Here’s a little plant trivia for you scholars out there–what’s the fastest growing plant on the planet? You probably guessed it–bamboo! If you thought that question was easy, it’s even easier to grow bamboo. In its natural habitat, bamboo can grow up to 3 feet per day! While hardy outdoor bamboos are expensive and hard […]
Looking out the frost-framed windows of the nursery in winter, as the greenery of summer fades into varying shades of brown, and the Ponderosas get their first taste of snow-flocked needles, it’s hard not to let the lack of color weigh on your soul. Do not fret, however, because this is the time of year
Trapped in the samsara of looking at the same old houseplants all the time? Sometimes it seems like the only plants we see are spider plants and Pothos. If you’re at the point of having a mental breakdown if you see one more heart-shaped leaf; craving more variety in your collection of indoor greenery, set
Spathiphyllum, commonly known as peace lilies, are symbols of rebirth and transcendence, peace and hope. Their poignant message is perfectly emulated through their delicate, airy leaves and pure white, symmetrical flowers. Popular gifts for those in need of solace, peace lilies immediately instill a sense of calm and order. Whether it’s honoring an ending or
The queen of the large-leaved tropicals, no houseplant collection is complete without a Monstera! Monsteras are a genus of tropical plants native to Central and South America. They begin life on the ground and, as they mature, climb trees with aerial roots. This allows them to burst through the dense rainforest canopies to reach maximum
Fittonia, otherwise known as the nerve plant, is a genus of flowering plant with networks of colorful veins flooding through its tiny leaves. Native to the tropical forests of South America, this is a famously thirsty plant, loving humidity, moist soil and warm temperatures. You’ll notice the foliage begin to flag or “faint” when it
Ficus are a common genus of plants, and if you’re a houseplant lover, chances are you have some variety of ficus in your home right now! The common name for ficus is simply the fig. The varieties you’ll see at Moonfire most often are ficus lyrata, benjamina, elastica, audrey, ginseng, triangularis, moclame and the fiddle-leaf.
Want a bonsai but don’t want the tedious care that comes with it? This is the plant for you! The ficus ginseng, scientifically known as Ficus retusa, is a compact Ficus with bulbous aerial roots and a small canopy of waxy green leaves. It is a fun houseplant to keep as a focal point, great
In Bend often the only scents that waft through the air are sagebrush and juniper. While fresh and astringent and reminiscent of our beautiful high desert landscape, we can’t be alone in wishing for a sweeter, more floral fragrance once in a while. And while we can plant lilac and honeysuckle in the spring, the
As close as we are to the lush temperate forests of the Pacific Northwest, we have to face the fact that we live in the high desert. Lushness here is only man-made. I think this is the reason that so many of us hoard houseplants, we crave more leafy foliage, dew-dropped ferns and soft, cool
The Schefflera, or umbrella plant, is a medium-size indoor shrub native to New Zealand and the Pacific islands. It has multiple smooth upright stems ending in divided, hand-like leaves, similar to that of the fatsia japonica. They almost look like towers of green flowers twirling around a trunk! Scheffleras have the potential to grow exponentially,
Ah the Pothos. Is there any houseplant more loveable? Affordable, reliable, fast-growing and stress-free. If you want a vine to trail around your curtain rods in little time with little effort, this is your best bet! While seasoned houseplant owners may turn their attention towards flashier specimens, there’s no reason to throw shade towards this
Commonly known as snake plants and mother in law’s tongues, Sansevieria is truly a singular specimen! It’s a striking architectural contrast to all the leafy houseplants out there. Pointed leaves spear up from matted tubers, piercing the air like clusters of swords. They’re one of the handful of indoor plants that thrive on neglect, as
Calling all succulent lovers! Portulacaria afra or spekboom is a charming little succulent that stays petite indoors. Indigenous to South Africa and Swaziland, it grows on rocky slopes, mitigating erosion and providing food for elephants, giving way to its alternative nomenclature, the elephant bush. The elephants actually kickstart the propagation process by trampling the succulents
If you are looking for a big plant to fill a big space then look no further. This regal houseplant has gorgeous dark green leaves that are almost the size of rowing oars. A happy, fully mature bird of paradise can reach heights of 5′ tall even in your home! If a jungle look is
Euphorbia is a diverse family of flowering plants from annuals and trees to succulents and other ornamental plants. You may be surprised to learn that the poinsettias you buy during the holiday season are actually Euphorbias! While there exist many different Euphorbias, they all generally share a unique floral structure. What you would call a
One of the first plants brought into space in the 70’s, the Kalanchoe is literally out of this world! Native to parts of Africa and Asia, Kalanchoes belong to the crassula family and appreciate the same care as most succulents. While there are many varieties, they are usually characterized by unique scalloped leaves and bright
Derived from the ancient Greek word ‘lithos’ meaning ‘stone’ and ‘ops’ meaning ‘face’, these incredible little succulents look just like clusters of rocks sprouting from the soil. Each one is composed of two, stemless, half moon leaves fused together in the middle. When a new leaf sprouts, the existing leaves part to allow the new
Otherwise known as dragon trees or corn plants, dracaenas are a breath of fresh air. They are one of the easiest plants to grow indoors and will still give you that tropical, leafy foliage that’s often reserved for the difficult houseplants. Dracaenas have a magical airy quality to them that makes your house feel bright
Sometimes called the dumb cane, while the leaves are simple in shape, this houseplant is anything but dumb! Dieffenbachia grow big and bushy, their flappy green leaves often sporting speckles and splashes sit atop straight, strong stems. The director of the Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Italy named this plant after the institution’s head gardener, Joseph
