Signs Your Plant Needs Repotting

Not sure if it’s time to repot your plant? Here are some key signs to look for:

• Visible Roots: If roots are peeking out from the surface of the soil or growing out of the drainage holes, your plant has likely outgrown its pot.
• Slowed Growth: Plants that seem to have stalled in their growth may be root-bound, meaning their roots have filled the pot and have nowhere left to expand.
• Coiled Roots: Check the rootball by gently removing the plant from its pot. If the roots are tightly coiled or spiraling around the outside of the soil, it’s a clear signal that your plant needs more space.

Repotting into a slightly larger container with fresh soil will give your plant room to grow and thrive.

When To Repot Plants

The best time to repot many indoor plants is just before their active growing season begins—making winter an ideal time to get started. Repotting now ensures your plants are ready to thrive as spring approaches.

How to Choose a Pot for Repotting Plants

When selecting a pot for your plant, aim for one that complements your home décor and is appropriately sized for your plant’s needs. Avoid going too big—a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one is ideal. Oversized pots can retain excess water, leading to root rot.

Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling in the soil. To protect your floors, choose a saucer that matches the pot and will catch any excess water.

For the best results, use a high-quality potting soil mix with added nutrients. Espoma Organic’s potting soils are an excellent choice for most indoor plants, providing the right balance of nutrients to help them thrive.

At Meadows Farms and The Great Big Greenhouse, we stock an incredible selection of pottery from around the world. With early shipments arriving in winter, this is the perfect time to find the pot that suits your style and your plant’s needs. Our selection is at its best, so don’t wait to check it out!

Tips to Make Repotting Easy

Follow these simple steps for a smooth repotting process:

• Remove the Plant: Gently take the plant out of its current pot. If it’s stuck, slide a knife or trowel around the edges to loosen it.
• Tend to the Roots: If the roots are coiled, gently tease them apart. For plants that are severely root-bound, you may need to prune the roots to encourage healthy growth.
• Prepare the New Pot: Add a layer of fresh potting soil to the bottom of the new pot. Center your plant, then fill in around it with a premium potting mix, leaving space at the top for watering.
• Water Thoroughly: Water the plant to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.

It is not unusual for the plant to go into shock after repotting. Try to keep the plant out of direct sunlight for a few weeks and keep the soil evenly moist while the plant recovers.

Visit The Great Big Greenhouse for All Your Houseplant Needs!

Looking to refresh your indoor garden this winter? Our Great Big Greenhouse location in Richmond, VA is your one-stop shop for everything houseplants! From unique pottery and premium potting soil to a stunning selection of fresh plants, we have everything you need to help your plants thrive this season.

Not sure where to start? Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to offer expert advice and tips, making repotting and plant care a breeze. Stop by today and discover why we’re Richmond’s go-to destination for all things plants!

The post It’s Winter in the Mid-Atlantic! Let’s Repot Those Plants appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Why Bother with Indoor Gardening?

I turn to indoor plants for solace during our (admittedly reasonably mild) DC-area winters. Their greenery reminds me that spring is just around the corner. For that same reason, I love forcing bulbs as well to make the seasons “hurry up.”

Then there is the frugal gardening practice of over-wintering your outdoor plants indoors — ergo making them indoor plants for at least five months of the year. I know there must be many of you out there who, like me, have some blooming zonal geraniums, herbs, succulents, and coleus in your kitchen windows right now. They are just biding their time until they can once again grace our outdoor spaces.

Then there is the intangible “feeling” part of the houseplant equation. When I visit homes and offices without living things in them — both plants and pets — I can’t stand the sterility and usually don’t stay long. My favorite stores are those with a few cats roaming around and some cacti crowding up their counter space. And don’t get me started on hotel rooms with nary a green leaf! The first thing I do on any trip is run out of a small plant or flower bouquet to breathe some life into it.

