Published on: 31 December 2018
Last Updated on: 30 October 2024
Before purchasing your portable generator, there are two essential things you should always consider; it’s versatility and handiness. This will significantly help in cases of breakdown. How? Once you’re sure of your portable generator power and versatility, then it becomes more comfortable for you to identify it’s spare parts availability.
If you want your portable generator to last longer, then you’ll have to follow the number one rule of owning a portable generator strictly. Bonus: Maintenance. Proper maintenance will ensure your portable generator works efficiently.
Outlined below are five tips for maintaining your portable generator for efficiency.
1. Fresh Oil Helps
Changing the oil of your machine regularly replacing it with a fresh one will maintain your engine for efficacy. If your generator is new, then it needs to be synchronised exactly after 30 hours of use. This sounds demanding and tiresome but, you’re never going to regret it.
Don’t worry because as time goes by, changing the oil of your small engine will only be done after every 100 hours of use, or even after every season.
It is always important to have a stock of oil or gas set aside in case you run out of power. The fact is that you’ll never know when you’re going to have extended power outages. This is to prevent your engine from corrosion.
2. Plugs & Filters
Ensure that your generator has a way of igniting gas into the engine cylinders otherwise, your generator will have no use.
However, maintaining your generator will have you change your plug and air filter occasionally. You can do this after using it for 200 hours or maybe once at the start of each season.
Having done that successfully, your generator will have a proper fuel-air mixture that will help your generator work efficiently thus, an extension of lifespan.
3. Store Your Generator on an Empty Tank
This implies that if you ’re planning to store your generator for longer, maybe a month or so. But, before you do that, ensure that you drain the fuel from the tank.
However, there are necessary steps you’ll need to follow before emptying your generator’s fuel tank. First, you’ll have to add a quality gas stabilizer to the fuel tank and allow it to run for about 15 minutes. Once you’ve done that, allow your engine to cool down, then start your engine and run it until it runs out of gas and automatically shuts down.
On the other hand, you may use a siphon that’s non-conductive to remove excess gas in the tank. Remember, the siphon should be non-conductive to prevent the fuel tank from static electricity.
4. Charge the Battery
You can charge your generator only if it has a battery because not all of the generators use a battery. Some of the generators are electric starts feature so; they will need to charge before storing them. You can as well plug your generator’s battery in a trickle charger for freshness and availability.
5. Train in the Off-Season
As you continue to store your generator, you are advised to always start it after every month allowing it to run for some few minutes.
This will help keep your generator’s features lubricated because oil will be circulating through the engine.
Wrap Up
Had problems before maintaining your portable generator? Worry not because the above tips have provided solutions to your questions.
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I have always enjoyed gardening, spending time in nature, and a general affliction towards plants. However, once professional commitments started taking up too much time, I was left with 'no time to stand and stare'. Whatever time I had left, most of it went behind work, and my plants started shriveling up. Do you relate?
If this sounds relatable, then keep reading to find out what I did to change things and give my plants the time they need. Well, for starters, I started investing more in low-maintenance plants. These plants can easily thrive well under low lights and can quickly bounce back in case of one or more missed watering. So soon, I was able to spot the change!
10 Best Low Maintenance Plants To Buy In 2024:
It was a discovery that I thankfully stumbled upon. It made things so much easier for the anthophilous inside me that I was motivated to write about it. If you are also planning to purchase a few low-maintenance plants, then scroll down to find out more on the same!
1. Cacti
If you have long and irregular work schedules, then Cacti is probably the best low-maintenance indoor plant. Cacti plants can thrive well in light that’s natural and requires water only once every week during summer and spring. During winter and fall, you just need to water your cacti once in three weeks.
Price: 18 dollars (for four)
Why Do We Love It?
Can be grown easily
Can be cared for easily
Great option as a gift
2. Air Plants
Air plants are great alternatives for low maintenance plants - they do not even need soil for survival. All that you have to do in this case is dunk these plants in the water for 2 to 3 hours, once every ten days. Now is that not perfect? This is entirely doable every 10 days while you spend your afternoon sunk knee-deep in work.
