs and customs include a large number of plants that attract good luck.
what are succulent plants?
We constantly see this type of plants decorating balconies and gardens or all kinds of indoor spaces. Today we would like to tell you about the care of euphorbia, one of the most varied and popular varieties of succulents.
what are the most aromatic plants?
Aromatic plants are plants that produce substances with a particular fragrance. They are often used for cooking, making essences, cosmetics and more. They are also popular for their medicinal properties. Believe it or not, they are one of the easiest plants to care for, even indoors, as they don't require much space to grow, just plenty of light.
which plant grows the fastest?
One of the greatest joys when you have plants is to discover that they are growing new leaves. That little leaf is the irrefutable proof that we are able to take care of another living thing, that the plant is healthy, happy and wants to keep on growing. But there are plants that grow so slowly that you feel they don't experience any change. If you want immediate rewards and happy plants, then you need to acquire one of these fast-growing specimen plants.
how do shade plants feed themselves?
Sunlight is indispensable for plants to achieve photosynthesis, that process that is able to convert this light energy and transform it to synthesise its own food. But what about shade plants? don't they carry out this process? If you are wondering how shade plants feed, then read on because we will explain the differences between the way plants feed according to their light requirements.
Fun facts about plants in your home
which houseplants are good for cats?
The future is now: Why buying plants online is cool?
Online shopping until not so long ago was limited to non-perishable goods, objects and curiosities, but nowadays this service has been extended to the wonderful world of plants. With a couple of clicks you can choose the plant of your dreams and have it delivered to your doorstep, healthy, safe and perfect. Some people are afraid to use this service, but the future is now. Buying plants online is great, we'll tell you why.
can plants purify the air in your home?
Since the 80s the idea of having plants at home became popular, because at that time the results of a famous NASA experiment were published, which showed that some indoor plants were able to purify the air of harmful substances. This study has continued to be repeated, to the point where people are looking for purifying plants to place inside their homes, but how true is this? can your humble peace lily purify the air in your flat?
why are terrariums so cool?
Small flats and a lack of free time are the main reasons why people avoid incorporating plants into their décor. Understandably, if you live in a tiny office or cubicle, where you can barely take a couple of steps, you simply don't have the space to fit in a couple of pots. But don't completely dismiss your desire to fill your life with greenery, terrariums are the perfect option.
what time of day is best to water plants?
Watering your plants is an activity on which the life of your plants will literally depend. Understanding the watering cycles and needs of the plants you have is a fundamental aspect to guarantee their optimum development, but if despite following these watering guidelines to the letter you find that your plants do not grow, wilt or improve, the problem may be in the time you water them because, believe it or not, this also has an influence.
is it possible to have a plant near the heating?
With the arrival of winter it is necessary to change several routines; from taking out the winter clothes to turning on the heating. Another important part is plant care. If you have any outside, you should keep them well protected to keep them alive during these months. But indoors there is another thing that can affect the health of your plants: heating. is it possible to have a plant near the heating?
How to make homemade fertiliser
did you know that you can share your morning coffee with your plants? From time to time it is essential to add some fertiliser to the substrate of our plants, especially when they are in pots, to supplement the amount of nutrients available, as this improves the fertility and life of the plant. While you can buy some organic fertiliser (in our shop, in the accessories section you can find them), it is possible to recycle some organic waste left at home to make homemade fertiliser.
How to increase the humidity in your room
One of the great advantages of having indoor plants is that they naturally and sustainably increase humidity levels. Depending on the number of plants you have, the effects can be quite dramatic and transform your home or office into a perfect micro-climate space, where you can not only feel the myriad emotional benefits of having plants, but also feel regal. Learn how to increase the humidity in your room with certain types of plants.
can artificial light help your plants grow?
can plants grow in artificial light? is it possible to have plants in an enclosed space without natural light? The short answer is yes: yes, artificial light can indeed help your plants grow, but not all types of light can serve this purpose. Light from halogen bulbs in an office will never be enough for a cactus to survive, but it can work for other species. Let's explain this process a bit, trying not to get too technical.
Curiosities of plants according to their care
which plants require little care?
is your plant healthy?
One of the main concerns of beginners (and not so beginners) in the plant world is that you are not always sure what is going on with your plant. It is typical to hear someone say that their new little plant was fine and then suddenly it woke up dead. The symptoms were there, they just didn't know how to interpret them. Read on, because we will tell you how to tell if your plant is healthy.
why do plant leaves turn yellow? Tips on how to fix it
You bought a plant that is supposed to be easy to care for, like a pothos or a zz plant. You've made the effort to learn the basics of care. One day you wake up and notice that instead of having a beautiful, very green plant, it has turned yellow. Before you panic and resign yourself to throwing it away because it has died, check out this guide that explains the reasons why plant leaves turn yellow and how to fix it.
why is cleaning your plant's leaves so important?
Plants, especially houseplants, can lose their lustre and beauty as the days go by. This does not mean that they are being attacked by pests or are dying from lack of care. they are simply dirty! Dust particles dissolved in the environment form layers of dirt that stick to the walls, furniture, plants and all kinds of elements inside the house. Therefore, just as you wipe down different surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust, you should also clean the leaves of your plants to give them back their shine and colour.
Guide to homemade repellents and insecticides
If there's one heartbreak I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, it's the sight of your beloved plants being attacked by the angry hordes of pests, bugs and diseases. If you don't learn to deal with these common problems quickly, you may end up seeing your plants languish. But don't worry, it is possible to create your own homemade repellents and insecticides to protect your pampered plants from unwanted attacks.
How and when it is appropriate to use fertilisers
You have beautiful, big, radiant plants. Everything is going well, but at some point you start to notice that your plant is looking a bit sparse, its leaves have fallen off, it's looking sad, yellow and no longer flowers or grows or anything. It is quite possible that your plant has a nutrient problem and no, your Calathea is not anaemic, it just needs a little fertiliser.
Dedicated to creating an army of cacti, succulents, poodles and cats to help me conquer the world. In the little free time I have left, I play, write and dance.