September 26, 2019

Licuala Grandis

The 10” Licuala Grandis is already proving to be one of the favorites in our new Terracotta Pot collection.

Licuala Grandis in 10″ Terracotta Planter

Also known as the Ruffled Fan Palm, the Licuala Grandis brings eye-catching texture front and center to indoor or outside spaces. Its rustic terracotta container is a beautiful counterpoint to the lush palm. 

The Australian native hails from the tropics, so a warm and humid spot is preferred. In zones 10a-11, the palm can stay outdoors year-round. But, plant collectors in colder climates may want to feature the plant indoors. The Licuala will thrive on a protected patio in zones 4b-11 during the summer. When temperatures begin to dip, it should be moved to overwinter indoors. Make sure to find a place that’s well away from an air conditioning vent, or any drafts. 

These single slender trunk palms are known for their elegance appearance, and their low maintenance needs. Make sure to water thoroughly. They’ll do best in bright indirect light – especially any south or north-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, as this may burn the leaves. Their glossy fan-like fronds tend to face towards the light, so be sure to turn the Licuala occasionally to maintain even growth. You may want to fertilize two times a year. The Licuala Grandis is slow growing, and will usually reach a height of 5 to 10 ft. >> Purchase your very own potted Licuala Grandis 

Terracotta Collection

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September 17, 2019

Bromeliads as Houseplants

With their showy, colorful foliage and striking flowers, bromeliads are some of the most unique and impactful houseplants; yet many people shy away from them because of the (inaccurate) belief that they are hard to grow.   Bromeliads are, in fact, very easy to grow and maintain providing that the right ones are chosen for the site.

Aechmea ‘Burning Bush’

Bromeliads belong to the Bromeliaceae family of plants which contains over 3000 species. In the wild they’re found in an extensive range of conditions, from deep shade to full sun; and from terrestrials in the ground to epiphytes on trees and rocks. You’re sure to find one for your location, whether it be indoors or out.

When selecting a bromeliad the most important consideration is the amount of light the spot receives. As houseplants, most bromeliads can be grown in any space that receives bright, filtered or indirect light. Save for a few sun varieties, more than a couple hours of direct sunlight will probably burn the leaves. Providing the right amount of light is paramount to achieving the full color and ideal shape of your bromeliad. Too much light can cause the foliage to grow short and have a lighter, bleached color whereas too much shade can result in leaves which are stretched and greener.

Watering Tip: Keeping bromeliad cups in their center filled with water, allows for a healthy plant.

Although most bromeliads come from humid tropical conditions, they don’t like wet soil. Keeping the cups in their center filled with water and regularly spraying the leaves will ensure a healthy plant.  Distilled or rain water is best as tap water usually contains too much minerals and can cause calcium buildup. As most bromeliads are epiphytic, it is recommended to plant them in a well drained, loose soil mix.  Bark chunks are a great additive to the potting medium.

Aechmea Recurvata

Bromeliads tend to be relatively disease and pest free plants.  For the most part the main problem you may encounter, albeit rare, is fungus from overwatering the soil (manifesting as brown spots on the leaves) – this is easily treated with fungicide.  Scale and mealy bugs may sometimes turn up, but they can be treated with organic pesticides such as neem oil.

There are thousands of different bromeliads that come in a myriad of shapes and sizes, so you’ll certainly find a variety that will work for you. The easiest to grow indoors are Aechmeas and Neoregelias.  Aechmeas are colorful bromeliads which can tolerate low light conditions and usually have beautiful flowers spikes which may last months! Although Neoregelias don’t produce striking flowers, they are widely sought after for their magnificent leaves with bold colors and mesmerizing patterns. Discover more bromeliads >>

In general bromeliads are relatively affordable, need little maintenance, and provide attractive foliage along with bold, long lasting blooms.

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September 17, 2019

PlantVine Potted Plants

PlantVine is excited to announce our newest arrivals: Potted Plants!

