Author: shann renee

Everything You Need To Know About Air Plants (Tillandsia)

shann reneeLeave a comment

HISTORY

The serene pale green specimen with curling tendrils in all directions, that of which survive with no soil or growing medium whatsoever, never seize to astound our first-time air plant customers.

Scientifically referred to as tillandsia, air plants are surreal specimen that originate from the forests, mountains and deserts of Mexico, all the way to the southeastern region of the United States.

The roots of these peculiar specimen do not work to feed the plant, but rather serve as an anchor to latch onto other parts of nature like tree stumps and branches. The plants actually gather their main source of nutrients through the air, absorbing elements such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus into their furry foliage.

These fun little creatures have been around longer than we have, but they have just recently begun gaining popularity in the houseplant industry in the past few years.

CARE REGIMEN

Given the title “air plant,” it is a common misconception that air is the only element these organisms need to survive. However, while tillandsia are extremely low maintenance, they do require a bit more than just the oxygen surrounding them.

Watering

One of the most important factors of air plant care is moisture levels. Because air plants originate from humid, high temperature atmospheres, it is essential that you try to replicate this environment to keep your plant happy and healthy. If your home is not very humid, you can mimic this factor through misting your air plant once a week. Here at Explorganics, we also recommend giving your air plant a good soak about every two to three weeks in a bowl of water for about 20 minutes at a time.

It is important that following your air plant’s soaking, that you leave the plant upside down to completely dry out as a means of avoiding mildew, mold and rot of your plant.

Light

Another important factor is light. Like your typical house plants, air plants require photosynthesis to survive. It is recommended that you place your plant in an area that gets a bright but indirect sunlight.

Air Circulation

In addition to light, air flow is essential to incorporate into your air plant care regimen. Hence their name, air plants thrive when given ample air movement, so somewhere with a lot of traffic in your home such as a kitchen would be an ideal spot!

The last tip in caring for your air plant is the element of fertilization. As mentioned earlier, air plants require the specific nutrients of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in order to sustain their livelihood. Here at the shop, we feed our air plants monthly with our 100% urea free, all organic Air Plant Food. In the wild, the plants can get these nutrients from the air and rainfall, but to maintain such growth indoors, we recommend the organic mist.

OUR FAVORITE TILLANDSIA

While there are over 500 species of Tillandsia, at Explorganics we have a few that really have our hearts when it comes to décor and beauty.

Our number one favorite air plant right now is Spanish Moss. Also known as Tillandsia Usneoides, Spanish Moss is neither from Spain, nor is it actually moss; it’s an air plant!

Cascading from the Cypress and Oak trees along the southern US, I’d always assumed that the Spanish Moss was a part of the tree—just simply a different type of foliage. Little did I know, the moss was its own organism completely, and that it was a member of the air plant family!

Next in line on our list of favorites is T. Xerogrpahica—these big curly babies have been referred to as the queen of the air plants. Coming in a variety of sizes from little two-inch babies, to as large as three feet in diameter, Xerogrpahica is perfect to fill any empty space with a beautiful green bloom of color.

While these are some of our favorites, the shop gets in a new stock of air plants on a weekly basis that range in size, texture and color! Come stop by the shop to check out our broad selection of air plants and start your own collection.

Written by Caroline Streett

Plants and Zodiac Signs

shann reneeLeave a comment

Are you obsessive over checking your horoscope daily? Do you ever feel that your personality and emotions in everyday life are guided by more than just your experiensces…but rather they are influenced by your specific place in the universe and in time, innately controlled by the power of the moon, the sun and the stars.

If this all sounds like a bunch of hocus pocus to you, don’t stop reading. Because if you’re feeling any pull whatsoever to get more involved with nature and plants, then this guide of plants and zodiac signs might just help you find the plant that is perfect for your needs in this place in time.

According to numerous Astrological studies, there are positive correlations among plants and certain Zodiac Signs. Similarly to how people are drawn to certain gems and crystals to bring them specific elements they feel resonate with their needs and wants, it is thought that plants have a way of adding certain elements such as peace, prosperity, strength and happiness to one’s life. A Zodiac plant related to your Zodiac sign is said to bring good fortune and luck in your life.

ARIES: (March 21 – April 19

Swirling with passion and confidence, Aries can look to Begonia as their designated zodiac plant.

Often described as passionate, motivated, and confident, an Aries is more than likely to assume a leadership role and aspires to brighten the lives of others with their passion and exuberance.

Coming in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes a Begonia often amuses onlookers with her bold colors and unique shell-like swirling leaves. Her unique foliage gives off the look of beauty, but also power and confidence. Much like an Aries, Begonia are strong and confident in their growth. Putting out one new leaf after another, Begonia don’t need any sort of guidance to live, for they are natural-born leaders.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)

The zodiac of the bull, strong yet stubborn Taurus signs will find the String of Pearls as their astrological houseplant of choice.

Taurus are commonly described as intelligent and hardworking, yet they are stubborn and resistant to change. Once they get used to a certain routine, they are reluctant to any sort of wrench that may get thrown into their plans.

String of Pearls are an unusual succulent with spherical leaves resembling small peas. Though small, these intelligent plants are drought resistant, storing extra water within their foliage in preparation for long periods without rain. With little water and heavy sunshine the pearls produce elegant trailing stems. Though intelligent, don’t be fooled, for this species, much like the Taurus is resistant to change and is rather stubborn. People often make the mistake of repotting these plants or moving them around and the pearls respond with fury. Once the pearls get used to their environment, they are set in their growing patterns and do not plan on changing anytime soon.

Highlighted as the “social butterflies” of the zodiac, Gemini fall most inline with a Ponytail Palm.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 21)

Gemini are known to constantly be juggling a plethora of passions, hobbies, careers, and friend groups. These social, fun loving creatures balance such passions with ease and grace. Living high energy lives is not for the lighthearted, and Gemini take on the world as if it were a leisurely bike ride through the park.

