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Rieger begonia – How to Grow and Care

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What is Reiger Begonia?

Rieger Begonia

Rieger Begonia, also known as begonia x hiemalis is s beautiful winter-flowering plants that have bright, creamy, and beautiful blooms. It is also sometimes called elatior begonia, although it is the same plant as the Rieger begonia.
This plant is known as a winter-flowering plant as they require cold temperatures and short days to bloom. If you make use of blackout curtains and temperature control, you can produce them year-round too. People grow Rieger begonia as houseplants. It requires airy, light, and fast-draining soil and bright but indirect light.

Rieger begonia flower varies in several colors like bright yellow, red, pink, salmon, orange, and even white.

Yellow Rieger Begonia
Yellow Rieger Begonia

How to grow Rieger begonia

  • Select a cool place that remains dark in the evening, for shorter days and longer nights. Keep the plant away from the illumination of streetlights because it might disrupt the cycle. Place it in an east or west-facing window so that it will get sunlight for only part of the day.
  • Provide temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
  • Water the plant only when the soil feels dry. Do not overwater.
  • Avoid splashing the leaves in the evening. It might cause ugly water spots as well as fungus diseases.


  • During the blooming period, fertilize your plant once a month with a high-phosphorous liquid plant food. However, when it stopped blooming, do not feed the plant.
  • Cut back the stem to 3 inches and allow it to dry for six weeks.
  • Water the plant regularly so that new shoots will begin to appear at its base. When new shoots appear and reach 3 inches tall, remove the lower leaves and put them in a damp in a mixture of half sand and half peat moss.
  • Make sure that the soil covers at least one node on each and invert a plastic bag loosely over their pot. It helps to maintain humidity.
  • After a month, remove the plastic bag and check if the cuttings have hardened off.
  • If you wish to retain the original plant, leave a few shoots on the old plant and repot it in a slightly bigger pot
  • If you want to transplant the cuttings, you need to prepare African violet potting mix in a 6-inch pot for three cuttings. Pinch back the tips of the cuttings when they become able to establish, to encourage them to branch out. Feed them monthly with high-phosphorous plant food.

Here is a video on How to Propagate Begonias by yourself

How to care Rieger begonia?

  • To care for the plant, only you need is a proper lightning condition, an adequate temperature, adequate fertilization, and transplantation of the plant when needed.
  • For this plant, you need a cold and dark place. A temperature that ranges from 60 degrees F to 70 degrees F during the day and from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
  • Feed the plant once a month with a high-phosphorous liquid plant food. During the fall, you need to keep your old plant and new cuttings in a protected place until the cooler temperatures and shorter days cause them to set buds again.
  • However, do not move the plant to a new position after it has begun to flower because it might cause it to shed buds.
Rieger begonia blooming in pot
Rieger Begonia in pot

When do Rieger Begonia bloom?

If the temperature is maintained, the flower bloom around the year.

Uses of Begonias

  • Begonia flower is often used as an ornamental plant because it has a red color flushed and beautiful shape.
  • People use it as cold medicine. You can use the flowers by boiling them, then strain, and drink the water regularly to gain its benefit.
  • Begonia also contains anti-bacterial so the flu can heal quickly.
  • Eating begonia flowers are good for your digestive system. It helps to cure nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Rieger begonia is good for bone and teeth growth and treats bronchitis. It brightens the skin too.
  • It acts as a rheumatic remedy and natural cough medicine.
  • Similarly, begonia flowers help to stop the bleeding, relieve asthma symptoms, and treat dysentery.

Possible side effects

  • Rieger Begonias are susceptible to mildew.
  • Begonias contain oxalic acid that might be harmful to the people who have a kidney problem. Therefore, before the consumption of this flower, you need to consult a doctor and follow his prescription.

Where can I buy Rieger begonia seeds or plants?

Store like Amazon and Home Depot have Rieger begonia plants as well as seeds for sale. They make charge you a few dollars to ship but the flower is worth buying.



Do you love begonias or know someone who does? Why don’t you gift yourself or loved ones with amazing begonia coffee mug?


Geranium

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Geranium, also commonly known as the cranesbills is a genus of 422 species of the flowering plant. It is annual, biennial, and perennial found at temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics. You can find it mostly in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region. Its leaves are long, palm-shaped, and broadly circular. The flowers have five petals and are a variety of colors are white, pink, purple, or blue. They have distinctive veining as well. The most common type grows up to 2 to 4 feet tall and wide.

There are six different types of Geranium. They are zonal Geranium, ivy geranium, regal or Martha Washington geranium, scented-leaf Geranium, angel geranium, and unique Geranium. It can grow in any soil, but it cannot resist waterlogged soil. The larvae of some species like brown-tail, ghost moth, and mouse moth can attack it. Therefore, be very careful if you wish to grow this plant.

How to grow Geranium plant

  • The plant produces attractive flowers and foliage so most of the people prefer this plant to grow in their garden or as a houseplant.
  • The foliage is long-lived and mounding habit with palm-shaped foliage whereas, some species have spreading rhizomes.
  • It grows in winter season in hard zones 10-11 as an annual plant. But it prefers to grow in part shade to full sun, in well-drained but moisture-retentive soils that are rich in humus.
    The excellent feature of Geranium is its long blooming season that starts in spring and can last into fall.
  • During winter, keep the plants above 45 degrees to 50 degrees so that they may bloom. Likewise, some of the species are not winter-hardy in cold areas.
  • They prefer to grow in specialized gardens like rock gardens.
  • To grow this plant, first, you need well-drained and neutral to alkaline potting soil that is rich in humus. If you want to grow it as an outdoor plant, then you need moist, well-drained soil with an equal amount of soil, peat, and perlite.
  • After that, locate your plant in an area with at least six to eight hours of sunlight.
  • Maintain the space about 8 to 12 inches apart between the plants and the same depth as their original planting pots. Do not overcrowd the plants.