I think this process is instinctual. My body knows that it needs oxygen that houseplants provide in spades. Did you know that many plants remove the toxins in our indoor air, as well? Try a Peace Lily, Spider plant, or any of the ivy cultivars in your bedroom to get rid of those airborne pollutants given off by carpeting, fabric dyes, detergents, etc.

But I Have a Black Thumb!

That is what I used to think after going through five African violets in one year of college. What I’ve learned since starting indoor gardening is the same lesson we outdoor gardeners get drummed into our heads: right plant, right place.

If you have a cool, dry home, you are not going to have luck with moisture-loving plants. Unless that is, you adjust the environment to address this growing requirement.

Examine where you would like to have some greenery in your home or at work, then seek a plant that fits that space. Just as it never works in your backyard, you can’t force a plant to adapt to conditions in which it will not thrive.

Looking for the right plant for your home? The team at The Great Big Greenhouse is here to offer personalized recommendations and advice for your specific space. Stop by today, and let us help you find the perfect plant for your environment!

The Best Houseplants For Beginners

If you’re new to indoor gardening, plants like Bromeliads, Crotons, and Dracaenas are great options, especially for low-light spaces like offices. These hardy plants are easy to care for and will thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Other beginner-friendly plants that can handle a bit of neglect include Jade, Begonia, and Aloe. These plants are forgiving and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for those just starting out.

Mother-in-law’s Tongue (Sansevieria) is a favorite for beginners because it thrives in nearly any condition, from low light to dry air. If you’re looking for a plant that’s nearly impossible to kill, this is it.

Pothos is another fantastic choice for beginners. It can grow in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to indirect light. Pothos is a versatile option too—grow it as a hanging plant, train it to climb a stake, or let it trail along shelves or windowsills.

Ready to Start Your Indoor Garden? Visit Us in Richmond!

If you’re excited to dive into the world of indoor gardening, we’ve got everything you need at The Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond, VA! From beginner-friendly houseplants to expert advice on how to care for them, our knowledgeable team is here to help you every step of the way. Stop by today to find the perfect plant for your space and get all the supplies you need to start your indoor garden with confidence!

The post Outdoor Gardeners — It’s Time to Embrace Houseplants! appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Poinsettia Care Guide

Protect Your Poinsettias from the Cold

When transporting your poinsettias from the store to your home, make sure they are protected from the cold. Avoid transporting them in an open vehicle and bring them indoors as soon as possible.

Unpack Your Poinsettias Promptly

Protective plastic sleeves that come with your poinsettias help during transport but can cause leaf drop and yellowing if left on for too long. Remove the sleeves within 24 hours of purchase to keep your plant healthy.

Choose the Right Spot for Display

Place your poinsettias in areas with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. Poinsettias thrive in steady temperatures between 65 and 75°F, so keep them away from doorways or entrances where drafts might cause temperature fluctuations. Their bracts (modified leaves rather than flowers) are delicate and can bruise easily, so avoid high-traffic areas.

Tip: To cut and use poinsettias in flower arrangements or on wreaths, plunge the cut end of the stem into boiling water for about a minute or singe the end with a match to stop the sap from running. Then place the stem in cool water for a day. Cut flowers can last a week or so.

Check Water Levels Daily

Test the soil daily by pushing your fingers into it. If it feels dry, water lightly. Make sure to moisten the soil without causing water to drain excessively through the bottom of the pot. If your poinsettia came wrapped in colorful foil, punch holes through the bottom of the foil to allow the pot to drain. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is the most common reason poinsettias fail.

Debunking the Toxicity Myth

Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias and their sap are not deadly to humans or animals. While ingesting them can cause mild irritation, such as a rash in the mouth or an upset stomach, poinsettias are generally harmless. However, the sap may cause minor skin irritation for some people.

Download a Poinsettia Care Sheet

How to Make a Poinsettia Bloom

The poinsettia is a long-night plant; that is, it flowers when the days are only 8-10 hours in length. As this plant would typically bloom in the spring, following its natural winter conditions, tricking the plant into an early winter means spring-blooming can take place for Christmas. To encourage your poinsettia to bloom in time for the holidays, you’ll need to simulate these conditions through a process called “short-day treatment.”

