Posts by Alexander Whaley

I learned to water succulent terrariums the hard way: one summer I turned a perfect mini-desert into a swamp with a single enthusiastic pour. If your terrarium looks great for two weeks and then...

I’ve nursed plenty of sad-looking air plants back from the brink on a windowsill and a crowded bookshelf. If your air plant looks tired, crispy, or floppy, you’re not imagining it — these...

When I brought home my first Venus flytrap, I treated it like a fern — potting soil, tap water, and a sunny sill. Three months later, I had a pot of blackened traps and a bruised ego. If that...

I’ve mounted more air plants on driftwood than I can count, and I’ve watched some leap into growth while others slid off after the first watering. If you’ve ever found a favorite Tillandsia on...

I used to think a “well-draining mix” meant tossing in a handful of whatever grit I had. A few months later, my pots felt like bricks and roots sulked in stale, heavy soil. If your plants perk up...

I’ve kept air plants alive on a dim bookshelf, a north-facing windowsill, and even a bathroom with frosted glass. If your home has few sunny spots, I know the exact struggle: everything looks great...