Vinegar is effective at killing most young, tender, and shallow-rooted weeds such as chickweed or small annual weeds. The acetic acid in vinegar dries out the plant’s leaves and stems, causing them to wither. However, it’s less effective against deep-rooted or perennial weeds like dandelions, crabgrass, or thistles. These tougher weeds may require repeated applications, higher-strength vinegar, or a combination of vinegar spray with manual removal to fully eliminate them.
Yes. DIY weed killers such as vinegar, salt, and boiling water are non-selective, meaning they don’t distinguish between weeds, grass, or flowers. If they come in direct contact with your lawn, vegetable plants, or ornamental flowers, they can cause scorching, yellowing, or even death. To avoid harming desirable plants, apply these solutions carefully and directly on weeds, ideally with a spray bottle or by shielding nearby plants with cardboard or plastic during application.
Generally, yes—when used properly. Unlike chemical herbicides, homemade options like vinegar, salt, or boiling water don’t leave behind long-lasting toxic residues. Pets and children can safely return to treated areas once the vinegar has fully dried or the boiling water has cooled. However, concentrated vinegar (horticultural vinegar with higher acidity) can cause skin or paw irritation if touched while wet, so always let the treated area settle before allowing pets back.
Natural weed killers typically show visible effects within 24 hours. Weeds may start to wilt, turn brown, or dry up soon after application, especially in hot, sunny, and dry conditions, which speed up the process. For tougher weeds or cloudy weather, results may take longer, and you may need to reapply for complete control. Keep in mind that these methods work best on small or actively growing weeds, not large established ones.
No, most DIY weed killers are not a permanent fix. While they kill the parts of the weed above the soil, many weeds—especially perennials—can regrow from seeds or deep root systems. To maintain a weed-free garden, combine these natural treatments with preventive strategies such as mulching, pulling weeds before they seed, applying corn gluten meal to block germination, or maintaining dense, healthy plant cover to crowd out weeds naturally.
Yes, you can grow a banana tree indoors, especially if you choose dwarf varieties such as the Dwarf Cavendish. These smaller banana plants can thrive in large pots, provided they receive plenty of sunlight—ideally near a south-facing window—or supplemental grow lights. Indoor banana plants also benefit from high humidity, so regular misting or the use of a humidifier can help them flourish. With proper care, indoor banana trees can produce lush tropical foliage and, in some cases, even fruit.
Most edible banana varieties, such as Cavendish, are seedless and cannot be grown from seeds. Instead, they reproduce through suckers (also called pups) that grow around the base of the plant. However, wild banana species do produce large, hard seeds that can be germinated. These seed-grown bananas are not commonly cultivated for eating, as their fruit is often filled with seeds and lacks the sweetness of cultivated varieties.
Banana plants typically take between 9 to 15 months from planting to produce fruit, although the exact time depends on the variety, climate, and growing conditions. They grow fastest in consistently warm temperatures with high humidity and fertile soil. Once the flower stalk emerges, it usually takes another 2 to 6 months for the bananas to mature and be ready for harvest.
Yes, the main stem of a banana plant, often called the "mother plant," dies after it produces fruit. However, the plant doesn’t completely die out—it produces new shoots or suckers at the base. These suckers grow into new plants, continuing the cycle. Gardeners often select the healthiest suckers to grow into the next generation of fruit-bearing plants, ensuring a continuous supply of bananas.
Banana plants are tropical and do not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. In regions with cold winters, they must either be grown in pots and brought indoors before the first frost or protected outdoors with heavy mulching and wrapping. Some cold-hardy ornamental varieties can withstand cooler temperatures, but fruit-bearing types generally need a warm, frost-free climate to survive and produce well.
It depends on the sunflower varieties you choose. When you’re growing sunflowers from seed, most sunflower plants take 70–100 days from the time you sow the seed until sunflower heads bloom. Smaller varieties are usually fast growing and bloom earlier, while a giant sunflower takes longer.
There are many types of sunflowers. The traditional giant sunflower can reach 12–15 feet tall, producing large seed heads packed with edible seeds. Small sunflower varieties are ideal for pots or borders. For continuous color, try succession planting with branching varieties. When deciding on sunflowers to grow, consider if you want cut flowers, acres of sunflowers, or seeds for roasting.
To plant sunflower seeds, choose a sunny spot or use seeds in pots. Outdoors, sow sunflower seeds 6 inches apart for smaller plants or several inches apart for giants. Indoors, you can plant seeds indoors in pots and later transplant them along a fence or in beds. The best planting time is after the frost has passed.
Peperomia plants are often called radiator plants because they love the warm, cozy conditions found in our homes, making them a perfect houseplant. They’re native to tropical and subtropical regions, so they feel right at home on a sunny windowsill or a well-lit shelf. And don't worry if you don't have a green thumb, peperomias are easy to grow and easy to care, so you don't have to worry about constant babysitting. They're also pretty adaptable to different humidity levels, which is great if your home isn't exactly a tropical paradise.
