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Why Many Natural Fertilizers Underperform Indoors
Natural fertilizers can be beneficial in outdoor gardening, but indoor environments tell a different story. Learn why organic options often fail in soilless mixes, how microbial activity is suppressed, and what the science really says about nutrient availability and mineralization.
The Nine Cardinal Parameters
The Basics of Plant Growth and Health
The nine cardinal parameters of plant growth and health, light, temperature, humidity, water, nutrients, pH, oxygen, CO₂, and biotic interactions, are essential to thriving plants. This guide breaks down each one and explains how to manage them for healthier indoor and outdoor plants.
The Truth About Plant Hormones in Indoor Plant Propagation
What Unlikely Gardeners Need to Know
Discover the truth about indoor plant propagation: most houseplants don’t need commercial rooting hormones to thrive. Learn how plants naturally produce their own auxins, why propagation medium matters more than additives, and how to create optimal conditions for successful cuttings without falling for unnecessary marketing claims.
Inert vs. Organic-Rich Grow Media
Which Grow Mix Is Best for Your Indoor Plants?
Master indoor gardening with this houseplant care guide, tackling fungus gnats, root rot, and pest control. Explore setups with LECA, perlite, or an inert grow media. Learn soil compaction, microbial life, pH levels, fertilizer schedules, and the power of organic potting mix with bat guano, fish emulsion, crab meal, earthworm castings.
A Guide to Passive Hydroponics
From Soilless Mixtures to Precision Hydroponics
Explore the complete guide to passive hydroponics for your indoor garden, comparing soilless mixtures with precision hydroponic systems. Learn essential tips for managing pH, EC, and PPM to optimize nutrient delivery, improve root health, and master plant care through innovative techniques. Enhance your indoor gardening experience today for ultimate success!
25 Cognitive Biases That Sabotage Plant Care
How to Avoid & Outsmart Yourself
Discover how cognitive biases sabotage your plant care routines and learn strategies to overcome them. From confirmation bias causing overwatering and neglecting proper lighting to the endowment effect leading to plant retention, gain tips to improve soil porosity, gardening success, and plant health. Empower your green thumb with expert solutions.
The Role of Humidity in Plant Health
Understanding Humidifiers and Plant Care
Humidity plays a crucial role in plant health, affecting stomatal function, transpiration rates, and nutrient uptake. Learn how to optimize humidity levels with humidifiers, VPD management, and greenhouse techniques to prevent fungal growth and root issues. Discover expert indoor gardening tips to keep your houseplants thriving in ideal conditions.
Do You Really Need a Moss Pole?
The Science Behind Supporting Climbing and Vining Plants
Are moss poles essential for your Monstera deliciosa or Philodendron? Learn why climbing plants don’t rely on moss poles for growth or fenestrations, and discover the real factors—light, humidity, and nutrients—that drive stunning indoor plant development. Explore science-backed alternatives to moss poles for supporting your vining plants naturally and effectively.
Grow Lights vs. Shop Lights
The Science of Superior Plant Lighting
Discover how Grow Lights surpass Shop Lights for Indoor Gardening in this guide. Harness the power of Photosynthesis and optimize Plant Health with targeted spectra and higher PAR Output. From energy efficiency to advanced features, learn why dedicated lighting solutions elevate any indoor green space. Experience growth like never before.
Poinsettias – The Divas of Christmas Décor
How to Keep Them Fabulous Year After Year
Discover how to keep poinsettias alive and thriving year-round. Learn the secrets to poinsettia care, from watering and lighting to re-blooming techniques. Explore their Mexican origins, festive history, and modern cultivars. With proper pruning, fertilizing, and seasonal attention, your poinsettia can remain the star of your home year after year.
The Power of pH
Unlocking the Secrets to Vibrant Plant Growth
Understanding soil pH is key to nutrient uptake and plant health. By mastering pH balance, you can optimize nutrient absorption, leading to vibrant growth and gardening success. Learn how soil chemistry affects your plants and discover practical ways to adjust pH for a thriving, nutrient-rich garden environment.
Caring for Tropical Rainforest Plants Indoors
When you bring a tropical houseplant into your home, you’re not just adding a pop of green—you’re inviting a small piece of the tropical rainforest into your space. Many of the popular indoor plants us unlikely gardeners buy originate from the understory and lower to mid canopy of tropical rainforests. These jungle environments are perfect training grounds for survival with
Demystifying Soil Chemistry for Garden Success
Unleash Your Green Thumb
Discover the benefits of popular growing mediums like Peat, Coco Coir, Perlite, Vermiculite, Rockwool, LECA, and PON. Learn how these substrates enhance water retention, aeration, and drainage, making them ideal for both hydroponic systems and traditional gardening. Explore soil chemistry and optimize your plant care with the right medium.
Coco Coir Magic
The Ultimate Guide to Preparing and Using Coconut Fibre
If you’re looking for a sustainable, versatile growing medium that can supercharge your gardening game, then look no further than coco coir! This Unlikely Gardener guide will walk you through everything you need to know about preparing and using coco coir for both outdoor gardens and grow mixes for indoor plants. Get ready to unlock the potential of this eco-friendly
The Kelvin Scale and Colour Temperature
Impact on Plant Growth and Photosynthesis
The world of light is a fascinating realm, especially when we consider its effects on plant life. While many of us are familiar with the visible spectrum from seeing a rainbow, there’s a whole science behind light temperature and its measurement using the Kelvin scale. I’ve written about light spectrum before, but this Unlikely Gardener article will take a more
The Ultimate Guide to Fungus Gnats
Keeping Your Plants Happy and Pest-Free
If you’ve been an unlikely gardener or plant hoarder for any length of time then you’ ever’ve noticed small, mosquito-like flies buzzing around your beloved houseplants. These pests are probably the dreaded fungus gnat. These pesky little creatures might seem harmless, but they can be a real nuisance for all of us indoor gardeners. Don’t worry, though – I’ve got
Indoor Plant Propagation
Multiply Your Green Friends
Have you ever gazed at your thriving houseplants and wished you could multiply them without breaking the bank? Good news Plant Hoarders and Unlikely Gardeners, you can! Welcome to the world of indoor plant propagation, where a single leaf or stem cutting can turn into a whole new plant. Not only is propagation a cost-effective way to expand your indoor
The Truth About Pebble Trays & Humidity
What Plant Lovers Got Wrong!
Discover why pebble trays fall short in effectively raising indoor humidity for plants. Explore scientific insights and alternatives like humidifiers and greenhouse cabinets for optimal plant growth. Embrace effective humidity solutions to ensure your houseplants thrive. Learn more about creating the perfect environment for humidity-loving plants with our expert-guided tips.