Posts By

Melissa Strauss

Melissa is a writer, hobby gardener, beekeeper and homemaker. She can be found working in her extensive pollinator garden, trolling the local nurseries for unique plant specimens, and tending to the many fruit-bearing plants on her property. Melissa hopes to inspire other gardeners to delve into the rich and fulfilling world of pollinator gardening.

Spathoglottis Orchid blooming in garden with bright pink flowers

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Spathoglottis Orchids

Thinking of growing a Spathoglottis Orchid, but aren't sure where to start? These popular flowers are beautiful, but can be a bit tricky to grow. In this article, gardening expert and Orchid enthusiast Melissa Strauss examines all you need to know about Spathoglottis Orchids and their care.

Treating roots of orchid plant with hydrogen peroxide

Flowers

​​Should You Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Orchid Root Rot?

Thinking of using hydrogen peroxide to treat the rotting roots of your orchid plants? There are many gardening "hacks" out there, and not all of them are great for your plants. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at if this controversial practice is a good idea or something you should avoid at all costs.

Orchid flower growing in the ground

Flowers

15 Hardy Orchids That Can Be Grown in the Ground

Are you looking for some orchids that can be grown in the ground, rather than in a pot or indoors? There are a number of different hardy orchids that aren't epiphyptic. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at her favorite types of orchids that can be grown in-ground.

Orchid Plant sitting next to epsom salt on counter

Flowers

Is Epsom Salt Good or Bad For Orchids?

Thinking of using Epsom salt in your orchid care routine? In this article, gardening expert and orchid enthusiast Melissa Strauss examines if it's safe to use epsom salts when caring for orchids, or if it's just another orchid maintenance myth you should ignore when caring for your plants.

kalanchoe varieties

Cacti & Succulents

41 Different Types of Kalanchoe Varieties You’ll Love

Thinking of adding some Kalanchoe to your indoor or outoor garden, but aren't sure where to start? There are many different varieties to choose form, depending on your goals. In this articcle, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at the many different types of Kalanchoe, with names and pictures of each!

Pink Orchid Growing Indoors on Windowsill

Flowers

25 Different Orchids That Thrive as Indoor Houseplants

Are you looking for some orchids to add to your houseplant collection? There are plenty of different orchids that can thrive indoors if they are provided the proper care. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss takes you through her favorite orchids to grow as indoor houseplants.

Orchid plant sitting in a tray next to coffee grounds in a glass cup

Flowers

Are Coffee Grounds Good or Bad for Orchids?

Thinking of throwing some coffee grounds into your orchid potting mix? While coffee grounds can be used successfully as compost material, what about as a soil additive? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines if it's a good idea to use coffee grounds with your orchids, or if it's just another gardening tip you should skip.

plants with tiny flowers

Flowers

20 Different Plants With Tiny Flowers For Your Garden

Are you looking for some plants with small flowers to add to your garden this season? There are many different types of plants with tiny blooms you can grow, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through her favorite plants that have smaller flowers!

root rot orchids

Plant Diseases

How to Fix Root Rot in Orchid Plants

Orchids are beautiful flowers with sensitive roots. When exposed to too much water, they can succumb to root rot. When that happens, it's important to act quickly to fix the situation. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at each step necessary to fix root rot when it strikes your orchid plants.

phalaenopsis orchids

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids

Thinking of adding a Phalaenopsis Orchid to your indoor or outdoor plant collection? These popular orchids can be a bit picky about their maintenance needs, but bloom profusely when properly cared for. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines everything you need to know about this particular orchid species, including their maintenance and care.

Cinnamon and orchid roots sitting on table for potting

Plant Problems

Should You Use Cinnamon to Treat Root Rot in Orchids?

While cinnamon does have uses as an anti-fungal agent in preventative care for orchids, can you use it to treat root rot? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines if you should use ground cinnamon for root rot or stick to more conventional methods when it comes to treating this common orchid problem.

Flower blooming in the winter in a garden

Flowers

25 Beautiful Flowering Plants That Bloom in Winter

Are you looking for some flowers that will bloom in the winter? Believe it or not, there are actually a number of plants that bloom during the colder months, rather than in the spring. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss creates a list of her favorites, with names and pictures of each!