One of the coolest things about peperomia is their diversity. There are over 1,500 types of Peperomia! That's a whole lot of plant love to go around. Some have thick, succulent-like leaves, while others sport delicate, rippled foliage. Luckily, they are pretty small, so you can keep a bunch of them without hogging all your space. You can't go wrong with any variety of peperomia you choose. Here are some to get you started:
Native to South America, Peperomia Obtusifolia is one of the most popular Peperomia varieties. This plant has thick, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that can be green or variegated with cream or yellow, growing up to 10-12 inches tall. It grows upright initially but can spread out with age. Preferring bright, indirect light, it can tolerate lower light conditions, making it ideal for beginners due to its forgiving nature. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Use well-draining soil and maintain temperatures between 65-75°F with moderate humidity.
Originating from Brazil, this variety is known for its deeply textured leaves. Dark green, heart-shaped leaves with deep ripples and red stems characterize it, growing to about 8 inches tall and forming a compact mound. It thrives best in medium to bright indirect light, making it perfect for small spaces and offices. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide higher humidity with temperatures between 60-75°F.
Named for its leaves’ resemblance to watermelon rinds, this plant hails from South America. It features striking silver and green striped leaves on red stems, growing up to 12 inches tall in a bushy and compact form. Bright, indirect light is ideal for this visually striking plant. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure high humidity with temperatures between 60-80°F.
A hybrid variety combining Peperomia quadrifolia and Peperomia deppeana, this plant has round, succulent-like leaves that grow in groups of three to four. It can trail or stay compact with a trailing or mounding growth habit. It thrives in bright to moderate indirect light, making it suitable for hanging baskets or trailing over shelves. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and maintain moderate humidity and temperatures between 65-75°F.
Native to Ecuador, this variety is prized for its unique coloring. Ruby red stems and undersides of the leaves contrast with the deep green top of the leaves, growing to about 10 inches in an upright and bushy form. Preferring bright, indirect light, it is excellent for adding a pop of color to your plant collection. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and provide moderate humidity with temperatures between 65-75°F.
Known for its turtle-shell patterned leaves, this variety has small, round leaves with a distinctive pattern. It trails and can reach lengths of several feet, thriving in bright, indirect light. Ideal for hanging baskets or terrariums, keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering. Provide high humidity and temperatures between 65-75°F.
Originating from the Caribbean region, this plant features green leaves with red edges and stems, growing up to 12 inches tall with an upright growth habit. It thrives in bright, indirect light to partial shade, making it good for adding a touch of color to indoor spaces. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch, and maintain moderate humidity with temperatures between 65-75°F.
A cultivar developed for its striking foliage, Peperomia Rosso has dark green, deeply ridged leaves with red undersides, growing to about 8 inches tall in a compact and bushy form. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, making it perfect for small pots or desk plants. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering, and provide moderate humidity with temperatures between 60-75°F.
Known for its large, raindrop-shaped leaves, this variety is native to the tropical regions of South America. Shiny, heart-shaped leaves resemble raindrops, growing up to 12 inches tall in an upright and bushy form. Bright, indirect light is ideal for this unique foliage plant. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and provide moderate to high humidity with temperatures between 65-75°F.
A relatively new cultivar known for its striking appearance, this plant has green leaves with silver and dark green veining, growing to about 8 inches tall in a compact and mounding form. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, making it great for adding a touch of elegance to your plant collection. Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged, and provide moderate humidity with temperatures between 65-75°F.
Native to Peru, this variety is named for its bean-like leaves. Long, narrow, bean-like leaves are bright green, growing up to 12 inches tall in an upright and bushy form. Bright, indirect light is ideal for this succulent enthusiast's plant. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and maintain low to moderate humidity with temperatures between 65-75°F.
Native to the Caribbean, this variety is known for its colorful foliage. Green leaves with red undersides and stems grow to about 10 inches tall in an upright and bushy form. Preferring bright, indirect light to partial shade, it is excellent for adding color to your indoor garden. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch, and maintain moderate humidity with temperatures between 65-75°F.
This variety is known for its striped leaves. Small, dark green leaves with light green stripes trail and can reach lengths of several feet. Thriving in bright, indirect light, it is ideal for hanging baskets or terrariums. Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering, and provide high humidity with temperatures between 65-75°F.
Known for its metallic sheen, this variety hails from South America. Dark green, almost black leaves with a metallic sheen grow to about 8 inches tall in a compact and bushy form. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, making it great for adding a unique touch to your plant collection. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering, and provide moderate humidity with temperatures between 60-75°F.
This variety is native to the tropical regions of South America. Small, fleshy leaves are bright green, growing to about 6 inches tall in a compact and bushy form. Bright, indirect light is ideal for this succulent lover's plant. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and maintain moderate humidity with temperatures between 65-75°F.
A: Most Peperomia varieties are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a pet-friendly choice for your home. However, it's always good practice to keep plants out of reach of pets to avoid any potential issues.
A: Peperomia plants generally do not require much pruning, but you can trim them to maintain their shape and size. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage healthy growth. You can also pinch back the stems to promote bushier growth.
A: Yes, Peperomia can be easily propagated! The most common methods are stem cuttings and leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, cut a healthy stem with a few leaves, and place it in water or directly into moist soil. For leaf cuttings, cut a healthy leaf with a bit of the petiole (leaf stem) and plant it in moist soil. Both methods usually take a few weeks to develop roots.
