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Native to South Africa, the string of bananas is a part of the Asteraceae family and is characterized by glossy, banana-shaped leaves that grow on long, hanging tendrils. It makes an excellent hanging houseplant or can be trained to grow upwards on a trellis or moss pole depending on the look you are going for. String of bananas can also be grown successfully outdoors in succulent gardens, but they are not frost-tolerant so require regions that experience warm weather year-round....

To maintain a healthy environment for your plants, you should avoid these 10 mistakes. Too Much Light Most plants suitable for terrariums do not require extremely bright light. If placed in direct sun or extremely bright light, terrarium glass can act as a magnifier and burn the plants. Temperatures inside the terrarium can rise quickly; before you know it, the terrarium can become as steamy as a sauna. Most plants can’t tolerate this heat, so it’s best to keep terrariums out of the direct sun....

Coleman Cosby, a project manager and landscape design specialist at Yardzen, the online landscape and design company, advises, “If you start seeing smoke while cutting and see burn marks on the cuts, it’s time to sharpen the chain. A dull chainsaw chain is more dangerous to use than a sharp one, as it is harder to control and likelier to slip. Make sure the size of the chainsaw sharpening file or wheel is correct and matches the pitch and gauge of your chain—pitch is the space between the chain “teeth” and gauge is the thickness of the chain—and use a guide so you’re running the file at the correct angle to sharpen the chain effectively....

We’ve scoured the web for the best hampers on the market so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Our favorite hamper, the Seville Classic Handwoven Double Laundry Hamper, has two compartments, a lid, and removable liners, and it’s handwoven. Here, the best hampers for your home and stashing your dirty laundry in style. Made of dark, durable wicker, this stylish hamper will look great sitting out in a bathroom or bedroom....

We’ve spent hours searching for the best computer desks available online, evaluating quality, design, and overall value. Our top pick, the Harris Desk by Zipcode Design, has two storage drawers, a hanging file cabinet, a CPU storage cabinet with cord management and heat release openings, and a slide-out keyboard shelf. Here are the best computer desks. The Harris Desk is just the right size for any office, and it has several features that make it perfect for housing a computer....

The clear winner was the Sorbus Cosmetic Makeup and Jewelry Storage Case. It’s durable, has an aesthetically pleasing design, and holds plenty of products. Not to mention, the makeup organizer can withstand ample wear and tear. Here are the best makeup organizers, backed by our thorough testing. After weeks of testing, the Sorbus Cosmetic Makeup and Jewelry Storage Case was our clear winner. Its three larger drawers are perfect for eyeshadow palettes, while its four smaller drawers are the right size for blushes, bronzers, and powders....

We researched dozens of outdoor recliners, evaluating each on its material, design, durability, and value. Our top pick, the Ulax Furniture Outdoor Recliner Chair, has a sturdy steel frame, an extremely comfortable cushion, and adjustable leg and back support. Ahead, find the best outdoor recliners for your outdoor space. An easy, lean-back function lets you recline without using levers or buttons. The adjustable leg rest and curved armrests provide additional comfort and support....

While a sleek, stylish vase is a must, it’s also important to consider its ability to hold plenty of water to keep your freshly-cut flowers thriving. “Vases, which display cut floral bouquets, do not have drainage holes,” says Alfred Palomares, Vice President of Merchandising and Resident Plant Dad at 1-800-Flowers. “Cut flowers rely on that constant access to water in order to bloom and stay fresh for as long as possible – sometimes up to three weeks....

We researched water heaters from the top brands, judging them on effectiveness, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance. Our best overall picks are the Rheem Performance 40 Gal. Natural Gas Tall Water Heater and the Rheem Performance Plus 50 Gal. Electric Water Heater, both of which offer large capacity, durability, and longevity. Here are the best water heaters for your home. Easy to relocate Equipped with a fan-propelled exhaust system, the advantage of this gas water heater is its ability to vent to the outside either horizontally or vertically—up to 100 feet....

