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Riccia fluitans (Crystalwort Moss) Care Guide
If you're looking for a vibrant, bright green moss that instantly gives a terrarium, paludarium, or aquarium a lush, natural feel, Riccia fluitans, commonly known as Crystalwort Moss, is an excellent choice. Despite its common name, it isn't actually a true moss but a floating liverwort. Its delicate branching fronds create soft cushions of vivid green that look almost like tiny underwater forests. Native to freshwater habitats across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, C
Nikki Smit
Jul 156 min read
Anoectochilus roxburghii Jewel Orchid Care Guide
Meet the Anoectochilus roxburghii Jewel Orchid If plants had a luxury collection, Anoectochilus roxburghii would undoubtedly be on the top shelf. Often referred to as a Jewel Orchid, this breathtaking terrestrial orchid is grown almost entirely for its spectacular foliage rather than its flowers. Its velvety leaves are decorated with intricate golden, copper, or silvery veins that shimmer under the light, making it look as though each leaf has been embroidered by hand. Native
Nikki Smit
Jul 156 min read
Drosera spatulata (Labill.) – Spoon Leaf Sundew Care Guide
Meet the Spoon Leaf Sundew If you've ever wanted a houseplant that quietly takes care of annoying fungus gnats while looking like it belongs on another planet, the Spoon Leaf Sundew is for you. Drosera spatulata is a fascinating carnivorous plant that catches tiny insects using sparkling, sticky tentacles covering its leaves. These glistening droplets may look like morning dew, but they're actually a clever insect trap. Native to Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia, thi
Nikki Smit
Jul 156 min read
Macodes Petola Jewel Orchid Care Guide
Meet the Macodes Petola Jewel Orchid If you've never fallen in love with a plant because of its leaves, the Macodes petola might just change that. Often called the Jewel Orchid, this spectacular tropical species isn't grown for its flowers at all. Instead, it's treasured for its velvety deep green leaves covered in glowing golden veins that shimmer as if they've been painted with tiny strands of electricity. When light catches the foliage just right, it almost looks like the
Nikki Smit
Jul 157 min read
Saxifraga stolonifera Care Guide: The Houseplant That Loves Making Babies
Meet Saxifraga stolonifera Saxifraga stolonifera, commonly known as Strawberry Begonia or Creeping Saxifrage, is one of those underrated houseplants that deserves far more attention. Despite its common name, it isn't actually a begonia or related to strawberries, but it certainly knows how to spread. With soft green leaves, silver veining, burgundy undersides, and long runners covered in baby plantlets, it's a rewarding plant that's as fun to grow as it is to admire. Easy-goi
Nikki Smit
Jul 105 min read
Saxifraga stolonifera 'Tricolor' Care Guide: The Colourful Plant That Makes More Plants
Meet Saxifraga stolonifera 'Tricolor' Saxifraga stolonifera 'Tricolor', often called the Variegated Strawberry Begonia, is one of those plants that quietly steals the show. With soft green leaves splashed in creamy white, delicate pink margins, and rich burgundy undersides, it looks far more demanding than it actually is. Despite its common name, it isn't a true begonia or a strawberry plant, but it certainly earns its place in any indoor collection. One of its best features
Nikki Smit
Jul 105 min read
Peperomia Metallica Variegated Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Meet Peperomia Metallica Variegated Peperomia Metallica Variegated is a compact, eye-catching houseplant that combines shimmering metallic foliage with attractive cream, silver, and green variegation. Its unique colouring and manageable size make it a popular choice for collectors, terrarium enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a low-maintenance plant that offers something a little different. While it may look like a plant with expensive tastes, this Peperomia is surprisingly
Nikki Smit
Jun 234 min read
Begonia Thelmae Care Guide:
Meet Begonia Thelmae Begonia thelmae is one of those plants that quietly wins people over. It doesn't have giant leaves or dramatic colours, but its charming miniature foliage, creeping growth habit, and terrarium-friendly nature have made it a favourite among collectors. This small species is easy to love, easy to propagate, and surprisingly rewarding to grow. Whether you're building a tropical terrarium, filling a greenhouse cabinet, or simply looking for something a little
Nikki Smit
Jun 235 min read
Callisia Repens Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Meet Callisia Repens Callisia repens, often known as Turtle Vine or Creeping Inch Plant, is one of those plants that quietly earns its place in almost every collection. Its tiny leaves, fast growth, and easy-going nature make it popular among houseplant enthusiasts, terrarium builders, and reptile keepers alike. Whether trailing from a hanging basket or spreading through a bioactive enclosure, this versatile plant is always busy growing. If you're looking for a plant that gro
Nikki Smit
Jun 235 min read
Tradescantia Tricolour Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Meet the Tradescantia Tricolour Tradescantia fluminensis 'Tricolour' is one of those plants that looks like it has been painted by someone who couldn't decide on just one colour. Its trailing stems are covered in soft green, cream, pink, and white leaves that brighten up shelves, hanging baskets, terrariums, and indoor plant collections. Fast-growing, easy-going, and wonderfully colourful, it's a favourite among both beginner and experienced plant lovers. If you're looking fo
Nikki Smit
Jun 235 min read
Philodendron White Knight Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Meet the Philodendron White Knight The Philodendron White Knight is one of the most sought-after variegated philodendrons in the houseplant world, and it's easy to see why. With its dramatic dark green leaves splashed with crisp white variegation and striking burgundy stems, this plant brings instant collector appeal to any indoor jungle. No two leaves are ever exactly alike, making every White Knight a unique living artwork. While it has a reputation as a collector's plant,
Nikki Smit
Jun 236 min read
Begonia Black Magic Care
Introduction If houseplants had a gothic queen, Begonia 'Black Magic' would wear the crown. With its almost-black velvety foliage, dramatic texture, and striking presence, this begonia instantly steals the spotlight wherever it's placed. Despite its mysterious appearance, it's surprisingly easy to grow once you understand what it likes—and what it definitely doesn't. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply looking for a foliage plant that's a little different, Begonia '
Nikki Smit
Jun 186 min read
Sansevieria Trifasciata 'Laurentii' Care Guide
Introduction If there were an award for the world's most forgiving houseplant, Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii' would be a serious contender. Commonly known as the Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, or Laurentii Snake Plant, this striking plant has earned its reputation for thriving on neglect while still looking effortlessly stylish. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced collector, the Laurentii is one of those plants that deserves a place in every indoor
Nikki Smit
Jun 186 min read