Surprisingly enough by its tree-like appearance and curling leafy foliage, the Ponytail Palm is actually classified as a succulent. This free-spirited, vivacious plant with a thick tree-like base, and curling full foliage of a palm with a perm likes to live in a multitude of environments, ranging from heavy sun and heat outdoors in the warmer months to shade and cold indoors in the winter months. Her ability to multitask with ease goes hand-in-hand with the busy lifestyle of a Gemini.

CANCER (June 22 to July 22)

Craving love and reassurance, those with a Cancer zodiac sign can closely identify with the White Fusion Calathea.

Cancer signs are sensitive. They feel deeply and thrive off of reassurance, security and love. They are not quick to trust, and if betrayed they are often reluctant to forgive. But when given the reassurance and love that they crave, Cancers will become a vessel of emotion, trust and love.

Anyone who has owned a Calathea knows they are needy and highly sensitive. At the site of tap water your Calathea will cringe; if not given the proper humidity levels, her edges will crunch; too bright of a sunshine and she will be subject to leaf burn . And at the peak of all drama queens is the White Fusion Calathea. She is often unforgiving to mistreatment, but given the proper love and attention, this plant will replicate such love, blooming beautiful white and pink foliage.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22)

Leos love to be the star of the show. Dazzling with theatrical flair and a large personality, Leos can identify with the Polka Dot Plant.

Leos exude warmth, creativity, and drama. In a crowd full of people, they cannot help but stand out. With their captivating personalities, others cannot help but admire and become fixated on the flair, bold presence and warmth.

Ohhhhh, the drama that is the polka dot plant. He will put on a real show for you! So much so, that soon after buying him you may worry that you’ve done something wrong and killed him… but do not be fooled by the theatrics of the polka dot plant. More often than not, the polka dot plant is putting on a dramatic show to display his thirst. Give him a good drink of water and he will bounce back in no time. The fun popping, and often pink foliage can brighten and bring warmth to any room.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)

Known for being perfectionists, Virgos strong attention to detail and their desire for purpose aligns them with Aloe Vera as their Zodiac plant.

Virgos are known to seek out messes for the main purpose of fixing them. They long for a sense of purpose and achievement. A Virgo’s actions are often planned for the benefit of helping others and making a true impact. They love busy environments that distract them from their own internal worries and fears. And above all else, Virgos are modest. When it comes to all they do to create a perfect world, they do not expect any praise whatsoever.

The Aloe Vera plant is the number one plant when it comes to cleaning up messes and making a positive impact on others lives. As the universal healer, aloe is often kept in places where accidents and problems are more likely to happen–such as in a kitchen for quick relief of burns and cuts. Aloe truly lives to aid others and to heal, and asks for nothing in return.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 23)

Known for their compassion and empathy, and their distaste for conflict, Libra’s can align their personal qualities with that of a Marble Queen Pothos.

Libras crave variety and adventure. They try to avoid the mundane, in addition to avoiding anything that may spark a fight or conflict. They are often indecisive and a confusing balance between introverted and extraverted depending upon their environment and the situations they are put in.

Pothos align closely with the Libra Personality because while Marble Queen Pothos can put out bright and exuberant white foliage if put in bright sunny window, if placed in a shadier spot they will revert back to a darker green. Indecisive of their coloring the marble queen will even put out split leaves–half a speckled white and half a deep green. But regardless their treatment, pothos are known to give you love and new leaves readily. They are not one for conflict or drama; they simply just want to live lusciously full lives.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 to Nov. 21)

Known to be profound and complex individuals, Scorpios can look to the Orchid as their zodiac plant.

Analytical, probing and observant, Scorpios thrive off of positions of power. They are not quick to trust, but when they do build relationships, they are loyal and compassionate. Because of their keen observations and their deeper emotional instincts, Scorpios can often sense how you are feeling before you even mention it.

Orchids, are beautiful, unique and oh so complex. Many people admire orchids from a far because they fear her beauty will seize to exist in their care taking efforts. And many will fail. However, once one does their homework and learns more about the orchid’s elaborate root system, gaining her trust, the orchid will thrive for you–putting out beautiful blooms yearly.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)

Some would describe Sagittarius signs as explorers of the human condition. Sagittarius signs will closely align with the characteristics of a Mother of Millions Plant.

Unafraid of change and seeing the world as their oyster, Sagittarius are adventurous, fearless and curious. They are not easily tied down, but rather their free spirit carries them where the wind blows them.

A mother of millions plant is considered an invasive species to a certain extent because of its unique ability to multiply with ease and create millions of seedlings that if planted can create another plant to produce millions of babies. If planted outside or near other plants, the mother’s seedlings will catch a breeze and float to their next destination.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)

Masters of discipline, structure and organization the responsible Capricorn’s zodiac plant is a Bonsai Tree.

Capricorns are known to be driven by rules, and thrive off of a sense of accomplishment and achievement when they follow the path that is set for them. With a strong drive to succeed, a strong moral compass and high determination levels, a Capricorn is unstoppable.

Bonsai Trees symbolize balance, harmony and peace; but they take a lot of structure and the following of careful rules and practices to get to their unique dwarf tree-like form. Many people who purchase bonsai do not realize that they require a strict regimen of pruning and upkeep to keep it that way. Much like a Capricorn, Bonsai crave a sense of uniformity and structure.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)

Harnessing a deep love for humanity, and the idea of utopia, Aquarius can associate themselves with the Variegated Peace Lily.

Aquarians like to embrace their weirdness and see it as a strength rather than a weakness. They all in all want humanity to be a place filled with love, joy and light, but know the harsh reality that such is not the case. While they are extremely friendly and outgoing, they often feel like an outcast.

The Variegated Peace Lily is unique in that it puts out unusual white-streaked foliage amongst its normal green leaves. Purifying the air in which we live, and putting out gentle white flowers, the Peace Lily symbolizes healing, hope and of course peace. Aquarians can strongly associate their love for humanity and world peace with the elegance and deeper meaning of a Peace Lily.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20)

Described as both intuitive and sensitive, Pisces are daydreaming romantics who closely align with the qualities of the String of Hearts.

