Getting rid of gnats from your house for good takes a multi-pronged approach. They breed quickly, so a quick defence is a good defence. Here are 3 surefire ways to get rid of gnats once and for all - plus a few bonus tips courtesy of our plant care expert, Odi.
Essentially, a gnat is a small flying insect that belongs to the Sciaridae family. They are attracted to decaying organic matter and fungi, often found in moist environments like the soil of houseplants. Here is a close up look at a fungus gnat and fungus gnat larvae.
Gnats are attracted to indoor plants because of the moist, organic-rich soil, which provides an ideal environment for larvae to feed on fungi and decaying organic matter. Additionally, the warmth and humidity of the indoors environment mimic natural breeding conditions, making indoor plants an attractive gnat habitat. We know just how hot and humid Summer can get (especially in Australia), so gnats aren't going away on their own any time soon.
This is crucial to preventing gnats from settling and breeding in the soil of your indoor plants. CUP O FLORA self-watering pots are actually perfect for this because they water from the bottom up - this means no humid, damp topsoil to attract gnats!
We do find that the Medium, Large, and Extra Large CUP O FLORA pots are the best for this purpose as there is a bigger distance between the wick at the bottom and the soil at the top of the inner cup.
Also, it's important not to overwater. When it comes to CUP O FLORA pots there should only be 1-2 cm of water in the reservoir at any given time (the water should not touch the bottom of the inner cup). Think about using a wet/dry cycle; when your plant has drunk all the water, wait a couple of days before refilling.
If you have a gnat infestation, it's always best to change your soil because that's where the breeding happens! We suggest repotting with well-draining soil OR using soil alternatives like PON or LECA as they don't attract gnats. You could cover the top of your soil with small pebbles/gravel as an additional deterrent.
If all else fails - gnat traps are going to be your new best friend. They don't treat the gnat infestation at its core, BUT they definitely help in reducing numbers (and the annoyance factor).
As you can see, they work quite well at attracting and restraining gnats with their sticky surface. This is a picture of one of our gnat traps in use (the flower shape and yellow colour help to add a bit of a cute vibe).
This one doesn't relate specifically to plants, but it can be helpful in reducing the number of gnats in your home in general. Gnats don't just breed in soil - they love dark, damp, humid places and your drains are as dark, damp and humid as it gets!
Remember these tips next time you're dealing with a gnat infestation. They might just help banish them once and for all!
]]>Surprisingly, this isn't a floral - it's not the flowers of this gorgeous greenery that will attract bees to your balcony - it's the shade! Pop a beautiful bird's nest fern in one of our X-Large Self-watering Pots, set it up near some native florals, and your buzzy visitors will love you for it. It's important to note that these Bird's Nest Ferns need a lot of natural light so a slightly shaded balcony is the best place for them. You can also let them go for a few days without water in their outer pot as they enjoy a wet-dry cycle.
Did you know that bees are actually attracted more to flowers of a certain colour? Blues, whites, yellows, pinks, and...you guessed it, violets, are bees' best buds! They are especially attractive to the early small bees that first appear when the ground begins to warm in Spring. These little florals are perfectly sized to thrive in our Small Self-watering Pots...but you can absolutely upsize as they grow and spread their roots - they would look absolutely stunning overflowing in our quirky Medium Tilt or Wall-mounted styles.
This aromatic native herb attracts bees with its goregous smell and decorative blooms. Luckily for you, we have the perfect self-watering pots for herb growing in our CUP O FLORA range. Simply propagate your bush basil from a cutting or grow it from the seed and not only can you use it in the kitchen, but nearby bees will flock to it.
Native Australian terrestrial orchids such as the Donkey Orchid (Diuris sp.) and the Austral Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes sinensis) are absolutely gorgeous and will help attract pollinators to your urban balcony garden. Orchids need good drainage, so when planting them in our CUP O FLORA pots, we suggest leaving the wick in but don't add water to the outer pot as you normally would. The wick will be able to drain excess moisture from the inner cup.
BONUS: We have some fabulous new inners, perfect for orchid care, arriving in our online store soon!
