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Gardening

This Simple Trick Can Bring a Faded Hydrangea Back to Life Overnight

Hydrangeas tend to fade and wilt in the summer, but don't consider it a lost cause just yet. You can bring those flowers back to its bright and cheery self with one main trick—and it doesn't involve watering them more. Hydrangeas aren't big fans of the heat and sun, so you'll likely see them bounce back in the evenings when the weather cools down. Of course, there's more to it than that. We asked gardening experts for their main tricks and tips on how to bring faded hydrangeas back to life in no time. Meet the Expert Amy McCord is the founder and CEO of Flower Moxie. David Angelov is the founder and CEO of Plant Parenthood. The Trick to Bring Back Faded Hydrangeas To bring your faded hydrangea back to life, set up a shade cloth or move or replant them in a more covered spot to give the plant some relief. "Hydrangea are shade plants, and this also helps with water retention," says plant expert Amy McCord. "A shade cloth will work wonders, and setting up a drip hose can keep the plant thriving even in hotter months." It's a common misconception that most hydrangea plants love full sun; many of them only want partial sun. "If possible, have them planted in place with partial sun," say plant pro David Angelov. "Ideally, you start from that, rather than remedy with a band-aid." Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Why Your Hydrangeas Are Fading Experts point out that hydrangeas can fade due to three main factors. First, Angelov says the heat itself can make the hydrangea wilt and suggests waiting it out until the evening when the temperature goes down. "The leaves start to wilt, and they bounce back in the evening without any intervention," Angelov says. Additionally, the plant doesn't like weather hotter than 80°F, and its leaves will wilt due to the heat. "If the leaves are turning brown or losing their flowers very easily, that's different," Angelov says. "But generally, if the leaves are just wilting, then it's the heat." Lastly, hydrangeas need a lot of water and do not like to be even slightly dehydrated. "This is the most common reason, as they are very thirsty plants and cannot withstand a several-day dry out," McCord says. How to Care for Hydrangeas in Intense Heat Angelov and McCord have several tips for caring for hydrangeas in the sweltering summer weather. When watering them, McCord advises giving the plant hydration at the bottom, where the plant meets the soil. "It's best to give them a long, slow drink at the base of the plant, as they are shallow-rooted," she says. "Although they wilt quickly, they can bounce back quickly." However, Angelov warns against giving the usually thirsty flower too much hydration, because overwatering can be just as fatal. McCord also suggests removing any old blooms. "Hydrangeas take a lot of resources, so aging blooms pull hydration away from new growth and blooms," she says. 4 Other Tips for Hydrangea Care Angelov and McCord had these other tips for caring for hydrangeas in the summer. Increase acidity. Hydrangeas are pH sensitive, and more acidity will make their flower colors more vibrant. Use well-draining soil. This will help prevent root rot in the plant. Prune at the right time. Both experts emphasized double-checking when you should prune your specific variety of hydrangeas during the year. Each type is different. Compost at the beginning of the season. Give the plant a top dressing of compost each year so it will have the nutrients to produce flowers during the season.

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Travel

I Spent a Month Traveling in Europe, and This Crossbody Fit My Wallet, Umbrella, Water Bottle, Charger, and More

I tend to spend the entire day on the go when I’m traveling. I just got back from a month in Madrid, and basically every day’s itinerary went something like: museum, cathedral, shopping, and copious amounts of walking. When spending almost the whole day out and about, I like to make sure I have everything I could possibly need with me, so I turned to this surprisingly spacious Uniqlo bag. Trust me, you need the $20 purse for your upcoming spring and summer vacations. You know that scene in Harry Potter where Hermione reaches her entire arm into her clutch and pulls out clothing for three people? That’s how it feels using this bag. It’s compact, but it fits a ton. I put my wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, umbrella, water bottle, chapstick, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, headache medicines, portable charger, tissues, and airpods (and probably a few other things I’m forgetting) in the purse. Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag While the bag can fit a lot inside, it folds flat for storage when not in use. It took up next to no room in my carry-on suitcase for the flights to and from Spain. Thanks to the purse’s water-repellent nylon material, you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain without an umbrella. Plus, it’s super easy to clean if anything spills on it. The bag zips closed on top to keep everything safely inside and has interior pockets to contain small items. Aside from its large capacity, my favorite aspect of the purse is that it’s a crossbody. I can keep it close to my body while doing touristy things to avoid pickpockets, which is important when traveling abroad. You can also shorten the strap to wear it on your shoulder if you want to change up your look. I’m not the only one who’s impressed with how much the small bag can hold. One reviewer said, “I put all our family’s passports, my iPhone, wipes, tissues, sunglasses, gum, lip balm, face powder, and sunscreen in it during our two weeks trip in Europe. It has been a lifesaver, easy, and safe!” And the Uniqlo purse has even gone viral recently, with one TikToker packing three days’ worth of clothing and toiletries in it. Grab the Uniqlo bag to use for your next trip or just on a daily basis for running errands. You’ll find more similar styles to shop below, too. Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag in Gingham Uniqlo Shoulder Bag Uniqlo Round Ultra Mini Bag Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag Away Featherlight Crossbody

