29 Best Hanging plants for your Home - Stylish Home decor in 2023

Do you have limited access to keep your plants? Are the Balconies, side tables, and study tables filled with plants? Here are a few plants to utilize your aerial space and add these amazing hanging plants to your plant collection.

     Turn your home into a jungle of green hanging plants. These lists include trailing plants like the Pothos, and tangled hearts that would provide a lush and bushy look to your space, or like the Morning Glory, common Pursulane which would produce abundant flowers and create a fresh look.

1. Burritos tail

Common Name   : Burritos tail , Donkey tail , Burro's tail

Botanical Name  : Sedum Morganianum

Burritos tail is also known as Donkey's tail or Sedum Burrito belongs to the succulent variety. Burrito's tail has densely packed green leaves on stems that look like a donkey tail. Sedum Burrito prefers growing in partial sunlight. The hot sun rays can burn their flesh leaves at times. Ensure the plant is not overwatered as it can ruin the plant. Burro's tail can also survive in drought conditions. If you are lucky you can see them flowers.

Easy way to make Organic pesticide for your Vegetable Garden in 2023

Are you worried about insects killing your home vegetable garden? Pests are small insects that affect your plant and inhibit its growth and their capabilities to produce fruits or flowers. These small pests can attack your entire garden if unnoticed. These pests are nightmares to every gardener.

The most common pest are Aphids, bugs, beetles, moths, scale insects, whitefly, spider mites, and Thrips. Here are 5 ways to remove the pest or insects from your garden.

1. The Neem Potion
2. The Golden mix
3. The Aloe Gel
4. The Garlic paste

The Neem Potion

Neem has a strong smell and is known to repel insects and pests. Azadirachtin compound is the main component found in Neem. Azadirachtin inhibit or reduce their growth and their ability to lay eggs. The strong odor of Neem is also known to repel insects.

How to Use

Any of the below methods can be used to control pests.

1. Crush the Neem leaves (~25 to 50 grams) and extract the juice Neem. Mix the extracted Neem juice in 1liter of water. Spray the exacted juice to plants. (or)
2. Boil the neem leaves in 1 liter of water. Boil until the color of the leaf has disappeared. Strain the liquid and allow it to cool. Spray the extract to your plants. (or)
3. As an alternative Neem oil can be used if Neem leaves are not available. Mix a few drops of Neem oil extract and mix vigorously. Spray the extract.

Keep the extracted solution overnight for better results.

The Golden Potion

Ginger has a pungent aroma which the insects dislike. Ginger contains a main component called Zingeron keton which acts as an antifeedant and disrupts insect growth in plants. They are active against most pathogens. Garlic is a cheap and Best pesticide available. Chilli can also be used as an insecticide as they have antifeedant and repels insects.

How to use

• Mix equal quantities of ginger, garlic, and chili. It's better to use ripe chili - include seeds and skin of the chili while grinding. Grind it into a fine paste.
• Strain the liquid and mix in 1 to 2 liters of water and spray it into your garden

Keeping the strained solution overnight would have a greater effect. Apply this once in 15 days regularly. 

If you are new to gardening also checkout
"The essential checklist to grow plants"

The Aloe gel

Aloe vera contains Aloin which has antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties and was found to be efficient in preventing insects.

How to use

• Cut the Aloe vera into small slices.
• Place the aloe vera slices in a liter of water and store them in dark for 1 to 2 hours.
• Filter the extract and spray once in 15 to 20 days to remove the pest from destroying your garden.

Another easy way is to intercrop Aloe vera among the planted crops. Aloe vera is a very hardy plant and growing them in your garden would only be beneficial for you as there are many home applications. Aloe vera is good for your skin, and hair and is also known to remove scar blemishes when applied regularly.

An interesting fact about a village "Piplantri" in Rajasthan where it is a custom to grow 111 plants when a girl child is born. The entire village looks after the planted saplings like their own child. They ensure the plants grow with the child and do not neglect to care for the plants. By doing they provide their offspring with a fresh environment free from pollution.