Price: 14 dollars (for five)
Why Do We Love It?
Easy to maintain
Very affordable
Saves time
3. Pothos
Pothos is also referred to as Devil’s Ivy and is one of the best types of low-maintenance house plants. The best part? These plants can thrive well in both light and darkness. So if you keep it in your low-light cubicle, the plant will survive, and the same goes for brightly lit areas. Also, it can survive when you forget to water the plant.
Price: 18 dollars (for five)
Why Do We Love It?
Air-purifying properties
Value for money
It comes in a grower’s pot
4. ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plants thrive the best in brightly lit rooms, but that does not mean they cannot survive in moderate or low lights. Just like cacti, you don’t need to water them every day. Moreover, it’s a pretty sturdy plant. When you notice that the leaves are falling off, simply water it properly, and you will soon notice the plant from bouncing right back.
Price: 26 dollars
Why Do We Love It?
Can thrive in both natural and artificial light
Sturdy and durable
Great option as a gift
5. Spider Plants
Spider plants are pretty great options if you are looking for low-maintenance plants. These spidery plants tend to dry out in between two watering sessions. In addition, spider plants thrive pretty well under indirect light, and as a result, these plants can flourish well even inside windowless, dark offices.
Price: 12 dollars
Why Do We Love It?
Can thrive well in both natural and artificial light.
Air-purifying properties.
Great option as a gift for apartments, office cubicles, dorm rooms, and the like.
6. Snake Plants
There are low-maintenance plants, and then there are Snake plants. These are not just great as low-maintenance outdoor potted plants but also as plants for low-lit indoor cubicles. Simply put, snake plants are great alternatives for those offices where you get just thirty minutes for grabbing your lunch - let alone watering your plants.
Price: 38 dollars
Why Do We Love It?
Has higher carbon dioxide absorbing efficiency and releases oxygen at night.
Has premium air-purifying properties.
Versatile - can be planted in a pot or directly into the ground.
7. Succulents
Succulents are amazing not because they can be easily maintained but mostly because it has thick leaves that store water. As a result, these plants needed to be watered once a week. Also, these thrive well in dry air and sunlight. No wonder succulents are the best low-maintenance outdoor potted plants.
Price: 19 dollars (for five)
Why Do We Love It?
Easy to grow and maintain
Very affordable
Perfect for DIY or doing your home decor
8. Bamboo
Considered to be a lucky plant, Bamboo needs some light for thriving. This technically means Bamboo plants are great for those cube desks at work. If anyone is starting a new job, it’s best to gift them a bamboo plant wishing them good luck. Also, these plants give any workspace a Feng Shui boost.
Price: 28 dollars
Why Do We Love It?
Easy to grow and maintain
Value for money
Ideal gift for everyone
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9. Peace Lily
Peace lilies look beautiful, and they also happen to be very easy to grow and maintain. All you need to do is keep misting the leaves and moisturize the soil regularly. However, make sure you are not overwatering the plant, and you should keep the plant away from direct sunlight.
Price: 24 dollars
Why Do We Love It?
Thrives in indoor light
Has health benefits
Easy to maintain and care for
10. Red Aglaonema
Did you know that the Red Aglaonema is new and happening presently? The leaves are all reddish-pink, while the stems are pink. This low-maintenance plant simply amps your cubicle’s personality a few notches higher. Naturally, these will appear brighter in well-lit rooms, buts they can also thrive well under low light.
Price: 21 dollars
Why Do We Love It?
Sturdy and durable
Adds texture and color to different spaces
Ideal for dorm or room decor
11. Dusty Miller
Often called silver ragwort, this icy-looking plant can withstand shade but prefers bright light. The distinctive, silvery leaves become more green-gray in shaded areas, which is also a visually pleasing effect. Its foliage is the main attraction, though it produces small, bright yellow blooms in midsummer.