Timing

To initiate flowering, limit the plant to only 8 or 9 hours of good bright light each day for six to eight weeks, starting at the end of September. The other 15 to 16 hours should be dark (in a closet, under a box, etc.) This will encourage the plant to produce the colorful bracts that make it so iconic during the holiday season.

Caring for Your Poinsettia While Encouraging Blooms

While undergoing short-day treatment, it’s essential to continue watering the plant as needed but avoid fertilizing. Any disruption to the plant’s long night period can interfere with bud formation, so be consistent with the light and dark cycles.

Ending the Short-Day Treatment

Once the bracts begin to darken or show color, stop the short-day treatment. At this point, the plant will continue to deepen in color naturally, completing the blooming process just in time for the holiday season.

Tip for Post-Holiday Poinsettias Care

Caring for a poinsettia after the holiday season ensures it thrives year-round and can bloom again next year. Here’s how to keep your poinsettia healthy during its off-season:

• Resting Period: When the leaves begin to fade, it’s time to give your poinsettia a rest. Trim the plant back and place it in a location with drier, cooler, and dimmer conditions. During this period, reduce watering and allow the plant to recover.
• Spring Care:  When new growth appears, place the plant in a very bright to direct sun location. Resume regular watering and fertilizing (apply a general houseplant formula according to label directions.) Some people prefer to keep their poinsettia in color through the winter and spring, so give the plant regular watering and access to bright light.
• Summer Care: Poinsettias benefit from summering outside in the morning sun or a dappled sun situation with regular water and fertilizer. For a bushier plant, pinch the plant back a couple of times over the summer until mid-August.
• Bringing Back Your Blooms: Start the short-day treatment at the end of September. Continue this dark/light cycle for six to eight weeks.

History of the Poinsettia

The Christmas Poinsettia: The poinsettia is the most popular indoor Christmas plant. Its association with the Christmas season is because it blooms at this time of year in its native region. In the 1600s, Franciscan priests used the flowers in celebrating a nativity procession, Fiesta of Santa Pesebre. Mexican peoples regarded the poinsettia as symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem. There is a legend in Mexico that a poor girl, who could not afford to take flowers to the Nativity in her church, received instructions by an angel to pluck a weed and place it at the altar, where it miraculously transformed into a beautiful red poinsettia.

In the mid-1920s, the United States ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, sent some of the plants home. He shared some of his hothouse-grown poinsettias with botanical gardens, and eventually, his name became commonly used to identify this beautiful plant. Each year the poinsettia appeared as a short-lived, delicate flowering plant around Christmas time. Still, its popularity took off when hybridizers managed to give it more strength and a more extended flowering period in the 1960s.

Today, the poinsettia is not only the most popular Christmas plant, but it is the number one flowering potted plant in the United States, despite its short six-week season of availability. More than 65 million poinsettias are sold annually in the United States. Botanically Euphorbia pulcherrima, the poinsettia is not a toxic plant as it was long thought to be, although some people may be allergic to its sap.

Celebrate the Season with Poinsettias from Meadows Farms

Stop by any of our VA, WV, or MD locations today to take home your perfect poinsettia. If you need advice on how to make your poinsettia bloom again next year, our knowledgeable staff is ready to help. Celebrate the season with a poinsettia from Meadows Farms—the perfect addition to your holiday décor.

The post How To Care For Your Poinsettia Year-Round appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

These elegant plants feature short, leaf-like segments forming graceful arching stems, with unusual, yet beautiful flowers born at the ends of the branches. We offer a variety of colors at our garden centers across the Mid-Atlantic — including classic holiday reds, crisp whites, and warming oranges and pinks.

Here are some tips for caring for your Christmas cactus this holiday season:

Though they are associated with some of our coldest months, Christmas cacti originally come from the humid rainforests of South America. This tropical heritage means they need different care from that of their arid, dry counterparts. Here are just a few tips to care for your Christmas cactus, year-round:

How often to water a Christmas cactus:

In the Mid-Atlantic, where winter air is often dry due to forced-air heating, keeping your Christmas cactus properly hydrated and humidified is essential. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically every 1–2 weeks, depending on your home’s humidity levels.