The community people of the Piplantri village also protect the trees by planting Aloe vera all around the tree to avoid the invasion of pests and termites from attacking the plants. This is the best example of  Aloe vera being used on a wide basis for preventing pests and termites.

Also, they are making the fullest utilization of it by making the organic products available from the trees and Aloe vera. This genuine act also pays a good source of income. All this had started when Shyam Sundar Paliwal, the village chief planted 111 trees in honor of his daughter when she passed away at a very young age. Though the custom continues to honor the birth of a girl child when she is born.

The Garlic Paste

Garlic is one of the best organic pesticides available, economical, beneficial, and easy to prepare. Some of the insects don't like the strong pungent aroma of the garlic. Hence would prevent the areas sprayed.

How to use

• Take 150 to 200 grams of Garlic cloves and crush them well in a mixer or by using a mortar and pestle. Remove the skin of the garlic cloves before grinding.
• Mix them in one to two cups of water.
• The garlic water mix will not last long. It's better to use them after preparation. They lose their strong aroma and potency when stored for a long time.
• Apply this concoction once in a while regularly till you do not see the pestering bugs.

Another alternative is to intercrop garlic with your plants to be harvested. This can reduce the invasion of pests and insects.

Only a few of the above methods would work well for your garden. Depending on the type, and severity of infestation. The time taken to free the plants from insects would not be a one-time job. Since all the products used are organic they might need two to three rounds of medication. Also, you would have to find out which works the best for your plants.

Apply one of the above methods once in 15 days alternatively. Ensure to apply the spray on the back of the leaves as well. 

Other precautions

• Proper spacing between plants would help in avoiding or transmitting the infestation.
• Intercropping the plants or trees with plants like Aloe vera or garlic would be beneficial
• Force water spraying can also be tried if the infestation is minimal.
• Control the weeds growing in your garden.

You might also be interested in growing kitchen herbs at your very own apartment,

v     "How to grow Lemongrass in Apartments".

 "The ultimate guide to grow and care for Mint/Pudina"

Happy Gardening!

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Reference:

1. http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/neemgen.html
2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11885537_Insect_growth_inhibition_antifeedant_and_antifungal_activity_of_compounds_isolatedderived_from_Zingiber_officinale_Roscoe_ginger_rhizomes
3. Agarwal_et_al-2001-Pest_Management_Science.pdf
4. http://www.jbiopest.com/users/LW8/efiles/vol_9_2_157-166.pdf

6 Popular Aquarium fishes that are Perfect for your Fish tank

Among different pets like Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits a survey by WorldAtlas states that aquarium is the most popular pet in the US. The fish tops the list as domesticating them is easy and requires less maintenance than looking after a dog or a cat. Studies have also shown that watching the activities of the fish relieves stress and pressure among the owners.

The top popular and easy fishes available are

1. Guppies
2. Zebra Danios
3. Neon Tetra
4. Mollies
5. Betta or Fighter fish
6. Black Tetra

Guppies:

Guppies are the most common aquarium fishes you could find in the market. They do not require so much attention unlike the other fishes and a suitable fish for a beginner. They would not mind even if you forgot to feed them for a day. The guppies are available in a variety of colors - both local and exported breeds are available in the market.

Guppies are live-bearing fishes (i.e) the guppies do not lay eggs instead they directly give birth to a young guppy called a fry. Guppies reproduce at a very high rate. Guppies do not require any special attention and breed and multiply quickly. You could possibly see young fry or guppy at your very own fish tank. 

The guppies would do well in a fish tank even if there is no filter. Guppies are not schooling fish but they like to be kept in large groups. They can co-exist peacefully with other fishes like Zebra danios or Tetras. Guppies are very cheap compared to other fishes. In India, a pair is available for Rs 20 or 30.

Zebra Danios:

Zebras are schooling fishes so keep them in the count of 5 or more. They could be stressed if not kept in a group. They are peaceful fishes and can coexist with guppies, widow tetras, and neon tetras. There are available in blue, pink, orange, yellow, and rainbow colors.

