Devoney
Better With Plants | Devoney
How / what got you into houseplants?
When I was young, my parents had houseplants, and as a way to teach me responsibility, my mom had me help her water the plants. As we could hear the water being absorbed into the soil, my mother would say, “Do you hear that? They were thirsty and they are drinking up!” I loved that, and have enjoyed caring for plants ever since. I find so much joy in it.
Which plant is your favorite plant in your collection and why?
I have more than several favorite plants in my collection, but one of the two that might be at the top of my list is my Calathea orbifolia. It’s grown so large and produces flowers seasonally. I keep it in front of a set of east-facing French doors, so it gets some really good light. The other is my Ludisia discolor Black Jewel Orchid, which happens to reside here in my favorite planter (pictured below), created by artist Dominic Frunzi. The blush color of this planter compliments the stripes in the leaves and I love the almost hourglass shape of this planter. It’s by far my favorite plant and planter combo in my collection. It’s just gorgeous!
Which of your plants is the most difficult to care for?
The most difficult plant I have to care for is my Australian Tree Fern. That plant wants watered nearly every day. If you miss a watering, you will end up with dried out and dead fronds.
Favorite plant memory?
My favorite plant memory is going out with Emily Kellett to a greenhouse that grows and sells rare varietals. While there, I came across a large variegated Monstera. I thought that I had just won the lottery! It turns out that it had rooted through the slats in the table and deep down into the ground. There was no good way of moving it without doing damage and so I had to leave it there. That little trip in itself was fun and there were so many amazing plants. It truly was like walking through a jungle!
What are your favorite types of plants, and why?
My favorite types of plants are the many different Hoya varieties. I have yet to meet a Hoya that I don’t like. They are great plants for someone wanting something succulent that doesn’t need direct sun all day. Though, they do need bright light.
I do also own a lot of different Calatheas. If you don’t mind living with some browning, crispy leaves, which is inevitable, Calatheas are all really beautiful plants. The Calathea Makoyana is my favorite, with its translucent leaves.
What does your plant care routine look like?
My plant care routine is fairly easy. With having 200+ plants, I keep a calendar which has me checking on my plant’s watering needs on Sundays and also on Wednesdays, for those that need watered weekly to twice a week. I have been purchasing and using Sus-tees that we sell at Stump. These moisture meters are very helpful for the plants that like to be watered once every week and a half to two weeks. For the plants that want watered monthly, I water them on the first of the month. Also monthly, I wipe down the leaves and I like to aerate the soil using a chopstick. This helps to break up the soil if it’s compacted, and make sure the water is being properly absorbed. In the spring and summer months, I use Good Dirt plant food on a weekly to monthly basis, depending on the plant. I do all of this while listening to some jazz and sipping on tea.
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Photos By: Ashley Mercer
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