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.

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!

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!