Pisces are beings of love. They do not carry an ounce of hatred in their bodies. They often live in their heads in a world of passion and romance. Their worlds revolve around relationships and the heart. They wear their heart on their sleeves and will give you their last dying breath out of the kindness of their souls.

The String of Hearts (scientifically referred to as Ceropegia woodii) is the most romantic, elegant, enchanting plant. Cascading tiny hearts with a magical purple hue grow long and dainty, it’s almost hard to believe that they are living beings. The String of Hearts will surely steal your heart and fill the hearts of onlookers with joy and amazement. This plant is the perfect plant for a Pisces because they both radiate feelings of love and fantasy.

After extensive research, on zodiac signs and plants, it is obvious that there is not just one specific plant per zodiac sign. Plants are complicated and diverse just like humans, and even when classified under specific astrological signs we are all uniquely our own. Such would explain why as an Aquarius, I myself am drawn to most anything leafy and green.

However, no matter your sign or your plant preference, it is definitely cool to see how different plants all carry different characteristics, that we may either have or wish to emulate. Regardless of if you identify with your zodiac plant or not, you can learn a lot from your plants in the way they live and handle situations.

Written by Caroline Streett

What is Plant Propagation?

shann reneeLeave a comment

Let’s talk propagation. If you are just getting into owning houseplants, you may have read this blog title and said something like “prop-a-what-a?” Well stick around, because from one plant parent to another, I’m here to tell you propagation is about to become your new best friend.

Propagation is defined as “to cause (an organism) to multiply by any process of natural reproduction from the parent stock. · to reproduce (itself, its kind, etc.), as an organism does.”

In simpler terms, propsagation is basically a way to take cuttings of your already existing plant, and create more plants! And let’s be real…who doesn’t want more plants. Did I mention this process is not only easy and done from the comfort of your own home, but also free!

Propagation Methods

Water Propagation

Houseplants can be propagated a number of ways, but the most popular method is via Water Propagation. This method is quite simple; all you need is a set of clean pruning shears, a clear vestibule for the cutting, water and a fairly sunny location.

Step 1: The first step in water propagation is using a set of clean pruning shears to take a cutting of your plant. Now, you can’t cut just anywhere. The key to successful propagation is to cut below a node! If you are unsure where this is, take a gander at the diagram below.

Step 2: The next step in water propagation is to leave the cutting out to callus for a day or two. To properly callus the cutting, place it in a warm dry place out of direct sunlight.

Step 3: Once your plant has callused, it’s time to submerge it in your clear vase with water. You don’t need any special kind of container–the only restrictions you have is that the container must be somewhat translucent to let the light reach the lower half of the plant.

Step 4: Place your vase somewhere with bright indirect sun and wait for root growth!

Once your plant has grown roots up to a couple inches long, you have the option of transplanting your cutting into a pot with soil, or just leaving it to grow in the water! If you opt. for the ladder, just be sure to keep an eye on water levels and any accumulation of mold or algae in your propagating plant.

Soil Propagation

Another, less popular method of propagation is the Soil Propagation method. To use this method, you will need an airy organic soil blend, (If you are struggling to find a good soil, pop over to Explorganics Plant Shop and check out our hand-mixed dirt-free soil!) a container with drainage, and a sunny location.

The pro of the soil propagation method is once your plant establishes roots, there is no worry of your cutting undergoing stress from the change of water to soil like it would go through in water propagation. The cons off this method are that you have to be a little more observant of your propagations for if you allow the soil to dry out, your cutting will struggle to sustain life, and it is harder to know if your efforts to grow roots are successful until further along in the process.

Step 1: Like in water propagation, you will use a set of clean pruning shears and cut below the node of your plant.

Step 2: Submerge the cutting node first into your organic soil blend as if you were planting it.

Step 3: Moisten the soil and place in a sunny location.

Step 4: Check on your soil propagation every few days to ensure it is moist.

Step 5: Be patient and wait for signs of new growth!

Propagation Basics

  1. Not All Plants Can Be Propagated

This might be a let down to some of you, hoping you can revive the last dying bits of your Calathea. But don’t fret! There are a plethora of plants that are so simple to propagate you could do it in your sleep.

  • Pothos!!!— These babies grow roots in the blink of an eye. Pop some Pothos cuttings in water and watch them grow.
  • Tradescantia— Maybe even faster rooting than the Pothos, the wandering dudes are one of the easiest plants to propagate!
  • Monstera— (Adansoni and Deliciosa) Both of these beauty queens are quick to grow in water
  • Scindapsus— Nicknamed the Satin Pothos, it’s only natural that these pretty trailing plants will propagate easily
  • Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma– AKA “Mini Monstera,” it’s a mouthful to say the name, but a synch to make more of these babies via water propagation
  • String of just about anything!— Hearts, Pearls, Arrows, Bananas, you name it! Easily propagated in water or soil as long as they are given a bright indirect sunshine.

2. Propagation Requires Patience

Trust me when I say I’ve taken cuttings of plants and checked back every few hours for roots. Unfortunately, while some plants grow roots faster than others, growth takes time, and you will have to be patient with your plant.

3. Sometimes Propagation Fails

Nine times out of ten when you try our propagation methods with a plant on our suggested list, it will work! But plants die. And so do propagations. Maybe your plant was diseased or stressed before you took a cutting.

Written by Caroline Streett

Houseplant Pests & Treatment

shann reneeLeave a comment

FIRST THINGS FIRST – if you believe your plant has pests, but are not sure which ones yet, put your plant in quarantine, do some research, then treat the plant until the infestation is gone before returning your plant back with your other plant babies.

