Can You Use a Regular Lamp to Grow Plants?
· By Kelly Lawrence · 2 min read
Yes, if it supplies enough light at the leaves. A normal desk or floor lamp holding a sufficiently bright white LED or fluorescent bulb can supplement...
Kelly Lawrence
Browse gardening and houseplant articles published under Kelly Lawrence’s byline. For questions, suggestions, or corrections to a guide, contact the Swipe Garden editorial team.
Why Is My Hibiscus Wilting? Check Soil, Roots and Weather
· By Kelly Lawrence · 4 min read
A wilted hibiscus can have dry soil—or damaged roots sitting in wet mix. Check moisture and drainage before adding water or fertilizer.
Can You Overfertilize Citrus Trees? Symptoms and Fixes
· By Kelly Lawrence · 2 min read
Too much fertilizer can burn citrus roots and reduce fruiting. Learn what leaf symptoms mean, what to check first and how to recover safely.
When to Fertilize Citrus Trees in Pots
· By Kelly Lawrence · 2 min read
Potted citrus needs nutrients during active growth. Match feeding to the plant, region and fertilizer label rather than fixed months.
Can You Use Cactus Soil for Bonsai? How to Decide
· By Kelly Lawrence · 2 min read
Cactus mix can be an ingredient in bonsai soil, but drainage alone does not make it suitable for every tree.
Black Spots on Monstera: What Causes Them and How to Respond
· By Kelly Lawrence · 3 min read
Black patches on Monstera are not a diagnosis by themselves. Check whether spots are dry or wet, whether roots are healthy, and whether damage is spreading....
Orchid Leaves Turning Yellow: Normal Aging or a Problem?
· By Kelly Lawrence · 3 min read
Yellow orchid leaves may be normal aging or signal root damage, sunburn, temperature stress or pests. Use the pattern and root condition to decide what to...
Overwatered Monstera: Signs, Root Checks and Recovery
· By Kelly Lawrence · 2 min read
Check whether your Monstera is truly overwatered, learn when to inspect roots, and restore healthy watering and drainage.
Scale on Monstera: Identification and Safe Treatment
· By Kelly Lawrence · 2 min read
Learn to recognize brown soft scale and armored scale on Monstera and remove infestations with mechanical-first houseplant care.
Thrips on Monstera: Identification and Control
· By Kelly Lawrence · 2 min read
Spot tiny thrips and their silvery feeding scars on Monstera, then manage outbreaks with isolation, washing and careful monitoring.