All About Plants

Succulents are often labeled as "easy" plants, but if you’ve been growing them for a while, you know that’s only half the truth. Sure, they survive neglect better than most houseplants, but if you want them to thrive—not just barely hang on—there’s a lot more to it than the usual "don’t overwater" advice. Most care guides repeat the same basics: bright light, well-draining soil, and occasional watering. But what about the real secrets—the stuff that turns a struggling succulent into a showstopper? Let’s dive into the lesser-known, advanced tips that most people miss. 1. The Hidden Watering Trick: Drench & Dry (Not Just "Sparingly") Yes, overwatering kills succulents. But underwatering slowly weakens them. The trick? Drench deeply, then let them go bone dry. Most people give tiny sips of water, thinking they’re being safe, but this leads to shallow roots and weak growth. Here’s what works better: Soak the soil completely until water runs out of the drai...

  Let’s be real—you didn’t click this article to read another generic spiel about "watering when dry" or "bright indirect light." If you’re here, your Laxmi Kamal (or as my Tamil neighbor calls it, "Thamarai") has outgrown beginner advice. Maybe it’s alive but not thriving, or perhaps you’re just suspicious that this plant has secrets no one’s telling you. (Spoiler: It does.) I’ve murdered enough of these plants to earn a PhD in What Not to Do—and hacked my way to a jungle of blooms. So grab your gardening gloves (or don’t, because honestly, this plant couldn’t care less), and let’s dive into the weird, science-backed, and borderline obsessive tricks that’ll transform your Laxmi Kamal from "meh" to "magnificent." 1. The Dirty Truth About Air Purification (It’s Not What Instagram Told You) Every plant influencer claims Laxmi Kamal is a "natural air purifier." But here’s the kicker: it’s a lie by omission. Yes, a Journal of Aqua...