Finally, we have an incredible flower for attracting bees to your balcony. The petals of everlasting daisies are actually dry ‘bracts’ or modified leaves. The centre of the flower is where you'll find 100+ tiny individual flowers, all clustered together...which is a pollinator's dream!
Now, you're all set to create a beautiful balcony garden to attract bees with a taste for native plants...but what about the people without outdoor space or the ones who don't have optimal conditions on their balcony for growing plants?
Our new Bee Bud DIY Kit is the answer! If attracting real bees isn't a possibility, pick up a couple of our wooden bee kits and bring the buzz indoors.
Happy planting! 😊🌿🐝
]]>We might be biased, but one of the best advantages of self-watering pots is that they are super great at keeping plants happy, healthy, and well-watered while plant parents are out and about.
Self-watering pots aren't just great for Christmas holiday travel either. Work trips, weekends away, impromptu travel needs - these are likely to happen to most of us at least a few times throughout the year. When the need for travel arises, you don't want to leave your plants high and dry. Self-watering pots are an absolute game changer in plant-sitting because they take care of your plant's watering needs for you.
This isn't recommended for everyday usage or if you're only travelling for a few days, BUT it is certainly okay to add a little extra water to your CUP O FLORA to make sure your plants have enough water while you're away on extended trips. We recommend only doing this once a year.
Fill your pot to around the halfway mark, and it can help keep your plants watered for up to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the pot, foliage and temperature within your home while you’re away.
This is a general recommendation for plants in CUP O FLORA pots, but it's especially important to take note if you plan to be away from home for a longer period of time. Sitting in direct sunlight can cause your plant to quickly dry out (especially in the heat of Australian summer).
Finding a trusted friend or family member who is happy to stop by and do a quick welfare check on your plants once every few days is a great extra measure to take while you're away this holiday season. Ask them to check the water level of your CUP O FLORA pots and do a quick top up, if need be. They could also check the leaves of your plants for any spots, wilting or other signs of sickness and give your plants a boost with some plant food, if needed.
When you're back home, after filling your CUP O FLORA pots halfway while being away, it's important to set them back into their regular self-watering lifestyle. Simply remove all the water from the reservoir, let the plant sit for a few days, allowing the soil to dry out a little, then, once the plant has readjusted, refill the water level to the usual 2 cm mark.
Voila! Now, you're ready to pack your bags and travel with peace of mind that your plants will enjoy happy holidays at home.
]]>Serving size: 1 drink
Cooling time: 1 hour
Serving size: 2 drinks
Notes
The rosemary simple syrup can be made ahead of time. Simply transfer it to an airtight container with a lid and refrigerate. The simple syrup should keep for a month at most.
Serving size: 1 drink
Serving size: 1 drink
Serving size: 1 drink
Note:
Firmly slap the mint sprig on the back of your hand before garnishing. This releases the oils to make the mint more aromatic.
Now you're ready to entertain with some incredible summer cocktails with gorgeous garnishes (or just have a fabulous night in by yourself)...but you need a beautiful home to grow your cocktail garnish herbs in? Check out our range of CUP O HERB Self-watering Pots (including Basil, pictured below) via our online store today!
When it comes to growing herbs in CUP O FLORA pots, here are our recommendations...
This collaboration has inspired us to talk about Peace Lilies in a little more depth, so grab yourself a cuppa, sit back and take a quick read through our Peace Lily care tips for when you just can't seem to get them to thrive.
The most important thing to remember if your Peace Lily seems under the weather is not to overreact. There's no need to run and place it near the window as it's unlikely that it's not getting enough light (and being in direct sunlight will just make it feel worse).
Peace Lilies love a moist, humid environment, but boy, howdy, do they kick up a stink if their soil is too wet. The most important thing to look out for is brown tips on the leaves. This is a telltale sign that they're either getting too much or too little water. To combat this, we suggest planting Peace Lilies in pots that offer self-watering care, but you need to make sure the pot is big enough to handle the growth of a Peace Lily plant. Our brand new X-Large Self-watering Pot ticks all those boxes.
