Plant Care

How to Care for Episcia: The Complete Guide Episcia — commonly called the Flame Violet — is one of the most visually stunning trailing plants you can grow. With metallic, iridescent foliage in shades of silver, copper, pink, and green, combined with small tubular flowers, Episcia brings a jewel-like quality to any collection. Related to African Violets, Episcias share some care preferences but offer far more dramatic foliage. Episcia at a Glance Botanical Name Episcia spp. Common Names Episcia, Flame Violet, Carpet Plant Plant Type Trailing tropical perennial Mature Size 4–8 inches tall, spreads/trails 12–24 inches Light Bright indirect Water Keep consistently moist Humidity 60–80% (high humidity essential) Temperature 65–80°F (18–27°C) Soil Light, well-draining African Violet mix Toxicity Non-toxic Difficulty Moderate Light Requirements Bright indirect light produces the most vivid metallic leaf coloring and encourages flowering. Episcias don't tolerate direct sun (it scorches the delicate foliage) or very low light (colors fade and flowering stops). Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use room-temperature water — cold water shocks the roots. Water at the base; avoid getting water on the fuzzy leaves. Humidity High humidity (60–80%) is essential for Episcia. They make excellent terrarium plants, bathroom plants (with adequate light), or candidates for a humidity tray with a humidifier nearby. Temperature & Soil Keep in 65–80°F — Episcias are very cold-sensitive. Use a light, well-draining mix similar to African Violet soil: peat/coco coir + perlite + vermiculite. Propagation Episcias produce stolons (runners) with baby plantlets — similar to Spider Plants. Pin the plantlet into an adjacent pot of moist soil. Once rooted, cut the stolon. Alternatively, root stem cuttings in moist soil or water. Common Problems Brown, Crispy Edges Low humidity. Increase humidity with a humidifier, terrarium, or pebble tray. No Flowers Needs more light. Bright indirect light triggers flowering in Episcia. Root Rot Soil too wet or drains too slowly. Improve drainage and ensure pots have holes. Episcias are non-toxic — safe for homes with pets and children. 👉 Shop Episcia Pink Panther · Shop Episcia Starter Plant Frequently Asked Questions Are Episcias related to African Violets? Yes! Both belong to the Gesneriaceae family. They share similar care preferences (indirect light, consistent moisture, warm temperatures), but Episcias offer more dramatic metallic foliage and a trailing habit. Do Episcias need a terrarium? Not necessarily, but they thrive in terrariums or enclosed environments due to the consistent high humidity. They also grow well in bathrooms with adequate light or near a humidifier. Are Episcias pet-safe? Yes! Episcias are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and children. Why are my Episcia leaves losing their metallic sheen? Usually insufficient light or low humidity. Bright indirect light and 60%+ humidity produce the most vivid metallic colors. Living jewels for your collection. Shop Episcia at Divine Roots — metallic foliage that sparkles like no other plant. 🌿 Related Reading Low Light Indoor Plants Best Houseplants for Apartments Indoor Plants Complete Guide How to Care for Begonia How to Care for Angel Wing Begonia

How to Care for String of Bananas: The Complete Guide String of Bananas (Senecio radicans) is the easier, faster-growing cousin of String of Pearls. Its curved, banana-shaped leaves dangle from cascading stems, creating a lush, trailing succulent display. If String of Pearls has proven difficult for you, String of Bananas is your redemption plant. String of Bananas at a Glance Botanical Name Senecio radicans (syn. Curio radicans) Common Names String of Bananas, Banana Vine, Fishhook Senecio Plant Type Trailing succulent Mature Size Trails 2–4 ft. Light Bright indirect to some direct sun Water When soil is completely dry Humidity Low to average (30–50%) Temperature 55–80°F (13–27°C) Soil Fast-draining succulent/cactus mix Toxicity Toxic to pets Difficulty Easy to moderate Care Guide String of Bananas follows the same basic care as other trailing Senecios — bright light, infrequent deep watering, and fast-draining soil. It's more forgiving than String of Pearls, tolerating slightly lower light and less precise watering. Light: Bright indirect with some morning sun. More light = fuller growth. Water: Soak-and-dry method. Every 10–14 days summer, every 3–4 weeks winter. Soil: Succulent/cactus mix. Terracotta pots ideal. Propagation: Stem cuttings laid on soil root easily in 2–3 weeks. Common Problems Mushy Stems Overwatering. Cut above the rot, let callous, re-root in dry soil. Sparse, Leggy Growth Needs more light. Move to a brighter spot and prune back for fuller regrowth. 👉 Shop String of Bananas · Shop Starter Plant Frequently Asked Questions Is String of Bananas easier than String of Pearls? Yes! String of Bananas is more forgiving with watering, tolerates slightly lower light, and grows faster. If you've struggled with String of Pearls, try String of Bananas instead. How fast does String of Bananas grow? Quite fast for a succulent. In good conditions, expect several inches of new growth per month during spring and summer. Is String of Bananas toxic to pets? Yes. Keep in hanging baskets out of reach or choose pet-safe alternatives. Does String of Bananas flower? Yes! In bright light, it produces small white flowers with a cinnamon-like fragrance. Blooming usually occurs in fall or winter. The easier, faster String-of. Shop String of Bananas at Divine Roots. 🌿 Related Reading Hanging Plants Indoor Succulent Care Guide Best Houseplants for Apartments How to Care for Echeveria How to Care for Sempervivum

