My Apartment Plants

Poinsettia are a gorgeous holiday plant that come in a variety of colors, and can add life to any Christmas display. Although they look amazing for a few weeks after bringing them home from the store, or receiving them as a gift, they tend to die off quickly without proper care. Purchase: If you plan on keeping your poinsettia for a long time, it is important to choose a healthy plant to begin with. Make sure there are no yellowing leave, no bugs, and there should be small yellowish buds in the middle of the "flower" (the bunch of red or white leaves that are the signature look of the poinsettia). Bringing it home: Poinsettias are very sensitive to cold temperatures, so if you live in a cold area, it is very important to protect your poinsettia while bringing it into the house. If possible, only purchase your plant on a warmer day without freezing temperatures or strong winds, and use a large box to transport it rather than a plastic bag. Plastic can actually cause ...

Lilacs (Syringa spp.) are one of the most popular outdoor plants here in Southern Alberta.Their beautiful purple flowers contrast nicely with their abundant leaves, and most people will agree that their easily recognizable scent is just amazing. They can also grow very large, flower often, and are a nice addition to any outdoor space. This makes them a favourite among many. Lilacs grow well in zones 4 through 9, depending on their species -- There are approximately twelve recognized species of Lilac to date. Here in Calgary we are in zone 4a, and throughout most of the spring, you can’t walk down a neighbourhood street without seeing a lilac bush in someone’s yard. Although they are easy to grow, and happy outside, is it possible to grow them in a container? What about indoors? Containers: Generally, the types of lilacs we most commonly see  are only happy when they can spread their roots far out around them - much like most trees. This makes it difficult to ke...