Zebra danios are very attractive and active swimmers.Zebra are hardy fishes and are recommended to beginners. Zebra lays eggs and if given a chance and suitable environmental conditions they may hatch. Danio's are economical to purchase the common pink, orange and yellow danios are available for less than Rs 30 (a pair of two)

Neon Tetra:

The neon tetra is a freshwater fish and is a choice of all fish keepers. They have a silver abdomen and red iridescent stripe appearing from the middle of the body of the fish to the fin. When they rest the color changes to grey and lights up when they are not resting.

Neon tetras are schooling fish and generally, they school together. Neon Tetras are slightly costlier than Guppies and Zebra's and can be available in the range of less than Rs 50.

Mollies:

Mollies are common fishes among the fish hobbyist. Mollies are live bearers and posses most of the qualities of live bearing fishes. Mollies are slightly larger in size compared to Platies and Guppies and more energetic. They are slightly aggressive and dominant compared to Guppies and tetra's. 

Mollies are schooling fish and likes to be kept in groups.It is better if the number of female mollies is greater then the male mollies. They are available in black, white and Golden color. A pair of common mollies are available for less than Rs 40 to Rs 60.

Betta Fish or Fighter Fish:

Betta fish is the most popular fish due to its attractive colors and beautiful fins. Male Betta's are more commonly marked than females. Betta's are highly aggressive and territorial (they do not share their space) and enjoy solitude. It is always recommended to keep Betta fish in a separate fish tank or bowl.

Two male Betta fishes never go together and except for breeding purposes male and female Betta are not kept together. 

It is interesting to see that the male sets up a bubble nest and after fertilization, male Betta retrieve the eggs and places them carefully in the bubble nest. Female Betta's eat their own eggs. Male Betta's will safeguard the eggs and maintain their territory from the female. 

They are available in different colors and fin v like half moon, full moon, and feather tail. Fighter fishes are fast-moving in the market and cost varies between Rs 50 to 200 based on the color peculiarity and fin variation.

Check out the guide to grow live houseplants with your Betta fishes 

Black Tetra:

Black tetras are common among fish hobbyist and are schooling fish. They are peaceful and semi-aggressive fish. Black Tetra's go well with other tetras and guppies. They are also called as Black widow Tetra, Black skirt tetra, or Petticoat tetra. 

They have long fins like Angelfish, so be careful not to keep fish nippers along with the Black Tetra's. They spawn and release their eggs. After spawning removes the eggs from the fish tank or the Tetra will often eat their own eggs.

A pair of Black tetras might be available at a rate ranging from Rs 30 to Rs 60.

Choose your favorite fishes and start your own aquarium.

Also, check out the complete guide to clean fish tank without removing the entire setup

Happy Fishkeeping!!

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Grow Pudina (Mint) from Cuttings (Updated with images)

Mint or Pudina belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. Growing mint in your balcony or garden has double purposes - they are functional and beautiful. Pudina or Mint is used in making chutney or hummus, mint tea, Pudina rice, in flavoring lassi, juices, Biriyani, etc. It has a strong aroma which makes it a chief ingredient in the kitchen. Apart from their culinary usage, they play a very vital role in Indian Home remedies.

Leaves of mint or Pudina are the important part used for medicinal purposes. Pudina aids in improving digestion - this is the main reason why Pudina is used in foods that are hard to digest. Pudina is also known to reduce the cramps caused by menstruation. Mint can reduce the effects of cold. Due to its strong aroma chewing one or two leaves can reduce bad breath. A natural mouth freshener with health benefits. 

A Beginner In Gardening?

Are you a beginner in gardening and interested in planting functional herbs? Then this plant is for you. When I started propagating mint plants I never knew it would be this easy to grow a plant from the available cutting. I just gave it a try and the results amazed me. This is a must-have herb in your home. You can also try a hand at growing Indian Borage. The Mint is easy to take care of and a hard to kill plant. As a beginner, you can definitely try growing mint and they won't let you down.

Success in growing a plant can build up your confidence and induce you to try more and more gardening techniques and grow different varieties of plants.

Propagating Pudina with Soil

Mint can be propagated into a whole new mint plant with ease. Cultivating mint from cuttings is the easiest method of propagation.