How to Care for Swedish Ivy: The Complete Guide Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus) isn't actually ivy at all — it's a fast-growing, aromatic trailing plant that fills hanging baskets and shelves with lush, scalloped foliage. One of the most underrated houseplants, Swedish Ivy is incredibly easy to grow and practically propagates itself. Swedish Ivy at a Glance Botanical Name Plectranthus verticillatus (and related species) Common Names Swedish Ivy, Swedish Begonia, Creeping Charlie Plant Type Trailing tropical perennial Mature Size 6–12 inches tall, trails 2–3 ft. Light Bright indirect to medium Water When top inch of soil is dry Humidity Average (40–60%) Temperature 60–75°F (16–24°C) Soil Well-draining potting mix Toxicity Non-toxic to pets Difficulty Very easy Light, Water & Care Bright indirect to medium light produces the fullest growth. Tolerates lower light but becomes leggy. Water when the top inch of soil dries. Feed every 2–4 weeks during growing season with balanced fertilizer at half strength. Pruning & Propagation Regular pinching keeps Swedish Ivy bushy and full. Propagation couldn't be simpler: cut a stem, place in water or moist soil — roots appear within a week. Swedish Ivy is one of the fastest-rooting houseplants. Varieties at Divine Roots Emerald Lace — Scalloped, deeply textured leaves Green — Classic glossy green foliage Mint — Lighter, minty-scented variety Swedish Ivy is non-toxic to pets — perfect for pet-friendly homes. 👉 Shop Swedish Ivy Assorted · Shop Swedish Ivy Mint Frequently Asked Questions Is Swedish Ivy easy to care for? Extremely easy! It's one of the most low-maintenance houseplants available. Fast-growing, forgiving, and practically propagates itself. Is Swedish Ivy actually ivy? No — it's a Plectranthus, not related to true ivy (Hedera). The "Swedish" name comes from its popularity in Swedish households. It's also related to Coleus. Is Swedish Ivy pet-safe? Yes! Swedish Ivy is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and children. How do I make Swedish Ivy bushy? Pinch growing tips regularly. This encourages branching and creates a full, bushy plant. Root the pinched cuttings and tuck them back into the pot for instant fullness. Fast, lush, and practically unkillable. Shop Swedish Ivy at Divine Roots. 🌿 Related Reading Hanging Plants Indoor Best Indoor Plants for Beginners How to Care for Pothos How to Care for String Of Pearls

How to Care for String of Dolphins: The Complete Guide String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) earns its name from its extraordinary leaves — each one shaped like a tiny leaping dolphin. This trailing succulent is a delightful conversation starter and a must-have for anyone who loves unique plants. Here's how to keep those little dolphins happy. String of Dolphins at a Glance Botanical Name Senecio peregrinus (syn. Curio × peregrinus) Common Names String of Dolphins, Dolphin Plant, Flying Dolphins Plant Type Trailing succulent Mature Size 6–12 inches tall, trails 1–3 ft. Light Bright indirect to some direct sun Water When soil is completely dry Humidity Low to average (30–50%) Temperature 55–80°F (13–27°C) Soil Fast-draining succulent/cactus mix Toxicity Toxic to pets Difficulty Moderate Light Requirements String of Dolphins needs bright indirect light with some gentle direct sun (morning sun is ideal). Without enough light, the dolphin-shaped leaves lose their distinctive form and become more generic-looking. Watering Like its cousin String of Pearls, this is a succulent that stores water in its leaves. Let soil dry completely between waterings. Summer: Every 10–14 days Winter: Every 3–4 weeks Overwatering is the #1 killer — err on the side of drought Humidity, Soil & Fertilizing Low humidity preferred. Fast-draining succulent mix essential. Feed monthly during spring/summer with diluted succulent fertilizer. Terracotta pots recommended. Propagation Stem cuttings: cut a 4–5 inch strand, let callous 1–2 days, then lay on moist succulent soil. Pin nodes to soil surface. Roots develop in 2–4 weeks. Common Problems Flattened or Misshapen Leaves Not enough light. The dolphin shape only develops with adequate bright light. Move to a sunnier spot. Mushy Stems Overwatering. Cut off healthy portions above the rot, let callous, and re-root in dry soil. 👉 Shop String of Dolphins · Shop Starter Plant Frequently Asked Questions How do I get the dolphin shape? Bright light is the key. In insufficient light, leaves flatten and lose the distinctive dolphin form. A south- or west-facing window is ideal. Is String of Dolphins related to String of Pearls? Yes! Both are in the Senecio (now Curio) genus. String of Dolphins is actually a hybrid between String of Pearls and Candle Plant. Is String of Dolphins toxic to pets? Yes. Keep in hanging baskets out of pet reach, or choose pet-safe plants. Why is my String of Dolphins dying? Most commonly overwatering. Check for mushy stems and roots. This succulent needs to dry out completely between waterings. A plant as playful as it is beautiful. Shop String of Dolphins at Divine Roots. 🌿 Related Reading Hanging Plants Indoor Best Houseplants for Apartments How to Care for Echeveria How to Care for Sempervivum

