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Trees & Houseplants : Home & Garden

The Life Span of a Purple Leaf Plum Tree

The purple leaf plum tree, Prunus cerasifera, is a small ornamental tree with purple-bronze or purple-green leaves. As a member of the plum family, many cultivars will produce small edible fruit. Purple leaf plum trees provide food and shelter to birds, beneficial insects and small mammals. However,

Crystal Soil Information

Crystal Soil is an alternative to potting soil used for indoor planting. Crystal Soil comes in either pearl or cube crystal form. Crystal Soil color choices include pink, purple, orange, red, blue, yellow, clear and meadow green. Plants that grow well in Crystal Soil include spider plants, peace lil

How to Kill Red Bugs in Spanish Moss

Spanish moss hangs from tree limbs and thrives in the Southeastern United States. The plant is actually not a moss, but a bromeliad, which makes Spanish moss a distant relative of the pineapple. The beautiful moss can be used for decoration, arts and crafts or even flower arrangements. When working

Varieties of Small Avocados

Mexican avocados are the smallest of the cultivated fruit.avocado image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.comAvocados likely are native to Mexico, but thrive in any Mediterranean climate and so are cultivated in warm areas around the world. The largest avocados are grown in the West Indies...

Life Cycle of Physalis

The Portuguese man-of-war, or "bluebottle" as it sometimes called, is known scientifically as Physalia Physalis. It is a member of the phylum Cnidaria, which includes corals, sea anemones and jellyfish. It lives mostly on the open ocean, propelled by the wind and ocean currents. When it washes up

Facts About the Texas Ash Tree

Texas ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is a small tree native to the limestone hills and canyons of central and northern Texas. The tree is characterized by a densely branched canopy of rounded leaves that display brilliant fall foliage. Texas ash is sometimes grown as a shade tree in warm, sunny climat

How to Grow a TI Plant From a Cutting

The Ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa) is a tropical evergreen. It can grow up to 13 feet high, consisting of a single woody stalk from which long glossy leaves sprout. Its stark architectural shape, scented flowers and colorful berries make it a popular conversation starter in specialty gardens. The Ti

Milky Fungus on Plant Leaves

Found a milky white, or grayish powder-like fungus on your plant? Fungi are the most common cause of plant disease in all parts of the United States. The most likely culprit is a wide-spread disease called Powdery Mildew, which spreads via water and wind.

Fresh Water Pond Plants

Pond plants play a vital role in the health of a pond.Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty ImagesWater gardens provide a peaceful addition to the landscape. Aquatic plants are a part of maintaining the health of any fresh water pond. Aquatic plants float on the water, are submerged or grow along...

Do Chitalpas Do Well in Clay Soil?

The chitalpa (Chitalpa x tashkentensis) is a fast-growing tree suited for desert climates. Also known as the Pink Dawn, this deciduous tree can grow well in clay soil and is drought tolerant.

Do it Yourself Trellis for Rose Bush

Rose bushes are a beneficial addition to any landscape, providing aesthetic beauty, fresh flowers for gifts or a bouquet, and dozens of colors to choose from. A rose bush grows well on a lattice trellis as long as it is trained correctly. Although it is a long process, your rose bush will crawl up t

What Do Purple Roses Symbolize?

Roses have long symbolized love and affection, with different meanings attached to the colors and types of each. From a dozen long-stemmed, thornless roses to a single tea rose, the symbolism and messages are as varied as the flowers themselves. Purple or lilac roses, believed to be mystical and enc

Japanese Red Chili Plants

Japanese red pepper varieties come in a wide range of shapes and sizes.Ben Bloom/Photodisc/Getty ImagesThe country of Japan uses less chili than any other Asian country. Most Asian cuisine is heavily spiced, but the Japanese prefer chilies in condiments to accompany foods. Japan produces...

How to Start Roses From Volunteer Plants

A volunteer rose is any rose bush that grows in the yard that you did not plant. Volunteer plants are most often the result of roses that produce seed, which is then distributed by wind to other yards or other parts of the same yard. Not all roses produce volunteer plants, but if you have one that d

How to Raise Orchids

Orchids are well known for their beauty, which may explain the myth surrounding their growth requirements. Because of their exquisite appearance, orchids are assumed to be tricky and difficult to grow outside of a greenhouse. However, anyone can grow and raise orchids in their homes alongside their

Peat Moss & Roses

For rose gardeners, an effective, safe and organic soil amendment is ideal. Luckily, this is exactly the description that the Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association gives to peat moss. The structure and biological properties of peat moss make it a perfect match for the demanding conditions of growi

How to Grow Vegetables for Two People

Growing a vegetable garden for two people may be the most successful sort of garden to plant. Since the garden will not be too big, it will be easy to plan, prepare, tend to and manage. Chances are, this rewarding endeavor will not become overwhelming, and the fruits (vegetables) of your labor wil

How to Grow Pothos

Pothos and devil's ivy are two common names for Epipremnum aureum, a species of epiphytic trailing plant native to the Solomon Islands. The attractive, heart-shaped leaves display a number of color variations ranging from solid bright-green to variegated, making them valuable as a houseplant or outd

How to Keep People From Climbing on a Block Wall

The method you choose to use to keep people from climbing on the block wall will depend on the severity of the threat the climbers pose. If neighborhood children are climbing over the wall or vandalizing the property, place a permanent, non-harming barrier if possible. If you fear for the safety of