12. Ribbon Grass
Because they spread easily, these variegated blades make an excellent ground cover option. They do not mind shade or sun, but they do love moisture. When planted as a border in your garden, they create a charming link between the grass and the garden. Just make sure to use your shovel to create a sharp trench to keep it from getting into your flowers.
13. Cosmos
The name "cosmos" comes from the Greek word for "harmony" or "ordered universe," and Mexican priests gave these happy little flowers this name due to their perfectly arranged, uniform petals. You'll have blooms from spring into autumn because these annual flowers reseed and grow well in full sun.
14. Butterfly Bush
Some of the longest-blooming shrubs are these sun-loving plants. They are drought- and insect-resistant and have a vibrant range of colors that are perfect for summer. The plants will naturally draw a large number of hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the fall season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-
Q1. What Is The Most Low Maintenance Plant? Ans: The most low maintenance plants are,⦿ Aloe vera⦿ ZZ plant⦿ Snake plant⦿ Spider plant, and⦿ Cast-iron plant Q2. What Are The Easiest Plants To Take Care Of? Ans: The easiest plants to take care of are,⦿ Cast-iron plant⦿ Snake plant⦿ ZZ plant⦿ Spider plant⦿ Aloe Vera. Q3. What Is The Most Durable House Plant? Ans: The most durable house plants are,⦿ ZZ plant⦿ Snake plant ⦿ Chinese money plant⦿ Bromeliads⦿ Chinese Evergreen Plant.
Wrapping Up:
Remember that it is always a good idea to check the resources available through your local extension service, even if the plants you choose are designated for your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone and the light and soil conditions of your site. By taking into account factors like wind, humidity, rainfall, and more, you can determine what grows best in your area. It's worth noting that not all plants labeled as "deer-resistant" will withstand deer damage.
Are you looking for additional strategies to work in the garden more efficiently rather than more laboriously? Invest in a base of well-established evergreen shrubs; you'll be grateful for it come winter. Fast-growing vines can make a big difference for an ugly fence or garden wall without requiring a lot of work.
Additionally, check out container plants and outdoor hanging plants if your garden is limited to a patio or balcony
Low-maintenance plants are pretty popular presently. Mostly because they are easy to grow and maintain. So what are you waiting for? Invest in some low-maintenance plants today, and let us know which one are you buying first.
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Sometimes it's the leaves that matter, not the flowers. While most people keep flowers in their gardens, balconies, and backyards, some extra greenery also looks nice sometimes. This is where many people get the itch to include some foliage plants in their gardens. While many consider flowers to be the most crucial part of the vegetation of the household, some outdoor greenery also looks natural. Having some big green plants also helps make the house outdoors look beautiful and lush with greenery. Therefore, we have searched far and wide to present you with the 10 best types of foliage plants that you can buy and welcome to your household in 2022.
What Are Foliage Plants?
Foliage plants refer to plants that do not produce any flowers. Their main beauty lies in their leaves. They are primarily placed outdoors but can be placed indoors. Foliage plants are typically bigger than most flowering plants and potted plants. Therefore, they are primarily suited for outdoors, but some are better suited indoors.
Read More: 10 Best Low Maintenance Plants To Buy In 2022
10 Best Foliage Plants In 2022
If you want to buy plants to decorate your house or garden's outsides, then here are ten assorted foliage plants that you can buy and add to your garden in 2022.
1. Caladium
If you want to impress your soulmate with many hearts, then caladium might just get the job done. This plant has heart-shaped leaves that are typically reddish to crimson towards the middle. However, some leaves might also be white or pink. Since these plants have bright, arrow-shaped leaves, they are best used to brighten parts of your garden.
2. Coleus
If you want lots of options in choosing the color or shape of the leaf you want, then Coleus is for you. This plant comes in various bright colors, with the leaves being green with a different-colored midsection. This plant is popular because it comes with different splashes of colors that create great colorful contrasts.
