Robert
Better With Plants | Robert
What was your first houseplant?
My first houseplant was a Jade many years ago when I lived in Kansas. After I moved away, I left it with an old roommate, who I believe still has it. It wasn't until recently that I started collecting houseplants.
Which plant is your favorite plant in your collection and why?
Last year, I had a friend post on Facebook that he was getting rid of a couple of plants. I almost never pass an opportunity for more plants, especially free ones. One of the plants is some sort of jungle cactus. I've asked several folx to try to identify it, but no one is quite sure, but it probably belongs to the Rhipsalis family. When I initially picked it up, there were a couple of old leaves and a bark-like base. Since then, it's exploded with the most interesting of growth in every direction. The new growth start off as these little fuzzy tips, the longest of which is now almost 2' long. At work, it was quite the conversation piece, but he's at home quarantining with me for the foreseeable future.
Which planter is your favorite planter in your collection and why?
My favorite planter is a large grey, mermaid patterned planter that contains my large Fiddle Leaf Fig. I love the color and design of it, but mostly I love its size! It's the largest planter I've ever had and something of a milestone for me.
Which of your plants is the most difficult to care for and why?
I would have to say the most difficult plant of mine to care for is any cactus. I literally kill them all. I have over 30 plants that require all sorts of different care, but I've never been able to figure out how to care for a cactus. I've had a pencil cactus for almost a year now and have no clue if it's alive or dead.
Any advice for new plant owners?
I have two pieces of advice for new plant owners. First, it's okay if you kill a plant - it's not the end of the world! Second, do yourself a huge favor and get a moisture meter; basic ones are like $10! I check the soil of each plant before watering them to ensure I'm not overwatering them.
What’s your favorite story about a plant in your collection?
I went through a leadership fellowship a couple years ago with people I had never met. Reading through the bios before the start of the program, I stumbled upon someone who listed they had over 100 houseplants in their apartment. I instantly knew I was going to be friends with this person, and yes indeed, we're great friends today! We once showed up at a retired plant sale at the conservatory hours before the start to get an early spot in line. All of our friends thought we were insane, but I scored my big Fiddle Leaf Fig for cheap! I've always wanted one, and it's one of my favorites.
How long have you been collecting houseplants?
I've only been collecting houseplants for a few years. When I really started to add to my collection, I was still new and took on too many too fast. I lost a few while trying to figure out what I was doing. I've plateaued for now as I've run out of space to put them!
What are your favorite types of plants, and why?
I love anything variegated! The more color and variation in the leaves - #swoon.
What does your plant care routine look like?
My plant care routine consists of recurring reminders from Siri. I've got each plant type setup with its own so I never forget!
How / what got you into houseplants?
I would say the ladies in my family were the inspiration for wanting to get into houseplants. Growing up, both of my grandmothers and my mom all had beautiful gardens. I used to love helping them plant new ones and even volunteered at the local botanical garden back home. I would say I got my green thumb from them. My maternal grandma passed away several years ago, and she used to collect all sorts of elephant figurines. I have a few of them with me today that I've got mixed in with my plants.
Why should everyone have a houseplant?
Who doesn't love clean air? Plants are free air filters, especially for apartments when we all know the landlord doesn't change out the furnace filter. Aside from better air quality they're very aesthetically pleasing.
If you took a Buzzfeed quiz- which houseplant would it say you are, and why? Or if you had to choose a plant to represent you which would it be?
I took a Buzzfeed quiz, and it said I was Aloe vera. No offense to anyone who loves Aloe vera, but I just found that to be incredibly boring. I love my Aloe vera plants, but I'd rather be something flowering.
Photos by Robert
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