Plants
Between the herbs, the coffee tree, and the orchids that refuse to cooperate, this is where I keep track of what I'm growing, the care each one actually needs, and what I've learned the hard way.
What I'm growing
General care requirements below as well as my blog entries.
Rosemary
Mediterranean herb that wants to run dry between waterings — sometimes called the "upside-down plant" since it likes dry soil but slightly moist foliage. Well-draining, sandy soil is key; watch for root rot if overwatered. Add your notes here.
Lemon Thyme
Wants abundant, bright, direct light — keep it within a foot of a sunny window. Grows slowly and doesn't need much fertilizer; well-draining soil with some perlite works well. Add your notes here.
Sweet Mint
Unlike most herbs here, mint actually wants to stay moist — don't let it dry out. Give it its own container, since it spreads aggressively and will take over anything nearby. Add your notes here.
Tomatoes
New addition, growing in a hanging planter outside. Hanging baskets dry out fast, so plan on daily watering once it's hot, plus regular feeding since nutrients leach out with every watering. Pinching the tips young helps it bush out into a fuller, cascading plant. Add your notes here.
Coffee Tree
An understory plant by nature, so it wants dappled light, not direct sun — harsh sun scorches the leaves. Humidity is the trickiest part indoors; a pebble tray or humidifier helps, since dry air invites spider mites. Add your notes here.
Snake Plant
The low-maintenance one on this list — thrives on neglect and does best in bright indirect light, but will hang on in far dimmer corners too. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings; overwatering is really the only way to kill it. Add your notes here.
Moth Orchid
No direct sun — leaves will scorch. If it isn't reblooming, low light is the most common culprit. Grown in bark, not soil, so water thoroughly and let it approach dryness between waterings rather than following a fixed schedule. Add your notes here.
Jasmine minima
Wants a good amount of bright light to bloom reliably indoors — 6+ hours if possible, out of harsh direct sun. Keep humidity moderate and avoid moving it around once it's settled; jasmine doesn't love being relocated. Add your notes here.
Lessons learned
A running blog of what wins, mistakes, and the occasional plant I almost killed.