Fungus Gnats

For those who know what a fungus gnat is, you know how GD annoying they can be. If you have houseplants, you may mistake these for fruit fly or regular old gnats, but more than likely, if they came out of now where and you haven’t had you doors and windows open, they are fungus gnats. 

Fungus gnats are tiny (annoying) gnats that look similar to a mosquito & fly around the base & soil of houseplants. They like moisture and high humidity, so houseplants that are overwatered or kept moist, like most tropical plants during the growing seasons, are prime real estate for fungus gnats. 

Adult fungus gnats live for about one week and can lay up to 300 eggs at once in moist, damp soil. They lay tiny yellow, fuzzy looking eggs that lay on the top of soil. The larvae buries into the soil and hatch with in 8-10 days and feed off the roots and other organic materials. The entire life cycle lasts about 3-4 weeks.

Fungus Gnat Treatment

How to tell if you have fungus gnats? Well, unfortunately, most people don’t know until they start to have the gnats flying in their face. BUT, sometimes, you can see the eggs on top of the soil. 

To help prevent your houseplants from getting fungus gnats, you should use a good quality houseplant soil. You can add a layer of horticulture sand to the top of your soil to keep fungus gnats from laying eggs in the soil. 

NATURAL + SAFE FUNGUS GNAT TREATMENTS:

  • Cinnamon – sprinkle ground cinnamon directly on top of the soil. Cinnamon is a natural fungicide and works well with any fungi infections, especially fungus gnats. 
  • Neem oil – this is a great treatment for almost all fungi and pest problems. mix 1 tsp of neem oil with 1/2 gallon of distilled water. Neem oil is an all natural pesticide that can be diluted and sprayed directly onto the plant and soil. You can use our Leaf Care Spray monthly as preventative maintenance, or daily-weekly to treat infection. 


IF YOU’VE FOUND GNATS FLYING AROUND IN THE HOUSE ALREADY, HERE IS HOW TO GET RID OF THEM: 

  • Apple cider vinegar & mild dish soap – mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with a few drops of mild dish soap and shake it up. Put the mixture in a jar with about a 1” opening at the top and leave the lid off. Place the jar where you’ve been noticing the gnats and wait. This method works fast! In a few hours, you’ll find the gnats floating in the mixture! This is the method I use and it works wonders, the only down side is the apple cider vinegar smell, but if you keep it in a small enough jar, you won’t really notice it. 
  • Yellow sticky traps – place the sticky traps in the soil or near the infected plant and let the trap do it’s thing. Gnats are attracted to the color yellow, so they will fly towards the sticky trap and voilà, your gnat problem is solved! 
Aphids

Aphids are a common houseplant problem, so if your plants are infected, don’t worry. Aphids are tiny light yellow/white/green pests that suck the nutrients right out of the plant. They excrete honeydew, which causes the plant to become sticky, leading to an increased risk of developing sooty mold. They are so small you may miss them, but they are usually located in the petiole or stem. In my experience with aphids, they really like to feed off of flowers and I have found them bunched together at the stem of the plant.

Aphid Treatment

How to tell if you have aphids? Usually you’ll start to notice the leaves wilting/drooping. The leaves may feel sticky to the touch, this is due to the honeydew secretion. If you notice these issues I just mentioned, look closely at the stem and underside of the leaves. If you stare for a few seconds longer, you’ll start to see them crawling around. 

To remove aphids from a houseplant, you can simply give you plant a shower or spray with a gentle hose – the pressure of water usually knocks them off the plant. I have also used the tweezers/q-tip technique and removed them individually one by one from the plant, followed by a cool shower. From there, I suggest spraying the plant with neem oil to prevent further infestation. Most importantly, quarantine the plant so it’s by itself for a few days until the infestation is gone. 

NATURAL + SAFE APHID TREATMENTS:

  • Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) – mix together a 1 part isopropyl alcohol (70%) and 2 parts of distilled water. If you have a large infestation of aphids, you can spray the entire plant with the mixture. If you have a small infestation, you can apply full strength rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball or q-tip directly. Be careful not to spray the entire plant with full strength alcohol, as this can burn the plant. 
  • Neem oil – mix 1 tsp of neem oil with 1/2 gallon of distilled water. Neem oil is an all natural pesticide that can be diluted and sprayed directly onto the plant and soil. You can use our Leaf Care Spray monthly as preventative maintenance, or daily-weekly to treat infection. 
  • PRO TIP: When mixing isopropyl alcohol or neem oil concoction, add a few drops of peppermint oil to the spray bottle. Almost all pests and insects hate peppermint oil, plus it gives a refreshing smell to the room =) something you’ll need now after dealing with gross creepy crawlers. 
Spider Mites

Okay, this one I hate to talk about becaaaaaause, I. Hate. Spiders. but these guys are a common houseplant problem too, so again, don’t stress out too much if you find spider mites. It is easy to tell if you have spider mites, you will see small webs with tiny dark/red dots (spider mites) either at the base of the stem or between the leaves. These guys feed only on plants, so they will not spread anywhere else in the house. They suck the chlorophyll out of the plant causing small brown spots on the leaves. If you catch the mites soon enough, you should be able to save the plant, but if the problem goes on for awhile, you may not notice them until they have taken over and sucked all the chlorophyll from the plant, eventually killing it.

Spider Mites Treatment

How to tell if you have spider mites? You will find webbing on the underside of the leaves and between the stems. Most of the webbing is clear/white in color and can be seen the best with a flash light. Check the leaves for yellow or brown dots. If the infestation has gone on for a few weeks, the mites will cause the plant to die – causing brown/yellow dying leaves. 

To get rid of spider mites, you can simply give your plant a shower or spray with a gentle hose – the pressure of water usually knocks them off the plant. You want to make sure you remove all webs too. Wipe the leave down one by one, using one of the treatment methods below. Quarantine the plant so it’s by itself for a few days until the infestation is gone. 

