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.

orchids dropping leaves on the table

Plant Problems

5 Reasons Your Orchid is Dropping Leaves

Is your orchid dropping its leaves, and you can't seem to figure out why it happens? There are actually a few different issues that may arise that cause the leaves to start falling off your plant. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through the most common causes of leaves dropping from an orchid plant.

Flowerbed idea of petunias planted in a square wooden box

Flowers

27 Unique Flower Bed Ideas for Your Garden

Need some inspiration for your flower beds this season? There are many different ways you can bring creativity to your garden beds this season. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss provides some of her favorite flower bed ideas to keep your garden interesting this year!

Dendrobium Orchid Growing in Garden

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Dendrobium Orchids

Have you decided to add a Dendrobium Orchid plant to your indoor or outdoor garden? These interesting orchids can display beautiful blooms when they are properly cared for. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss explains everything you need to know about growing dendrobium orchids, including their maintenance and care needs.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Cacti & Succulents

How to Grow and Care For Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana is one of the most popular varieties of Kalanchoe grown in home gardens, both indoors and outdoors. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss takes you through everything you need to know about growing Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana, including its maintenance and care requirements.

Purple vanda orchid blooming indoors after watering

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Vanda Orchids

Thinking of growing vanda orchids but aren't quite sure where to start? These popular flowers can be a bit picky about their growing environment. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through all you need to know about growing vanda orchids, including their maintenance and care.

Vibrant Orchids Blooming Outdoors

Flowers

11 Tips For Post Blooming Orchid Care

Not sure how to care for your orchid after it blooms? These sensitive flowers are notoriously picky about their maintenance routine, especially after they've bloomed. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for post-blooming orchid care.

Bright orange epidendrum orchid growing outdoors in the garden sunlight

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Epidendrum Orchids

Thinking of growing epidendrum orchids but aren't quite sure where to start? These beautiful flowers have lovely blooms and are a favorite for many gardeners. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss takes you through all you need to know about growing epidendrum orchids and their maintenance needs.

Orchid that has not been cared for properly sitting on windowsill

Plant Problems

15 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Orchids

If you recently became the proud owner of a new orchid, you have likely already educated yourself on the basics of their care. But what about what "not" to do? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines the most common mistakes that orchid owners make during their care routines.

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.