Ella Chiang Ella Chiang

39: String of Pearls

The string of pearls plant (Senecio rowleyanus) is a visually captivating plant that has become increasingly popular in recent times. Its unique appearance of long, slender stems adorned with small, spherical leaves bears a striking resemblance to a string of pearls. Its easy to care for nature and low maintenance requirements make it a perfect plant for beginners. The plant is native to southwest Africa and thrives best when placed in a bright, indirect light and can also tolerate partial shade. It requires well-draining soil and should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch. The string of pearls plant is not only an attractive addition to any indoor garden or terrarium, but it also acts as an air purifier by filtering out toxins from the air.

sketch of string of pearls plant
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Ella Chiang Ella Chiang

38: Bromeliad

Bromeliads are fascinating plants that are known for their unique structure and stunning colors. They belong to the family Bromeliaceae and are widely cultivated for their ornamental value. Bromeliads are native to tropical regions of the Americas and can be found in a wide range of environments, from rainforests to deserts. What sets bromeliads apart from other plants is their rosette-shaped arrangement of leaves which forms a central cup-like structure, known as the urn or tank. This tank is capable of storing water, providing a habitat for insects, frogs, and other small animals. The colorful leaves of bromeliads vary in shape and size, and produce striking flowers of various shades. Their ease of cultivation and unique characteristics make bromeliads perfect for adding a touch of exotic beauty to gardens and interiors.

sketch of bromeliad
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Ella Chiang Ella Chiang

37: Zz Plant

The Zz plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is an extremely popular indoor plant due to its ease of care and ability to thrive in low light conditions. Its glossy, dark green leaves grow in a graceful, arching form and can reach up to three feet in length. The Zz plant is also known for its air-purifying abilities, as it can effectively filter toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from the air. This plant is a great choice for those new to plant care or for those looking to add some greenery to a low light space.

sketch of zz plant
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Ella Chiang Ella Chiang

May 2023

Photo dump for May 2023. These are all pictures from my trip to Utah over Memorial Day weekend.

Cactus in the Virgin River Gorge off the I-15
Scenic gorge overlook trail at the virgin river gorge
virgin river gorge in Arizona

The Virgin River Gorge on I-15, driving through Arizona between Utah and Nevada. We took a little detour on the trip home to look around. Exit on Cedar Pocket (mile post 18). The gorge looks similar to the Grand Canyon, on a smaller scale, with colorful layers and geologic formations. This area was the inspiration for my Mesas painting.

Mantua Reservoir

Mantua Reservoir, did some fishing here. Didn’t catch anything this time though. It’s a cute area with fishing, boating, and swimming.

two sheep in their pen

Some sheep at the ranch we visited. I thought they were adorable but they didn’t really want to interact or be pet 😅

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Ella Chiang Ella Chiang

36: Peace Lily

As a popular indoor plant, the Peace Lily is one of the most elegant plants you can grow in your home or office. It owes its name to its white, graceful, and delicate flowers, which resemble little white flags of peace. The Peace lily, also known as Spathiphyllum, is native to tropical regions worldwide, and it is easy to care for, making it an excellent addition to any home garden or office setting.

Peace lilies thrive best when planted in a warm, humid location with indirect sunlight. Although they do not require much maintenance, they do need to be watered regularly, and their soil should be kept moist, but not saturated. A Peace lily that is healthy will grow new leaves continually, while the old ones turn yellow and wilt away. Removing the old leaves will make way for the new ones to grow, and, in that regard, the Peace lily is associated with renewal, rebirth, and new beginnings.

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