Em Casalena
Author for A-Z Animals

Em Casalena is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on plants, gardening, and sustainability. Em has been writing and researching about plants for nearly a decade and is a proud Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduate and certified Urban Farming instructor.

Em is a resident of Arizona and enjoys learning about eco-conscious living, thrifting at local shops, and caring for their Siamese cat Vladimir.


Orchid Cactus Picture

Orchid cacti, also known as Epiphyllum cacti, are forest cacti with extraordinarily beautiful flowers on long, flat branches. Orchid cacti are a delight to nurture because of their large, cup-shaped… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Barrel Cactus Picture

Even if you don’t live in the desert, you’ve probably seen a barrel cactus at some point. They are as identifiable as saguaro cacti as symbols of the desert, and… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Brain Cactus Picture

The brain cactus is a fascinating plant with a very descriptive name. The Cristata variant of Mammillaria elongata, sometimes known as brain cactus, is one of the several subspecies of… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Can Groundhogs Climb Trees? Picture

Because of their strong claws, groundhogs (also known as woodchucks) can readily climb trees, cliffs, and other surfaces. That being said, they only ascend when absolutely essential. It should come… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Dragon Fruit Cactus Picture

The dragon fruit cactus is the perfect choice for you if you want to grow your very own fruit that is genuinely otherworldly. This stunning plant only blooms at night… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Organ Pipe Cactus Picture

Stenocereus thurberi, or the organ pipe cactus, gets its common name from the way it grows in several directions and resembles the pipes of large church organs. Only warm to… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Cholla Cactus Picture

The cholla cactus is a pretty incredible plant, though natives of Arizona are other parts of the Sonoran desert tend to not love it all that much. The plant possesses… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Saguaro Cactus Picture

Every passerby will undoubtedly notice the saguaro cactus wherever they grow. With their unusual and gorgeous blossoms, huge bodies, and unique appearance, they enchant the areas in which they grow.… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Manjula Pothos vs. Jessenia Pothos Picture

The common golden pothos plant is known for its golden-green foliage and long, luscious vines that grow extremely fast indoors. However, in its popularity, many different cultivars and varieties of… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Neon Pothos vs. N’Joy Pothos Picture

Pothos plants are known for their very unique and abundant varieties. There are pothos cultivars out there that are completely green, mostly white, or covered in a mix of different… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Brazil Pothos vs. Philodendron Picture

Heartleaf philodendrons are excellent houseplants, and often the first plant one might think of when tropical houseplants are mentioned. With their big, glossy leaves and lovely heart-shaped appearance, these plants… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Heart Of Palm Plant Picture

Have you ever had heart of palm before? Heart of palm is a white vegetable that is extracted from the center of several species of palm trees. It is cultivated… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Black Palm Tree Picture

The black palm tree is a rare beauty in the plant trade, as it only really grows in very specific regions of Australia. Let’s break down some facts about this… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Oil Palm Tree Picture

Western and southern Africa is the original home of the African oil palm tree. The African oil palm can be used to obtain both palm and kernel oil. The majority… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Ponytail Palm Tree Picture

Have you ever heard of the ponytail palm tree? Despite its name and general appearance, the ponytail palm is a member of the Agave family and is indigenous to the… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Pindo Palm Tree Picture

When one thinks of palm trees, one might quickly picture heat-loving plants that can endure and even thrive in the higher range of hardiness zones. That being said, not all… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Foxtail Palm Tree Picture

Among all the palm trees out there, the foxtail palm tree boasts the most amazing leaf displays. Its fronds grow in a curved fashion, not unlike that of a fox’s… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Bonsai Palm Tree Picture

Palm trees are typically used for landscaping and ornamental purposes, as many species can grow exceptionally tall and fast. Some species can max out at about 10 feet, making them… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Sabal Palm Tree Picture

The sabal palm is the state tree of Florida, and it makes sense why. Nothing says “Florida” quite like a palm tree. Interestingly enough, the sabal palm is not a… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


King Palm Tree Picture

Who doesn’t love the unique king palm tree? This species is native to Australia and beloved around the world for its lovely foliage and unique, slender appearance. While this palm… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Royal Palm Tree Picture

The royal palm tree is an imposingly tall and straight palm tree, the kind you would expect to find dotting the streets of southern Florida or the streets of cities… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Lady Palm Tree Picture

Although the lady palm is a less popular indoor houseplant when compared to its cousins in the Arecaceae family, plant collectors nonetheless love its exquisite beauty. This species is one… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Cat Palm Plant Picture

The cat palm is a plant that has been used in landscaping and as an indoor houseplant since the Victorian era. It’s a really stunning species with large, delicate leaves… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Bamboo Palm Plant Picture

Have you ever heard of the bamboo palm? The bamboo palm is, for starters, not a bamboo plant. It is a species of palm tree that somewhat resembles the look… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Parlor Palm Plant Picture

One of the most popular houseplant palms available today is the parlor palm. The Americas' subtropical and tropical climates are home to parlor palms. This species can reach heights of… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Date Palm Tree Picture

The date palm is a tropical tree best known for producing the delicious and world-beloved fruit known as the date. However, date trees are also quite aesthetically pleasing and are… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


What Fruit Grows On Palm Trees? Picture

Warm, tropical environments around the globe have gorgeous and distinctive palm trees as a defining feature of their landscapes. Several types of palm trees produce the two most well-known edible… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Coconut Palm Tree Picture

The coconut palm tree is by far one of the most popular palm trees in the world, if not the most popular. This lovely palm is used for everything from… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Majesty Palm Plant Picture

The majesty palm is a tropical tree that is indigenous to Madagascar and may reach heights of around 100 feet in the wild. However, this tropical beauty is becoming less… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Areca Palm Tree Picture

Due to its stunning look and simplicity of care, the areca palm tree is undoubtedly one of the most beloved palms in tropical and subtropical regions. Fans of this palm… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Philodendron vs. Pothos Picture

Philodendrons and pothos are beloved household plants that are somewhat similar but are ultimately quite different plants. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about the key… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Baltic Blue Pothos Picture

For pothos or aroid plant collectors wishing to diversify their indoor plant collections, the Baltic blue pothos is a must-have plant. This Epipremnum pinnatum cultivar has glossy, green leaves that… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Cebu Blue Pothos Picture

You're going to like this plant if you're a total sucker for any plant with a bluish or purplish hue. The colorful Cebu blue pothos, which is unique to Cebu… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Silver Satin Pothos Picture

The silver satin pothos, which is also known as the satin pothos or silver pothos, is an excellent houseplant for lovers of tropical foliage. This evergreen climbing plant is widely… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Snow Queen Pothos Picture

Pothos are climbing houseplants that look lovely in hanging baskets and pots, both indoors and outdoors. They are low-maintenance and are available in a variety of hues, sizes, and forms.… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago


Jessenia Pothos Picture

A more recent variety of the beloved Epipremnum aureum species is the Jessenia pothos plant. Because of its hardiness and bright green marbling, it has increased in popularity in the… Read More

By Em Casalena 2 years ago