Plants are more than just props offering a splash of greenery. They are my everyday companions and confidantes, offering friendship, connection and inspiration. Those moments with them opens up so many new worlds, opportunities for creativity, artistic expression and reflection. Spending time with plants enriches the soul and enlivens my spirit.
However I didn’t always feel this way about plants, and particularly indoor plants.
Living life in the fast lane, in a constant state of flux, I didn’t have time for me, let alone have time for houseplants. I would befriend them, bring them home and then neglect them. A terrible friend I was. Each plant would suffer a slow, agonising death that would conclude with me dumping the remains in my gardens. I was a houseplant murderer. But I wasn’t alone. My friends and I would swap shameless stories of the sweet, good-looking plants we killed. Many of which were succulents, a type of plant with the reputation for being one of the hardiest. Succulents may be tough, but they aren’t immune to neglect and incompetence and will eventually die.
We’re just too busy for plants, we’d tell ourselves. Plants just don’t suit our crazy busy lifestyles. So I’d buy cut flowers instead. Its short life expectancy is a given.
Since purchasing our farm I’ve been able to cultivate a much better green thumb. Better, mind you, but definitely not perfect. I still default to Ben and my future father-in-law Paul for help as they’ve had much more gardening and hobby farm experience than I.
With the spare room newly renovated and turned into an office (thanks to my very handy man), and my living room decluttered and back to the comfortable, tidy space it was before the renovations, I am no longer living in chaos and can now enjoy a life lived with indoor plants. I’ve been enjoying nurturing my houseplants through daily rituals such as watering and examining their leaves and have enjoyed the peace, tranquility and quiet contemplation this routine brings with it.
Green living with indoor plants
So here are the plants I’ve chosen for my office:
- succulents (top left and bottom left)
- cactus (top left)
- aloe vera (top right)
- peporomia (bottom right)
- philodendron (floor)
Aloe vera and succulents also sit on a mantle above the widescreen TV in the living room.
One of my favourite plants, the Monstera Deliciosa sits atop a colourful hand painted Indian cupboard in the living room. We have a mature one outside, that wraps itself around one of our persimmon trees. Its fruit is a delicacy that I look forward to eating each year and is something I recommend everyone try. Its flavour is distinct, a mix of tropical fruits and hence the plant’s nickname ‘fruit salad plant’.
Related Post: 8 Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants For Your Office
Last but not least is my small Fiddle leaf fig plant that will grow to great heights with enough time and care.
Are you cultivating a green thumb or tending an indoor garden? What are your favourite houseplants? Feel free to share below.
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