How We Create Our Guides

## Myrtle — Botanical Content Standards Plant care guides on the Myrtle side of the site are written to the following standard. ### Sources we use All plant care data is cross-referenced against established horticultural authorities before publication: - **Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)** — primary reference for care parameters, pest identification, and propagation methods - **USDA Plant Database** — scientific names, hardiness zones, and toxicity classifications - **University extension services** — Alabama Extension, Cornell Cooperative Extension, University of Florida IFAS, and others - **Published botanical literature** — peer-reviewed papers and horticultural handbooks where relevant No single source is treated as authoritative. Where sources conflict, we note the disagreement and present the most commonly cited consensus. ### Toxicity data Pet-safe flags and toxicity information are sourced from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center database and the Royal Horticultural Society toxicity guidance. We always recommend verifying toxicity data with a qualified vet before acting on it — plant composition can vary, and individual animal sensitivities differ. ### Care parameter ranges Light, watering, humidity, and temperature ranges are presented as ranges rather than single values. Plants are not machines — care requirements shift with seasons, pot size, soil type, and the specific conditions of a home. We flag when a parameter is especially sensitive to context. ### How we handle conflicting advice Houseplant care advice varies widely online. When we encounter meaningful disagreement between sources, we: 1. Identify the most credible primary sources on each side 2. Note the disagreement explicitly in the guide 3. Present the broader range that covers both positions 4. Explain what conditions might make one approach preferable We do not cherry-pick the most dramatic or shareable claim. ### Update cadence Plant care guides are reviewed whenever we become aware of updated guidance from primary sources. Every guide shows a "last reviewed" date. We prioritise accuracy over volume. --- ## Mist — Spiritual Content Standards Plant energy profiles, crystal guides, and ritual content on the Mist side of the site follow a different but equally rigorous standard. ### What Mist covers Mist's content draws on living traditions of plant lore and spiritual practice, including: - **Celtic and European plant mythology** — traditional associations between plants, seasons, and magical intent - **Ayurvedic plant use** — historical and traditional Indian herbal systems - **Feng shui** — Chinese placement and energy principles - **Chakra system** — yogic and Ayurvedic energetic body framework - **Western astrology** — planetary rulerships in the Western herbalism tradition - **Crystal healing** — traditional mineral and gemstone associations ### What Mist does not claim Mist content is presented as traditional lore and cultural practice. It does not make medical, therapeutic, or scientific claims. Energetic properties of plants and crystals are framed as "this tradition holds" or "historically associated with" — not as verified fact. No content on the Mist side should be used as a substitute for medical or veterinary advice. ### Sources we draw on Mist's content is informed by primary and secondary sources in folklore, herbalism, and spiritual traditions — including published works in Western herbalism (Culpeper, Grieve), crystal reference literature, and established chakra/feng shui texts. We do not invent associations; all claims are traceable to a tradition. --- ## Editorial independence Myrtle & Mist participates in affiliate programmes including Amazon Associates. Affiliate relationships do not influence editorial recommendations. Products featured in plant care guides are selected on the basis of function and quality, not commercial arrangement. All affiliate links are clearly disclosed at the bottom of every page and marked with `rel="sponsored nofollow"` attributes. --- ## Questions or corrections If you believe a piece of our content contains an error, we want to know. Please use the [contact page](/contact) to reach us. We take accuracy seriously and will update content promptly when presented with reliable evidence of an error.