How to Care for Philodendron Micans: The Complete Guide Philodendron Micans is the plant that makes you do a double-take. Its heart-shaped leaves are covered in a velvety texture that shimmers bronze, green, and purple depending on the light. Often called the "Velvet-Leaf Philodendron," Micans combines the easy-care nature of classic Philodendrons with looks that rival the most exotic tropicals. Philodendron Micans at a Glance Botanical Name Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum (Micans form) Common Names Philodendron Micans, Velvet-Leaf Philodendron Plant Type Trailing tropical vine Mature Size 6–12 ft. trailing length Light Medium to bright indirect Water When top 1–2 inches of soil are dry Humidity 50–70% Temperature 65–80°F (18–27°C) Soil Well-draining aroid mix Toxicity Toxic to pets Difficulty Easy Light Requirements Medium to bright indirect light brings out the best in Micans. The velvety iridescence — that signature shimmer — shows most dramatically in medium light where the leaves catch light at different angles. Bright indirect: Fastest growth, largest leaves Medium indirect: Best iridescent shimmer. The sweet spot for Micans aesthetics. Low light: Tolerates it (like most Philodendrons) but loses the velvet sheen and grows slowly Direct sun: Avoid — scorches the delicate velvet leaves Watering Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Micans follows the same watering rules as its Philodendron relatives — consistent but not excessive. Spring/Summer: Every 7–10 days Fall/Winter: Every 10–14 days Humidity Micans is slightly more humidity-sensitive than glossy-leaved Philodendrons. The velvet texture benefits from 50–70% humidity. A humidifier noticeably improves leaf quality, size, and that characteristic sheen. Temperature & Soil Keep in 65–80°F. Use a well-draining aroid mix: peat/coco coir + perlite + orchid bark. Repot every 1–2 years. Fertilizing Feed monthly during spring/summer with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Propagation Identical to other vining Philodendrons: Cut a stem section with at least one node Place in water or moist soil Roots develop in 1–3 weeks Common Problems Loss of Velvet Texture Usually too much direct light or too little humidity. Adjust both — medium indirect light + 50%+ humidity produces the best velvet sheen. Leggy Growth Needs more light. Prune back and relocate. Root the cuttings to fill out the pot. Yellow Leaves Overwatering. Ensure drainage is adequate. 👉 Shop Philodendron Micans · Shop Micans Starter Plant Frequently Asked Questions Why is Philodendron Micans so popular? The velvet texture and iridescent shimmer are unique in the houseplant world. New leaves emerge in shades of chartreuse and bronze, then mature into deep green with a purple-bronze sheen. It's affordable, easy to grow, and endlessly photogenic. Is Philodendron Micans rare? Not anymore! Micans has become widely available in recent years. At Divine Roots, we grow them regularly and offer both established plants and rooted starter plants. Can Micans climb? Yes! Micans naturally climbs. Give it a moss pole or trellis, and it will produce larger leaves than when trailing. Both climbing and trailing forms are beautiful. Is Philodendron Micans safe for pets? No. Like all Philodendrons, Micans is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep out of reach or choose pet-safe alternatives. Experience the velvet shimmer. Shop Philodendron Micans at Divine Roots — one of nature's most beautiful textures, growing right in your home. 🌿 Related Reading Hanging Plants Indoor Easy Care Houseplants How to Care for Pothos How to Care for String Of Pearls