Basic Information Common Name: Mountain FlaxScientific Name: Phormium cookianumNative Habitat: New Zealand History / Discovery / Cultivator Phormium cookianum, commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki in Māori, is one of the two native flax species found exclusively in New Zealand. Unlike its close relative, the much taller and more robust Hara
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Astelia
Basic Information Common Name: Astelia Scientific Name: Astelia Native Habitat: Primarily New Zealand, New Caledonia, and the Pacific Islands (including Hawaii, Rapa, and the Juan Fernández Islands). They are often found in coastal environments, forests, or alpine areas depending on the species. History / Discovery / Cultivator The genus Astelia ho
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Silver Spear
Basic Information Common Name: Silver SpearScientific Name: Astelia chathamicaNative Habitat: Chatham Islands off the coast of New Zealand. It grows in various habitats including coastal cliffs, sand dunes, peat bogs, and forest clearings. History / Discovery / Cultivator The genus Astelia, encompassing around 25 species of evergreen perennial plan
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Perching Lily
Basic Information Common Name: Perching LilyScientific Name: Astelia nervosaNative Habitat: Endemic to New Zealand, specifically found in montane to subalpine scrub, forest, and grasslands from the central North Island southwards, including Stewart Island. It often grows on rock outcrops, tree trunks, or the ground in damp areas. History / Discover
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Bush Flax
Basic Information Common Name: Bush FlaxScientific Name: Astelia banksiiNative Habitat: Native to the northern parts of the North Island of New Zealand and surrounding offshore islands. It is found primarily in coastal areas, rocky outcrops, forest margins, and can grow both terrestrially on the ground or epiphytically on tree trunks and rocks. His
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Swamp Astelia
Basic Information Common Name: Swamp Astelia Scientific Name: Astelia grandis Native Habitat: Endemic to New Zealand, found in swamps, bogs, wet forests, and coastal areas from the North Island southwards, including Stewart Island. History / Discovery / Cultivator Astelia grandis, commonly known as Swamp Astelia, is a striking member of the Astelia
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The Ultimate Guide to Watering Your Houseplants
Of all the skills in a plant parent’s toolkit, watering is the most fundamental and often the most misunderstood. Watering on the wrong schedule is the number one reason houseplants fail to thrive. But don’t worry, it’s not black magic! Understanding when and how to water is a simple skill to learn. This guide will […]
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Houseplant Troubleshooting: A Symptom Checker for Your Plants
When your plant looks unwell, it’s trying to tell you something. But figuring out precisely what it’s saying can be a challenge. Is it thirsty or drowning? Starving for light or getting scorched? This guide serves as your starting point for diagnosing common houseplant issues. Think of yourself as a plant detective. Below are the [&hell
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The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Soil: Building the Perfect Potting Mix
The pot and the plant get all the attention, but the secret to a thriving houseplant is what lies between them: the soil. The right potting mix does more than just hold a plant in place; it provides the perfect balance of water, air, and nutrients that roots need to flourish. Forget grabbing a bag […]
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The Propagation Station: A Guide to Making More Plants for Free
There is a unique magic in creating a new plant from one you already own and love. Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a parent plant, and it’s one of the most rewarding skills a plant owner can learn. Whether you want to expand your collection, create backups of your favorite specimens, […]