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Cayla Leonard

Cayla Leonard

Contributor

Cayla Leonard is a writer from North Carolina who is passionate about plants.  She enjoys reading and writing fiction and poetry of all kinds, playing dungeons and dragons, and putting together jigsaw puzzles.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

A philodendron micans climbing a moss pole on some stairs

Philodendron micans is a popular houseplant for a reason

Philodendron micans is a lovely houseplant that many gardeners want to bring home. If you want to grow your own, here's what you need to know.
A ficus Audrey plant, potted

The ficus Audrey: The fiddle-leaf fig’s better cousin

Ficus Audrey is a wonderful houseplant, perfect for people who want a fiddle-leaf fig without the hassle. Here's what you need to know to grow your own.
Sedum plants from above

5 types of succulents that are perfect plants for your home

Succulents come in so many fantastic shapes, sizes, and colors. Wonderingg which succulents are the best for you? Here are five of our favorites.
Manjula pothos in a basket

Manjula pothos care: Everything you need to know

Manjula pothos is a gorgeous pothos variety. Want to add this low-maintenance beauty to your houseplant collection? Here's everything you need to know.
A monkey tail cactus with pink flowers

How to care for the monkey tail cactus for endless blooms

The monkey tail cactus is a beautiful and unique cactus. If you want to bring one home with you, here's everything you need to know to help it thrive.
Philodendron gloriosum

How to care for the tricky (but gorgeous) philodendron gloriosum

Philodendron gloriosum is a gorgeous houseplant, but it's a bit tricky to grow. If you're determined to add it to your collection, here's what you need to know.
Pencil cactus plant

How to care for the pencil cactus plant (it’s not actually a cactus)

Pencil cactus plants are fascinating and fun to grow. If you want to add these incredible plant to your home or garden, here's what you need to know.
Monstera albo leaves

How to care for the rare variegated monstera — it’s not for beginners

Variegated monsteras are gorgeous, but they need a bit of extra attention in order to thrive. Here's why that is and what you need to know to care for them.
A swarm of gnats

This is how to make a homemade gnat trap that actually works

Gnats are annoying pests, but they're luckily easy to get rid of. Here's how to make a simple but effective homemade gnat trap to protect your plants.
Cilantro grown hydroponically

Indoor gardening: Hydroponics growing tips for any plant

Here's a simple guide to starting a hydroponic garden in your home this winter.
Mother of thousands plant with plantlets

Mother of thousands: How to care for this plant

If you're looking for a unique succulent, mother of thousands is an excellent option that is great for beginners. Here's how to grow one.
Medium-sized Boston fern in a pot on a balcony

Boston fern care guide: Everything to know about this low-maintenance plant

Boston ferns are beautiful and low-maintenance plants. If you want to add one to your home or garden, here's what you need to know about their care.
Variety of succulents

Our favorite desert plants you will love

Gardening in the desert is made much easier if you grow desert plants. These are our favorite desert plants to add life and color to a dry, rocky garden.
Monstera albo plants

How to care for monstera albo: A complete guide

Monstera albo is a popular monstera that has a reputation for being difficult to grow. If you want to bring this plant home, here's what you need to know.
White freesia flowers

Freesia care: What you need to know about these fragrant flowers

Freesia flowers are bright, colorful, and smell incredible. If you want to add these lovely perennials to your garden, here is everything you need to know.
A variety of squash types set on a black table

6 types of gourds you should know this fall season

Looking for a new and interesting gourd to add to your fall garden? Here are six incredible types of gourds that you'll love growing.
A close-up of kniphofia flowers

These 7 orange flowers will make your garden pop

Orange is a vibrant color that can brighten rooms and gardens, and there are plenty of orange flowers to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites.
A pile of butternut squash with one cut in half to expose the inside of the squash

When is the best time to harvest butternut squash?

Butternut squash is delicious, and even better when freshly harvested from your own garden. Here's everything you need to know about how and when to harvest it.
Hands holding soil

How to turn your compost to keep the soil aerated and nutrient rich

Turning your compost pile for the best results may seem intimidated. Here's what you need to know.
Bowl of medicinal herbs on a wooden board

4 of the best medicinal herbs you can grow indoors

You don’t have to give up growing medicinal herbs when it's the colder season. We offer four easy recommendations to continue growing them.
Hickory tree branches

Hickory trees: Everything you want to know about these hardwoods

Hickory trees are lovely, beneficial, and surprisingly easy to grow. If you want to grow one of these beautiful hardwoods, here's what you need to know.
A basket with fall leaves and small gourds

How to dry gourds: Your complete guide

Dried gourds make versatile and fun decorations. If you want to dry your own freshly harvested gourds at home, here's everything you need to know.
A beautiful yellow chrysanthemum

Are mums perennials? It’s complicated

Mums are gorgeous fall flowers, but can you grow them year after year? Here's what you need to know about whether mums are perennials or annuals.
A beet on a table with carving tools, including scissors, strings, knives, and a small candle

8 fruits and vegetables you can carve that aren’t pumpkins

Pumpkins are the classic jack-o'-lantern choice, but did you know you can carve other fruits and vegetables as well? Here are some of our favorites
A variety of squash types set on a black table

Is a pumpkin a gourd: We have answers to this burning question

Pumpkins are a delicious and versatile seasonal fruit, but are they also gourds? If you're confused about what a gourd is, we have the answers.
Red and orange viburnum berries

The best viburnum varieties to have in your yard

Viburnum is a gorgeous shrub with so many different species and varieties to choose from. Feeling overwhelmed? Here are our favorite viburnum varieties for you.
Hydrangeas with blue flowers

6 gorgeous blue flowers for a calming space

Blue flowers can make your home or garden more relaxing and inviting. No matter your aesthetic preference, one of these six blue flowers is sure appeal to you!
Scarecrow among fall flowers

The colors of fall flowers can be striking: 12 flowers that’ll have your garden bursting with autumn colors

Just because summer is over, it doesn't mean your garden has to dial back the color. Plant these flowers to keep your yard bursting with color.
A small pumpkin sitting on top of a fence post

How to plant pumpkin seeds: A step-by-step guide

Want to grow your own pumpkins but don't know where to start? This step-by-step guide will explain how to plant pumpkin seeds in your garden.
ZZ plant outdoors beside a sunflower

ZZ plant care: What you need to know about this super-forgiving plant

ZZ plants are easy to care for and quick to forgive. This is how to care for them.
A ficus plant with a yellow leaf

What to do about yellow leaves on plants and how to fix them

When your plant's leaves start to turn yellow, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Here's how to identify the problem and fix it.
Woman waters ZZ plants

What is the best time to water plants? Find out why it matters

Scheduling your plant care routine can be tricky, but we're here to help. Here's what to know about the best and worst times to water your plants.
Japanese maple tree

Here’s how to plant your own autumn blaze maple today

Here's your guide to caring for a stunning autumn blaze maple tree.
Bundle of bananas on a wooden cutting board

Is banana water for plants a good idea? Here’s what you should know

The latest gardening trend is banana water for plants. What is banana water? Is it effective, or could it be harming your plants? We have all the answers.
Assorted pink, green, and white polka dot plants in a white pot

Your complete guide to polka dot plant care: Everything you need to know about this colorful perennial

Polka dot plants are small, cheerful plants. Here's how to add them to your home or garden.