• Buy Pudina or mint bunch from any available market or local store. Pudina is easily available in almost any vegetable store.

• Remove the leaves needed and use them or store the Pudina leaves for your cooking. You can also opt for cutting them from a runner if the Pudina plant is readily available.

• Take the cuttings of 5 to 6 inches and trim from below. Take medium to stout stems, the cuttings which are very thin may not root.

• When planting check if at least two nodes are inserted deep into the soil. The node is the place from where the leaf emerges.

• So here is the secret to growing Pudina from cuttings - a fail-proof method. Instead of planting it upright. Place the Pudina or mint cutting horizontally into the soil. This will ensure root growth from all the nodes and chances of growing into a healthy and bushy Pudina plant.

                                                 

Propagating Mint with Water

• Here is an alternative to the above method. You can also place the cuttings in water for two to three days and then transplant them into the soil. This is also a good alternative if you are curious to check out the roots growing.

Within a month Pudina or mint plant would trail and fill the entire pot. Mint plants would cover your entire garden soil as it is invasive in nature. It is always preferable to keep them in a pot.

I grew this mint from the cutting available from the local store and look how luscious they have grown! And now you would never have the need to buy Pudina or Mint from the grocery store again. The more you prune them the more they grow. You will have an unlimited supply of Pudina or Mint in your own kitchen garden. How amazing is that! 

You might be also interested in reading How to grow tons of lemongrass from cutting.

Happy Gardening!!

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Tangled Heart hanging plant - How to grow,care and propagate in 2023

The tangled hearts plant is the most appealing hanging plant to grow on the balcony. They look like little hearts drooping from a pink vine. The tangled heart is green in color with visible purple lines across the leaves.

How to Grow Jade plant in Matka (Earthen pot) - Easy DIY Home decor

Adding a personal aesthetic touch brings out a unique beauty into your home. Adding live house plants can enhance the classy look of your home. They can be welcoming, appealing, and refreshing.

Check out pot painting ideas here 

Convert the old unused Matka or Kulfi pots into a pleasing and rich-looking plant decor piece without spending a penny!!

I had a few Matka or kulfi pots lying around my home unused. So I just gave it a try and converted them into a small mini pot for my Jade plants.

Jade The Lucky Plant

Jade is known as Crassula Ovata, a lucky plant. The Jade plant is known to bring luck, wealth, and prosperity according to Feng Shui. These plants are also gifted to near and dear ones.

The Jade plant is a succulent variety native to Africa. Jade is a popular house plant found in almost every nook and corner of the world. The popularity of the Jade plant has been widespread because of its low maintenance and low care. They adapt well to the house conditions.

Grow Jade in Matka

Propagating Jade

Propagating Jade is easy but tricky. Jade can be propagated through soil and water from cuttings.

Take a 4 to 5-inch cutting and remove the below leaves. Ensure there is at least one to two nodes and place it water or the soil.

I had tried propagating through water and soil. But I generally prefer soil propagation. The roots formed in water would be distinct from the roots formed in soil. Hence transferring the jade from water to soil the process can be a bit tedious.

While propagating the jade plant make sure to take 2 to 3 cuttings. Because some cuttings may root and some may not. If we are propagating more than two then the probability of success is high and we don’t have to start all over again.

Jade Plant Watering Conditions

Jade requires less water. Chances of rotting are high if overwatered. Follow the rule of thumb while watering Jade. Water the jade plants two to three times a week. Make sure to water the plant thoroughly.

Jade Plant Lighting Conditions

Jade plants would start to grow leggy and start losing leaves if there is no sufficient sunlight. Ensure they receive at least 3 to 4 hours of sunlight each day.

How to

The process of planting a Jade plant in the Matka is a simple process

• Clean the Matka thoroughly with water do not use any harsh chemicals to wash the matka.
• Optional - I like the raw feel of the Matka hence I have not painted the Matka. If you like it be colorful or vibrant -Go ahead and paint your Matka. Also take care not to paint the inside of the pot as it could be toxic.
• Fill the Matka pot with soil
• Water thoroughly and insert the cuttings into the Matka or kulfi pot.
• And you are done!