Dusting or wiping your Peace Lily leaves gently to remove excess dust helps to allow for proper photosynthesis. We recommend giving them a bit of dusting TLC every 3-4 weeks (or more frequently if you live in a particularly dusty environment).
Peace Lilies like it wet...but not too wet. The best way to keep them happy in this regard is to use a mister to spray a little water around the leaves every few days. Pair our fabulous Plant Mister with the XL self-watering pot from tip #1 and you've got a winning Peace Lily care combo, baby!
Deadheading is the practice of removing flowers that are dead or dying to allow the plant to spend more energy on caring for fresh, healthy leaves and growing more flowers. Use a pair of quality flower snips to carry this process out as needed. If you've managed to grow flowers though, you shoud be super proud - depending on light conditions and other factors, it can be quite hard to get flowers on Peace Lilies. Well done, you!
Peace lilies aren't heavy feeders, so it's important to take care that they're not over-fertilised. Every 6 weeks or so throughout summer/spring should be enough to encourage growth and help them flourish. For Peace Lilies in CUP O FLORA pots, a single pump of our Seaweed Tonic into the water once a month will do. Let it absorb for a couple of days before refreshing the water.
BONUS TIP: If you notice that your Peace Lily is growing too big for its existing pot, you can absolutely take it out, change the soil (this is important) and separate the pups to make more room (or move it to a bigger pot). Then, you can pot the pups in their own smaller self-watering pots and you'll have a whole Peace Lily family to care for (or to gift to plant loving friends).
Hopefully, this guide will help you feel a little more confident in caring for your lovely Peace Lilies. They may be fickle, but they are definitely worth the effort.
]]>Here's what you need to consider...
Soil is super important when it comes to maintaining the health and wellbeing of your plants. There are a lot of factors that come into play when refreshing soil in Springtime including choosing the right type of soil or potting mix and making sure the soil is packed correctly (not too loose, not too tight) around the roots. Because it's best to replace soil every 12-18 months (for most plants, not all), setting a Springtime calendar reminder will help keep you on top of it.
As with soil, different plants respond in different ways to the types of fertiliser available, and how often they need feeding. It's always best to follow the advice on fertiliser packaging, however, a good general rule to follow for most plants is to start feeding in Spring at a frequency of once every 2-3 weeks. Then, adjust from there, according to your plants' needs/response.
Splitting plants with pups (you may know them as offshoots or sister plants) isn't only good for the parent plant, but it's a great way to prep low-cost gifts for Christmas (yep, it's just around the corner). Carefully split the pups from the parent plant and, depending on their growth, you can pop them into a snazzy propagation station or plant them directly into a pretty new pot with soil and nurture them until a plant-loving friend is in need of a gift.
Repotting should definitely be a Springtime endeavour, unless the circumstances are dire. In the harsher seasons, plants have enough trouble staying happy and healthy without having to deal with an entire relocation as well (we all know how exhausting moving home can be). So, if you notice that your plants are outgrowing their current pots or even becoming rootbound, take this opportunity to move them into a bigger, better space while they're feeling up to it. Have you seen our new X-Large Self-watering Pot? What plant wouldn't been keen as a bean to move into that?!
With the sun moving higher into the sky and the weather becoming warmer, Spring brings with it many seasonal changes that can impact the happiness of your plants. Be sure to check on their position throughout the day and if they're now being hit by direct sunlight, shift them slightly so they're in a shadier space.
For more plant care info across a range of our recommended plants for CUP O FLORA pots including African Violets, Basil, and Parlour Palms, check out our handy online Plant Care Guide.
Now, you should be ready to tackle Springtime plant care like a pro! 🌷🥰
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At CUP O FLORA, we're proud to produce high-quality pots designed for lifetime use. Our vision for our customers is a lifetime of happy, thriving plants. We're so confident in our product quality that we back them up with a lifetime warranty. But what does this mean for you, the customer?
A warranty is a promise from the manufacturer to the customer, vouching for the product's quality. If a product fails to live up to its promise, the manufacturer takes responsibility for rectifying the issue. Depending on the warranty's terms and conditions, this can include repair, replacement, or even refund.
