The Lab

The lab has science-based care guides for rare and common indoor plants.

Purple Passion Plant Care: Gynura Aurantiaca Guide

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Purple passion plant care: a Gynura aurantiaca with velvety purple-haired leaves in a hanging basket in bright indirect light

Looking for the passionflower vine (Passiflora) or edible passion fruit? This guide is about the velvet houseplant Gynura aurantiaca. Few houseplants stop people in their … Read more

How to Bottom Water Plants (And When You Shouldn’t)

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How to bottom water plants without overwatering: a potted houseplant absorbing water from a shallow tray through its drainage holes

If you love the idea of bottom watering but you’re terrified of drowning your plants, here’s the reassurance you need: learning how to bottom water … Read more

Hydroponic Systems: The Complete Guide to Growing Plants at Home

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Hydroponic systems growing fresh herbs and lettuce indoors under full-spectrum LED lights

Hydroponic systems let you grow plants faster, cleaner, and year-round by replacing soil with a nutrient-rich water solution delivered straight to the roots. For anyone … Read more

Best Grow Lights for Indoor Plants: The 2026 Buyer’s Guide

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Best grow lights for indoor plants: full-spectrum LED bar lighting a shelf of healthy houseplants in a low-light room

Choosing the best grow lights for indoor plants comes down to three numbers most product pages bury: spectrum, intensity, and coverage. Get those right and … Read more

Growing Okra: Complete Seed-to-Harvest Guide + Okra Water Benefits

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growing okra in a sunny garden with green pods and yellow flowers

Growing okra from seed to harvest requires soil temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, full sun for 8-plus hours daily, and a well-draining loamy mix with … Read more

The Ultimate Guide to Growing Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)

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Growing snapdragons: colorful Antirrhinum majus flower spikes in full bloom

Snapdragon plant care requires full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.2 to 7.0, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and cool temperatures … Read more