NATURAL + SAFE SPIDER MITE TREATMENTS:

  • Neem oil – mix 1 tsp of neem oil with 1/2 gallon of distilled water. Neem oil is an all natural pesticide that can be diluted and sprayed directly onto the plant and soil. You can use our Leaf Care Spray monthly as preventative maintenance, or daily-weekly to treat infection. 
  • Soap & water mixture – mix 1/2 gallon of distilled water with 1 tsp of soap. Wipe down the leaves front and back with the soapy water. Follow with showering the plant to rinse off any soapy residue. Check the plant daily and wipe the leaves down to ensure there are no more spider mites. After a week, if you do not see any more webs or new brown spots on the leaves, then you can go back to regular maintenance. 
  • Peppermint oil – mix 1 cup of water with 3-4 drops of peppermint oil together and spray the entire plant. Like I mentioned above, spider and spider mites hate peppermint oil so this will not only help get rid of the mites but it will act as preventative maintenance.
Scale

Soft scale is a brown round pests that looks like a bump on the leaves and stems. If a houseplant is heavily infested, it should be discarded (sorry, babe). Scale sucks the nutrients out of the leaves and stems causing the leaves to wilt and turn brown. Just like Aphids, you may notice some sticky residue on the leaves.

Scale Treatment

How to tell if you have scale? Scale can be really hard to diagnose sometimes, especially if it’s on a cactus because it looks just like scaring. Scale is a flat oval shaped pest that is brown in color and does not move fast at all, so that’s why it can look like a scar at first.

To get rid of scale, grab your tweezers and neem oil. My personal experience with scale, the tweezer/toothpick method worked the best. I laid down a paper towel and picked off each scale one by one until I did not see anymore, then sprayed the entire plant with a neem oil mix. 

NATURAL + SAFE SCALE TREATMENTS:

  • Neem oil – mix 1 tsp of neem oil with 1/2 gallon of distilled water. Neem oil is an all natural pesticide that can be diluted and sprayed directly onto the plant and soil. You can use our Leaf Care Spray monthly as preventative maintenance, or daily-weekly to treat infection. 
  •  Tweezers/toothpick – After you wipe the leaves, you may notice the scale is still stuck on the stem/leaves. You can use a toothpick or tweezers to pick off the scale. Make sure you cover the soil up with something, like a paper towel so the scale does not fall into the soil when removing. 
  • Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) – mix together a 1 part isopropyl alcohol (70%) and 2 parts of distilled water. If you have a large infestation of scale, you can spray the entire plant with the mixture. If you have a small infestation, you can apply full strength rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball or q-tip directly. Be careful not to spray the entire plant with full strength alcohol, as this can burn the plant.
Thrips

And last but certainly not least, thrips. Probably the most persistent of the bunch that if left untreated can cause the fastest damage to your plants. They suck the sap out of the leaves of your houseplant and you can actually see the bite marks they have left! Since they like the sap of the leaves, you will most likely find them all over the underside of the leaves of your plant and even making home inside the new unfurled leaves!

Thrips Treatment

How to tell if you have thrips? Usually, you’ll start to notice the leaves wilting/drooping. You will even be able to tell some holes in your leaves in some cases! The leaves may feel sticky to the touch, this is due to the honeydew secretion. If you notice these issues I just mentioned, look closely at the stem and underside of the leaves. If you stare for a few seconds longer, you’ll start to see them crawling around. 
 
To remove thrips from a houseplant, you can simply give you plant a shower or spray with a gentle hose – the pressure of water usually knocks them off the plant. I have also used the tweezers/q-tip technique and removed them individually one by one from the plant, followed by a cool shower. From there, I suggest spraying the plant with neem oil or Leaf Care Spray to prevent further infestation. Most importantly, quarantine the plant so it’s by itself for a few days until the infestation is gone. 
 
NATURAL + SAFE THRIPS TREATMENTS:

  • Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) – mix together a 1 part isopropyl alcohol (70%) and 2 parts of distilled water. If you have a large infestation of thrips, you can spray the entire plant with the mixture. If you have a small infestation, you can apply full strength rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball or q-tip directly. Be careful not to spray the entire plant with full strength alcohol, as this can burn the plant. 
  • Neem oil – mix 1 tsp of neem oil with 1/2 gallon of distilled water. Neem oil is an all natural pesticide that can be diluted and sprayed directly onto the plant and soil. You can use our Leaf Care Spray monthly as preventative maintenance, or daily-weekly to treat infection. 
  • PRO TIP: When mixing isopropyl alcohol or neem oil concoction, add a few drops of peppermint oil to the spray bottle. Almost all pests and insects hate peppermint oil, plus it gives a refreshing smell to the room =) something you’ll need now after dealing with gross creepy crawlers.

Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, follow the treatments and check your plant daily until the infestation is gone. If your plant seems to be happy and perky again, without any signs of pests, you can go back to your normal houseplant routine. 

If you have any further pest questions, please do not hesitate to reach out! Shoot me a message below & I will help diagnose your plant problem the best that I can.

Best of luck, plant friend! 

Photo Resources:

Fungus gnat photo: https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/houseplant-pests/fungus-gnat-control/
Spider mites photo: https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/houseplant-pests/spider-mite-control/
Scale photo: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/scale/scale-indoors.aspx
Thrips photo: https://www.houseplantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/IMG_7101-scaled.jpg

Top 3 Best Organic Potting Soils – OMRI Listed

shann reneeLeave a comment

There are many different types and brands of soil out there; trust me, I’ve been in your shoes – it’s overwhelming! I’ve been a plant mama for a few years now, and since my background is in environmental science, I had to know exactly what was in the soil I was buying. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t buying soil that was full of chemicals or additives, especially for my veggie garden. 

We all have grown up seeing Miracle-Gro everywhere and while it may be the cheapest soil and you may think its safe… IT’S NOT! Miracle-Gro is full of synthetic ingredients that can cause more harm than good. DO NOT USE ANYTHING MIRACLE-GRO! You may see some bags with ‘organic’ written on it, but sadly, not everything that claims to be organic really is organic. 

