How to Care for Polka Dot Begonias, the Striking, Low-Maintenance Houseplant You Need ASAP

Add some pattern to your houseplant collection. There’s nothing we love more than a striking and easy-to-care-forhouseplant. Enter: the polka dot begonia! Anastasiia Tretiak What Is the Polka Dot Begonia? Here are some differing varieties to check out. While they’re very similar, they are specific cultivars ofbegonia maculatasthat may not be as widely distributed. Photo by: Dmitry Kuznetsov / Getty Images Their name comes from the shape of their leaves....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 325 words · Mary Burns

How to Care for Spider Plants, According to a Horticulturist

Our expert offers spider plant care tips that show how easy it is to help these popular houseplants flourish. When it comes to spider plant care, you don’t need a green thumb to grow them indoors. What Is a Spider Plant? Variegatum.KDP/Getty Images The plant gets its name from the long stems and leaves that resemble spiders. Variegatum:The common names for variegatum spider plants are airplane plants or reverse spider plants....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 559 words · Ryan Johnson

How to Care for Succulents—and Keep Them Looking Picture-Perfect

These low-maintenance plants can tolerate a lot of neglect, but they need the right conditions to really thrive. Succulents are widely regarded as agreat plant for beginnersand they double ashome decor. (And don’t worry, you’re not alone.) Photo: Linda Raymond/Getty Images “Aim to place plants in a south- or west-facing window for the best results.” Water This is where the low-maintenace part really comes in. When it comes to watering succulents, “neglect is best,” Guillou says....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 514 words · Tracy Dean

How to Care for Tulips

Tulip Bouquets James A. Guilliam / Getty Images 1. Choose tulips that are closed and tight. “The tulips will have a limited vase life once they reach the ‘open’ stage.” Photo: OlgaMiltsova/Getty Images Choose the right vase. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. When you’re cutting the stems, be mindful that tulips grow after they’re in the vase. James A. Guilliam / Getty Images Provide plenty of water. “Tulips love water,” says Bladow....

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 656 words · Susan Barton

How to Care for Wisteria Flowers

These dramatic blooms add plenty of wow factor to your garden. So how do you get those gorgeous, draping blooms to come back every spring and summer? Try these tips to help your wisteria plant thrivewithout becoming a nuisance in your yard. Photo:Magic Flute 002/Getty Images That means, ideally, full sun and a well-fertilized, moist soil. (Wisteria plants aren’t fans of drought-like conditions.) “Wisterias need something to hang onto so you can grow up,” Hogan says....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 187 words · Wayne Wang

How to Care for Your Lucky Bamboo Plant So It Thrives All Year Round

This plant symbolizes good fortune, and luckily, it’s super easy to care for. gollykim/Getty Imagees Many plants are associated with symbolism, but withlucky bamboo, it’s directly in the name. Lucky bamboo has long symbolized good fortune and happiness. Photo:gollykim/Getty Imagees The houseplant we know by this name is actuallyDracaena sanderiana, a tropical water lily native to Central Africa. Light Lucky bamboo prefers moderate toindirect sunlight. They can also tolerate low light conditions, if you only have shady spots in your house....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 227 words · Tina Lee

How to Carve a Leg of Lamb in Just 4 Simple Steps

Is adding a leg of lamb to the menu intimidating? But is it doable? Here’s how to maximize its presentation. Photo:DronG/Getty Images Cut thin slices parallel to the bone until you reach the bone, and transfer them to a platter. You won’t hit the bone for the first few slices. Without the bone, a leg cut has a bit less of a strong lamb flavor. James Baigrie Many boneless cuts of a leg of lamb are already rolled up and tied in netting by the butcher....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 180 words · James Alexander

How to Carve a Pumpkin Like a Pro

This step-by-step guide to carving pumpkins will turn any gourd into a doorstep-ready masterpiece. Set yourself up for carving success by selecting a pumpkin in its prime. Choose one with an intact stemthe greener the better. Photo: Getty Images “Itisa piece of fruit,” Evan says. Gut your gourd at a kitchen table covered with that same tablecloth or kraft paper. Don’t pick a work surface that stains easily (like your antique dining table)....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 327 words · Jennifer Garcia

How to Carve a Turkey Like a Pro

Carving a turkey has never been so easy. Here’s how to nail the final step before you dig in. Place the turkey on a carving board. Remove the string tying the legs together using the tip of your chef’s knife from yourknife set. Remove the turkey legs and thighs. Cut through the skin that connects the breast and the drumstick. Slice down until you reach the joint. Use your chef’s knife to slice through the joint....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 280 words · Joseph Berry

How to Change a Ceiling Fan's Direction in the Summer and Winter

You will want to change it according to the season and weather. Warm months benefit from a counterclockwise direction, while a clockwise direction can help in cooler months. Fan Direction for Summer and Winter Summer Switch a fan to counterclockwise in the summer. This combination can help you save on electricity costs. Winter Switch a fan to clockwise in the winter. Run a ceiling fan clockwise at low speed during winter months to help you feel warmer....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 152 words · Brent Williams

How to Check for Bed Bugs—and How to Get Rid of Them With or Without a Pro

Little bug, big problem! Bed bugs have been a major pain (literally and figuratively) for humans for centuries. What Are Bed Bugs? Bedbug on fabric.Photo: Courtesy of dblight/Getty Images Though they’re not known to transmit or spread disease, they can cause other public health issues. “Some bed bug populations have developed resistance to common treatments, making them harder to eradicate.” Reddish-stained sheets (from crushing the bug) are also a sign....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 285 words · Michael Johnson

How to Check the Temperature of Your Grill

You dont need a built-in thermometer to gauge the temperature. In an ideal world, your grill comes with a built-in thermometer. Then check the chart below for the corresponding temperature. RealSimple.com.Photo: Michele Gastl Then, learnhow to grilljust about anything with this printer-friendly PDF.

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 43 words · Theresa Hall

How to Chew Your Food—Plus Signs You're Doing It Wrong, According to MDs

Learn why not chewing your food enough could be messing with your digestion. But your parents were actually on to somethingwhether or not they knew exactly why. ), what happens when you don’t, and simple strategies to improve your chewing habits. Yuji Sakai/Getty Images Why Is Chewing Important for Digestion? Saliva contains enzymes like amylase and lipase, which break down carbs and fats, respectively. How Many Times Should You Chew Your Food?...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 309 words · Destiny Buckley