How to care Geranium

  • Geranium is an easy plant for both growing and caring. Whether the plant is indoor or outdoor, caring is necessary.
  • Water genuinely once the soil begins to feel dry. Avoid overhead irrigation, as this can lead to pests or disease issues.
  • Likewise, fertilizing is usually necessary. So for that, use a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer or a 5-10-5 fertilizer with additional organic matter.
  • Fertilization should be in every four to six weeks throughout their active growing season. Over-fertilizing can discourage growth and might result in poor blooming.
  • Once the plant becomes overgrown, the plants require repotting. Pruning and removing the dead flowers from the plant will help to encourage additional blooming.
  • You can propagate the plant easily from roots and cuttings.
  • It can be propagated in fall and can be dug and brought inside.
  • Pests, aphids, caterpillars, whiteflies, slugs, and various mites attack the plant. It might cause leaf drop, blooming problem, and even death. So use insecticides to prevent the pests and other germs.

Benefits and uses of Geranium

  • Most of the species of Geranium can be cultivated for horticulture use and pharmaceutical products.
  • Its consumption brings out several health benefits. They include the ability to lower stress level, reduce inflammation, relieve menstrual pain, and strengthen the immune system.
  • Along with this, it also helps to ease digestion, improve kidney, skin, and hair health.
  • It helps to heal the wound faster.

Possible side effects

  • Geraniums are very toxic in dogs and cats. Significant signs are vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis in dogs and cats.
  • If you establish direct contact with foliage, then it might cause skin allergies.

Angel-wing Begonia

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Angel-wing Begonia, also known as dragon wing is a hybrid begonia plant that native to tropical regions. South America is the origin of this plant. It is the result of a cross between Begonia Aconitifolia and begonia Coccinea that was made by California breeder in 1926. It has large, ‘’angel wing’’ shaped, dark green leaves, often with metallic silver specks, and deep red underside leaf. Along with this, it produces hanging clusters of delicate flowers in red, white, orange, or pink color.

How to grow Angel-wing Begonia

  • Angel wing begonia is a year-round houseplant. They are beautiful, easy-care flowering plant that brightens your home all year. Since begonias originated in the tropics, they require high humidity and proper circulation of the air around the plant.
  • Along with this, they need a large amount of water and light. Light encourages the color of the flower, leaves, and results in brilliant color.
  • This plant does well when the temperature is 65 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius).
  • It grows well under shade cloth, lattice, or in early morning/late-afternoon sun.
  • To grow the begonia plant, first, you need well-drained soil that is high in humidity.
  • If you want it outdoors, then choose a location where it receives full morning sun and filtered light once the afternoon sun becomes intense.
  • Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer at the beginning. Use fertilizer with a high phosphorous product for established plants.
  • Add water to the fertilizer and apply twice to the plant as recommended for an indoor plant.
  • Prune out the older canes of the matured plants to encourage new shoots to grow and flower.

You can easily propagate the plant from stalk cuttings.

  • You need to cut a two-leaf section of the stalk that is 4 to 6 inches (10 cm to 15 cm) from the end with the help of a sharp knife.
  • Peel off the lower leaves and dip in rooting powder.
  • Insert the stalk into potting soil up to 2 inches (5.1 cm).
  • After inserting the stalk, moisten the soil by watering the plant.
  • After a few days, gently pluck the plant and watch if the plant holds or not. If it holds, then it has grown its new roots.
  • Lastly, transfer the plant into a large and regular pot for further growth of the plant.

How to care

  • Provide adequate light to the plant as insufficient light causes the plant to become leggy and prevents flowering. Avoid direct sun as more light might curl the leaves and even turn brown.
  • Likewise, watering should be proper and regular but do not overwater the plant. Overwater might turn the leaves into yellow and fall off.
  • Likewise, you should be very careful while maintaining drip holes and proper drainage in your pot. You need to make drip holes at the bottom of the pot so that the plant should never sit in water and grow well.
  • Feed your plant monthly with fertilizer and liquid plant food that is high in potassium.
    When the soil feels damp, feed the plant to prevent leaf burn.
  • These plants are prone to mealy bugs. Use a green solution or a commercial insecticidal soap to prevent the bugs. Do not use toxic chemicals as it might damage the leaves.
  • Similarly, yearly pruning is necessary for the plant during the winter or during early spring as it prevents the plant from becoming leggy.
  • If the plant has outgrown its existing container, then it is a good time to re-pot your plant.
  • Likewise, throughout the year, pinch off the dead flowers if any.

Benefits and uses of Angel-wing begonia plant

  • The flowers and fleshy leaves of the begonia plant are edible either it is raw or cooked. It has a very sweet-tart taste; however, it might be slightly bitter after taste.

Possible side effects

  • The angel-wing begonia plant is poisonous due to the insoluble oxalates in the plant. Therefore, keep it away from the reach of your pets and children.

Ixora-how to grow and care

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Ixora is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae that grows commonly in sub-tropical climates in the United States. It is the only genus in the tribe ixoreae, which consists of tropical evergreen trees and shrubs. This genus holds around 562 species. Its center of diversity is in Tropical Asia though it is native to the tropical and sub-tropical areas throughout the world. In Florida, people call it West Indian Jasmine. It has other similar names as well. They are viruchi, rangan, kheme, ponna, chann techi, pan, siantan, jarum-jarum/jejarum, jungle flame, jungle geranium, cruz de Malta, etc.

This plant has leathery leaves that range from three to 6 inches in length. It produces large clusters of tiny flowers in the summer, which is a popular choice for hedges in parts of South East Asia. The large flowers clusters come in red, orange, yellow, and pink. People also call the plant as jungle flame and flame of the woods. Likewise, its shrubs are also known for their large corymbs of bright florets. In tropical climates, they flourish year-round and Hindus use them while worshipping to God. They also use them in Ayurveda and Indian folk medicine.

How to grow Ixora

  • Firstly, you need well-drained soil and moderate to slightly acidic PH. Since the plant develops chlorosis when you place in alkaline soil, so you need to be careful while growing the plant.
  • Keep the soil evenly moist and prune the plants when felt necessary.
  • If the plant grows well, then it responds well to shearing. It also makes an excellent low hedge with its 4 to 6-foot height.
  • Now, the flowers of this plant occasionally produce a dark purple to blackberry with seeds. So, when the seeds are seen clean off the pulp, soak it overnight, and plant in a 2-inch pot filled with well-drained soil.
  • After that, moisten the mixture, tighten a plastic bag over the pot, and place the pot in a sunny location with moderate light.
  • Now, keep the pot moist and move it to bright light when the seeds start to germinate. You can also propagate the plant through stem cuttings with the help of a rooting hormone.