I wanted to know if the soil that claims to be “natural and organic” is really certified organic?

So, I did some research! It’s all about the labeling when you’re searching for ‘good’ soil. There are 2 important steps to shopping for healthy soil – #1 make sure you can read and understand the ingredient names and #2 make sure it says ‘Organic/Homemade’ or “OMRI listed” (you have look around because each brand has the label in different places on the bag). 

The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a private, international nonprofit organization that determines whether or not a product qualifies as organic under the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). This means it is certified organic and it is a trustworthy products!  

Below is a list of the top 3 organic indoor potting soil brand we recommend. 

BEST ORGANIC POTTING SOIL

click photo below to learn more & buy now

DIY energy cleansing spray for clearing negativity

shann reneeLeave a comment

do you ever feel like something is off at home? feel stuck, uncomfortable or notice more tension and frustration in yourself or your loved ones? sometimes this can be from stagnant energy or a build up of negative energy around you.

energy is all around us, and aside from spiritual energy, there are ions. positive and negative ions affect our mood, bodies and energy levels. positive ions come from technology/electronics (anything with electromagnetic capabilities), pollution, toxic chemicals, pollen and even pet dander.

unfortunately, we tend to have more positive ions in our space than negative. yes, you read that right! the positive ions are actually the bad ions – it’s confusing, I know.

negative ions are the ones you want swarming all around you – they are the ones that make you feel super happy, calm and relaxed when you’re at the beach, in nature/hiking or sitting near a waterfall! flowing water, including rain (especially thunderstorms) produces the most negative ions, which helps counter positive ions.

some people may look at me weird when I open my windows or step outside when it rains, but the flow of water releases happiness, and who doesn’t want to be surrounded by that! (next time it rains, go outside.. you’ll feel a shift in energy, I promise!)

spiritual energy and ions are odorless and not visible to the naked eye, which is why it’s important to be in tune with your body. whenever you feel like something is off or you start to feel sick or notice negative energy in your loved ones, it’s time to cleanse your space! there are many way to do this but today i’m going to share with you how to make a cleansing room spray.

SYMPTOMS OF TOO MANY POSITIVE IONS / NEGATIVE SPIRITUAL ENERGY*:

  • anger (for an unknown reason)
  • increased anxiety
  • overwhelmed
  • feeling like something is off / unsettling feeling at home
  • uncomfortable (for an unknown reason)
  • having trouble sleeping
  • easily frustrated
  • tired
  • low energy
  • stressed

*please note: I am not a doc, these are all personal symptoms that I have experienced due to negative energy. if you are experiencing any symptoms above and feel something is medically wrong, please call your doctor right away!

HOW TO MAKE ENERGY CLEANSING ROOM SPRAY:

how to use:

  1. shake well before each use.
  2. open the doors and windows in each room to allow negative energy to escape (open windows or sliding doors all the way if it’s raining! just make sure it isn’t raining sideways / puts you at risk of flooding your house, please)
  3. spray each room, focusing on the rooms you spend the most time and around your person.
  4. you can also spray on linens, bedding and sofas.

    repeat as much as needed.

thank you for visiting my blog ❤ I hope this spray helps cleanse your space. comment below and let me know how it worked for you!

xo, Shann

follow me on insta

browse my LTK shop

Pros & Cons of Terracotta Pots

shann reneeLeave a comment

To terracotta pot or not to terracotta pot, that truly is the question plagued by many houseplant owners at one point or another. 

Terracotta, literally translated in Italian means “cooked Earth,” is a glazed or unglazed clay that is shaped, dried, and then fired for its final structure. This very common and ancient medium that can be traced back to 26,000 – 24,000 BCE (with the Venus of Dolni Vestonice sculpture), definitely has numerous advantages and some very notable disadvantages to consider. 

It is important to note that the advantages and disadvantages below are what is generically discussed, however, it is absolutely relative! What can be considered a disadvantage to one can be an advantage for another. But no fear! 

Here we will discuss it all and provide as much knowledge so that you can decide whether using terracotta pots for your houseplants is right for you! 

– Terracotta Pot Advantages –

1.) The porous nature of the terracotta pot pulls minerals from the water that may not be beneficial to the plant.

2.) This same porous nature also provides one of the most important factors for healthy plant growth: air circulation/soil aeration for healthy strong roots!

3.) Absorbent by nature, the terracotta will help over waterers (Guilty! And I wouldn’t say we are over waterers, maybe over carers haha) because it drinks up extra water which will prevent root rot. This means you won’t have to be concerned about easily overwatering your plants as it is quite difficult too in a terracotta pot. 

4.) Terracotta pots can be used indoor and outdoors. This is helpful if you frequent putting your plants outside during warmer months and back inside during colder months. *Remember to presoak your pot to avoid cracks when moving from indoors to outdoors and vice versa. More on presoaking in the tips section below.

5.) The thick walls of the terracotta pots offer insulation for the plant from temperature changes.

6.) When used indoors during colder months, it helps plants in dormancy. When a plant goes into dormancy, the process of absorbing water from the soil is much slower. This is when it is imperative to pull back in our watering schedule because of the higher probability of the dreaded root rot. The terracotta assists the plants with this as it absorbs water from the soil so the soil can dry quicker and prevent root rot.

7.) Plain terracotta pots are also generally inexpensive! Always a win!

8.) One of the most important factors for Explorganics is that fact it is reusable. Yay for the environment!

9.) The pot will give you a better idea on whether it is time to water or not. When terracotta is moist and darker in color, moisture is still present in the soil. It means it is not just yet time to water. If it is brighter in color and dry, it is time for watering.

10.) Patina – Now this one is a bit controversial as some consider it an advantage and others a disadvantage so I will list it in both for their respective reasons. Patina is the white cast that appears on the terracotta as it ages because of the absorption of minerals in the water/fertilizer. As an advantage, this white cast provides the pot with a stunning, aged look that for some is consider beautiful! 