Bamboo U-Shape Trellises: Why Your Climbing Houseplants Will Love Them
Google Image Google Image Google Image Many of our favourite indoor plants are natural climbers. In the wild, they spend their lives attaching themselves to trees and growing upwards toward the forest canopy. When these plants are grown indoors without support, they often become leggy, produce smaller leaves, and lose the dramatic appearance that makes them so desirable. A bamboo U-shape trellis is one of the simplest and most attractive ways to provide support for climbing p
Nikki Smit
Jun 94 min read


The Ultimate Guide to Clear Plastic Pots & Planting for Indoor Plants
Google Image Google Image Google Image Whether you're rooting a cutting, growing a tiny rare aroid, or repotting a mature specimen, choosing the correct pot size is one of the most important decisions you can make for your plant's health. At Leaf Empire, we stock a range of clear plastic pots designed specifically for indoor plant enthusiasts who want to monitor root growth and create the ideal growing environment for their plants. Our available sizes include: • 9.0cm Clear P
Nikki Smit
Jun 95 min read


Canadian Peat Moss: The Secret Ingredient Behind Thriving Aroids, Terrariums, and Happier Roots
Google Image Google Image Google Image What Is Canadian Peat Moss? Canadian Peat Moss is one of the most widely used growing mediums in the gardening world, prized for its excellent water retention, light texture, and ability to improve soil structure. Harvested from ancient peat bogs in Canada, it consists of partially decomposed mosses and organic matter that have accumulated over thousands of years. It is naturally lightweight, fluffy, and typically light brown to golden b
Nikki Smit
Jun 46 min read


Succulent Soil: The Foundation of Healthy, Happy Succulents
Google Image Google Image Google Image What Is Succulent Soil? Succulent soil is a specially formulated growing medium designed to provide one thing that succulents love above all else: excellent drainage. Unlike traditional potting soil, succulent soil dries relatively quickly, allows plenty of air to reach the roots, and prevents excess moisture from lingering around the root system. This mimics the natural environments where many succulents evolved, including rocky hillsid
Nikki Smit
Jun 45 min read


Cocktail Kokedamas
Google Image Google Image Google Image What is a Cocktail Kokedama? Cocktail Kokedamas are proof that good things come in small packages. Inspired by the traditional Japanese art of Kokedama, these miniature living moss balls are displayed in elegant cocktail glasses, creating a unique blend of houseplant and living décor. Whether planted with Ivy, Parlour Palm, Philodendron Brasil, Syngonium, Peperomia, Ferns, Prayer Plants, or other compact tropical favourites, Cocktail Kok
Nikki Smit
Jun 36 min read


Maranta leuconeura variegata Kokedama Care Guide
Google Image Google Image Google Image Introduction to Maranta leuconeura variegata Kokedama Maranta leuconeura variegata Kokedama combines one of the most beautiful foliage plants in the houseplant world with one of the most eye-catching growing styles. The result is a living moss ball bursting with colourful variegated leaves that seem to move throughout the day. Known as the Variegated Prayer Plant, Maranta leuconeura variegata is famous for its unique habit of raising its
Nikki Smit
Jun 36 min read


LECA Use and Care Guide for Growing Plants and Terrariums
Google Image Google Image What LECA Actually Is (and Why Plant People Are Obsessed) LECA stands for Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate, which sounds intense but is really just small baked clay balls that behave like a drainage obsessed best friend. They hold water inside their porous structure while keeping plenty of air around roots, which is why they are so popular for semi hydro growing, propagation, and terrariums. There are two main sizes you will usually see. The 2 to
Nikki Smit
May 267 min read
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