How to care

  • Ixora is an easy plant for both to grow and care, but during annual spring, you need to prune and fertilize the plant to enhance the plant’s health.
  • During winter, the temperature should be above 60 degrees Fahrenheit but if the temperature falls below it, keep it in a safe place.
  • Some common diseases like fungal might attack the plant. This is due to overhead watering.
  • You need to water the plant on root zone to prevent the foliage from getting wet.
  • Likewise, spider mites and aphids are common for this plant. Use an insecticidal oil spray.
  • Similarly, to prevent competitive weeds, you can use a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around the root zone. Along with this, applying mulch to the root zone also enhances water retention and adds organic nutrients to the soil.
  • If you have grown the plant in a pot or container, you need to replant it in every 2 to 3 years.
  • Since the plants are extremely tender which might perish to freezing temperatures so, bring the shrubs indoors during frost.

Benefits of Ixora plant

  • People use Ixora plant to prepare the decorative landscapes.
  • This plant adds attractiveness to your house, office, and garden.
  • Several species of Ixora act as ingredients in traditional medicines like astringent. This medicine helps to treat dysentery and tuberculosis. The leaves and flowers of several species treat fever, headache, etc.
  • The roots are also strong medicine. The internal part of roots consists of stomachic and antiseptic properties. The outer portion includes astringent and antiseptic properties.
  • The fruits of Ixora is edible as well, but fruit-eating birds probably disperse the seeds.
  • The wood of this plant is occasionally used, often for implements and small objects.

 

 

Love flowers

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Lets have some knowledge about love and love flowers. People say that you’re in love when you aren’t able to sleep, eat, or dream properly. Well, there are many definitions and explanations about love. If we look at the formal definition, then the dictionary claims that ‘Love is an intense feeling of deep affection.’ Yes, love is an intense feeling which leads to the importance reversal because when you are in love. You prioritize your partner’s needs and happiness more than yours. You make them an integral part of your life because of ‘Love.’

The new love birds and all the lovely mature couples may know the magic of love and those butterflies that play in their stomach when they are in company with the loved ones. Moreover, to cherish those beautiful, magical moments with your lovers, you can use flowers. What words couldn’t put your feelings upfront, flowers will do it all. They speak it all with their vibrant radiance which mesmerizes your beloved eyes, and that magnetic smell make those heartbeats get loud. You cannot put all those beautiful moments and the attachment in words. They say that feelings and emotions are best when you don’t express in words.

Flowers are the best reflectors of your unexpressed emotions. A bouquet or a single rose can express your inner feelings to your partner and will put a sunshine-filled smile on their face without the use of words. These are the signifiers of love, get through it, and make an appropriate choice which matches your exact expression of love and depiction of your relationship. You don’t have to worry about the options because here are some of the love flowers name and the details that you would surely love to know.

PEONY-One of the beautiful love flowers

Peony, one of the fluffy blooms that give sweet fragrance symbolizes love, romance, and prosperity. Lovers believe that if you gift the peony flowers to your beloved ones, then eventually you are reflecting the expression of love. Moreover, it symbolizes honor and good fortune too.

It also signifies a happy marriage and compassion. It is well suited to those couples who are in a long relationship and are willing to proclaim their love for each other by stepping up into marriage. Peony would be the right choice for the couple who are in love and wants to live together and also peony is perfect for those who wish to propose their partner.

Peony itself has a great significance in Greek mythology. The legend claims that Aesculapius (God of medicine) had a student named Paeon. Suddenly one day Pluto’s life was in danger. Paeon saved Pluto by using a peony root which made Aesculapius very jealous of Paeon as he got all the praises. This burning jealousy made him wanting to kill Paeon, but Pluto transformed Paeon to a peony which saved his life. And eventually, because of the flowers fluffiness and sweet fragrance, it can be admired and praised by everyone. This flowers, later on, became the symbolization of the emotion of compassion to human nature. Hence, peony can be something that you can use to woo your partner.

TULIPS-One of the pleasing love flowers

Tulips, one of the go-to flowers to give to your lover, carries the meaning of ‘Perfect Love.’ It is one of the favorite flowers in the world and also has great significance from the 17th century. As per the Turkish tradition of wearing tulip in one’s turban is evident, yet the Europeans commented it. And they mistakenly named it tulips which came from the Persian word meaning ‘turban.’ And gradually, the popularity of the tulips rose explicitly in the Netherlands as the Europeans started taking tulips and use it. Even now, tulips are of the most prestigious flowers which are appreciated all over the world.

Moreover, each variety of tulips has a different meaning and symbolizes an affection or emotion. Red tulips reflect the intense feeling of love; purple tulips signify royalty while the yellow tulips represent the sunshine as a wish for a better future in relationships. Similarly, white tulips represent the message of forgiveness, and variegated tulips are said to symbolize the beautiful eyes. In totality, tulip flowers symbolize the warm emotion, which makes you feel comfortable and define something that you want to make your lover feel. Your lover will feel the warmth of your love and relationship with a bouquet of tulips. The tulip flowers are something that can never go wrong while gifting your lover or your partner.

ROSES-one of the most demanded love flowers

Love an undefinable emotion has a color that represents it, and that is red. And it’s evident that rose is the flower that directly represents ‘Love’ and to the cherry on the top is that red roses are the straight signifier of love. Anywhere in the world, the ultimate choice of flower to give for your lover is the ‘Rose.’ According to a report, 51 % of people buy red roses for Valentine’s Day, but that’s only on the statistics because the popularity of Red rose is beyond the graphs.

Rose symbolizes love, romance, beauty, and perfect, and the main attracting point of Red rose is that it embodies the ideal color of love, which is ‘red.’ Despite being expensive for the people, this red rose flower is something you can’t resist to get for your lover. It is very classy and elegant with its magnificent structure.

If you want to woo your lover, then a bouquet of a red rose is all you need, and clearly, she/he will know what you intend to express with the red rose. It is also well-suited for the perfect moments with your partner, during your dinner date you can gift these. You can also use it for your proposal too. Let the love be and get those red flowers for your partner. It will surely cherish your relationship and celebrate the magic that you both feel which is ‘Love.’

