Houseplants

From the McDonald Garden Center Blog

Aroid Plants, McDonald Garden Center

Aroid Plants - Part I, Characteristics and Care

Pothos, philodendrons, anthuriums, peace lilies, and zz plants are all members of the Araceae family (aka the Arum family), also known as “aroids.” No other group of plants can compare to the extravagant and exotic foliage exhibited by Araceae. Aroids have become a staple in the houseplant market for the relative ease of care and their ability to tolerate both bright and low light conditions. Here’s what you’ll need to know about these special plants and how to care for them. AROID CHARACTERISTICS

Houseplants, McDonald Garden Center

Living Room Ready Houseplants

Houseplants have made a big comeback these days, taking over homes, offices, and social media. Cared for correctly, indoor plants can last for many years. But before you bring one home, you’ll need to know the care requirements, so you can give it exactly what it needs. We’ve highlighted a few of our most popular houseplants and tips on how to best care for them.  PHALAENOPSIS ORCHIDS

Houseplants, McDonald Garden Center

Houseplants 101: Lighting

Along with water, light is the most essential component of growing healthy plants. Some plants can survive with mediocre soil or without fertilizer, but no plant will live for long without light. And because lighting conditions in your home will have a direct effect on the growth and health of your houseplants, when selecting your indoor plants, it's important to consider where that plant will live before you bring it into your home. Too little or too much light can cause plants to look unhealthy, fail to grow and bloom, drop leaves or die altogether.

Pothos

Fight the Winter Blues with a Green Thumb

Wintertime in Hampton Roads can be cold and gloomy but that doesn’t mean your home has to be. And with the change of seasons, our moods often follow suit, but there's an easy way to help ward off those winter blues – houseplants. Research suggests that having plants around is a good thing for your health and productivity. Studies show indoor plant care has several benefits, including lowering your blood pressure, decreasing your anxiety levels and improving your overall well-being.

McDonald Garden Center Photo

Trend Alert: Pilea Peperomioides aka “Chinese Money Plant”

At McDonald Garden Center, we’ve been carrying the rare pilea peperomioides for a while. Their adorable, pancake-shaped leaves and easy-to-grow nature already made them a superstar in our eyes. But when we started to receive numerous phone calls inquiring if we carried them, we took notice.