Botany Subscription Box [February 2023]
Thanks so much for subscribing to the Botany Box!
We hope you’ll enjoy each month’s selections as much as we enjoy sending them out to you.
Please note that plants may appear a bit frazzled when you receive them. This is normal, and they should perk up within a couple of weeks when following the care instructions provided in this blog post.
This month’s featured plants are Philodendron Micans, String Of Turtles, and String Of Frogs.
This month’s featured crystal is Lepidolite.
Philodendron Micans
How long does it take for plants to recover from shipping?
Your plant has been shipped in a completely dark box, potentially for days, so tread lightly when you receive it. Wait at least 2 weeks before repotting your houseplant. It’ll give your plant some time to adjust “out of the box” and regain some strength. It’s perfectly OK if your plant loses a few leaves in the process.
About Philodendron Micans
Native to the tropical regions of Mexico and the Caribbean, the philodendron micans is a stunning philodendron variety that is known for its velvety, heart-shaped leaves and trailing growth habit. Philodendron micans look great in hanging planters or climbing moss poles or trellises, and similar to other philodendron varieties, it is low-maintenance and easy to grow. As a variety of the heartleaf philodendron, the philodendron micans is considered toxic to both cats and dogs.
Philodendron Micans Care
This philodendron is easy to care for and grow indoors as a houseplant. It appreciates bright, indirect light; well-draining soil; and regular watering. While the philodendron micans does produce flowers in the wild, it is extremely rare for them to flower indoors and when they do, the blooms are fairly insignificant compared to their brilliant foliage.
Light
The philodendron micans enjoys bright to medium indirect light. Avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight as it can burn the delicate leaves, causing discoloration and crispy edges.
The amount of light that your philodendron micans is exposed to will ultimately influence the color of the leaves. Increased light will cause the leaves to stay red/maroon, while lower light will result in leaves that are a deeper green color.
Soil
This tropical aroid requires an airy, moist, well-draining soil mixture that is rich in organic matter. While it can technically survive in a standard potting soil, the philodendron micans will thrive in a custom soil mix designed to meet its needs. Try mixing together 1 part potting soil, 1 part orchid bark, 1 part perlite, and 1 part peat moss or coco coir to create the ideal potting mix for your philodendron micans.
Water
Water your philodendron micans once the top 2-3 inches of the soil have dried out. Another easy way to tell if your micans needs water is to check the leaves: once it is thirsty the leaves will start to droop and curl inwards slightly. These philodendrons are sensitive to over-watering so ensure that you are never letting the roots sit in water.
Temperature and Humidity
Native to tropical environments, the philodendron micans thrives in warm temperatures and humid conditions. Typical household temperature levels are more than adequate for the philodendron micans, just ensure that you keep your plant away from any cold, drafty windows or air vents. For the most part, average household humidity levels are also sufficient for a philodendron micans, although providing extra humidity for your plant can help to boost its growth.
Fertilizer
As long as your philodendron micans is planted in a potting medium that is rich in organic matter, it will not require any heavy fertilization. That being said, it can benefit from some light fertilization with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer throughout the spring and summer to help boost growth.
Pruning
Regular pruning will help to ensure that your philodendron micans does not become leggy as pruning encourages the stems to branch. The spring and summer are the best times to prune your philodendron micans as it is in its active growing period. Using a pair of sterilized pruning shears, prune any stems that are particularly long. Save any stem trimmings as they can be used for propagation.
String Of Turtles
How long does it take for plants to recover from shipping?
Your plant has been shipped in a completely dark box, potentially for days, so tread lightly when you receive it. Wait at least 2 weeks before repotting your houseplant. It’ll give your plant some time to adjust “out of the box” and regain some strength. It’s perfectly OK if your plant loses a few leaves in the process.
About String Of Turtles
String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) is a tiny succulent native to Brazilian rainforests that thrives in warm climates but adapts well to average household conditions. Because of this, it’s a popular plant for houseplant collections and apartment jungles worldwide.
It’s small in size and has a slow growth rate, reaching full maturity in three to five years. This makes string of turtles a good choice if you have limited space. The plant’s attractive leaf shape also makes it a favorite to use in fairy gardens, container gardens, and glass terrariums.
That same leaf shape is what gives the plant its common name. Each one looks like the shell of a miniature turtle strung together. Every tiny leaf on its trailing vine has intricate multi-colored patterns covering its surface—the colors become muted with age and eventually become bi-colored by maturity, typically a darker green contrasted by light green. No matter how it is used, the uniqueness of Peperomia prostrata will make it a valuable addition to any indoor plant collection and an excellent conversation piece. As a bonus, Peperomia prostrata is non-toxic, making it a great plant to grow in homes with pets and children.
String Of Turtles Care
When properly cared for, a string of turtles plant can be the pride of a tropical plant collection, but it will take a little effort and some adapting from the typical methods used to maintain most succulents. Different, though, does not mean complicated. An adequately cared for Peperomia prostrata will reward owners with a unique, well-kept, vining succulent.
Light
String of turtles plants love bright indirect sunlight and will thrive in these conditions. Keeping these plants in full sun for too long will damage the leaves, but too little light and they will fail to produce new growth. Because of the vining nature of the plant, make sure light reaches the top of the plant so that it continues to produce new growth. Often, vining plants are placed on high shelves or areas without light, which causes the plant to stop producing new growth. Make sure light reaches all areas of the plant.