We spent hours testing luggage in The Lab from top brands, evaluating durability, versatility, organization, and value. Our best overall pick, the Samsonite Eco Advance Medium Spinner, proved very durable in our testing and had plenty of room inside for a week’s worth of clothes. It also offers a height-adjustable handle and four spinner wheels for better maneuverability on your journey. Here is the best luggage to take on your next getaway, backed by our thorough testing....

If you’re looking for a new mattress on the firmer side of the spectrum, you’ll want one that is supportive, comfortable, and long-lasting. We’ve tested dozens of mattresses over hundreds of hours, both in our labs and under real-world conditions with expert at-home testers. Our favorite firm mattress is the Saatva Classic Mattress, which combines a double-layer innerspring design with lumbar-supporting memory foam for a mattress that will holds its firmness for years....

“Finding the right desk just requires having an understanding of how one works,” says interior designer Ahmad AbouZanat of Project AZ Design. “For example, someone who works on a laptop has completely different desk needs than someone who works on multiple screens.” We researched stylish, functional desks, evaluating appearance, durability, and any standout features. Our number one pick is the Mateo Rustic Desk from Pottery Barn, a versatile and practical workstation with a generously sized drawer....

We researched the top throw pillows available online, evaluating quality, ease of care and cleaning, and value. Our best overall pick, the Wayfair Basics Throw Pillow Set, includes two machine-washable, polyester-filled pillows that are affordable and stylish. Here are the best throw pillows. If you want to add to your throw pillow collection, consider an option that balances color, texture, and value. The Wayfair Basics Square Throw Pillow is our top-rated choice for checking all of these boxes so well....

Through several tests of well over 50 vacuums in The Lab and at home in real, everyday situations, we’ve found them. During these tests, we time each vacuum’s setup process, evaluate its effectiveness on multiple types of flooring, and bring it through a living room-inspired obstacle course. We rate noise level, portability, value, and the ease of emptying the dust bin or bag, so you (and your pet who hates the vacuum cleaner) know what to expect from a particular vacuum and can choose the best option for you....

Ahead, find the best hostess gifts for your next soirée. By using organic grapes and removing unnecessary additives like concentrates, colors, and added sugars, Avaline sets a new standard for the wine industry. The Essentials Trio includes one bottle of their red, rose, and white wines. Each bottle has a resealable cap, so they won’t have to worry about finishing the bottle before the wine goes bad. It’s a tried-and-true hostess gift that can be enjoyed the night of the party and beyond....

We researched the best gift options, considering age appropriateness, safety, educational value, and compatibility so you can easily narrow down your list. Our favorite pick is the Retrospec Zed Longboard. It can inspire him to learn a new skill or hone with hobby with a stable, smooth, and stylish ride. Here are our top picks for 15-year-old boys. Retrospec’s Zed Bamboo Longboard Cruiser is one of the most popular and highly reviewed boards online, and it’s also one of the most stylish....

We researched the best gifts to say thank you, from practical picks they can use at school, to thoughtful items for their time away from work. Our favorites include the Pottery Barn Mini Faux Potted Orchid, the Yeti Rambler Insulated Cup, and a Personalized Rubber Stamp from Etsy. Here are the best gifts for educators. There are approximately eight blooms on each plant, handcrafted from polyester, plastic, and styrofoam with a wired center....

We researched the top gift options on the market, considering the recommended age, safety precautions, and educational value of each. Our favorite picks include a mermaid tail blanket from LAGHCAT, a crystal growing lab from National Geographic, and retro mood rings from Super Smalls. Here, the best gifts for 11-year-old girls. Our tester loved how mess-free this kit is compared to traditional hair dye. “The ALEX Spa Hair Chalk Salon earns points for precision....

We researched the best shower tile cleaners, evaluating each for its cleaning power, compatibility with different surfaces, and disinfecting properties. Our top pick is the Scrubbing Bubbles Grime Fighter Spray that can be used on a variety of surfaces and has a fresh, citrus scent. Here are the best shower tile cleaners for your bathroom. Scrubbing Bubbles is a household name when it comes to bathroom cleaners, and the brand’s Bathroom Grime Fighter Spray is worth adding to your cleaning closet....