Mike Edmisten
Author for A-Z Animals

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Mike is a writer at A-Z Animals where his primary focus is on geography, agriculture, and marine life. A graduate of Cincinnati Christian University and a resident of Cincinnati, OH, Mike is deeply passionate about the natural world.

In his free time, he, his wife, and their two sons love the outdoors, especially camping and exploring US National Parks.


Where Do Fish Go in the Winter? Picture

Fish are cold-blooded (ectothermic) creatures, with few notable exceptions. Conversely, some species of opah, sharks, and tuna exhibit some warm-blooded (endothermic) traits. These are extreme outliers, though, and we still… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


7 Roses You Need in Nevada Picture

When people outside of the state consider Nevada, there's a good chance their minds immediately jump to Las Vegas and the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. With its hotels and casinos,… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


How Often To Water Roses Picture

Roses need consistent attention to thrive, and that includes regular watering. But what does “regular” watering actually mean? The answer depends on a variety of factors. Let’s break things down… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


How to Grow Long-Stem Roses Picture

Perhaps the best way to describe growing long-stem roses is to mix in a basketball metaphor. Many gardening practices are easy layups. Take succulents, for example. Most succulents require very… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


5 Types of Blue Succulents Picture

Many succulents seem to almost thrive on neglect. Because they require such minimal care, it’s easy for a beginning (or forgetful) gardener to create a succulent plant display that will… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


6 Types of Red Succulents Picture

Nothing is hotter in the gardening world right now than succulents. The ease of care combined with the seemingly endless interesting varieties of plants have made succulents popular with novice… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


5 Types of Cacti Succulents Picture

Cacti and succulents are often lumped together. While they do share similar characteristics, there are some differences.  Around 60 different plant families are classified as succulents, while cacti are all… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


9 Flowers Native to Ireland Picture

The national flower of Ireland is the shamrock which, interestingly, is not a flower in the truest sense. But, given how connected the shamrock is with Irish culture, we won’t… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


9 Rare Types of Succulents Picture

Succulents are all the rage among plant enthusiasts, with good reason. They are usually low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants that come in a virtually endless variety of structures and colors.  Whether it's… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


String of Pearls Picture

The string of pearls plant is a perennial, creeping, succulent vine endemic to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The plant creeps along the ground in the wild and… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


Haworthia Succulent Picture

When it comes to plants, do you have a green thumb or are you all thumbs? Either way, you'll want to get to know the haworthia succulent! These perennial succulents… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


Sedum Picture

Sedum is not a specific plant but a large genus of succulent species. Most species in the genus sedum are great plants for beginners, requiring little care and attention to… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


Baby Toes Succulent Picture

One look at this succulent and you’ll immediately see why it is known as baby toes. The tubes of this adorable plant look a lot like an infant's appendages.  It's… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


Flapjack Plants Picture

As the name suggests, the flapjack plant resembles a stack of pancakes as its leaves stack one on top of another. It’s an interesting herbaceous succulent that can certainly add… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


Kalanchoe Picture

There is disagreement on how to pronounce the name of this succulent. In American English, it is usually a four-syllable word pronounced KAL-ən-KOH-ee. In British English, it is more often… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


Ice Plants Picture

As their name suggests, ice plants are more tolerant of colder temperatures than most succulent plants (although the common name “ice plant” may come from the tiny hairs on the… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


Watch Chain Succulent Picture

The watch chain succulent is rapidly gaining popularity due to its unique appearance and ease of care. Native to South Africa, Namibia, and Lesotho, the watch chain can grow around… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


Moonstone Succulent Picture

Ready for a succulent that will leave you moonstruck?  This one might just send you into orbit!  Seriously, you’ll be over the moon for it! Okay, your attention seems to… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago


Dolphin Succulent Picture

The dolphin succulent, also known as the string of dolphins, is a hybrid of the string of pearls and the candle plant and is native to subtropical southwest Africa.  While… Read More

By Mike Edmisten 2 years ago