To maintain humidity, place the pot and saucer containing your plant in a small container with pebbles. Pour water over the rocks just enough so that the water remains beneath the topmost layer. This water will slowly evaporate, providing just enough humidity to satisfy your cactus’s needs.

When in bloom, flowers will last longer if the plant is in a cool, bright spot, away from drafts or heat vents. Always ensure good drainage and allow the soil to dry moderately between waterings.

How to get a Christmas cactus to bloom:

Christmas cactus uses a system of thermos-photoperiodic responses to trigger blooming, meaning that they use temperature and day length as triggers for blooming. These triggers are excellent news, as you can help, or delay, a Christmas cactus along in its bloom cycle.

For the Mid-Atlantic region, cold night temperatures at or around 50 – 55 degrees are the best trigger, but their blooms can also trigger with lack of light. The uninterrupted darkness of 13 hours or more in temperatures above 55 degrees will also trigger the cactus to bloom.

For an early Thanksgiving bloom, cover your Christmas cactus with a black cloth or store it in a lightless room (a closet or dark basement, for example)

For Christmas blooms, keep it exposed to more light and warmer temperatures later in the season as this will stunt bloom production, allowing you to have blooms at the holidays and farther along in the winter months.

Spring and Summer care:

After flowering, allow the plant to rest for a few weeks and then begin fertilizing regularly over the spring and summer with a flowering formula. Keep the plant moderately pot-bound, and prune it in the spring to promote branching.

Give the Gift of Holiday Blooms

A Christmas cactus makes a thoughtful and lasting gift, adding a festive touch to any home with its vibrant blooms. With just a little care, these charming plants can thrive and bring joy for years to come. Stop by one of our 16 locations across Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and DC this holiday season to choose the perfect plant with the help of our expert staff.

The post How to Care for a Christmas Cactus appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Watering houseplants in winter

As your plants adjust to indoor conditions with shorter days and dry, heated air, their water needs will change. Be sure to check the soil for dryness before watering. In a hot, dry home, you may need to water more frequently, while cooler, dimmer environments may cause plants to retain moisture longer. For most houseplants, it’s best to fertilize only during active growth periods to avoid overfeeding. Keep a close eye on their changing needs as they acclimate to their indoor environment.

Pests

Before bringing your plants inside, carefully check both the leaves and stems for signs of pests. Look for damage like chewed leaves, insect droppings, sticky residue, or webbing. Address any pest problems outside to prevent bringing them indoors. Here are some simple, effective remedies:

• Aphids, crickets, spiders, etc.: Spray with a strong stream of water to dislodge pests.
• Caterpillars and grasshoppers: Pick them off by hand.
• Snails and slugs: Use a flashlight to catch them at night and remove by hand.
• Soil-dwelling pests (ants, pillbugs, centipedes): Clean the root ball with a chlorine bleach solution (4 tbsp bleach per 1 gallon water) or submerge the root ball in water for 30+ minutes to drown insects.
• Mealybugs and scale: Remove pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Isolate the plant to monitor for re-infestation, and test a leaf before applying alcohol to avoid damage.

Diseases

For issues like powdery mildew, botrytis, and black spot, try insecticidal soap or a home remedy made by mixing 4 teaspoons of baking soda in a gallon of water with a few drops of dish soap. For tough fungal problems, use a fungicide labeled for indoor plants. Good light and air circulation can also help prevent fungus.

If you use a chemical treatment, make sure it’s for the right issue and follow the instructions. Using the wrong product can harm your plant and the environment, and overusing it can lead to resistance. If you’re unsure, bring a plant sample to one of our nurseries for help. Our experts will diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution.

Visit The Great Big Greenhouse for All Your Houseplant Needs!

