The Plant Room's Jungle Journal: A Journal into Plant Life

Welcome, homies to another chapter of The Plant Room blog! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Hoyas, those lovely, trailing wonders that have captured the hearts of plant lovers for generations. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or new to the plant game, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to successfully care for your Hoyas.  Meet the Hoya: A Marvel of Nature Hoya, also known as Wax Plants, is a genus of tropical succulent plants that belong to the Apocynaceae family. These charming plants are celebrated for their distinctive waxy, often fragrant flowers that range in color from creamy whites to deep pinks. Hoya plants come in various shapes and sizes, with their lush green leaves and elegant trailing vines making them a popular choice for both hanging baskets and tabletop displays.  Watering Wisely: Ah, watering! Should I? Shouldn't I? – the age-old question! For your Hoyas, the key is to strike a balance between hydration and drying out. In Denver...

Ficus is a diverse genus of indoor plants cherished for their lush foliage and air-purifying qualities. Ficus plants have always been popular choices for indoor décor, adding a touch of nature to homes and offices alike. In this guide, we'll explore the dos and don'ts of caring for Ficus plants in our unique climate. Proper Watering: Finding the Balance Ficus plants thrive when their watering routine strikes a balance between moisture and allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Our climate demands careful attention to watering. My general advice is to allow potted ficus to gently dry out 50-75% before waterings, using a wooden chopstick or dowel to check the moisture level.  Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging and root rot.  I have seen many ficus be accidentally underwatered that is because potted ficus tend to have a fairly dense root ball. This makes it hard to get a thorough and even watering. To avoid this I recommend aerating the soil, us...

Introduction to Alocasia: Alocasia plants, commonly known as Elephant's Ears, are a stunning genus of rhizomatous or tuberous tropical foliage plants belonging to the Araceae family. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, they are loved for their large, often textured leaves and unique patterns. There are about 90 accepted Alocasia varieties many of which are in constant rotation around the shop!  Caring for Alocasia in Denver: Proper Watering: Alocasia prefer consistently moist soil, that is never waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, during the growing season. Usually in the fall and winter I prefer to let them GENTLY dry out throughout the entire pot. When in doubt, a good rule is to allow the plant to dry out at least 50% of the way. Like I always say, more often than not, too dry is preferable to too wet.  Use room temperature water and thoroughly water the soil directly, avoiding the leaves to prevent fungal issues. Using cold wa...