Given its tropical origins, the FIcus retusa enjoys warm, direct sunlight, but can grow in full sun to partial shade.  Because of its bonsai nature, this ginseng ficus can still grow in low-light levels. Remember to avoid placing the plant in areas where it is close to the henter vents or drafty windows.

Bonsai Ginseng Ficus plant maintenance

Due to the bonsai nature of the ficus tree, pruning will be required as it grows.  It is said to prune at both ends (the roots and the leaves). Pruning the leaves will help maintain the shape and structure of the tree.  Should you repot the Ginseng Ficus,  pruning at the roots will need to be done as well. The Ginseng Ficus tree may get spider mites or gnats, but it will not affect the actual health of the plant.  If you notice these pesky bugs, just spray with a mixture of soapy water twice a day for 2 weeks.

Watering your Ginseng Ficus

To water a Ginseng ficus tree, the soil should be dry between each watering period.  Water every  2 – 3 weeks in the Spring and Summer months, and then space out your watering in the Fall and Winter months. This plant can survive drought light conditions, as it does store and soak up water through its roots – so it is better to under water than overwater. Grab a 1/3 of a cup of water, and pour slowly at the base of the plant.  Pour slowly to ensure you don’t overwater.  Sometimes the soil may need less than 1/3 of a cup.  The water shouldn’t “pooled” at the bottom of the glass and should soak up reasonably quickly. Signs of overwatering? The tree will develop root rot.

A FOOLPROOF WAY TO WATER YOUR GINSENG FICUS – Use the Smart Stick Method! Simply insert the Horty Girl Smart Stick found with every plant, into the base of the plant and pull out the stake.  Feel/Notice if it feels wet, moist or dry and water accordingly.  In this case, if the soil comes out dry – its time to water.  If it comes out wet, you should check back in a week or so.

The post Guide to your Ginseng Ficus Tree Plant Care appeared first on Horty Girl.

The Money tree likes bright indirect light, with a combination of both hours of shade and sunlight.  Careful not to expose to direct sunlight as the leaves may begin to burn.  For watering your pachira money tree plant, you should let the soil dry between waterings.  The plant would fall into the low maintenance plant category, very similar to a Marginata plant care – you can follow those directions here.

A FOOLPROOF METHOD TO WATER PACHIRA MONEY TREE PLANTS, using a Horty Girl Smart Stick, place the Smart Stick into the soil and pull it out. Feel/notice if it feels dry, wet or moist – If the stick feels DRY, it’s time to water it.  You can also use a bamboo stick for the same effect. 

Do you have any pets? Pachira is non toxic to pets, but if it is ingested, pets may experience symptoms of diarrhea or mild vomiting.  This is similar to when pets eat grass.

Still have questions or concerns? Send us an email at plantcare@hortygirl.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can

The post Good Luck and Good Fortune: Pachira Money Tree Plant Care Tips appeared first on Horty Girl.

Caring for your coffea houseplant

Recently introduced in spring, this Horty Girl Natural Elements coffea arabica plant is fairly easy to take care of.  Coffea plants like filtered indirect bright sunlight, but they can also grow in less light as well.  Coffee plants are prone to whitefly, scale and mealy bugs. If you find these pests on your plants, spray a soapy mixture for 2 weeks.

After 3 or 4 years, this plant will begin to produce star-shaped white flowers that smell like jasmine.  These flowers are followed by green fruits that change to red then dark brown/black as they continue to ripen.  Inside the fruit, are two beans (or seeds) that can be roasted and ground up to make your morning cup of joe.

Watering your Coffee tree plant

When watering the coffea arabica plant, it is best to keep the soil moist but not soggy.  Use 1/3 of a cup of water, and pour near the base of the plant. Adjust your watering amounts as the months change.  One great thing about these plants is that the leaves are a big indication of when you need to water.  If it’s time, the leaves will become droopy.  See below for an example of the leaves drooping.   You can also mist your plant occasional with warm water and clean the leaves with a damp cloth.

A FOOLPROOF METHOD TO WATER COFFEA ARABICA PLANTS, using a Horty Girl Smart Stick, place the Smart Stick into the soil and pull it out. Feel/notice if it feels dry, wet or moist – If the stick feels DRY, it’s time to water it.  You can also use a bamboo stick for the same effect. 

Can this plant make coffee beans?

If you are patient, eventually this plant can produce coffee beans.  It typically takes 6 years for the plant to begin to produce fruit (or beans).  The coffee bean fruit appears in the summer.  Once the green shaped fruit turns to a dark brown, black color, it is ripe enough to pick.  Once you have harvested enough beans, you will then have to roast them.  There are many home type roasters out there, check out your local retailers or search on the Internet for your most convenient option.

If you have any questions or problems with your plant, please email us at plantcare@hortygirl.com and we will get back to you within 48 hours!  You can also send us a message on our Facebook page’s wall.

The post How to Take Care of your Coffea Arabica plant appeared first on Horty Girl.