CUP O FLORA’s warranty is a mark of our confidence in our product quality, offering a lifetime manufacturer's warranty on our pots. This extends to all pots manufactured by us, purchased directly or via our authorised retailers. This means that if your CUP O FLORA product isn’t functioning properly, we’ll do our utmost to make it right.
To truly appreciate the value of warranties, let me share two recent personal experiences with products that come with high-quality warranties.
The first is with Leaf Razor. This eco-friendly company designs plastic-free shaving razors with a triple-blade pivoting head. I ordered my first Leaf Razor in 2021. After two years of use, a small screw broke. Upon contacting their customer service with the details, I received a replacement razor promptly. This experience echoed the quality of their product and their commitment to customer satisfaction, leaving me super satisfied.
The second experience was with Sunglass Hut, where I bought a new pair of sunglasses in 2022. A few months later, the temple loosened. The shop attendant fixed it for me without hassle. When the nose pad fell off more recently, they arranged for a brand-new pair to be delivered to my home after inspecting the glasses. Instead of just fixing the broken part, they exceeded my expectations, offering me a fresh pair.
Both examples underline the importance of good warranty service. Warranties offer peace of mind, knowing that the company will stand by their product if something goes wrong. This brings us to the question: How do you make a warranty claim?
The process to make a warranty claim with CUP O FLORA is simple and straightforward. Just email the following information to info@cupoflora.com:
• Your original CUP O FLORA order number (or your receipt or proof of purchase if you purchased from an authorised stocking partner).
• A picture of the pot and any additional images showing the issue.
• A description of the issue.
• Your current shipping address.
Our Customer Experience team will review your note and respond within three business days to confirm acceptance or ask follow-up questions, then provide the next steps for your warranty claim.
You might be wondering what a full warranty covers and whether you need an extended warranty. A full warranty, like the one we offer at CUP O FLORA, covers all parts of the product in the event of a defect or malfunction. However, our warranty does not extend to pots purchased from an unauthorised seller or to pots used in a manner incompatible with their intended design.
As for the need for an extended warranty, this generally depends on the product and the user's specific needs. However, CUP O FLORA's promise of a lifetime warranty negates the need for an extended warranty.
Another important distinction to make is the difference between a warranty and insurance. While both provide coverage, they cover different types of incidents. As discussed above, a warranty covers defects or malfunctions due to the product's fault. On the other hand, insurance covers damage resulting from accidents, theft, or other incidents outside of normal use.
In conclusion, warranties are vital in establishing trust between the manufacturer and the customer. They provide a safety net, assuring customers that they are protected should the product fail to deliver as promised. The CUP O FLORA lifetime warranty is a testament to our commitment to our customers and our confidence in our products. We're glad you've chosen our pots, and we’re here to ensure that your plants thrive happily for a lifetime. After all, isn’t that what owning a CUP O FLORA pot is all about?
]]>Water propagation is the process of growing plant cuttings in water until they develop roots, and can then be transplanted to the soil. This method of propagation is suitable for a wide range of plants, including Aroid plants. Aroid plants are a family of tropical plants that include well-known species such as Davil's Ivy (pothos), philodendrons, monsteras and Anthuriums.
Water propagation is an excellent method for propagating Aroid plants because these plants are naturally epiphytic. This means that they grow on other plants, such as trees, and do not require soil to grow. As a result, Aroid plants can be easily propagated in water, making them an excellent option for indoor gardeners looking to expand their plant collection.
To grow plant cuttings in water, you will need a sharp pair of scissors or snips, a container filled with water, and rooting hormone (optional). Follow these steps to grow plant cuttings in water:
Choose a healthy stem from your plant with at least two nodes (the points where leaves or buds grow). The stem should be about 10 to 15 centimetres long and should not have any flowers or buds.
Using sharp scissors or snips, cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a node. Remove any leaves from the bottom inch of the stem.