We’ve made it simple and convenient to add the beauty of plants to any spot you choose. As with all our products, our potted plants are meticulously handpicked. Next, we select an exquisite Italian terracotta pot, fill it with our special indoor organic soil blend, and then add our PlantVine natural root stimulant. These PlantVine extras come at no additional cost in this special Collection, and will certainly help your plant thrive.
For our new Potted Plant group, we’ve chosen a mix of our bestselling plants and some more unusual ones you may not find elsewhere. Here are five selections that head our new Potted Plant Collection:

1. Monstera Adansonii:

Called the “Swiss Cheese Plant” because of its unique scattering of oval-shaped holes, this popular beauty is an easy care choice for beginners and experts. This Monstera arrives in 6″ planter that brings home a touch of exoticism. See potted Monstera >>

2. Calathea Ornata:

Dark green glossy leaves are pinstriped in pink, then finished with an underside of reddish-purple. Anywhere you place it, the Calathea becomes a focal point. The Calathea comes in an 8″ planter. See potted Calathea >>

3. Dwarf Jade:

Many plant lovers feature this easy-to-grow Jade Tree as they would a bonsai. Its medium sized 8″ planter is a lovely choice for table top or desk. See potted Dwarf Jade >>

4. Dracaena Gold Star:

This statuesque beauty is an eye-catching mix of dark green centers framed by vibrant lime green. Not just another “pretty face,” the Gold Star is famous for its air purifying abilities. It arrives in a room-enhancing 8″ planter. See potted Dracaena >>

5. Licuala Grandis:

Texture takes center stage in this rainforest native. Its glossy, pleated fan-like fronds make this one of the most elegant small palms. The Licuala Grandis comes in a 10″ planter that brings a touch of the tropics indoors. See potted Licuala >>

>>View our full collection of potted plants here

>>View our full collection of plant pots here

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September 17, 2019

Houseplants Add Beautifully to Your Fall Decor

At last, the long, hot summer is behind us. We welcome the cooler temperatures of fall, while we begin to contemplate upcoming holiday festivities.

It’s a great time to think about ways to incorporate some cozy fall colors into your home. We’re here to help! Our new collection of hardy houseplants will add that special splash of fall hues: the rich reds, plums, purples and deep greens that signal autumn’s arrival.

Cordyline Fruticosa ‘Red Sister’-

Cordyline Fruticosa ‘Red Sister,’ Ti Plant

With its dark purple leaves accented in pink, this Ti Plant makes a glorious addition to your harvest home. It can provide a strong contrast to a darker wall, while conjuring up a bit of the tropics. Easy care, they prefer bright, direct light and medium amounts of water. See more >>

Crotons-

Codiaeum Variegatum ‘Fantasy’, Croton

Colorful multi-hued foliage makes the Croton a popular choice this season. If you’re having guests over, imagine the Croton’s dark colors as an exquisite and unexpected centerpiece on an autumn dinner table. Make sure to water regularly, and to place the plant in a spot where it will receive bright light. See more >>

Calatheas-

Calathea ornata, Pinstripe Prayer Plant

With several varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect Calathea in warm autumn shades. From the spotted foliage of the Rattlesnake to the dark elegance of the Medallion, these low maintenance beauties are known for their colorful inflorescences.  They thrive in direct light and soil that’s kept moist. See more >>

Bromeliads-

Aechmea ‘Burning Bush’, Bromeliad

The bold flowers of the Bromeliads bloom in vibrant shades of orange and purple. Indoors, they work as effective air purifiers. Hardy and handsome, they’ll thrive with minimal care and water. See more >>

Mexican Fan Palm-

Washingtonia robusta, Mexican Fan Palm

The best palm for fall! This cold hardy palm can weather the cooler temps on your patio. Its unique fan-like fronds add fabulous texture to any room or porch. See more >>

Snake Plants-

Sansevieria zeylanica, Snake Plant

No matter what time of year, the Snake Plant is always a smart choice. They earn the title of “The Perfect Houseplant” each and every day. They work tirelessly to purify the air; you can neglect them for a bit; and they always look fresh. Place them in any empty corner, and they’ll make that space look complete. We love AND appreciate them, and feel confident you will, too. See more >>

We’re sure you’ll agree fall is a wonderful time of year. We want to stress there’s no need for your green thumb to go into hibernation. Bringing your plants indoors – or adding to your indoor collection – makes your home more relaxing – and more beautiful. Autumn hues, like the ones featured in our Fall Collection, are a perfect backdrop for the holidays.

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September 17, 2019

Low Light Plants

Not enough light? No problem!