RANUNCULUS-one of the most dazzling love flowers

Ranunculus, native to Asia, is also one of the favorite love flowers and has a significant association with Greek mythology. According to the legend, mythological character Coyote was playing his eyes up in the air. While he was throwing it up, an eagle snatched his eyes and made him blind. After that, he plucked two ranunculi from the garden and made it his own eyes and acted as it was one of his body’s part.

Ranunculus has a very distinctive meaning which expresses a statement ‘I’m dazzled by your charm.’ And to keep up the charm in your relationship, you should always cherish your partner’s individuality, and beauty. Thus, ranunculus flowers are for all those individuals who love to praise, admire, and compliment their partner. You can get it in a variety of color that ranges from white to pink, red to yellow and orange. Well, it depends on you to choose as you can go with something that suits your current situation and what you are willing to depict.

PINK ASTERS

Pink Aster is a star-shaped flower that directly signifies the emotion ‘love.’ Those love birds who believe in true love, find it as one of their favorite flowers. Maybe because of its direct representation of ‘Love,’ it has become popular amongst believer of love in the world. Moreover, sensitivity is also one of the emotions that this flower represents. And subtlety is the perfect expression for those who are in a long-term relationship. It is pretty popular with its various names like ‘Michaelmas Daisy,’ ‘Starwort ‘and ‘Frost Flowers.’

Pink Aster is also associated with Greek mythology as its place was on the altars of God. From that point, with the attachment of this flower with God, this began to be the symbol of love. Moreover, another story unfolds about the Greek goddess, Astraea. Once she was sad and was crying because there were very few stars in the dark sky. The tears that fell from her eyes turned into a star-shaped Aster (meaning stars) flowers.

You can find this enchanted flower in a wide range of colors like white, red, pink, purple, lavender, blue and yellow. Pink Asters express the symbol of love and faith that you feel and hope for your partner and your relationship. Moreover, the captivating fragrance that this flower gives will fascinate your lover and make your relationship more romantic.

GERBERA DAISIES 

Gerbera Daisies, one of the go-to flowers for lovers, is native to South Africa. It got its discovery during a search in the gold mine operated by Robert Jameson in 1880 in Transvaal. It is known to be very radiant and cheerful as it is found mostly in bright colors, which are charming and attractive in all terms. The flower is known for its elongated flowering heads which is significantly a unique structure making it more approachable.

With its rainbow-like colors, Gerbera Daisies are one of those flowers that can fascinate your lover and cherish the love that you have for each other. Similarly, red Gerbera Daisies symbolizes love. Its bright colors and captivating structure will charm your lover as this will celebrate your togetherness. However, you don’t have to be definite about the color as most of the Gerbera Daisies represents innocence, purity, beauty, and cheerfulness. Their large blooms crowding hundreds of petals onto each stem creates a cheerful color contrasting shades. Such a beautiful structure can woo your loved ones.

ORCHIDS

Greek culture associated Orchids with masculinity, and there were times when a woman used to predict their child’s gender. They used to believe that if the father of the unborn child ate new large orchid new tubers, then it would be a boy. Similarly, if the mother ate small orchid tubers, then they would predict that the baby will be a girl.

Orchids symbolize beauty, luxury, strength, and love. Orchid flowers were one of the rarest flowers in the Victorian era, which made this flower to level up like an exotic and expensive flower in the world. Due to its rareness, people counted it as one of the luxurious gifts that an individual can present to the other. Moreover, they considered the lovers who gifted orchids as very extravagant because it proclaims love to be inexpensive.

Giving orchids to your loved ones is something extraordinary because they eventually symbolize love, elegance, innocence, and strength. Your depiction of love that you feel for your lover can be transparent through orchids. Moreover, Orchids are also appropriate flowers for gifting the couples who are expecting babies. Similarly, people who want to express their love and attachment widely use a bouquet of orchids.                  

CARNATIONS

Carnations, one of the magnificent love flowers, have a great significance with Greek Mythology. It says that the name ‘Orchid’ gets derived from the word ‘Coronation’ and they used this word in the Greek ceremonial crowns. Whereas the other myths have that it originated from the Latin word ‘Carnis’ (meaning flesh) and most of the carnations at that time were pink. Eventually, it carries a history that is 2,000 years old, which itself is fantastic. Moreover, you can gift these flowers to your special ones as it depicts the resonation of emotion in depth.

The structure of Carnation is magnificent as spiky petals of Carnations look like you have just cut them with shears. Carnations symbolize love, affection, purity, luck, and admiration. It widely ranges the colors from pink, white, red to yellow and scarlet makes it more approachable as you can go with the color which your lover likes. You can also gift these on the celebration of the special events of your life like the 1st-anniversary celebration. This cheerful and adorable flower will bring out that shine in his/her eyes and let you feel your love in the air. To those magical moments, a bouquet of carnations is all you need to cherish your union.

SUNFLOWERS

As per Greek Mythology, a nymph was very much in love, and suddenly, when she lost her love, she turned out like a sunflower. Sunflower is a strong flower that embodies power and strength as it bears the resemblance to the sun. This flower is said to be native to North America, and being classy and elegant, it is readily available and affordable too. Gifting a sunflower to your lover will reflect the bond that you both have, which strengthens with warmth, positivity, and happiness.

Sunflower is also known as spirit-lifting flowers. You can always put a smile on your loved one’s face with a bouquet of sunflowers. You will be spreading happiness in your relationship for the longer term. Take it for your proposal and develop your long-term relationship with your loved ones. Sunflowers represent the platonic love to your partner, so better have that bouquet of sunflowers while giving to your partner.

The structure of the sunflower is so adorable. You will also be admiring the presence and the beauty of your loved ones. Thus, giving sunflower can make your dream come true because it will cherish your connection of love. And as the sunflowers stem is strong, your love life will also be secure and filled with trust and loyalty. As those sun-kissed sunflowers are bright and shiny, you will find your love and relationship shining too.

GARDENIAS 

Gardenias, this white fragrant bloom is known for its sweet fragrance and its bright white color that signifies purity in every sense. It has a great significance with the Victorian period, as in the past, people used flowers to convey messages. Amongst the flowers, they used Gardenias to express their secret love by hiding their identity. And if we decipher the real meaning behind gifting Gardenias, then the message is, ‘You’re lovely.’ So, you can give a bouquet of gardenias to your loved ones to praise his/her beauty and personality.