– Terracotta Pot Disadvantages –

1.) The look of the terracotta pots isn’t for everyone. Though the pots can come in a few colors, it isn’t as variable as other pot designs. Yes, you can paint the pot, however, to avoid the toxicity of paint ingredients to go into the pot, you will have to seal (make sure you are using proper sealing for plants). Keep in mind that sealing it no longer makes the pot absorbent.

2.) Plants that prefer moist conditions may need to be watered more frequently in terracotta pots or may not even be well suited all together for this pot. 

3.) They are more fragile than let’s say plastic nursery pots. A bit more care is needed to avoid cracking or breaking them, especially if you bring your plants in and out of your house during seasons. 

4.) Terracotta pots are very porous so the watering needs of your plant may increase more than you are used to, especially smaller pots. You will have to keep in mind to check and water more frequently until you get used to the new watering schedule with the terracotta pot. 

5.) Watch out where you place your terracotta pots and terracotta saucer because the water retention of the terracotta can damage wooden furniture. *There is a tip for this in the tip section below!

6.) Patina – We know from above that patina is the white cast that appears on the pot due to mineral build up. The actual patina isn’t in the disadvantage side but the concept of having to clean the pot is. Even if you like the look of patina, at one point you will have to clean excess build up from these pots and it is more of a process than let’s say a regular plastic nursery pot. But good news! We have a whole cleaning section next!

– How to Clean Your Terracotta Pot –

The reason for cleaning the terracotta pot is to keep fungus and algae from growing on the pot. The pores that the clay naturally has can house these and pass them onto the plants. Also, if the build up around the pot gets to be too much, a cleanup may be necessary. But do not worry! I will demystify cleaning the terracotta pot here and once you know what to do and how, it will become easy and second nature!

1.) Allow your plant to dry out so that the soil is more compacted and easier to remove from the pot. Place your plant in a temporary pot or a plant mat. 

2.) Use a flower pot bristle brush or some bristle (that you will strictly use for your plants) to remove all possible dirt and loose mineral build up from the terracotta pot.

3.) Next, to clean the pot of the rest of the mineral build up, mix 1:3 parts vinegar to water. Soak the entire pot in this solution for 20-30 minutes and most of the residue should now be easier to scrub off. 

4.) If you have some particularly stubborn buildup, you can mix baking soda and water to make a paste (like hand lotion consistency) and apply this paste to the stubborn build up. Allow this to sit for 5 – 10 minutes and then scrub off the paste and remaining build up. 

5.) Now, there are various methods to disinfect such as using the oven or using the dishwasher, however, at Explorganics we do not recommend using anything we use for our food/plates to also clean our plant pots to avoid cross contamination. 

You can also use bleach, however, we do not recommend such harsh chemicals. For this reason, vinegar is our best friend and comes into play again. Mix a 1:1 part vinegar and water solution and immerse the entire pot inside the solution. After three to four hours, remove the pot from the solution and voila, a disinfected pot. Now you can rinse the pot in water and then just let it dry. 

6.) Finally, put your plant back in its cleaned and disinfected home.

– Tips When Using Terracotta Pots –

>> Do not forget to presoak your brand new terracotta in distilled water for about 24 hours or overnight prior to using it. By doing this you are conditioning your pot which helps so that it doesn’t wick away so much moisture from your plant. 

Terracotta already dries pretty quickly, therefore, not conditioning it can make the pot even more moisture wicking. Conditioning your pot also assists with preventing it from cracking due to temperature changes. 

>> To protect your furniture, use a glazed on the inside terracotta saucer, a plastic saucer or even place a plastic saucer in between the terracotta pot and terracotta saucer. This way the saucer won’t absorb water and damage your wooden furniture.

>> This tip is if you wish to lessen (you cannot completely prevent it from occurring) the patina that is forming on your pot. If you avoid tap water when watering your plants, and use organic fertilizer instead of chemical, you will reduce the amount of patina forming.

Distilled water and organic fertilizers will generally provide less mineral and salt buildup on the pot. Now remember this won’t completely take away the platina but can assist in decreasing the amount. 

– Conclusion –

Terracotta pots are like a little piece of history in our home! With the advantages, disadvantages, cleaning process, and tips provided in this blog, now it is up to you to decide if this little ancient wonder is right for you or if better to admire from afar.

Never forget that if you couldn’t help but fall in LOVE with a particular terracotta pot at Explorganics, but are not ready for the change, you can simply keep your plant in its nursery pot and put it inside a terracotta pot to use as a decorative pot. You can keep your plant this way until you are ready to make the change or even permanently. Hooray for options!

follow me on insta

Tips for Bringing Your Plants Outside for Summer & How to Acclimate Them Properly

shann reneeLeave a comment

Ahhh, the birds chirping and the sun shining, that steady warm weather is almost here! This means that when that constant warmer weather occurs, our tropical houseplants can soon enjoy the benefits of being outside for the season! 

What temperature is best to bring your houseplant outside?

The average houseplant likes a temperature of between 65-75 degrees. To be on the safe side, it is recommended that once it is constantly, at least 68 degrees at night, it is safe to bring your tropical houseplants outside for the summer! Yes, plants can tolerate as low as 50 degrees, but keep in mind that “tolerating” does not mean it is safe to place your plant outside in that temperature. And of course, anything lower than that can have detrimental effects on your plants. 

Watch out for the random temperature spikes too! Some days we have a random outlier, and it is a gorgeous 80 degrees, but falls back again that night/the following day. This is why is it recommended that when it is consistently at least 68 degrees at night and definitely during the day, it is time to bring your plant outside. 

The constant warmer temperature is important because if it was a warm outlier day and then we need to bring the plant back inside because it returned to cold, that moving around of the plant is not appreciated by your plant friend.

Plants love consistency. Some plant may even drop leaves because of the constant changing. For this reason, only move your plant outside when the warm weather is constant, and your plant can safely stay out there for the season. 