3. Elephant Ear
While this might not be as big as an actual elephant ear, the leaves of this foliage plant are enormous. Compared to the other plants on this list, the leaves of this plant are big but have various colors available. The leaves grow up to 1 to 2 feet in length. Just keep it where the leaves get sheltered from strong winds.
4. Ferns
One of the most common foliage plants, ferns are a common sight in most houses that have foliage gardens. This plant comes in various sizes, from small to big. The leaves are typically bright green with dissected sword shapes, similar to spiky plants. These plants should be kept indoors, being placed beside the bed or the couch.
5. Ninebark
These deciduous shrubs come in lobed oval shapes and are purple foliage plants. It might also be available in other hues of golden and pink. This foliage plant is popular because it often changes color based on the season. It is best placed in focal points in your garden to get seen easily.
Click This To Read: 10 Best Low Maintenance Plants To Buy In 2022
6. Rex Begonia
This foliage plant is known for its broad and big leaves with highly decorative patterns. This plant is kept both indoors and outdoors, depending on the season. They are best kept in shady areas outdoors during summers and are taken inside during winters. This plant comes in various colors, with circular patterns on white, black, or darkish pink on the leaves.
7. Dusty Miller
If you want a light-colored
foliage plant, dusty millers will be a great addition to your garden. It is best kept in sunny areas so that the bright white-solver color of the leaves can pop and look vivid. This plant is best kept in pots and containers, especially indoors.
8. Peacock Plant
Being one of the best bedroom plants, it comes in various shapes and sizes based on its species. The leaves of this plant are colorful and can grow quite big. This is why they get compared to a peacock's tail. It's best if you keep them outdoors with higher temperatures and humidity.
9. Calatheas
These broad-leaved foliage plants are typically green in color with darker midsections. The leaves of these plants are pretty big and often look like canopies. If you decide to keep this plant in your garden, keep it in a shady area since they do not like direct sunlight.
10. Crotons
If you want colorful plants in your garden, then get some crotons. The leaves of this plant are long and slender, typically green in color with yellowish midsections. This plant is a pretty and colorful addition to your botanical garden.
How To Care For Foliage Plants?
After you get foliage plants for your garden, you must take good care of them. Make sure that these criteria are fulfilled and keep your plants lush and healthy throughout the year.
1. Lighting
It's best to keep most of your foliage plants outside in your garden or on your doorstep, where it gets sufficient sunlight. Therefore, it is vital to keep track of the intensity and duration of the sunlight your plants get exposed to during the daytime.
It's best to keep your plants outside so that it gets 10 to 16 hours of sunlight daily. However, some plants like the Calatheas and the Rex Begonia are best kept outside the range of direct sunlight.
2. Temperature
Foliage plants thrive best at 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 30 degrees Celsius). While most of these plants can survive warmer temperatures, colder temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) will cause severe problems.
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3. Humidity
Since most of these foliage plants are tropical plants, they thrive better in warmer and humid climates. A humidity level of 80% will be perfect for these plants, but not less than 35%. Inadequate humidity can cause these plants to develop brown patches on their leaves.
If you keep some of these plants indoors, you have to make sure the room is humid with indoor humidity controllers, especially during winters.
4. Soil
The health of the soil affects the growth of the plant in many ways. If you keep these plants in pots, add some potting soil with peat moss. These help the roots of the plants to breathe easier and get the essential nutrients it needs from the earth.
Don't keep these plants too close to each other, especially if they have more giant leaves like Elephant Ear. In addition, make sure that they get watered regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What Are Foliage Plants Used For?
Foliage plants are used for decorating your garden with big green leaves or your interiors.
Q2. Do Foliage Plants Need Sunlight?
Yes, most foliage plants do need sunlight.
Q3. Can You Plant Foliage Outside?
Yes, foliage plants are typically planted outside, with a few exceptions.
Q4. What Soil Does Foliage Like?
