Happy Halloween from the Garden Spot!
To celebrate this year, and maybe bring a movie night to you at home, we made a list of movies to watch this Halloween that are all about plants. Things are certainly different this year, but one thing that will never change is a good movie night. If you are also looking for a plant that emulates your favorite film, we got you covered! So sit back, and let us share some movies and houseplants that can help make your Halloween better.
The Thing from Another World
When a scientist reports a UFO discovered on his research base in the North Pole, he and his team discover a humanoid creature trapped in the ice. As the group slowly tries to determine its origins and where to go forward, the creature slowly thaws and wrecks havoc.
However, the key focus of ours are these small plants that are revealed to be 'Baby Things', or the offspring of the creature as it is a plant-based organism.
They are reminiscent of a Bleeding Hearts
tendril, but no real revelation has shown what these plants are supposed to be based upon.
If you like these plants, maybe you'll like...
Cyclamen
These vibrant flowers and unique leaves make for a popular houseplant. They cannot tolerate temperatures below 40 degrees, and are sold as tropical houseplants. (Unless you live in USDA zone 5).
Make sure your Cyclamen is properly watered, as they are sensitive to over and under watering. Excellent drainage is a must, and water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
When you water the plant, water from below the leaves so that the water doesn't touch the stems. Water can cause the stems and leaves to rot. Just soak the soil thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away.
We carry Cyclamen in red and white in our houseplant section at Garden Spot.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
It's no surprise we bring up this series, with such magical plant-life. The Whomping Willow being mysterious and deadly, with its branches swatting at any intruders makes it a worthy opponent. However, it is beautiful to see in bloom.
Another iconic character is the screaming Mandrake, or Mandragora, used to turn people who have been cursed or altered to their original state. The cry of the Mandrake is fatal to anyone who hears it.
If you like these trees, then maybe you'll like....
Ginseng Ficus
With a thick pot-bellied trunk and leafy greens, this tree is reminiscent of the Ginseng root. Ficus is one of the most loved Bonsai for many reasons. It is a great tree for beginners, tolerant of most any soil and light conditions, make fine indoor bonsai, and are forgiving of those learning bonsai watering techniques.
Keep your Ficus moderately wet, and water well in summer and decrease in the winter. A humidity tray is a great way to increase humidity. Fill your tray with small stones, and makes sure the water doesn't reach the bottom of the pot to prevent root rot.
Godzilla, all movies from any timeline
When it comes to monster movies, I (the writer) have a bias towards the king of monsters himself. I would watch these movies with my grandmother during Halloween and marathon every one, from 1980 to current. Cheesy, yes. But boy entertaining! From Godzilla in Space to Godzilla fighting three opponents at the same time, he is sure to make you an avid fan.
If you like Godzilla's scales, maybe you'd like...
Alocacia, "African Mask"
The Alocasia is one of the most striking foliage in the houseplant world, and has about 80 species. They need bright, indirect light, due to their natural habitat on the forest floor beneath the tree canopy. Place Alocasia in a well lit room with indirect sunlight, as it is prone to leaf burn, and also avoid any A/C or heater if possible. They like soil on the higher side, but require high humidity to prosper. We recommend frequent misting! For watering, allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between watering. In winter, Alocasia goes through dormancy period and will require less frequent waterings.
Aluminum Plant
An easy going plant with leaves that bush out of its pot, Aluminum plants have an extensive root system and unique pattering upon its leaves. They require at least four hours of indirect sunlight a day. However, too much sun will burn the leaves so be careful with placement. The aluminum plant during the summer needs the top quarter inch of soil to be moist. In fall and winter, allow the top quarter inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
Also, propagations can be taken from cuttings in the early spring.
The Creature from the Black Lagoon
From 1954, the remnants of a mysterious animal are discovered by scientists in a remote jungle. The group's goal is to determine if the creature is an anomaly or undiscovered. However, the being may be more than what they signed on for...or out of this world. This classic was originally shot in 3-D and became the cliche for "man in a rubber suit" monster movies. A missing amphibious link that is sure to remain in the mind.
Want a watery indoor plant that doubles as a pet?
Marimo Moss Balls
Originally found in fresh water lakes in Japan, Estonia, Iceland, Scotland, and Australia, this ball of life differs from most by primarily living within fresh water. This is due to the fact that they are actually a rare form of living spherical algae, and are not moss at all! Protect your Marimo from direct sunlight, as it prefers low to indirect light. Clean your water every two weeks, or when it starts to seem murky. Your Marimo will float and sink throughout the day, making it seem as though it is swimming. They're so fun and cute, and a wonderful addition to your home.
Little Shop of Horrors
A kooky musical starring a giant carnivorous plant? Who would even want to grow that? Well, Seymour did. And all it took was a little drop of blood...and a whole lot of singing.
We are lucky to not carry any type of carnivorous plant on that scale of evil, however we do carry Audrey-inspired succulents.
There is a whole wall of difference succulents to pick from, but they are known to be a great beginner variety as they do not require a major amount of waterings.
This one reminds us of Audrey's snapping jaws, wouldn't you agree?
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
If you ever had thought that someone you knew was acting different, maybe they just aren't who they are anymore. Maybe they had even been...replaced.
Dr. Miles Bennet has his patients tell him the same situation: loved ones are replaced by emotionless imposters. He travels around Santa Maria, California with his former girlfriend and friend, only to discover that the patients were right: an alien species of human duplicates have taken over this town, and they are grown from plant-like pods.
This film incorporates a great amount of our indoor houseplant collection, however we are going to be focusing on the plant that is next to Miles's head in the image. Can you guess what it is?
That's right!
Tillandsia Straminae
The Tillandsia straminea has velvety soft silvery green leaves. It is a delicate xeric plant, so it will thrive in areas of low humidity and drier overall conditions. These plants also prefer more sun than the majority or air plants. We recommend misting rather than soaking these dry-loving plants.
We carry an assortment of Air plants with multiple species and types. Each one more unique than the other, requires a different watering method. However, the point-blank explanation for universal watering is that you must water once a week, and submerge your air plant in water for ten minutes (set a timer!). Take it out, and allow it to dry upside down. Otherwise, water will become trapped within its tendrils.
Are there any movies that we may have missed? What is your favorite houseplant? We want to know!
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