AMERICAN GARDENER

The fishbone cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger) is a forest cactus native to Mexico. Unlike the typical desert cactus most people picture, it grows on trees in humid rainforests, absorbing moisture from the air and its surroundings. Its stems are flat and wavy, with deep notches along the edges that look like the bones of a fish … Read more

Hanging and trailing succulents are among the most visually dramatic plants you can grow, celebrated for their ability to cascade gracefully over the edges of pots, shelves, and hanging baskets. Their naturally pendulous growth habit makes them ideal for elevated displays, where gravity becomes part of the design. Unlike upright plants that fill vertical space, … Read more

A succulent is any plant with thick, fleshy (succulent) water storage organs. Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. Succulent plants are some of the hardiest, most drought tolerant in the world and very easy to maintain, as long as they are planted in a porous soil, proper drainage, daily bright light, and not over watered. … Read more

Succulent flowers that resemble roses are admired for their layered, symmetrical form that closely mimics the elegant spiral of a classic bloom. Their petals—or petal-like structures—are arranged in tight rosettes, creating a soft, sculpted appearance that feels both natural and artistic. This resemblance gives them a timeless charm that appeals to many people. The colors … Read more

Trailing plants are particularly well-suited for pots and containers because of their naturally cascading growth habit. When planted in raised containers, their stems spill over the edges, creating a soft, flowing effect that adds visual interest. This makes them ideal for balconies, patios, and indoor spaces where elevation can highlight their form. In containers, these … Read more

Trailing plants are especially effective for decorating walls because of their naturally cascading growth. When placed at elevated points, their stems spill downward, creating a living curtain of greenery. This softens the appearance of flat, rigid surfaces and adds a more organic, relaxed feel to vertical spaces. They are often used to transform blank walls … Read more

Trailing plants are characterized by their long, flexible stems that grow outward and downward rather than upright. This natural growth habit allows them to spread across surfaces or cascade gracefully over edges. They are often admired for their ability to create a soft, flowing appearance in both indoor and outdoor settings. These plants tend to … Read more

Grafting an avocado tree is one of the most rewarding skills in fruit tree cultivation, allowing you to combine the vigor and disease resistance of a proven rootstock with the superior fruit quality of a chosen variety. Avocado is more demanding to graft than most fruit trees due to its high phenolic content, which causes … Read more

Avocado (Persea americana) is one of the more challenging fruit trees to graft successfully, owing to its high phenolic content, which causes cut surfaces to oxidize and brown rapidly, and its sensitivity to temperature, humidity, and technique. Despite these challenges, a range of reliable grafting methods have been developed and refined over decades of commercial … Read more

Avocado grafting can be a delicate process that requires careful attention from start to finish. Even when everything appears to be done correctly, the success of the union depends on several underlying factors working together. Small inconsistencies in handling, timing, or plant condition can influence how well the graft develops. The compatibility between the plant … Read more