Stop by The Great Big Greenhouse location in Richmond, VA  for expert advice on transitioning your plants for the colder months. We offer a wide selection of indoor plants, pots, and plant care products to keep your greenery thriving all year long.

The post Houseplant Highlight: Bringing Plants Inside for Winter appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

African Violet

African violets are a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts, and for good reason. These easy-to-grow plants are perfect for beginners, bloom frequently, propagate quickly, and come in a wide variety of sizes and colors. They thrive in bright, indirect light and well-drained potting soil (Espoma Organic’s African Violet Potting Mix is a great option). Overwatering is a common mistake, so only water when the surface of the soil feels dry. To avoid getting water on the delicate leaves, place your violet in a saucer filled with tepid water, allowing it to absorb moisture through the bottom of the pot.

Bromeliads

Bromeliads are a vibrant and tropical addition to any home, office, or outdoor living space. Known for their striking, colorful flower stalks that emerge from the center, these plants bring a lively, exotic feel to any setting. Native to rainforests, bromeliads thrive in humid conditions, so be sure to mist them occasionally and keep the cup-like base filled with water. For optimal growth and vibrant blooms, place them in bright light or full sun.

Neanthe Bella/Parlor Palm

The Neanthe Bella, also known as the Parlor Palm, is one of the most popular and easy-to-care-for houseplants. With its naturally compact growth and ability to thrive in low-light conditions, it’s an excellent choice for almost any space. Parlor palms grow slowly, taking several years to reach their mature height of 3 to 4 feet. They adapt well to artificial light, making them perfect for offices or areas with limited natural light, such as basements. During the warmer months (April through October), they require regular watering, but less water is needed during the colder months.

Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis Orchids, also known as Moth Orchids, are among the most popular and visually striking orchids available. Renowned for their long-lasting, vibrant blooms, they are also one of the safest orchid varieties for households with pets. While orchids can be a bit more challenging to care for, they are highly rewarding for those willing to put in the time and attention. As one of the most highly evolved and diverse flowering plants in the world, Phalaenopsis orchids offer stunning beauty and elegance, making them a fantastic addition to any home.

Spider Plants

Spider plants are a must-have in any houseplant collection, especially for beginners. Known for their easy care and rapid growth, they are one of the most beginner-friendly plants around. Spider plants produce numerous plantlets at the ends of their long stalks when they become root-bound, offering a simple way to propagate and expand your collection. Just snip off the plantlets with scissors, pot them up, and you’ll have an endless supply of spider plants to share with friends and family. Whether in a pot or hanging basket, they thrive and add a lush, vibrant touch to any space.

Shop Pet-Friendly Houseplants at the Great Big Greenhouse

These are just a few pet-friendly houseplants that can brighten up your home while keeping your furry friends safe. Find these and many more at The Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond, VA. Stop by today to explore our selection and get expert advice on the best options for your home and pets!

Unsure about a plant? Speak to one of our experts, or visit the ASPCA website. They have a tremendous database of toxic and non-toxic plants to help you make informed choices.

The post Houseplant Highlights: Our 5 Favorite Pet Safe Houseplants appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Sansevieria, also known as snake plant and mother-in-law’s tongue, has earned a reputation for being nearly indestructible. They come in many shapes and sizes and make great plants for the corner of a room, on tabletops, and in outdoor living spaces. Despite their virtual indestructibility, there are a few things you’ll need to know to aid in your success.

How often to water a snake plant

If there is one weakness that can doom you, it is overwatering. Most houseplants enjoy a period of drying out between waterings, and snake plants are no exception. In fact, unlike many varieties of houseplants, these guys can tolerate a few periods of drought when you forget to water for a few days. Or a week. We know who you are! However, too much watering can cause a disease known as basal rot, which causes rotted base roots and yellowing leaves that slowly die back over time.

Water your snake plant once or twice a week, depending on your home’s dryness, and reduce watering to just once or twice a month during the winter months. When watering, aim to moisten the soil around the edges of the leaf stalks, avoiding the heart of the plant to prevent water from getting trapped and causing rot.

