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Raffaele Di Lallo

Hi everyone! My name is Raffaele, and thank you for visiting my site! I am the founder of Ohio Tropics, a site completely dedicated to houseplant and tropical plant care. Be sure to subscribe at the top of the screen (for free) with your email and stay up to date!

9 Cold Weather Crops You Can Grow NOW from Seed!

I’ve had huge demand to write about vegetable gardening lately, so I’m going to start sharing my experience and wisdom on this topic! Many of you may know me very well for my houseplant posts, but get ready to see another side of me now! I’m going to take you through how to grow cold …

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Turn an Aquarium into a Terrarium: 9 Super Easy Steps!

Have you been wanting to make a terrarium but are overwhelmed and not sure exactly how to do it? I will show you exactly how I created a thriving, stunningly beautiful terrarium out of a glass fish tank. It is really rewarding to create your own enclosed, mini ecosystem. And your plants will LOVE it! …

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Peperomia Perciliata: 1 Rare Jewel for Your Collection

Peperomia perciliata, sometimes called Peperomia fagerlindii, is a rare jewel for any houseplant collection if you can get your hands on it! The small heart shaped leaves, reddish stems and dainty white flowers are a feast for the eyes. This Ecuadorian native is now considered to be endangered in nature. Unlike many other Peperomia plants, …

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How to Fertilize Houseplants: And the 1 BEST Fertilizer!

I continually get tons of questions on how to fertilize houseplants over the past months, so I’ve decided to write a comprehensive post on the topic.  Fertilizing can be so confusing for the beginner houseplant lover, but I will make it easy for you, I promise! You are probably wondering…When do I fertilize? Which fertilizer …

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Maidenhair Ferns: 1 Amazing Secret on How to Keep Them Alive

I have one secret for you that will make it ridiculously easy to keep your maidenhair fern alive. I know many people have struggled to keep this fern alive, but you’ll be shocked at some of the information you’ll read here. Why? Because I know from experience that it works, and there is a LOT …

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Monstera Problems: 22 Frustrating Problems & Solutions

There are many burning questions that people have asked me about growing Monstera deliciosa, so I’m here to help! I’ve compiled answers to 22 common, urgent questions which will save your plant from dying and help your Monstera thrive! Topics range from what to do with aerial roots, to problems with growth, and various defects …

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Pink Princess Philodendron: 11 Critical Problems & Fixes!

Are you having problems growing your Philodendron Pink Princess? Are you nervous that your precious plant is going to die? These plants are difficult to find and have gotten very expensive, so it is important to understand how to save your plant! I’ve compiled all the main problems that people have asked me about concerning …

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Dying Peace Lily? Expert Tips to Grow and Revive Your Plant!

No houseplant collection is complete without a Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum).  Although they are very common, there is a reason for this!  They are very low maintenance, will survive very low light indoors, and they often will tell you when they need water!  And as a bonus, I don’t know of any other plant that will …

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Ficus Audrey: The 1 Best Fiddle Leaf Fig Alternative!

Ficus Audrey, or Ficus benghalensis, is a fantastic newer houseplant to the scene and also an amazing alternative if you are frustrated with the very intolerant and often finicky Fiddle Leaf Fig! Let’s go over some pieces of care advice as well as some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot some common problems. Ficus …

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Rubber Plants: Ultimate Growing Guide and 16 Common Problems

This is the ultimate, most comprehensive rubber plant care guide you will find! I’ve spent a lot of time documenting my own experiences and also surveyed my large Instagram audience to expose the most common problems with this plant and how to solve them! It is my goal to help your rubber plant thrive. If …

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