Fill a container with water and place the cutting in the water, ensuring that the bottom three centimetres of the stem are submerged. Use a clear glass container to see the roots grow. Remember to snip any leaves that end up under the water so they don’t rot.
Use a watering can to change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and keep your cutting healthy.
After a few weeks, you will see roots growing from the bottom of the stem. Once the roots are about three centimetres long, you can transplant the cutting to the soil.
Carefully remove the cutting from the water and plant it in a pot filled with good-quality potting soil. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a warm, bright location but without direct sun.
Aroid plants are particularly well-suited to water propagation because they are naturally epiphytic. However, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your cuttings grow into healthy plants.
Make sure to use fresh water when growing Aroid plants in water. Stagnant water can quickly become contaminated with bacteria and fungi, which can harm your plant cuttings.
You can use rooting hormone to encourage the growth of roots in your plant cuttings. This is particularly useful if you are having trouble getting your cuttings to root. However, rooting hormone is not essential, and many Aroid plants will root without it.
When growing Aroid plants in water, it is best to use a clear container so that you can see the roots growing. This will help you determine when your cuttings are ready to be transplanted to soil.
Plants can stay in water for a prolonged period of time. However, the longer the plant cutting is left in water, the more vulnerable the plant becomes, as water has little nutrients. You can keep your plant protected by changing its water regularly and adding a small amount of fertiliser each month.
]]>We can’t escape it, plastic is all around us and it’s not going away. If you tried to shop ‘plastic-free’ recently, you probably realised that it is all but impossible, at least when visiting the big supermarkets. It is also in most of the products delivered to us by mail and, in particular, forms a big part of the wrapping companies use for shipping. Plastic packaging is not our only concern - our clothing, furniture, and children's toys increasingly contain plastics and are seen as disposable items.
We believe that businesses have a big role to play in reducing the use of non-degradable materials such as plastic. This includes small businesses like CUP O FLORA. Hence, over the past eight years, we have taken steps to become environmentally responsible. Below are some examples of how we take action to reduce our product’s footprint.
At CUP O FLORA, we only sell high quality and durable pots, made of strong, long-lasting glass. Spare parts are also available to our customers online, to avoid entire pots being thrown away.
Since 2018, we have been asking our manufacturers to cease using bubble wrap when wrapping each pot. Our pots are tough enough to travel without them! By the end of 2020 we had all our vessels free of bubble wrap. For our unneeded wrapping we use Reverse Garbage, a magical place in Marrickville (Sydney) where one person’s garbage becomes another's treasure.
We have been testing different alternatives to protect our pots without using plastic of Styrofoam. We look at recycled and recyclable materials like paper and cardboard. In 2023 we will be rolling out new cardboard 'cushions' to further reduce the chance of breakage. The cushions will lift the inner cup out of the outer pot, removing pressure on the cup's lip. You will find them in the Large pots from February, and Medium pots later in the year.
We still use silicon rings to separate the inner cup from the outer pot. While effective, these rings cannot be recycled and are thrown away once the pots arrive safely at their destination. We hope that the new cushions will allow us to cease the use of the rings, but this will only be done after rigorous testing.
All of our shipping and packaging boxes are made of cardboard that can be placed in the recycling bin. The same goes for our tags and welcome card that have no plastic lining!
We further decrease our shipping footprint using a fit-to-order boxes that reduces the unused space inside each box.
Finally, we use compostable bags for our soil. Unlike biodegradable plastic, these bags, along with the labels, can be thrown into your compost bin or worm farm, or even into the green bin in some areas.
We try to be better corporate and individual citizens of this planet, and feel confident that together, we can make a difference.
Front/featured image source: Education Images/Getty Images
]]>Most standard potting mixes are made up of composted organic matter, such as bark fines or sawdust. They may also contain additives such as slow-release fertilisers to support plant growth and washed river sand, peat moss or perlite to assist with drainage, aeration and/or water-holding capacity. The amount of these additives varies between mixes, and this determines the type of potting mix; ultimately what plants it will be suitable for.