Now that you are bringing your plants outside, it is still important to monitor for pests.

Plants that are in soil, are like a little piece of Earth that we are taking home with us. That soil is its own little eco-system with healthy bacteria and the potential of being host to some unwanted critters. When we bring our plants outside to enjoy the benefits of sun, rainwater, humidity, and wind…the potential for critters to call it “home” also increases. Now, though some critters are inevitable (talking to you there, gnats), some we need to minimize their potential to call our plants “home” as they can cause damage (the dreaded T word, thrips).

So how do we do this? Well lucky for us, Explorganics owner Shannon, has figured out the perfect ratio of neem oil to beneficial essential oils, to help us not only prevent but treat pests using Explorganics Leaf Care Spray. Have this magic tool handy and make sure to clean your plant consistently to prevent/treat critters and you will have yourself a very happy plant friend! 

Once a plant goes outside, if it needs to come inside for whatever reason, keep separate from the rest of your indoor plants.

If a plant has been outside, when you bring it indoors, always keep separate from the rest of your plants as it has the potential of having pests. No matter if it was there for just an afternoon, it just takes a minute or so for a little critter to land and lay eggs. Some are hard to see so to be on the safe side, keep that plant separate. This is important because below you will find the acclimating schedule and it calls for your plant to be outside for a period of time for the first few days and then brought back inside. In this interchange, make sure to keep that plant in its own spot not close to the rest of your plant family just for precaution. 

How to properly acclimate your plants to being outside:

Acclimating is very important!! When acclimating your plant that have been inside all winter to the outside, it takes a little bit of work. The elements outside are drastically different to our indoors and it can shock the plant if just brought outside and left there for the season. For this reason, we suggest bringing your plants in towards the evening/night in the beginning. Watch out for signs of distress during the acclimating period. It can mean that your particular plant may need a little longer of an acclimating period so lessen the duration of being outside and increase in even smaller time frames.

Below is a guide on how to acclimate your plants for the first 7 days.

Day 1: Bring your plant outside during the morning/afternoon. When choosing a spot to place your plant outside, make sure it is a bright indirect light and no direct sun. Also make sure to choose your new spot indoors for the plant at night separate from the rest of your plants. Once you choose both spots, place your plant in those spots every day. This is so that the plant has consistency during an inconsistent time, because as stated earlier, plants don’t like to be moved around so much. Example: keep plant outside from 7:00am – 12:00pm

Day 2: The next morning, put it back outside at the same time and place it in the same spot that it was in. Increase its stay outside by and hour or so. Remember to bring it in again during the evening. Example: keep plant outside from 7:00am – 2:00pm

Day 3: The next morning, put it back outside at the same time and place it in the same spot that it was in. Increase its stay outside by and hour or so. Remember to bring it in again during the evening. Example: keep plant outside from 7:00am – 4:00pm

Day 4: The next morning, put it back outside at the same time and place it in the same spot that it was in. Increase its stay outside by and hour or so. Remember to bring it in again during the evening. Example: keep plant outside from 7:00am – 6:00pm

Day 5: The next morning, put it back outside at the same time and place it in the same spot that it was in. Increase its stay outside by and hour or so. Remember to bring it in again during the evening. Example: keep plant outside from 7:00am – 7:00pm

Day 6: The next morning, put it back outside at the same time and place it in the same spot that it was in. Increase its stay outside by and hour or so. Remember to bring it in again during the evening. Example: keep plant outside from 7:00am – 8:00pm

Day 7: Keep your plant outside and do not bring it back in at night. You have completed the acclimation period!! Congratulations!!

Keep in mind, once plants are outside, they will require substantially more water than when they were indoors. Therefore, make sure you check their watering needs much more frequently. It is highly recommended to invest in a moisture meter to guide you and give you more confidence in the new watering schedule. 

Make sure you’re monitoring the those very hot, dry days during the warmer months. 

Tropical plants love humidity and some need extra moisture during those super hot days. As always, let your plant tell you how it is doing. If you notice some crispy edges, or burn spots, you may have it in too much sun. It is always recommended for our tropical plants to have a handy mister with you during those hot days to provide much needed moisture to their leaves. If you have access to a hose, that works too!


How to care for plants once they’re outside:

Once your plants are outside the most important rule of thumb is to watch your plant for signs of what it needs. Plants are quite vocal with what they need.

  1. Checking their watering needs will be the most important!
  2. Check for signs of too much sun, or even too little sun. 
  3. Check for signs of distress being outside, and your plant simply not being happy. It is important to address that issue quickly! Only keep the plant outside if it is showing signs if flourishing. 
  4. Keep up with that Leaf Care Spray leaf cleaning, to avoid in the long run a resilient critter from calling your plant “home.” 


The spring/summer is the perfect time to fertilize your plant as it is their growing period! This being said, it is NOT recommended to fertilize your plant until after the acclimation period and once it has been outside for a good two/three weeks and it is thriving. If your plant is showing any sign of distress outside, to add fertilizer during this period can harm your plant.

Remember, the general guideline for fertilizing a plant is doing so only to a plant that is thriving and growing new leaves. It is also important to use a gentle organic fertilizer, as your plant has just gone through a change and using a strong chemical fertilizer can burn roots/plant. We highly recommend Joyful Dirt fertilizer! Most importantly they are organic, and safe for our children, pets, and Earth! *It is never recommended for us, our children or pets to eat plants, however, some plants are non-toxic and using non-toxic fertilizer helps keep the plant generally non-toxic.

So, there you have it! How to acclimate your indoor plant to become an outside plant for the spring/summer! An outdoor plant can have many benefits such as better lighting, access to the best water (rainwater!), humidity, and wind! I hope with this guide, you have a better understanding of just how to accomplish the task, but never forget you can always reach out if you have any further questions! 

Now, let’s enjoy that beautiful warm weather, with our human and plant friends alike!

follow me on insta