Check out our recommendations for low light indoor plants.

Let me start by saying: plants love light. They require light for photosynthesis which is the process by which they turn carbon dioxide and water into their food and the oxygen that gets released back into the environment.

I particularly love the simplicity of the process. But is it? I must confess it felt a little discouraging when I purchased my variegated rubber plant and brought it home to place it in a bright spot in my living room, just to find that, although bright, was not even close to be bright enough for it and the plant started losing all of its leaves.

As a new plant enthusiast, I started doing some research online about what could have happened and how to fix it. And generally, it comes down to the very delicate balance between light and water. First, I tried giving more water only to find the remaining leaves turning yellow and brown due to overwatering. Then I realized I needed to find a more suitable spot for it. That’s the story of how it went to the porch and it has truly been happily ever after.

First we have to understand that filtered light is very different than unfiltered light, and that the closest a plant is from a window and the more view of the sky it has, the more light it is going to get, the bigger and greener it is going to be, generally speaking. But sometimes we simply don’t have the perfect spot, and for those like me, who have started a sizable plant collection, we quickly run out of windows.

The following is my fail-proof list of low light – friendly plants that can still add that touch of green that we would like to have in every space while staying pretty and healthy:

1. Pothos:

This plant tolerates low to medium light very well. Under brighter light conditions, Pothos will have more variegation on its leaves but will survive just fine and look great just close to a window.

2. Monstera:

This showstopper is commonly found on the ground in the rainforest, so it tolerates very well low to medium light conditions while providing with their ever popular large, fenestrated leaves.

3. Snake plant:

Also known as Sansevieria, this plant can handle low to medium light and does not like direct sun, as it burns its leaves. Perfect as a statement plant in a corner of your living room or bedroom.

4. Dieffenbachia:

Commonly known as dumb cane plant, it literally lives behind a wall with no view of the sky at my house and it is happy and thriving. Very decorative with its green leaves with white streaks. Remember to be careful with children and pets, as its leaves are toxic if chewed.

5. Calathea:

I love calatheas for their beautiful foliage that appears to be hand painted and has touches of purple and pink, lines or spots, you name it! As they are native to tropical forests, they are used to, and in fact prefer low to medium light conditions. Direct sun will make its leaves brown and crispy in the edges.

6. Aglaonema:

Also known as Chinese Evergreen, this is another timeless ornamental plant that lives behind a wall in my house as it is perfectly happy with low light conditions.

7. Pilea peperomides:

The Chinese money plant, friendship plant, pancake plant, is simply too cute to pass! It is easy to care for and does very well under low to medium light conditions. Proximity to a window will suffice.

8. Fittonia:

This is another plant with beautiful foliage that does well under low light conditions. I keep it on a bookshelf that is rather dark, along with a rabbit foot fern, snakeplants, pilea, pothos, basically the low-light gang!

9. ZZ plant:

This is probably the easiest plant to care for. You can throw anything at it and it still will look perfect. Low light, medium light, little water, a lot of water. It doesn’t matter. It will survive.

10. Ferns:

As a tropical plant, ferns do well under the canopy, close to the ground, in high humidity and rather dark areas, such a bathroom. Like any other plant though, some light is required for photosynthesis.

It is important to remember that, although these plants do well in low light conditions, if you have just brought home your new plant baby, give it a chance to acclimatize before placing it under low light: check the soil, water if it is dry and put it next to a window in its original nursery pot for at least a week before repotting and bringing it to its definitive spot. These important steps will minimize any consequences from the shock the plant goes through due to change in conditions and will help it adapt much better to its new home.

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September 11, 2019

Top 10 Pet Friendly Plants

You should always think of your pets when selecting a new plant to bring into your home.

Many folks aren’t aware that some plants contain toxins which, if ingested by your cat or dog, could make them ill. For example, ever wonder why another name for Dieffenbachia is “Dumb Cane?” If a person somehow ingests the plant’s sap, they could experience swelling of the mouth– making them unable to speak – and causing them to go “dumb.” Of course, we can read warning labels. But, if your cat or dog chews on a Dieffenbachia, they may experience oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing and even vomiting. We certainly want to avoid the chance of this happening to our furry friend.