Gardenia symbolizes love, purity, and refinement. The proclaimers of love will go for the gardenias as you will depict the pure emotion of love. Well, through the bright colors of gardenias, you can fascinate your lover and celebrate your togetherness. Moreover, one-sided lovers who are having a crush and are desperately waiting for their love to confess can go with Gardenias. You may hope to get your proposal accepted, and your affair will be successful.

LAVENDER 

Lavender derived its name from Old French’ Lavandre’ which itself extracted its name from the Latin word ‘Lavare’ which carries the meaning to wash. However, the actual relation towards the word is still murky. People believe that Lavender has some association with spirituality. Purple lavender directly resembles the crown chakra, which is the divine energy that has a connection with higher purpose and spirituality. So, lavender serves best in the process of healing.

Lavender the spike-like flowers symbolize the purity, grace, virtue, calmness, and serenity. The message that lavender conveys is feminine beauty. So those who want to reflect their devotion and immersed feeling of love,use a bouquet of Lavender. Moreover, the captivating fragrance of lavender will make your partner go all for you and make your love successful.

THE STARGAZER LILY

The stargazer lily is the true lily among its varieties. Leslie Woodruff named the flower’ Stargazer’ as he found these flowers gazing at the stars in the sky. The flower ranges in a wide variety of colors from dark pink to white and yellow. So, you can choose the best color that suits your partner’s mood and personality. The stargazer lily is taken ideally as a potent symbol because of its beautiful blossom and also the intensified color.

 You can gift this stargazer lily to your loved ones as it symbolizes purity, abundance, and prosperity. The couples who believe their love to be pure will go with this stargazer lily. This lily suits the couple’s attitude and respect for each other. Stargazer lily signifies your best wishes and prosperity too. Moreover, giving these bright and charming flowers to your partner will compliment her grace, beauty, and her lovely attitude also.

Stargazer is also known for the 30th-anniversary celebration which cherishes the long-lasting relationship and togetherness. So, feel the magic of love to happen again and again. Feeling of love and its sweetness is never enough to anyone. Thus, a stargazer lily is necessary for your partner to keep your magic and chemistry alive.

Funeral flowers

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The inevitable death is something that every human being has to face and has to experience the loss of their loved ones. But that doesn’t mean we can’t accompany the deceased family in this particular sad moment. Flowers play a huge role in uplifting one’s spirit and bring a little bit of brightness in the gloomy situation. As sometimes words are not enough to express the feelings. You need flowers which eventually carries the intended meaning. And you can reflect your sympathy, warmth through the funeral flowers. There are various choices that you can go with here are some given below.

CARNATIONS as funeral flowers

Carnation is very important and unique for the funeral service. Anyone who wants to reflect their sympathy and condolence to the deceased family, this can be your best choice. Carnations come in a wide range of colors. You need to have red and white carnations for funeral services as these colors symbolize innocence and purity. And this can be the perfect reflection of meaning that you can sympathize with the decease’s family during the funeral service.

The exotic appearance that it gives with its imposing presence makes it very popular at the funeral service. So, have these carnations and make a simple bouquet of it for funeral service.                                 

CHRYSANTHEMUM as funeral flowers

The traditional funeral flower that you definitely can go with is Chrysanthemums. It is also known to be the ‘funeral flower’ in most of the countries culture like Korean, Japanese, European, etc. If we look at the beliefs of these countries’ cultures, then we will see that they directly symbolize sympathy, sorrow, and grief for the lost ones.

You can eventually go with this bouquet of Chrysanthemums which can never go wrong. Chrysanthemums come in various colors. You can modify these flowers by spraying and making them appropriate as per the situation. Chrysanthemum as a simple bouquet shows how sorrow you are feeling over their loss.

CYCLAMENS as funeral flowers

Cyclamens are one of the funeral flowers that are a little bit different from the traditional funeral flowers. They are pretty on appearance and have a subtleness on their charisma. The softness of the flower makes itself useful in most of the arrangements and decorations at the funeral services. This flower eventually symbolizes the meaning of the departure of a person’s soul and the acceptance of their soul to be entered into another dimension.

This flower is the perfect choice for anyone who is visiting for the funeral service. It speaks itself and sympathizes the bereaved family for realizing the fact and encouraging them to move on their life. 

DAFFODILS  

One of the brightest flowers that can put a smile on anyone’s face is the daffodil. If you want to encourage them and be a part of their grievance, then Daffodils could be your best choice. It’s bright yellow color represents the warmth you can make to the members of the deceased family feel.

The bouquet of Daffodils is the significance to the emotional warmth. To give these flowers to the funeral services, you must have it on the clear vase to show the elegance and delicacy of the Daffodil flower. These stunning flowers are something that can never go wrong in the funeral service.

FORGET-ME-NOT

This go-to funeral flowers could be the choice for anyone who wants to represent the sympathy for the departed soul. The flower itself carries the symbolization of the memories shared with the lost ones. To simply, offer your warmth and expression of sorry, then this flower plays a vital role in reflecting it. It is tiny and is soft in the presence and delicate appearance. It can signify immense love and prayers for the departed soul. You can put in a horizontal flower arrangement or have it in a bouquet you can go either of these choices for the funeral service.

This flower will sympathetically showcase your emotions. As the name of the flowers speaks ‘forget me, not’ the remembrance of the departed soul will be conveyed.                    

GLADIOLI

These pretty flowers are one of the funeral flowers that most of the people go with for the funeral services. People also use gladioli for other occasions too as it can be the perfect inclusion of fragrance and beauty. Gladioli represents the strength of a character that you can convey to the bereaved family to have patience. You can pass on the energy of patience and calmness with the bouquet of Gladioli.

Moreover, the bunch of Gladioli also symbolizes an ardent of the sincerity of the departed soul. A bouquet of Gladioli represents your respect and condolence to the lost soul. You can even give it to the family members of the deceased and provide them the courage to be patient.

LILIES

Lilies, being pure white, is the most natural funeral flower. It is one of the sought-after flowers when it comes to funeral arrangements. The assuasive and captivating look and appearance of it makes it suitable for the funeral. A bouquet of lily represents the peace that the well-wishers pray to the family members of the deceased. In this sad moment, this flower can be the prayer of peace for the departed soul too.

