Botanical jewelry is a great way to enjoy blossoms, blooms and leaves for years. Resin is very sturdy when hardened and protects whatever is cast inside. But, it does have limitations. Dried botanicals and florals can fade over time- prolonged exposure to sunlight and other harsh lights speed up this process. Although it is relatively hard it isn’t water proof (but is water resistant) and can become scratched when it comes in contact with abrasive materials or surfaces. To keep your jewelry looking good for a long time here are a few tips:
I hope you enjoy you botanical inspiration. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
]]>Here in New Orleans the winters are mild and spring starts early, which mean we have a really, really REALLY long bug season- including APHIDS! Since my succulents stay outside year-around they're exposed to whatever happens to be in the area.
So far I've had it pretty easy when it comes to aphid infestations, but I still have to stay on top of them because they can have a population explosion in what seems like overnight. There are a few things I do to get rid of them and keep population under control:
Probable one of the most underrated and most important plant care practices. Pruning plants is more of a preventative measure for keep aphids in check. Overgrown plants provide plenty of little hiding places for
Thinning out overgrowth, removing pups when they're ready, removing spent leaves, and clearing debris from around the plant limit options where pest like aphids can hide. New growth is also a favorite of aphids. You'll often see them hanging around tender new growth and flowers, so be sure to check these areas regularly.
This afternoon i was watering my little babies and I noticed an ant crawling around frantically on my String Of Pearls. Innocent enough, right?! Nope, when I took a closer look I could see this ant was farming aphids.
Aphids and ants typically go hand-in-hand. Aphids release honeydew which ants use as a food source. They move the aphids around the plant and protect them from predators. So anytime you see ants hanging around your plants, it's a good idea to check for aphids.
Finding the source of the ants is really important in controlling aphids. Sometimes, small colonies of ants will make their home in your potted succulents. When this happens, repotting the plant will remove the ant problem without the use of harsh chemicals. If the ants haven't made their way into the pot, move the pot away from the ant problem and deal with the ants however you like.
When it comes to actually removing aphids from your succulents, spraying the aphids with a strong stream of water can be very effective. This will dislodge them from the plant. Pretty simple, right?! This method works great, but you do have to thoroughly check the plant to make sure you don't miss any aphids hiding in any crevices. You will have to continue to check the plant for reemerging aphids. Whenever I check my plants, I usually have a spray bottle with me to get rid of any aphids I come across.
During aphid season, populations can explode despite the best of efforts. For more severe aphid cases, diluting a mild natural soap with water can kill them. It usually take a few applications to completely get rid to them. When using anything on your plants that isn't water, ALWAYS TEST the spray on a single leaf to see how the plant reacts and to make sure it won't damage your plant. Once you're sure the spray is safe for the plant, start spraying the aphids. I usually hold the plant at an angle so the soapy water doesn't go into the soil (not necessary, just a personal
Here's the recipe I use for aphid spray:
My favorite method so far because it feels like I have pets for a few days. Ladybugs have a huge appetite for aphids and are ready to eat as soon as they’re released from the package. A lot of garden supply stores sell ladybugs around spring.
The good thing about ladybugs is they’re very effective. The bad thing is they only work if they stick around. The have wings and are ready to use them! Whenever I use ladybugs I put my succulents in a butterfly terrarium and then release them. Within a few days the ladybugs eat the aphids and any other little pests on your plants. Pretty cool!
Well, that’s it! That’s how I get rid of aphids on my succulents. I hope it was helpful. I’m curious how you guys deal with aphids. Leave a comment and let me know.
Most of us are savvy when it comes to candles safety, but I thought I’d share a few safety tips because it’s so important. Simple common sense and following the warnings we’ve all heard over-and-over again will help us all enjoy the candles safely.
These tips are just a few ways to get the most out of your candle and a have a safe candle experience. Please take as many precautions as you feel necessary.
•Always burn within sight
•Don’t leave a candle unattended
•Keep away from things that may catch fire
•Keep away from drafts, children and pets
•Don’t burn more than 3 hours at a time
•Place candle on stable, heat-resistant surface before you light it
•Burn in well ventilated area
•No longer burn your candle when it’s down to 1/2” of wax in the container
•Never move or touch a burning candle
•Place burning candle at least 3” away from one another
]]>Succulents love sunshine! Some varieties like echeveria and cactus are better at tolerating direct sun than more sensitive succulents like haworthias. Either way they need lots and lots of light.
Indirect light is a great way to let non-sun hardy varieties of succulents soak up some rays. Placing them in a bright spot close to or on a window sill where they can get a least 5 hours of brighter light will help prevent stretching (etiolation). If the window gets intense afternoon sun, filtering the light with a sheer curtain will protect it from sun scorch while providing ample light
If you have a sun hardy succulent, choosing a spot with plenty of sun will help it thrive. It's also important to provide shade during times when sun exposure is intense.
Succulents need water, but HATE soggy soil! When watering your succ, give it enough water so the soil is thorough moistened. Allow any excess water to complete drain away. When succulents sit in water or overly wet soil for extended periods of time, root rot is usually just around the corner.
Think desert. Succulents generally grow in arid environments, places that experience times of drought or low moister. In their natural environment, they take advantage of rainfall, dew or whatever water source they have available and store it in their leaves to use when water is scarce. They don't get a chance sit in soggy soil so their root system isn't suited for these conditions. Trying to recreate this when caring for your succulents will help prevent root rot.
They are so many ways to care for succulents- they're such versatile plants. These are just a few basic things I do that've worked really for me. Leave me a comment and let me know if these tips are helpful or if you have any questions. How do you care for your succs? Leave me a comment and let me know- I love hearing how other plant people.
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