To put your mind at ease, we’ve assembled a list of the Top 10 pet friendly plants. These are absolutely safe, and make an absolutely beautiful addition to your indoor spaces or outdoor garden.

1. Boston Fern

2. Pilea Peperomioides

3. Areca Palm

4. Ponytail Palm

5. Calathea Pinstripe

6. Money Tree

7. Bromeliads

8. Lady Palm

9. Rabbit’s Foot Fern

10. Hibiscus

The plants in this diverse list range from tropical palms to vibrantly colored foliage. Even if your cat or dog gets a bit curious with these plants, a little bite won’t harm them. (Of course, eating an entire plant – no matter if it is non-toxic – is not recommended.) When you first introduce a new plant into your home, you may want to leave a new variety of pet toys out for your dog or cat. This might dissuade them from thinking of your new plant as a toy or plaything.

Bringing greenery into your home is incredibly beneficial. Plants purify the air, boost your mood, and work towards creating a warm, calm environment for you and your pet.

For an official list of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants to cats or dogs courtesy of the ASPCA, please click the appropriate selection below:

Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Cats >>
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Dogs >>

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September 2, 2019

Overwintering Your Plants

Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Tropical Plants Alive During Winter

Hibiscus brought indoors during winter. *Flowering not guaranteed.

As Summer begins to wind down, our Plant Lovers from colder climates frequently ask us, “How best can my plants survive the Winter?”

Luckily, it IS possible to keep some of your less cold-hardy plants thriving year-round. By having a smart overwintering plan, you can bring your plants through the coldest months. Okay….we hear you asking, “What exactly is Overwintering?” It simply means bringing your cold-sensitive plants inside, or into a sheltered spot.

For example, even a tropical plant like a hibiscus can make it through the Winter. If you live in an area where the temperatures dip below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, bring the hibiscus indoors. Fortunately, hibiscus are not too picky about location as long as they’re receiving adequate light and water.

Tip: Place outdoor plants on a sunny window sill for maximum light exposure.

Moving a plant indoors is not without some challenges. A plant could experience shock, caused by changes in light and humidity levels. You may even see some wilting or loss of leaves. But trust us, the plants can recover.

Misting leaves, allows your plant to retain the humidity it needs to thrive in a dry environment.

Here’s how to prepare your plant for the move. If possible, start by reducing the amount of sunlight the plant receives. Place it in a more shaded area outdoors. When you move it indoors, find a sunny spot by a window. If such a spot is not available, consider purchasing an artificial grow light. Humidity is another factor to consider. As you might suspect, the level of humidity indoors is far less than outdoors. Here are some ideas to compensate:

1) Situate the plant in your home’s most naturally humid rooms, like your kitchen, bath or laundry.

2) Group plants together, as this naturally increases the area’s humidity.

3) Misting the leaves of more tropical plants will help but be cautious to do so moderately and not overmist!

4) If all else fails, consider trying a room humidifier.

Keep in mind that overwintering plants indoors may impact their growth and bloom. Rest assured, this is completely normal. They’ll bounce back to their beautiful selves when Spring comes and they’re back outdoors.

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September 2, 2019

PlantVine Terracotta Planters

Introducing our Newest PlantVine Terracotta Planters

8″ Terracotta Planter

Looking for the perfect pot for your plants? Look no further than our terracotta planters. Each pot is crafted in Italy. Their unglazed finish adds “modern-rustic” appeal to your interiors or outdoor spaces.

6″ Terracotta Planter (Pictured on Table) and 10″ Terracotta Planter (Pictured on Floor)

When we considered adding pots to our PlantVine collection, we researched suppliers who would both mesh with our design philosophies, and meet our high quality standards. We found exactly what we were looking for in Italy.

For centuries, terracotta has been the color of choice in the world’s most magnificent gardens. The word “terracotta” actually means “fired earth.” PlantVine’s terracotta pots have a smooth coffee-like finish that sets off any plant to perfection.

As you unpack your PlantVine pot, you’ll notice a wonderfully earthy smell – the heavenly scent of the finest Italian clay. Yes, the timing on introducing our Pots Collection is perfect, as terracotta is a wonderful autumn color. But, we feel certain you’ll enjoy these pots year-round. >> Shop All Pots

Divertitevi! (Please Enjoy!)

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