Eventually, this flower conveys and also symbolizes the pureness and sinlessness of the departed soul. You can wish the right prayers and sympathize with the lost soul with the bouquet of lilies. It can never go wrong as it fits perfectly with the theme of the funeral.    

MARJORAM

Marjoram is a tiny flower that is elegant and delicate in appearance. It is also one of the funeral flowers that you can go with for the funeral services. It’s light and reassuring presence makes it very appropriate for the funerals where you need to be softer and patient. Eventually, this flower represents consolation and comfort to the family members of the lost one. If you want to deliver your message of ‘have patience,’ then you must offer the bouquet of Marjoram to the deceased family members.

This flower can be the best choice that you can with for the funeral service as it symbolizes consolation for the family’s member loss.

NASTURTIUM 

Nasturtium is one of the funeral flowers that people use in funeral services. Most people get confused because of its different appearance. Nasturtiums directly symbolize deep-rooted patriotism. These flowers are used when an army or any individual lose love for the nation. And it has become a practice to use this flower for those patriotic departed souls and honor them with great gratitude.

You can take a bouquet of Nasturtiums to attend army officers funeral. Nasturtium will be perfect for the consolation with respect and honor for them. It is one of the respected funeral flowers that can never go wrong as you choose for this particular reason.

VIOLETS

This very funeral flower, violet is one of those choices that you can go with for the funeral services. Violets symbolize faithfulness and fidelity. The individuals who have lost their partner offer violets to the departed soul. You can also give them to the bereaved family members as a memory of their loved ones.

Moreover, the partner of the departed soul can specially offer this flower in a bouquet. It may represent their undying love and convey the message of eternal faithfulness to them. However, be careful on the choice as this particular violet carries such meaning. If the departed soul is very dear to you, then you can offer it on the funeral service.

Wedding Bouquets

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Wedding bouquets symbolize faith, valor, wisdom, purity, innocence, etc. The arrangements of flowers for the perfect big day of yours is sometimes confusing. But don’t worry, this content will help you. Here are some of the best combinations of flowers to go with for your bridal bouquet. The combination discussed below will captivate people and enhance your beauty.

Wedding bouquets of Purple Combination

Flowers are beneficial to beautify the surroundings. Wedding bouquets are one of the essential parts of your wedding. The wedding bouquets specifically, bride bouquet is the integral one which makes the wedding to be precious and unforgettable for the bride and groom too. One of the arrangements that you can do with the wedding flowers for the bouquet is showcasing the purple power. 

The combination of orchids, roses, hydrangeas, and astrantia with minimal foliage to create a sumptuous will eventually give a dreamy look to the wedding bouquet. It would be one of the perfect arrangements for any wedding which is luxurious and also suitable for a glamorous bride.

Wedding bouquets of Pink Combination

This kind of wedding bouquets is extraordinary for those brides that want little drama and romantic vibes at the wedding. Pink is the color that every girl loves and adores. So, a better combination of flowers can be pink for your special day.

You can combine blush roses, vibrant fuchsia, and a pop of coral in the bouquet which will make your wedding flower look special edition on your wedding. At the centerpiece, you can add two-tone piggy rose and some pearl pins to upgrade the glitz on the bride bouquet. A captivating and gorgeous bouquet of this kind is every bride’s dream to have.

Wedding bouquets of Blue Combination

Something different from the traditional bridal bouquet that you will carry on your special day. Any bride wanting to make their wedding represent newness and uniqueness then this bouquet of the blue color combination will be something that you would prefer.

Include some of the hydrangeas on the aroma with fragrant hyacinths and beautiful delphiniums. It would probably make your wedding more beautiful and let you be the queen of many hearts. Moreover, this blue combination of the bouquet is sure to look picture perfect and make your presence more precious in your special wedding day.

Fairytale Combination

Your fairytale is turning into a reality-based wedding which every woman dreams. You should focus on every detail and every element that complement your wedding ceremony. You need to look at the bridal bouquet that every woman dreams of carrying while walking down the aisle and let everyone is captivated by your presence.

To replicate your fairytale wedding in your bouquets, you can have delicate shades of pink and blue with the ultra-feminine touch with the combination of roses, astilbe. For the elegant look of it, you can add some grey-blue eucalyptus, gold-tipped feathers, and trails of Panicum grass. With this sweet fairytale combo, you are sure to look gorgeous on your big day.

Ombre Combination

One of the trendiest wedding flowers that you can go with for your special day. These kinds of bouquets are beautiful and scene-stealer, and those brides who are fashion-forward chose it. Such combination is also very modern with its traditional vibe. This arrangement of flowers is ranged from the palest pink to the deepest red, which is a blend of vibrant colors. This combination carries the romantic vibe that you can reflect your partner and make it more precious for you two. Eventually, you will look beautiful on your big day, along with this bridal bouquet.

Yellow Combination

Why always have the same bridal bouquet again and again at weddings, you need to have something unique on your big day that represents you and your personality. And going with this bouquet will surely make you different and have that statement wide on the world. The combination reflects the mixture of modern, contemporary, structural ambiance. So, in this bouquet, there needs to be gorgeous sunny Ranunculus, texture Craspedia, and yellow roses.

You may add fresh green carnations and grey foliage to enhance the beauty in the arrangement of flowers. This addition will have a subtle touch to be flowers and make it more charming and exciting. You will find it different than any usual bridal bouquet that you can have in your wedding.

Red Combination

Red is the color of love that needs to be there for your big day. Your wedding is the ceremony where your love fosters and steps on another level. Have these and feel the romantic aroma in the air with this beautiful red bridal bouquet. So for this compact design, have a deep red rose with hypericum berries and burgundy chrysanthemum. And add delicate yet sophisticated touch you can add cymbidium orchids, this will make the bridal bouquet gorgeous than ever.

Having this on your side, during your wedding will convey the message of love and reflect chicness in your wedding. Feel the love with the fragrant roses in your wedding.

White Combination

Pure white color flowers are the traditional bridal bouquets that can never go wrong. You can complement all white-themed wedding by this white bridal bouquet. White combination would be the perfect choice for those who desire to feel the hollywood glamour. Most of the hollywood celebrities’ popular choice is this bouquet.