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Gardening

How to Grow and Care for Ginseng Ficus Bonsai

Ginseng ficus is commonly used for bonsai, particularly for its narrow elevated roots that swell into a potbelly trunk and thin at the branches before spreading out to the crown. Ginseng ficus is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the Moraceae or mulberry family. Ginseng ficus grows best in acidic to neutral soil with higher humidity and full sun from a nearby window. The sap from this plant is toxic to humans, and touching it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions; wash hands after touching it.1 Ginseng ficus is toxic to dogs and cats. Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Care Here are the main care requirements for growing a ginseng ficus bonsai: Grows best with warmth and humidity; avoid drafts. Prefers bright, indirect sun. Give water when the soil dries out. Provide fertilizer on a regular schedule once a month. Light Your bonsai will need six to eight hours of light. Indoors, placing it on a windowsill is a good idea. If this is not available, grow lights can aid in growing your ginseng ficus. The bonsai will not tolerate shade at all. If you take your tree outdoors during the summer, plan to place it in a spot with plenty of sunlight but not too much afternoon sun. Soil Ginseng ficus trees do well in a soil mix of 60% aggregate and forty percent organic matter. You can buy a premix or make your own using pine bark, lava rock, and a product called akadama, which holds water and slowly breaks down over time. Water Water your ginseng ficus thoroughly whenever the soil gets slightly dry, but do not water it to the point where the bonsai is dripping or fungal issues may occur. More frequent watering will be needed if your plant is in a hot environment. Temperature and Humidity The ginseng ficus is an indoor bonsai and is not frost-hardy. It can be brought outside once temperatures are consistently above 60°F but must be kept in the sun and not allowed to dry out. Low humidity can be tolerated due to the waxy surface covering the ficus’ leaves, but it will thrive in a humid environment. Fertilizer Bonsai draw on very little soil, so it is necessary to replenish their nutrients occasionally. Any multi-purpose liquid fertilizer available at your friendly local nursery or garden center should be adequate. For bonsai, dilute the mixture by 50% with water before applying monthly. Using Ginseng Ficus as a Bonsai For newcomers to the ancient Japanese art of bonsai, a great place to start is with a ginseng ficus. It looks terrific and requires minimal care compared to other bonsai, which can be challenging to maintain. Bonsai artists especially focus on the raised roots of these funky little plants to create a particular aesthetic. In their natural habitat, these aerial roots grow easily in high-humidity environments. The effect is achieved by roots growing vertically downward from branches until they reach the soil, developing into thick, strong trunks. This can achieve the desired pillar style or the root-over-rock bonsai style deshojo. Training a Bonsai To train your plant, use anodized aluminum or annealed copper wire. Wiring your ficus’ thin and medium branches is easy since they are flexible and bend easily. Ensure the wires are not cutting into the tree and readjust if needed. For larger branches, guy wires will be necessary and must stay on the tree much longer. Ficus trees are unique in that they can fuse their branches, roots, and other ficus plants. Clean Your Tools When working with a ginseng ficus—whether training or pruning—always be sure to disinfect your tools. These plants are highly sensitive to bacteria that are transmitted to the plant via pruning tools, pots, and potting medium. Pruning Pruning is necessary and part of what makes a bonsai a bonsai, not just a plant. You can forego the pruning for a year or longer to achieve a thicker trunk. When ready to prune leaves, an excellent rule is to prune back to two leaves after six to eight leaves have grown. New shoots will grow from old wood if you have left the trunk to thicken. But be sure to tend to any substantial wounds with cut paste so disease does not occur. Always use sharp and clean tools when working with your plant. Propagating Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Ginseng ficus, aka ficus retusa, can easily be propagated, and there's no better time to do that than after you've pruned it. Here's how: Simply select a healthy stem and cut a 6-inch cutting with scissors or pruning shears. Put the cutting in a container that has been prepared with potting soil mix, and then water it. Place a clear plastic bag over the cuttings to create a greenhouse effect, keeping the moisture in and encouraging it to root. Water lightly every few days, making sure the soil stays moist. The cutting should root in a few weeks. Potting and Repotting Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Repotting a bonsai must happen when the root system has filled the pot. It needs to be done to give the tree new soil and to encourage a more compact root system. You will only need to repot your ficus every other year during the summer. Simply remove the tree and soil from its pot and trim its roots' outer and lower quarters. Be careful not to over-prune or remove too much root material. Place the bonsai into the original pot or a new container using the bonsai soil mix. Common Pests & Plant Diseases Caring for your ginseng ficus bonsai properly, with the correct lighting and water, will keep it strong and more resistant to pests and plant diseases. However, the ginseng ficus can get spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and aphids. Use neem oil or a liquid dishwashing soap and water mixture to remove the pests. Root rot, a fungal disease, can be a problem for ginseng ficus if overwatered. If you see any white or black spots on the leaves, trim them off and treat the bonsai with a fungicide. Common Problems With Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Ginseng ficus is easy to maintain when given the right growing conditions. Losing Leaves or Wilting Water issues, such as too much or insufficient, can cause ginseng ficus to drop its leaves. Keep the top inch of soil moist but not soggy. Leaves that are underwatered will appear wilted but should plump up again after giving water. Yellowing Leaves All leaves will eventually turn yellow and die, but prematurely yellowing leaves can be caused by overwatering or a fungal infection, like root rot.