These bagged mixes typically conform to an Australian Standard; this ensures they are made to a certain quality and fit for purpose. To identify if a product has been manufactured according to the Australian Standard, look for a mark with five ticks on the product. You will either find black or red ticks and this indicates the product’s grade.
There are two grades of potting mix: regular and premium. The regular mix is marked with black ticks and contains little to no fertiliser. The premium has red ticks and contains added wetting agents and slow-release fertiliser, enough to supply plants with at least one month's (or longer) worth of nutrients. The difference between them is usually a few dollars, so purchasing a premium blend is worthwhile unless you want to include your own compost and other fertilisers.
Images from mulhalls.com
A product sold as ‘premium potting mix’ is suitable for most indoor plants, like Parlour Palm and Peace Lily. But some plants or groups of plants have specific needs and therefore, need a specialty mix. Cacti, succulents, orchids, and African Violets need an aerated, free-draining mix to allow water to drain away freely. These mixes usually have added sand, perlite or large pieces of bark to assist with drainage. You’ll find that manufacturers call this out on the product label, making it easy for you to identify exactly which product is suitable for your plant.
There are many plant enthusiasts who prefer to make up their own potting mix. It allows for better control over the ratio of additives to better suit certain plants. For example, some aroids like Monsteras and Philodendrons fare better in a mix that can hold moisture, but also drains well. It is usually made up of premium potting mix, peat moss, orchid bark, perlite, charcoal, and slow-release fertiliser. Understanding what these ingredients do can help with formulating your own.
Here are some ingredients that go into a potting mix and their effect on the mix
Orchid bark: coarse material that helps aerate a mix.
Perlite: lightweight, volcanic rock that helps aerate mixes while holding moisture.
Washed river sand: coarse, gritty nature helps improve drainage.
Peat moss: sourced from bogs, has a high moisture-holding capacity and is a source of organic matter.
Horticultural charcoal: assists with drainage, aeration and can help improve protection against pathogens.
There are plenty of potting mix ‘recipes’ online that you can try. Once you become more familiar with plants or as your collection expands, have a play, and see what works best for you.
A soil-less or inert media is a type of growing media that contains little to no organic matter or nutrients. It serves as a means for roots to anchor onto a surface allowing the plant to be supported and stand upright.
A popular inert media is LECA (lightweight expanded clay aggregates), clay pebbles or clay balls. They’re all different names for the same thing – clay that has been heated and expanded to form beads or balls.
LECA is used in hydroponic or hydroculture systems. The balls are highly porous and allow for superior drainage and aeration – ideal conditions for plant growth. Due to their structure, they do not compact or degrade over time, so can be used indefinitely. They’re perfect for use in your CUP O FLORA pots.
Other forms of inert media include rock wool, perlite, recycled glass, vermiculite, and coconut coir.
Just like fertilisers, there are many types of potting mixes you can choose for your plants. If you’re starting your plant journey, look for a mix at your local nursery. It will have all the right ingredients to ensure success. If you’re repotting a plant to your CUP O FLORA pot, you can find the perfect mix in the exact amount required for your pot here.
]]>Plants rely on nutrients to help them grow. More specifically, plants require nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), aka NPK, to develop healthy, strong growth. Nitrogen assists with leaf colour and development, phosphorus stimulates root growth and helps promote flowering, while potassium stimulates flowering and strengthens cell walls.
All fertilisers contain varying amounts of these essential or ‘macro’ nutrients, adjusted to different ratios to target specific growing needs. For example, leafy plants like Parlour Palm and Devil’s Ivy, require more nitrogen for lush, verdant growth, so there is little point in giving them a fertiliser that’s high in potassium as it will encourage flowering. Conversely, you want to promote flowering in African Violet and Peace Lily, so a fertiliser specially formulated with higher potassium is preferred.
Your African Violet can benefit from a specially formulated fertiliser with a higher potassium (K) component.
But, this isn’t a sign to solely feed leafy plants with nitrogen or potassium – this will create an imbalance in nutrients and cause an overall decline in health. Do you feel good when you only eat a certain type of food? Yep, nor do plants.