You might also be interested in converting old coke or plastic bottle into Planters

Alternative Plants

If you wish to grow any plant apart from Jade plant in a matka or kulfi pot then you can choose a plant satisfying  the below conditions,

The plants would do well in Matka if

• The plant has a shallow root system like the Jade plant. Other house plants like  common Pursulane (available in a lot of colors) or succulents can be used
• The plant must be able to thrive in low to medium water conditions. Succulents, purslane and Tangled heart would work perfectly. The unglazed Matka (earthen pots) sucks out the excess water and prevents rotting. So don't worry if there is no hole at the bottom to drain out the excess water. Matka will do the job.

And your home decor Matka jade pot is ready. It can be used in decorating your study table, office table, Dining area, Kitchen or it can be hung in your balcony with a string tied to it.

Happy Gardening!!

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How to clean Fish tank gravel with a vacuum- Keep your Fish Clean and Healthy

Maintaining and keeping the fishes healthy is significant for a proud fish owner. Cleaning the fish tank will keep your fishes healthy and active. They also prevent in causing diseases and increasing the lifespan of your beautiful fishes.

Why to Clean the Fish tank?

The fish excreta or fish poop contains high concentration of nitrogenous wastes. Nitrogen waste like Ammonia is end product of fishes and they excrete through the gills or the body. These waste would contaminate the fish tank water.
Are your over feeding your fish? Over feeding leads to food spillage in the water leading to water contamination.The remaining fish feed (the food that has not been consumed by the fish) would pollute the fish in due course.

If the Nitrogen content rises in the fish tank it is more likely to cause trouble to your fishes or in worst cases contribute to death of the fishes.Hence it is essential to clean the fish tank.
Also check out  How to decorate Betta fish tank with live plants

How often should the Fish tank be cleaned?

Cleaning the fish tank depends on two important factors

• With Filter  - The fish tank with filter will remove few of the wastes in the fish tank. In this case the fish tank can be cleaned once in 10 to 15 days.
• Without Filter  - Without filter it is advisable to clean the fish tank within a week.

How to clean the Fish tank?

• Plug off and remove  any filters, aquarium lights ,warmer or any electrical equipment before starting the process.
• Remove 60 to 70% of the dirty water into a bucket with the help of aquarium siphon hose.
• Always ensure you do not remove or clean the entire fish tank water. For your fishes to survive they need beneficial bacteria that is already growing in the tank. So if you are throwing the entire dirty water it means your fishes are at stake. 
• Transfer the fishes into a bucket of water (probably a  mix of old and new water so you do not stress out the fishes by changing the water and temperature conditions)
• Use the siphon hose or gravel vacuum to clean the dirt in the gravel. Dig and stir as long as you get all the dirt out. 
• Fill it up with water. Make sure to test the chlorine concentration.
• Do not use the tap water directly as the chlorine content is very high in the tap water. Place them in a bucket or outdoor for few hours before transferring them into the fish tank or bowl. This will reduce the chlorine content in water and prevent them from harming the fish.
• Set up all the equipment back into the fish tank. 
• Transfer all the fishes back to their beautiful home. And ta-da you have successfully cleaned your fish tank without much effort.

Also checkout the guide on Popular aquarium fishes that can coexist in the community

Happy Fish Keeping..!!

Does Aloe vera Flower? (Updated with FAQ)

Aloe Vera belongs to the family of Asphodelaceae and Genus Aloe is native to Africa and now has been propagated and grown widely across the countries.

This succulent variety plant is being grown for its medicinal, cosmetic, and edible purposes. It is also grown as an ornamental and air-purifying plant indoors. They are resistant and can survive in severe drought. 

All about Air purifying Pothos plants- Growing, Propagation and Caring

Interested in growing Pothos here is all you have to know about them.

Nativity

A common plant found in tropical and subtropical regions. These are the most common houseplants as they are sturdy, tolerant, and easy to care for. They are also known as golden pothos, money plant, marble queen, Devil’s Ivy.

Money plant is considered to bring luck and prosperity to your home according to Vastu shastra and Feng shui.