Foliage plants like moist soil that gets watered regularly.
Conclusion
Foliage plants are some of the most beautiful non-flowering plants that you can add to your garden. The main attraction of these plants is their colorful leaves, which can come in different patterns, colors, and sizes.
Plants like Elephant Ears, Ferns, Coleus, Caladium, and Rex Begonia are some of the most popular foliage plants you should add to your garden. First, however, you must ensure that they are well kept and maintained, with sufficient sunlight and water.
If you liked reading this blog, then check out our other blogs about gardening plants too!
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The global housing market is reportedly shifting. Now, some of the most luxurious homes around the world are being sold at a fraction of what they cost a few years ago.
While it may be the dawning of a worldwide seller's market, there are plenty of expensive homes exceeding the average buyer's price range.
Even if you can't fork over mega-millions for a mansion of your own, it's fun to imagine what it might be like to live in the world's most luxurious residences.
Amazing Abodes: 10 Stunning Homes Around the World
Read on for an inside peek at ten of the world's most stunning abodes!
1. Beverly House, Beverly Hills, California:
The Beverly House is within walking distance of the iconic Sunset Boulevard and has been in many major motion pictures. It appeared on-screen in major box-office hits, such as "The Godfather" and "The Bodyguard".
Designed by the famous architect, Gordon Kaufman, the Beverly House is on the market for a cool $135 million dollars. But, if you don't want to commit to a mortgage, you can rent the star-studded digs for a mere $600,000 dollars a month.
If you're looking to move out west, you could always sell your home to Otranto Real Estate. It won't get you $135 million, but it's a start, right?
2. Luxury Italian Villa, Otranto, Italy:
This luxury Italian villa has stood the test of time since its construction, which dates back to 1840. Perched on the coast, overlooking the sandy shores, and full of charming courtyards and gardens, this one-of-a-kind 16-room property is breathtaking, even in pictures.
It's currently for sale, but the price isn't open to the public. The price tag on this stunning display of Italian architecture is available by application only.
3. Buckingham Palace, London - One Of The Most Famous Homes Around The World:
It's easy to see why this royal beauty is fit for a queen.
As the home of Queen Elizabeth, there's no chance of buying this castle for yourself. But, you can visit and tour the castle's grounds. Buckingham Palace is open to the public during specific times throughout the year.
It's unlikely that you will get around to viewing all 775 rooms. But, many of the staterooms are available for viewing and they are every bit as glorious as you might imagine. In fact, every inch of Her Majesty's royal homestead is worth the price you will pay for admission to the royal grounds.
While you're there, make sure that you swing by Windsor Castle, which marks 900 years of royal architecture. If you want to see the actual home of the Queen, you will want to head to Edinburgh where you can visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Both are open to visitors all year.
4. Antilla, Mumbai, India:
The Antilla is a 27-story skyscraper that's owned by the fifth richest man in the world.
Mukesh Ambani, the world-famous billionaire, had the luxurious tower built for his own private use. His wife visited New York and fell in love with Asian interior design, causing him to design the tower for her.
Antilla is the world's largest and most extravagant residential property. The home cost the businessman around $2 billion dollars.
5. The Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California:
It's not the original Playboy Mansion, which was in Chicago, but Hugh Hefner's final party house is bigger and better than the first.
Hefner, known for his partying lifestyle and hosting exclusive soirees, placed his mansion on the market for $200 million. However, the deal included a caveat that he would be able to use the address to party until he passed.
Eventually, the Playboy Mansion sold for half of the original asking price. The Greek millionaire who owns Hostess, the brand that makes Twinkies dessert cakes, bought the home.
6. Fleur de Lys Mansion, Los Angeles, California:
The former home of Mariah Carey recently sold for $102 million dollars, paid in cash by an anonymous buyer. Its spread includes 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. There's also a 3,000 square foot wine cellar, tasting room, two-story library, expansive ballroom, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a spa.