Plants also need other nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc, but these are required in much smaller amounts. They’re called trace elements and are not typically something you need to worry about, except if your plants present signs of specific nutrient deficiency.
Now, you will find a plethora of different fertilisers at your local nursery. They may be organic, inorganic (synthetic), or a combination of both.
Organic fertilisers sound exactly like what you expect them to be – derived from natural sources, like composted animal waste, and blood and bone. Once applied, these fertilisers are broken down by microbes in the soil or growing media, which in turn, release nutrients for plant uptake. But this process takes time, so you’ll often see them referred to as ‘slow release’ fertilisers.
Worm tea is an organic fertiliser you can derive as a by-product of your worm farm.
Photo by sippakorn yamkasikorn on Unsplash
Organic fertilisers, like Munash Indoor Plant Food are great as they nourish both the soil and the plant. While they don’t give plants an instant boost of nutrients, ‘feeding’ the microbes in the soil is key for overall plant health. To use on your CUP OF FLORA plants, sprinkle a pinch on top of the mix and gently blend in.
Inorganic fertilisers are made from a mix of naturally occurring minerals and man-made chemicals. The nutrients are available in ‘fast-acting’ format, so are readily available to plants. Also, due to how they’re manufactured, the ratios are perfectly balanced to suit specific plants. They’re great for boosting plant health and growth, but do not feed the soil.
Organic-based fertilisers are usually a combination of both organic and inorganic nutrients, giving your plants a complete, well-rounded feed. It’s worth noting, that the NPK is generally lower than that of pure inorganic fertilisers.
These types of fertilisers are available in liquid, soluble, prills, pellets, and leaf sprays. They all claim to give your plants the best feed. Not to say they won’t, but knowing how they provide your plants with nutrients will give you a better idea of what works best for you.
Liquid and soluble fertilisers are both dissolved in a watering can and applied to plants when watering. As plants take up nutrients in a liquid form, these types of fertilisers are fast-acting and perfect for when plants are actively growing. It is recommended you apply them once a week or fortnight, depending on the manufacturer. These fertilisers are ideal for plants in CUP O FLORA pots. To use, simply add a small amount of fertiliser to the reservoir in the outer pot and mix well. Top up as required during the growing season.
Pellets are mostly organic fertilisers and are typically composted organic matter (animals waste and manures) that has been dried and shaped into pellets. They break down slowly but are great for feeding the soil microbes. You may need to reapply once a month or once every few months but check the label for detailed advice.
Prills are small, round beads that are packed with essential and trace elements. They are usually ‘controlled-release’ fertilisers, so break down over time to give plants the right amount of nutrients, at the right time. Depending on the product, they can feed anywhere between 3-6 months (or longer). They are ideal if you prefer not to be feeding so regularly.
Leaf sprays are a convenient way to feed plants as you simply spray the leaves with the product. Plants can absorb the nutrients through their leaves, however, they do not travel as effectively throughout the plant as they do when applying fertilisers to the soil (plants take up water and nutrients via their roots). It’s good for pick-me-up spray, but not as a complete nutrition solution, so use it conjunction with other fertiliser types.
As you can see, there are a few aspects you need to consider when choosing a fertiliser. But understanding how they work and how plants use them, and then assessing how the price and ease of use fits into your life, will help you pick the right one. No matter what format you choose, your plants will get a good feed.
About the author
Tammy Huynh is a horticulturist, garden writer and presenter. She writes for various publications, including Bunnings Magazine, House & Garden, and Gardening Australia. Tammy is an avid indoor plant collector and passionate outdoor gardener and loves sharing her knowledge and experience with all budding and keen gardeners. Connect with Tammy on Instagram.]]>
And whilst many Coriander lovers mostly use this tasty herb as just a topping on Mexican dishes or as an extra in their Thai recipes, there are SO many more wonderful ways to use Coriander in the kitchen.
Best of all, Coriander leaves contain lots of nutritional goodies such as:
In this blog we will cover our top 3 favourite ways to use the fresh Coriander from our CUP O HERBS Fresh Coriander Kit, and include a yummy detox juice recipe we know you’ll love!
