Mark Tavis | Plant Blueprint

Alocasia Frydek Care: Humidity, Water and Winter Dormancy

October 19, 2026August 28, 2026 by Mark Tavis

Alocasia Frydek care guide showing velvety dark green arrow-shaped leaves with white veins in a ceramic pot

The Lab | Alocasia Frydek Care Alocasia ‘Frydek’, the green velvet alocasia, is grown for its arrow-shaped, velvety dark green leaves with bright white veins. … Read more

Alocasia Cucullata Care: Light, Water and Propagation

October 19, 2026August 27, 2026 by Mark Tavis

Alocasia cucullata care guide showing glossy heart-shaped leaves of the Buddha's hand plant in a terracotta pot

The Lab | Alocasia Cucullata Care Alocasia cucullata, sold as Chinese taro or Buddha’s hand, is the easy-going little cousin of the giant elephant ears. … Read more

Monstera Symbolism: What the Swiss Cheese Plant Really Means

October 19, 2026August 26, 2026 by Mark Tavis

Monstera symbolism meaning represented by a healthy fenestrated Monstera deliciosa in a bright home interior

Symbolism | Monstera deliciosa Monstera symbolism is mostly modern. The Swiss cheese plant comes from the rainforests of Mexico and Central America, and the meanings … Read more

September Flower Meaning: Aster and Morning Glory Symbolism

October 26, 2026August 24, 2026 by Mark Tavis

September flower meaning guide showing purple aster blooms and blue morning glory flowers in a soft natural arrangement

Symbolism | September Flower Meaning September’s birth flowers are usually given as the aster and the morning glory. Both have long histories in the language … Read more

August Birth Flower Meaning: Gladiolus and Poppy Symbolism

October 19, 2026August 23, 2026 by Mark Tavis

August birth flower meaning: vibrant gladiolus spikes and red poppy blooms in a garden arrangement

Symbolism | August Birth Flower Meaning August has two birth flowers: the gladiolus and the poppy. Birth flowers are a modern custom rather than an … Read more

Alocasia macrorrhizos Care: How to Grow a Giant Taro Indoors

October 19, 2026August 21, 2026 by Mark Tavis

Alocasia macrorrhizos care guide showing giant arrow-shaped leaves and thick stems in a large indoor container

The Lab | Alocasia macrorrhizos (giant taro) Alocasia macrorrhizos care indoors comes down to bright indirect light, warmth, generous watering in summer and a cool, … Read more

Alocasia Black Velvet Care: How to Keep It Healthy Indoors

October 19, 2026August 21, 2026 by Mark Tavis

Alocasia Black Velvet care guide showing dark velvety leaves in bright indirect light

The Urban Lab | Care Protocol Alocasia Black Velvet (Alocasia reginula) needs bright, indirect light, a free-draining houseplant compost, high humidity and temperatures that stay … Read more

Alocasia Zebrina Care: Light, Water and Yellow Leaves

October 19, 2026August 21, 2026 by Mark Tavis

Alocasia zebrina care guide showing zebra-striped petioles and glossy green arrow-shaped leaves in a modern indoor pot

The Lab | Alocasia Zebrina Care Alocasia zebrina is grown for its stems: tall leaf stalks banded in black and cream like a zebra, topped … Read more

Ranunculus Flower Meaning: Charm, Colors and Symbolism

October 19, 2026August 19, 2026 by Mark Tavis

Ranunculus flower meaning and symbolism guide

Symbolism | Ranunculus Flower Meaning The garden ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus, the Persian buttercup) is one of the most popular spring and wedding flowers, with layered, … Read more