For this arrangement of flowers, you need to have white flowers that look elegant yet chic. For this compact design, you need to have minimal foliage that enhances beauty of the bouquet. This combination can never go wrong because these bright white flowers represent innocent beauty with the touch of sophistication.   

Grand Combination

Grand combination of the bouquet would be an ideal one for the bride who wants to make her wedding have a luxurious feel and style. You will go all in awe when you see this bouquet of gorgeous flowers. This combination has hydrangeas, velvety roses, calla lilies, and orchids; these flowers blend in well by complementing each other in a compact design. Add seasonal fruits and berries as the addition will enhance beauty.

This flower will make you feel the queen of hearts and have the opulent feel. The people around you will surely be jealous of your choice of flowers. You will make the attention go all over you as you take center stage with this grand combination.

Peony Combination 

Peony is one of the favorite wedding flowers that every bride and groom wants have in their wedding arrangements. They can use it for decorations or bridal bouquet. One of the ideal choices for your bridal bouquet, peony can be the scene-stealer for your wedding. For this combination, you need to have peony in the center stage and lilac roses, astrantia to compliment the peony and make a gorgeous bouquet. As peony symbolizes ‘happy marriage,’ the choice to have it as your wedding bouquet is the ideal one.

Moreover, to those beautiful women starting their new journey of life with their soulmate, this bouquet will make you look prettier and sweeter. This bouquet will also have your feminine touch, letting you be more elegant and dazzling on your big day. 

Shrimp Plant: how to grow and care

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Shrimp plant is a bushy evergreen shrub in the genus Justicia of the family Acanthaceae. It is also renowned as Justicia brandegeeana, Mexican shrimp plant, or false hop, which is native to Mexico and naturalized in Florida. It grows to 1000 cm (39 inches) tall by 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 inch) broad with spindly limbs. The plant consists of oval, green leaves that are 3 to 7.5 cm long and white flowers extending from red bracts, which look a bit like a shrimp.

The stems and leaves are downy that usually grow in clusters on the branches. Along with this, the amount of creamy white on the variegated leaves will increase as the plant receives more sun, and vice versa. The flowers grow from the bracts which form off the stems. The more sun exposure turns the bracts to deep salmon from pale pink; otherwise, the original color of the bract is white. The flowers are so beautiful that they attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Generally, the flowers bloom continuously for a month once they began, then stop for a short period before they start again.

Shrimp Plant

Where does the plant grow

The shrimp plant grows in many clumps and USDA plant hardiness zones 8-11, but it has now naturalized in many areas due to the ease of shrimp propagation. Because the stems, which tend to become leggy with age and the sparse oval, green leaves, sometimes speckled with white, are not particularly attractive, but the bracts, which hold tiny and insignificant white flowers, definitely eye-catchy. Therefore, if you live in zone 8-11, you can grow this plant, as it can be a welcome addition to your landscape. They are easy to grow and will flourish in the warm temperatures of the south. Once you become able to establish them, they will even survive the occasional hard frost.

How to grow a Shrimp Plant and take care

You can grow and care shrimp plant if you carefully consider the following points:

Propagation

You can propagate the shrimp plants from seeds, stems, and cuttings. The best method for outdoor plantings is a division of clumps, whereas the most comfortable way of shrimp plant propagation is cuttings. You should trim only those of your plants whose cuttings have at least four sets of leaves. First, dig the fresh cut ends in rooting hormone. Poke them into the soil, and then keep the soil consistently moist. In about six to eight weeks, it will develop roots.

Soil and fertilizer

Shrimp plants prefer to grow in well-draining potting soil. If they receive an excellent potting soil and an occasional dose of fertilizer, they will bloom all winter.

Potting and re-potting

You need to require a pot of appropriately small size. As and when the plant grows, you can re-pot them according to the size of the plant.

Light

You need to avail bright light but indirect sunlight. It flourishes in the shade in tropical areas.

Temperature

It grows well at Summer temperature about 65-75 degree and winter temperature about 55-65 degrees F. It hates temperature below 45 degrees F.

Water

Water the plants 1-2 times a week in summer and lessen the amount of water in winter. Do not let the plants to dry out completely.

Feeding

Feed the plant with liquid plant foods throughout the year. The volume of feeding the plant is lesser in winter.

Pruning

Remove the old dead flowers and leaves from the surface of the plant. This makes the plant look attractive.

Pests and problems

If the plants started having pale leaves, then it means the plant is hungry. Feed the plant slowly to solve the problem. Likewise, if the leaves started yellowing, then it shows the sign of over-watering. So treat with approved miticide spray and keep the humidity up.

Guppy Plant – how to grow and care

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What is Guppy plant?

Guppy plant, also known as Nematanthus gregarius, clog plant, and goldfish plant, is a beautiful flowering plant that grows on trees. This plant has long stems covered in dark glossy green leaves and orange flowers. It belongs to the Gesneriad family and is native to Brazil. ‘Kissing lips’ plant is another name of guppy plant; however, hypocyrta was the old name for this genus, but now Botanists have correctly identified as Nematanthus. The plants earned their name because of their masses of red or orange flowers with 2 to 3 inches long stems and 3 feet branches. 

guppy plant

How to grow a Goldfish plant?

You can grow guppy plants in your house, office, or garden.

Propagation through stem cuttings

The best time to propagate through stem cuttings is in spring and summer. The plant will easily root from stem cuttings.

  • At first, choose a stem of guppy plant about 3-4 inches with no flowers.
  • Place the cuttings in a bright and warm area. Avoid direct sunlight and keep it humid until you can observe new growth.
  • Feed the plant weekly with a weak liquid fertilizer that includes micronutrients, during the growing season.
  • The plant will flower in summer after propagation.
  • Prune the stems after flowering. It helps to promote branching, give a bushier look, and grow quite thick and long branches. 
  • Similarly, in the case of outdoors, you can pinch off the stems to make it short about 2 feet tall, as the plant grows to about 3 feet high.

Here is a video on how to grow a goldfish plant via cutting.

How To Take Care of Guppy/Goldfish Plants?