Money Plants helps in reducing Indoor Air Pollution

A research conducted by NASA, proves that Golden Pothos can remove high concentration organic chemicals like Benzene and Trichloroethylene - found in indoor air. During the study concentration in the range of 36ppm was almost nullified within 2 hrs.

Benzene

Produced by - emission of industrial waste, gas stations, smoke from tobacco, products that contain fuel, wax, paints, detergents.
Causes - Long term effects and increased exposure leads to a few serious disorders.

Trichloroethylene

Produced by - Grease remover, paint remover, and varnishes.
Causes - Irritation in the upper respiratory tract
The pothos/ Money plant/Devils ivy help in reducing the chemicals found the indoors. Isn't it just great...!

Most common types of Pothos

Golden Pothos
Marble Pothos
Neon Pothos
Manjula Pothos
N'Joy Pothos

Pothos Propagation

Money plants can be easily propagated in water and in soil. They are the easiest to care and maintain. They do not demand your special attention. Are you a beginner? Then this plant is for you.

Pothos/Devil's Ivy Propagation through Water

Take a cutting of about 5 to 8 inches and remove the lowermost leaves.
Ensure at least two to three nodes and insert the cutting into a jar of water or container.
After a few days you would be able to see healthy roots emerging from the Nodes.

By growing them in water the growth would be slightly stunted. It would take some time to grow new leaves. If you want to grow the bushy plant, then growing them in the soil would be a better alternative.

Pothos Propagation through Soil

There are two fail-proof methods through which pothos can be propagated.

Method 1

Follow the process of propagation through water and when the roots are visible.
Dig a one to the two-inch hole in the soil and propagate.
Water them thoroughly after planting. Just to ensure they are all set with the soil. 

Method 2

Take a cutting of about 5 to 8 inches and remove the lowermost leaves.
Place the cutting into the soil, which is about two to three inches deep.

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Tip to grow Bushy Money plant/Devil's Ivy

After the plant grows to a certain extent make sure to trim or prune the stalk. This would induce plant growth hormones - Auxin and stimulate vigorous growth. Continuous pruning would make the plant dense.

Watering Conditions

Water the money plant once or twice a week.
Allow the soil to dry in between watering. Follow the Thumb rule of watering.
Most of the plants would have no major issues due to under watering but can die of overwatering.
Ensure that there are holes at the bottom of the pot to drain the excess water. If not, have a watch over the plant, and ensure you do not overwater.

Lighting conditions

Pothos would do well in almost all lighting conditions from bright indirect sunlight to low light. But sometimes direct sunlight can cause the leaf to burn.

Fertilizing Pothos

They do not need any fertilizer to grow. Though composting or liquid fertilizer can be added. 

Most common issues in Pothos

Browing or burns in pothos

Burns or browning is caused due to direct sunlight.
Solution: Move them to an indirect sunlight area. They would recover soon.

Yellowing of leaves in Pothos:

Wilting of leaves or the yellowing of leaves is mainly caused due to watering problems.
It could be due to overwatering or underwatering.
Solution: Water the pothos only when the top two inches of the soil is dry. Allow the pothos to dry out in between.

Pothos not bushy and no big leaves.

Pothos in wild cling on to big trees with its aerial roots. Since they have strong support the pothos grow wild and free.
Solutions: Mimic their wild habitat conditions. Grow them vertically with the help of a moss stick.

Pothos losing Variegations

For pothos to maintain their variegation they need an adequate amount of sunlight.
Solution: Move the pothos to an indirect spot.

Do you have pets in your home?

Note: Take care that pothos is not being consumed by your dogs or cat as they are slightly poisonous to your pets when consumed.

Indoor or Outdoor?

Money plants would do well in the Indoor or Outdoors. I personally prefer keeping them Indoors. They can add beauty to your study table, dining table, bedroom, or kitchen. They can survive anywhere - even at your office desk.

You might also be interested in reading the Complete Guide to Grow Hanging Tangled hearts

I have placed the below cutting at my office desk and they are doing well. They stay green though I have not placed them in sunlight for almost 30 days. Here is a picture of the one growing at my desk.

Happy Gardening!

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