The Fleur de Lys Mansion, built in 2002, modeled the French castle known as the Palace of Versaille, which had been the most decadent home of its time. The Palace of Versaille was the home of Marie Antoinette, who became famous for her narrow-minded extravagance.
Supposedly, a crowd of peasants once stood in arms outside of her palace complaining that they hadn't even a crumb of bread to eat. The wealthy Mademoiselle supposedly responded "Let them eat cake", even though we now know that isn't accurate.
The socialite's supposed response, absurd to those hearing it, has defined Antoinette as one of the most out of touch characters to ever grace the pages of history books.
The quote is still cited when referring to the overwhelming differences in thought between social classes.
7. Xanadu 2.0, Medina, Washington:
Owners Bill and Melinda Gates built their sprawling Washington home with many cutting-edge features. As the mastermind behind one of the century's most notable companies, Gates created the tucked away abode to match his tech-savvy image.
A few of the unique amenities of Xanadu 2.0 include an underwater music system, a separately-housed swimming pool, and a trampoline park with 20-foot ceilings.
The 66,000 square foot home has 24 bathrooms in all, 10 of which are full baths.
In addition, it also has 6 kitchens, male and female locker rooms, a sauna, and a 2,300 square foot reception hall. The reception hall has a wall-to-wall limestone fireplace and a massive video screen for entertaining. It can seat up to 150 people or accommodate up to 200 guests if standing.
Also interesting is the home's heating and light system. They are controllable using a pin-passcode that guests can set according to their personal preferences. The house's sheltered design aids in reducing energy usage and regulating temperatures.
Gates also houses his ancient Da Vinci manuscripts here, which he acquired in 1994 for over $30 million dollars at an auction. He can display additional artwork, stored on $150,000 worth of storage devices, via the $80,000 computer screens adorning the walls.
8. Acqua Liana, Florida:
This property's claim to fame is that it holds the title for the world's most luxurious eco-mansion.
The 15,000 square foot home boasts 7 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a waterfall spa that's lit with fire, floating sun terraces, and an arched aquarium wet bar. It's almost hard to believe that such extravagant details could also be eco-friendly.
Still, for any doubters, there are plenty of "green" qualities throughout the luxurious homestead. Acqua Linea has superior air quality, $120,000 worth of solar panels, ultra-efficient appliances, and extra LEED features. This helps the eco-mansion to maintain an energy-neutral setting most days.
Its' designer created the home, not only to be sustainable living quarters but also as a work of art. His visits to exotic tropical locations such as Bali and the South American rainforests inspired him.
9. Palazzo Di Amore, Beverly Hills, California:
Jeff Greene, an LA real-estate mogul, owns the Palazzo Di Amore, which is Italian for "Castle of Love". He listed the home for $195 million dollars but has since lowered the asking price by at least $66 million.
The sprawling compound is an entertainment mecca. It features a rotating dance floor, laser light system, and a high-tech DJ booth. There's also a bowling alley, game room, theater, and parking space that can accommodate up to 150 cars at a time. The hard part is getting your friends to come over, it's getting them to leave!
10. Kensington Palace, London:
Valued at $222 million dollars, Kensington Palace sits on one of Britain's most exclusive streets, which also known as London's "Billionaire Row".
When the homeowner, Laski Mittal of India, purchased the 55,000 square foot palace for $128 million dollars, it was the most expensive address on the market. In addition to owning the famous mansion, Mittal also owns the world's largest steel manufacturing company.
Kensington Palace was once home to the de Rothschild family. It's located near the current home of Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton.
Looking Into Buying a Mansion of Your Own?
If you're interested in purchasing one of the mansions above, you'll be happy to know that several of these properties are currently up for sale. But, there are also plenty of other homes around the world priced for much less in the event you aren't prepared to spend millions (or billions) of dollars.
But, before you invest in any type of real estate, there is some crucial information that you need to know.
Ready to start searching for your own dream home?
Check out this post for a list of essential things to know before buying a new house!
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