  • Soil: It prefers light and fasts draining potting soil. You can use a combination of equal quantities of perlite, sphagnum moss, and vermiculite. Ensure the pH value of soil about 6.1 to 6.5. But generally in the forest, the Guppy plant grows on another plant.
  • Water: Water the plant enough during summer to make the soil moist. Never let it be dry. Water very less in winter but be aware that the land should never dry entirely out.
  • Light Requirement: It requires 12 hours a day bright but indirect sunlight and grows best in a shady location. It blooms for a long time if it gets Northern or Eastern sun exposure. The plant sleeps during winter, and if you lack proper care, then you might lose your flowers.
  • Temperature and Humidity: These plants are somewhat sensitive to high temperatures and moisture on their leaves. If the temperature is too high or the leaves are getting wet, then it might result in brown leaves or leaf-drop. The suitable room temperature for the plant is about 65-75 degrees F.
  • Fertilizer: Provide liquid fertilizer ( that includes micronutrients and encourages blooming) weekly during the growing season.


  • Pruning: You can prune the old damaged leaves and flowers to encourage its good looking.
  • Re-potting: The goldfish plants need to be re-potted every 2 to 3 years. You can gently root-prune the parent plant to encourage new root growth, and re-pot into slightly bigger pots.
  • Insects and pests: Some insects such as aphids, spider mites, gray mold, and powdery mildew may infect the plant. You can treat them with insecticides and pesticides. You need to care about your plants attentively else you may encounter other significant problems like leggy growth, leaf drop, and lack of flowering, etc.

guppy plant flower

 

Where can I buy a Goldfish plant?

You can find a Goldfish plant for sale in amazon and get it delivered in your doorstep.


Gloxinia

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Gloxinia is a genus of three species gloxinia perennis, gloxinia erinoides, and gloxinia xanthophylla of tropical rhizomatous herbs. It lies in the flowering plant family Gesneriaceae that are primarily found in the Andes of South America.

Gloxinia

Gloxinia and its types

  • Gloxinia perennis: Gloxinia perennis is the original species of the genus. People recognize it as Canterbury bells too, which is an herb with large nodding, purple, mint-scented flower. Gloxinia perennis is found in Central America and the West Indies.
  • Gloxinia erinoides: Gloxinia erinoides is also known as Koellikeria erinoides. It is a small herb with tiny coconut-scented white and maroon flowers. It is occasionally cultivated as a houseplant and you can find it from Costa Rica to Bolivia.
  • Gloxinia xanthophylla: It is also known as Anodiscus xanthophyllus. It is a shrubby herb with small white flowers and people generally do not cultivate it. You can find it usually in Ecuador and Peru.

How to grow Gloxinia

Since gloxinia is a susceptible plant and requires proper care to grow, you need to pay more attention if you wish to flourish them. You can multiply gloxinia through seeds, cuttings, or tubers in late winter and early spring. The tubers will survive for many years, but you should not keep old plants longer than 2 to 3 years because they might lose their attractiveness.

GLOXINIA Pink

How to pot and repot gloxinia

  • Prepare a pot with proper drainage and damp layer with peat-based compost.
  • Slightly bend the pot horizontally covering the compost with your hand, and support the stems by your fingers.
  • Tap the edge of the pot so the plant and compost will come out.
  • Remove the stale soil from roots with the help of stick without damaging roots and place the plant in the center of new pot and root-ball on the compost.
  • Add new compost to fill the pot but be careful to place the top of the tuber is level with the surface of the compost.

If you buy in flowers

You should take care of the following things:

  • The plant must have plenty of buds still to open.
  • Make sure the leaves are deep green and are damage free.
  • The plant should not be pale and unhealthy and no rot anywhere on the plant.
  • The plant has fleshy leaves which are delicate in structure so they can easily break so take proper care during handling and transportation.

Propagate the plant from stem cuttings

  • Prepare a pot of 1-2 inches (3-5 cm) with moistened potting mixture.
  • Take 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) long stem cuttings from old tubers in early summer and put it in the pot.
  • Enclose the hole in a propagating case or a plastic bag and place it in bright filtered light for about 4 to 6 weeks until the tuber and roots get its forms.
  • Slightly uncover the young plants at first and then after four weeks gradually remove them from the safe atmosphere but Keep the potting mixture moist.
  • You can use the rooted cutting for growing your plant.

Propagate the plant from leaves

  • Choose a healthy leaf and cut off at the stem and base.
  • Cut thick veins below vein junction and lay face upward in a prepared pot Stake to the mixture with wire, water well and cover with plastic.
  • Pot new plants when it is 2 inches (5 cm) tall.

Gloxinia Care

Gloxinia is a natural plant to both grow and care. You need to care about the following factors:

  • Atmosphere: The first-ever care for gloxinia is the atmosphere. Place the plants away from draughts because they cannot tolerate wind.
  • Temperature: The required temperature for this plant ranges from 60 to 70 degrees F (15 to 24 degrees C) whereas, during late winter or early spring, they require a high temperature of 70 degrees F (21 degrees C).
  • Humidity: When the temperature rises above 75 degrees F (24 degrees C) you need to mist-spray the air above the leaves with slightly warm water but do not spray the leaves directly as the drops of water will mark the leaves and flowers. You can stand the pots on trays of moist pebbles or damp peat which helps in providing constant humidity to the plants.
  • Cleaning: You can spray water on it as cleaning is not necessary but never use leaf shine.
  • Light: Provide bright light, but you need to protect the plant from full sunlight in the summer.
  • Potting and repotting: Use a moist peat-based compost with a drainage layer of sharp sand and put each tuber singly into a 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) pot. You can pot up the tubers once in late winter or early spring.
  • Repotting young plants require one size more extensive than the previous pots.
  • Pruning: Remove the dead flowers and damaged leaves to keep the plants fresh and attractive.
  • Fertilizing: The leaves may turn pale green if you don’t feed your plant, so for that, you need to add liquid food to the water.
  • Watering: Provide water 2-3 times a week. Don’t let the plants dry and don’t let the pots stand in water all day long.

Similarly, you may face the following problems

  • Spray with pyrethrum or a systematic insecticide to your plant if you see brown rings and sticky insects on the leaves. If it didn’t work, destroy the plant.
  • If the leaves started to curl, then move the plant to a partially shaded place.
  • Move the plant to a warm place if stems or buds started to rot and flowers start to stain.