Snake plant light requirements

Light is an easy one! Snake plants can handle any lighting conditions. While you’ll ideally want to place it in a brightly lit room without direct sunlight, it can thrive in bouts of direct sunlight or even a deeply shaded room if that is all you have available.

The best temperature for snake plants

Snake plants thrive in temperatures above 50 degrees. It also requires very little humidity, so occasionally misting the air is not required. If you keep your Sansevieria outdoors on a screened-in patio or outdoor living space, be mindful of falling temperatures in the fall and early spring. Any temperatures below 50 degrees will damage the foliage, so be sure to move indoors when temperatures begin to fall.

When to repot a snake plant

It is seldom required to report Sansevieria. Potting is probably only necessary when the plant’s roots do damage to your existing pot. When you do put it in a new container, make sure to use loose, well-draining soil. Rich soils will hold more moisture which you do not want with most houseplants.

How to make your snake plant bloom

While the striking, sword-like leaves of a snake plant are the star of the show, with a bit of care, they can really shine. Gently wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to remove any dust, and for an added boost, use a foliage cleaner to give them a glossy finish. If you keep your plant in optimal conditions, it may surprise you with small, fragrant white flowers from time to time—an extra reward for your care!

Visit The Great Big Greenhouse for All Your Houseplant Needs!

With minimal upkeep and impressive resilience, the snake plant is the perfect houseplant for those seeking a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to their home. Visit us at the Great Big Greenhouse location in Richmond, VA to explore our stunning selection of snake plants and receive expert advice from our friendly staff.

The post Houseplant Highlight: How to Care for Snake Plants appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

How often to water fiddle-leaf fig

One of the most common mistakes Fiddle-leaf Fig owners make is overwatering. Like many plants in the Ficus family, Fiddle-leaf Figs need to dry out somewhat between waterings. If the soil remains too moist, you’ll start to see browning along the leaf edges, a musty smell near the base, and even leaf drop. To prevent this, only water when the top 3–4 inches of soil are dry, and ensure water drains fully from the pot to avoid oversaturation. Keep in mind that fiddle-leaf Figs are native to the jungles of West Africa, so watering with lukewarm water helps prevent shock.

Fiddle-leaf fig light requirements

Fiddle-leaf figs thrive in bright, filtered light. Ideally, place your plant in an east- or north-facing window with ample light but no direct sun. A brief daily dose of sunlight is fine but steer clear of the intense afternoon sun. The harsh midday rays can scorch the leaves and damage your plant.

Fiddle-leaf fig temperature requirements

Fiddle-leaf figs flourish in warm temperatures, typically between 60–75°F during the day and no lower than 50–55°F at night. Consistency is key—rapid temperature changes can shock the plant and cause leaf drop. Avoid placing your Fiddle-leaf Fig near heating or cooling vents or windows that may be exposed to drafts. During the winter, consider lightly misting the leaves to help counteract the dry indoor air caused by heating. This occasional misting will provide the added humidity your Fig needs to stay healthy and vibrant.

When to repot a fiddle-leaf fig

Fiddle-leaf figs typically need repotting every two years in the spring, unless you notice roots growing through the bottom of the pot. You can stick to this schedule until the plant becomes too large to handle. Once it reaches that point, simply replace the top layer of soil annually. To ensure proper watering, choose a loose, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil when repotting. This will help prevent water from sitting in the soil and oversaturating the roots, promoting healthy growth.

Are fiddle-leaf figs pet-safe?

Unfortunately, those with pets may want to avoid having a Fiddle-leaf Fig in their home as they can cause irritation and digestive discomfort to pets who have ingested any material from the plant.

Visit The Great Big Greenhouse for All Your Houseplant Needs!

Visit our Great Big Greenhouse location in Richmond, VA for a beautiful selection of Fiddle-leaf figs and personalized advice from our knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, we’re here to help your plants thrive.

The post Houseplant Highlight: How to Care for Fiddle-Leaf Figs appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.