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.

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!

Gardener misting indoor orchids that are sitting on a wooden countertop

Houseplants

Should You Regularly Mist Your Indoor Orchids?

Are you thinking of misting your orchids as the sole source of providing them enough water for their growth? Orchid watering is sometimes considered more art, than science. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines if misting alone is enough water to keep your indoor orchids healthy, and thriving.

Orchid planted in pot with orchid bark soil

Flowers

Should You Use Orchid Bark When Potting Indoor Orchids?

Trying to find the perfect potting medium for your indoor orchids? Not sure if you should use orchid bark, or something else entirely? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through the benefits of orchid bark, and if it's the right potting medium you should be using with your species of orchid.

Wild-looking red succulent growing in a round pot topped with small white rocks. Other potted plants are positioned nearby on bright green turf. The succulent is red with a greenish center. The leaves are long and tentacle-like, growing in a rosette pattern. Each of the thick leaves has sharp tooth edges and they all grow upward and slightly toward the right.

Cacti & Succulents

37 Different Types of Aloe Plants With Names and Pictures

Are you thinking of growing aloe indoors or outdoors, but aren't sure where to start? There are many different types of aloe to choose from, depending on how you plan to grow it. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through the different aloe types you can add to your indoor or outdoor garden.

Orchid flowers being watered with ice cubes in a giant container

Flowers

Should You Water Orchids with Ice Cubes?

Have you heard that you can water an orchid with just ice cubes? Perhaps you've even considered trying it out? Many gardeners tend to have mixed feelings on this topic. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines if watering orchids with ice cubes is just another gardening fad, or something you should put into practice with your plants.

Lavender Scallops succulent growing in garden with green petals that have a red fringe

Cacti & Succulents

How to Grow and Care For Lavender Scallops

Need help determining the best way to care for your Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi? This popular succulent is low-maintenance and makes an excellent plant for beginners. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strass walks you through the maintenance and care of Lavender Scallops!

Perennial orchid growing in garden with light orange flowers

Flowers

Are Orchids Considered Annual, Biennial, or Perennial Flowers?

Are you thinking of welcoming an Orchid into your indoor or outdoor garden space? Curious to know if it will come back each season or if you'll have to replant it every year? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through if Orchids are considered annual, biennial, or perennial plants.

Magnolia 'Little Gem' Growing in garden with dark green foliage

Trees

11 Reasons Why You’ll Love Magnolia ‘Little Gem’

Thinking of adding a Magnolia to your garden? Why not try 'Little Gem' this growing season? This small magnolia has beautiful white flowers, and has a more compact growing profile. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through the reasons this plant can be a star in your garden!

cactus indoor

Cacti & Succulents

17 Different Types of Cactus Plants You Can Grow Indoors

Looking to add some cactus plants to the inside of your home, but aren't sure where to start? There are plenty of different indoor-friendly cactus plants you can add to your indoor garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss lists out some of her favorite cactus plants to grow inside your home.