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Travel

Stop Overpacking—These Space-Saving Travel Finds Are All You Need, and They’re Under $30

In just a couple of weeks, summer will be in full swing, and if you have any travel plans, you’ll need products that will save you some serious packing space. No matter where you’re going, these space-saving travel essentials from Amazon’s Luggage and Travel Gear store will help you maximize your luggage room. You can score packing cubes, pill organizers, and TSA-approved toiletry bottles to neatly pack your clothing, personal items, and beauty products. Several of these items are on sale, too, with prices starting at just $6. Bagsmart Toiletry Travel Bag Keep all of your mini skincare, haircare, and makeup products in one place with this best-selling toiletry bag. The spacious organizer is designed with four compartments to neatly store your belongings, each one complete with a clear front so you can see your items. The water-resistant organizer also has a fold-out design with a metal hook that can be hung on a closet door or rack, and packed tightly when not in use. Cozy Essential Travel Vacuum Bag Set These No.1 best-selling travel bags with more than 48,100 five-star ratings come with an electric air pump to seal your things into tightly compressed packs, saving you bag room. The set comes with eight bags, ranging from small to jumbo sizes, so you can pack your undergarments, tops and pants, and outerwear. The bags can be used to neatly store away your seasonal clothing and bedding, too, making the most of your closet space. Mrsdry Travel Bottle Set Instead of having to check a bag to pack full-sized shampoo, lotion, and body wash, you can condense your personal products into these refillable 3-ounce bottles. Each container is made with a leak-proof silicone and top that locks securely into place, so you don’t have to worry about spills. The pack comes with four TSA-approved bottles and a clear bag to keep handy in your carry-on. Continue scrolling to see more space-saving travel essentials under $30, and head to Amazon’s Luggage and Travel Gear hub to browse through the entire assortment of products. Bagail Packing Cube Set Quuejenl Portable Travel Steamer Benevolence LA Plush Velvet Jewelry Box Holii Travel Pill Organizer Napfun Memory Foam Neck Pillow

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