Posts By

Matt Dursum

Matt Dursum is a freelance writer and gardener from Michigan. He has a BA in Geography from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His favorite horticulture endeavors are pushing plant hardiness limits in his garden in Michigan and learning about wild botanicals.

Close up of a man's hand checking sticky aloe leaves.

Cacti & Succulents

Why Are My Aloe Plant Leaves Sticky?

Aloe plants have many wonderful uses, from soothing sunburns to looking great in your garden. Although they’re easy to grow, they can succumb to critters and diseases. In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum shows you why your aloe plant leaves are sticky and what to do about it.

grow dragon fruit indoors in pot, appearing crowded with some pieces looking short and some long

Fruits

How to Grow Dragon Fruit Trees Indoors

Dragon fruit is an otherworldly subtropical cactus that produces colorful flowers and delicious fruit. Although it’s not a typical houseplant, you can grow this juicy delicacy indoors. In this article, tropical fruit enthusiast and plant expert Matt Dursum shows you how to grow healthy dragon fruit indoors.

A woman in gray pants and a checkered red shirt holds a potted indoor dying lavender, with rotting brown stems and wilted leaves at the base.

Herbs

Why Is My Indoor Lavender Dying? 13 Expert Fixes

Is your precious indoor lavender dying? Although you can grow this culinary gem indoors, there are a few issues to look for. In this article, herb enthusiast Matt Dursum explains why your indoor lavender is dying and what to do about it.

A close-up shot of yellow flowers with a pink center that showcases how to overwinter hibiscus

Flowers

9 Key Tips for Overwintering Hibiscus Plants

Hibiscus are lush and beautiful perennials you’ll want to grow in your garden. However, there are some things you’ll need to do to keep these colorful flowers alive in colder regions. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows what it takes to overwinter your hibiscus plants.

A woman in a plaid shirt repots a Philodendron after noticing signs it needs repotting, featuring velvety, heart-shaped green leaves with prominent light green veins, into a colorful ceramic pot.

Houseplants

9 Signs It’s Time to Repot Your Philodendron

Philodendrons bring tropical forest vibes and big, bright foliage to your indoor space. As easy to grow and beautiful as they are, they can outgrow their containers fast. In this article, we show you the signs your philodendron needs repotting.

A black cat with white spots on its face and neck sits next to a Poinsettia plant, known for its vibrant red bracts but also as one of the potentially poisonous holiday plants to pets if ingested.

Houseplants

11 Common Holiday Plants That Are Poisonous to Pets

There’s nothing like growing festive ornamental plants during the holiday season. But did you know that some of them are harmful to your furry friends? In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum shows you common holiday plants that can poison your pets.