Soil
Those familiar with raising succulents may be used to using premixed soil that has been formulated especially for succulents and cacti. These premixes should not be used for string of turtles plants.
Instead, a mix consisting mainly of organic matter should be used. One that is rich in peat is ideal. This formula is easily found in a commercial seed starting mix. Peat is acidic, which is perfect for this plant, but take care that the pH does not get too low. Testing the soil is every so often is a good idea. Make sure the soil drains well.
Water
String of turtles plants tend to suffer from over-watering more than they do dry conditions. The plant is native to the Brazilian rainforest, so it prefers slightly moist conditions. Make sure the pot has drainage holes, water well, then let the soil dry out between waterings. Avoid over-watering by drenching the soil till water runs out the bottom of the pot, and the soil is thoroughly moist. Do not water the plant again until the top two inches of soil have dried out.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers cooler, more humid temperatures over the warmer temperatures most succulent fans have come to expect. Keep your string of turtles plant in a consistent temperature environment that ranges from 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It does not like cold temperatures, so avoid placing it near exterior doors or drafty windows, and if you’ve placed it outside during the summer, make sure to bring it inside before temperatures turn chilly. During drier summer months or when a heater is running during the winter, you may want to use a mister or humidifier to increase humidity around the plant, as long as care is taken to ensure that the leaves are not left wet.
Fertilizer
Feeding string of turtles will help the plant maintain a bright shiny vigor and ensure that the leaves’ color and patterns are held throughout the growing season. Feed it with a diluted houseplant fertilizer biweekly during the growing season—fertilizing is not recommended during the fall or winter months.
Pruning
If string of turtles plants are not pruned regularly, they can develop an unkempt, ragged, and leggy appearance. Occasional pruning will allow you to remove dead and damaged stems and leaves and tame unwanted growth. It also encourages new, more vigorous growth to flourish. Do all pruning with sanitized scissors or very sharp snips.
String Of Frogs
How long does it take for plants to recover from shipping?
Your plant has been shipped in a completely dark box, potentially for days, so tread lightly when you receive it. Wait at least 2 weeks before repotting your houseplant. It’ll give your plant some time to adjust “out of the box” and regain some strength. It’s perfectly OK if your plant loses a few leaves in the process.
About String Of Frogs
A cultivar of the Creeping Fig, the Ficus pumila quercifolia, aka Strong Of Frogs, Plant is a low-maintenance creeping vine that looks beautiful on hanging baskets and counter tops.
Almost all of the plants belonging to the Moraceae family, such as String Of Frogs, are toxic to children and pets.
String Of Frogs Care
A member of the Moraceae family, Ficus pumila quercifolia is an invasive grower with unique evergreen foliage. The woody vines can spread vigorously, but you can train this easy-to-grow specimen around the house for a lush tropical display.
Light
Ficus pumila quercifolia does best in 4-6 hours of dappled sunlight. Exposure to the direct afternoon sun will scorch its leaves, leading to crisp brown tips and faded foliage. A bit of a morning sun exposure every day will keep it lush and bushy.
Soil
The String of Frogs thrives in a well-draining potting mix with a neutral pH of 6.5-7. Grow the creeper in a mixture of 40% garden soil, 40% coarse sand, and 20% aged manure.
Amend the medium with a handful of perlite or vermiculite to boost drainage. Adding organic matter will also boost its growth.
Water
Water the plant when you feel the top soil is dry to the touch. It is better to follow a weekly deep watering session to keep the medium moist throughout. Do not over water to keep potential diseases at bay.
Temperature and Humidity
Native to the tropics, Ficus pumila quercifolia appreciates a relatively warm climate to grow well. The optimal temperature ranges from 55-75 F. Anything below 50 F will cease its growth, and above 75 F will shrivel and fade its leaves. The plant is highly non-resistant to frost; ensure to keep it away from cold drafts and bring the plant indoors in winter. The String of Frogs needs 60-80% humidity to thrive beautifully. Use a humidifier or pebble tray for drier days.
Fertilizer
Ficus pumila quercifolia doesn’t require fertilization if grown in a nutrient-rich potting mix. However, you may feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to one-fourth of its strength, every 4-6 weeks when it is actively growing. Avoid fertilizing it in colder months.
Pruning
Prune the stems from time to time to keep their spread in check. Also, make sure to remove any dead or damaged foliage when you spot it.
Lepidolite
About Lepidolite
Do you often feel nervous or worried? Does your heart beat rapidly or your breath shorten? Do you have trouble concentrating? These can all be signs of anxiety. Rather than letting anxiety interfere with your life, work with Lepidolite crystal to manage your anxiety and prevent it from escalating.
An Introduction to Lepidolite Crystal Healing Properties
Assists in the release and reorganization of old behavioral and psychological patterns. Gently induces change, brings deep emotional healing, soothes and reduces stress and depression.
The Lepidolite crystal properties work by bringing awareness to your current state of being. By focusing on what you are feeling right now, you can begin to take a step back from worrying about the future or stressing about the past and come back to your breath. The tranquility and calm that Lepidolite provides helps you to take a deep breath and focus on solutions so you can address the source of your stress rather than letting it take over. The ultra-soothing vibrations of this stone is also what makes it such a powerful crystal for supporting sleep and relaxation.
History & Lore
Lepidolite’s name comes from the Greek translation of “scale,” which is a reference to its scaly appearance. It wasn’t discovered until 1861, and was initially called Lilalite due to its lavender hue.
Origin & Regionality
Lepidolite is found in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Japan, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.