As weird as it sounds, coriander goes well with some dairy foods.
Whether you want to add some flavour to a boring Sunday cheese board, salad & mayo sandwich or your afternoon croissant spread, this herb can turn your meal from boring to brilliant! Simply chop half a bunch of coriander (without the stem) and mix it in a bowl with your desired spread or cheese.
What many people don’t realise about Coriander is that it can assist with removing mercury and other heavy toxic metals from the body. Incorporating the herb into a daily detox juice is an excellent option for those who want to freshen up their diet and feel healthy from the inside out!
Coriander Detox Juice Recipe
Place ingredients in a juicer and juice. Serves 1-2.
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So there you have it, three wonderful ways to use Coriander in your kitchen!What your plants want to tell you is that it's the time of year when they need some extra love and attention. They want to thrive and make you happy but can't do it without your help. So below are some tips to help you set them up to flourish in the warmer weather.
Plants need nutrients. The original soil of plants bought from a nursery often does not provide the essential ingredients plants need to grow and blossom. Now is a great time to mix some slow-release fertiliser into the soil. The type of fertiliser will depend on the plant you have. Choose a fertiliser with high levels of potassium and nitrogen. Apply sparingly and mix with the soil.
Adding slow-release fertiliser to your pot will provide the plant with food for the next six months. Image: which.co.uk
Another way to renew your plant's energy (and fortune) is to change its soil. Potting mix is inexpensive and re-potting is quick and easy. Choose a high-quality soil with a good amount of perlite, a volcanic rock that improves drainage. You can also buy perlite separately and add it to your existing potting mix.
As your plants come out of their dormant winter state they will use more energy and need more water to support growth. Warmer weather also means greater evaporation, in particular for plants with large leaves. Be sure to look out for droopy leaves as the first sign that your beloved plant needs a drink.
The sun travels higher during the summer months, and plants located in previously shady spots may now become exposed to direct sunlight. While some varieties like Crotons and succulents enjoy some direct sun, most indoor plants can suffer from sustained exposure to sunlight. Review the location of your plants to be sure they receive lots of natural light without direct sun.
Plants in CUP O FLORA pots are no different from those in regular vessels. Here are two simple ways to prepare your self-watering pots for summer:
Fun fact: not sure what to do with your used pot after re-potting? Pop both inner cup and outer pot in the top rack of your dishwasher and Voilà! Your fresh vessel is ready for a new plant. Need a fresh wick? Order online.
Roots thickening around the bottom of the inner cup is a sign that your plant needs more room to grow.
2) Check for dry leaves. Most house plants’ leaves can dry out. This is natural and all you have to do is cut the leaf from its base. Too many dry leaves could mean that your plant is not getting any water, while dry leaf ends might mean that it is getting too much water. Check the water level of the outer pot to see that the water in the outer pot is not touching the inner cup (you don’t want the plant to be sitting in water). Be sure to keep an eye on the water level as refilling intervals may shorten dramatically with the rising temperature.
You can find tips for your Parlour Palm or Peace Lily on our website.
Spring and summer is a wonderful time for plants. A small effort at the start of the season will see your plants thrive over the next few months and beyond.
View our full range of self-watering pots today by clicking HERE.]]>Orders have declined as our wholesale clients take a wait-and-see approach, while web customers may have other things on their mind. Yet, I feel fortunate to have a strong business and know that we will come out of this even stronger.
I take this time to reflect on what we have achieved in the past six years. It’s time to consolidate the gains and plan for the future that is (hopefully) just around the corner. We are practising social distancing and following best practice when it comes to our products. This includes the use of gloves and facemasks when handling and shipping, rigorous hand-washing and avoiding face-to-face teamwork.
As a horticulture business, we recognise the role that plants can play in times of crisis. Here is our list. Do you have anything to add? Please share with me odi@cupoflora.com.
For now, I hope that you are staying safe and keeping a distance from others. These are interesting and unprecedented times and the best we can do is continue to care about each other and take care of ourselves. We will come at the other end more united and much stronger.
Love and light,
Odi
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