My ‘Plant Babies’ Have Become My Favorite Hobby — Here’s How I Fell in Love with Them

It all started with an impulsive trip to the garden section of Walmart, where I spotted a pothos in a hanging pot, a lush fern, and a vibrant croton, all on sale. These little green companions were meant to fill the void I felt when my children were with their dad during the divorce. Ironically, I had a history of killing every plant I had owned up until that moment.

Fast forward two years, and my daughter recently counted and informed me that I’m now the proud parent of 34 houseplants. I might be a bit obsessed! I even give them names. One of my favorites, a White Anne, is affectionately called “Drama Queen” because he wilts dramatically at the slightest hint of dehydration. But give him a drink, and within 15 minutes, he’s back to his lively self. So much for being low-maintenance!

Then there’s my alocasia, whom I named “Phoenix.” After an unfortunate incident with mealybugs, I panicked, sprayed her with household cleaner, and tossed her outside. To my surprise, a few weeks later, I saw a new green shoot sprouting from her. She’s now happily living in my sunroom, thriving among her plant siblings.

Houseplants have become a massive trend lately, far outshining shiplap in the decor world. Entire Facebook groups are dedicated to plant care, and there are countless TikTok and Instagram accounts celebrating the joy of houseplants.

While recent studies have debunked the myth that houseplants purify air or boost oxygen levels, I believe their beauty and presence can significantly enhance our mood. I personally find joy in watching new shoots emerge from my plant babies, which is reason enough to bring a bit of nature indoors.

If you’re considering becoming a plant parent but have had a rough past with plants, or if you’re unsure where to begin, don’t worry! Here are three helpful tips for nurturing your green thumbs:

Engage in Plant Communities: Join houseplant groups on social media! I owe my plants’ survival to a Facebook group filled with seasoned plant enthusiasts. They helped me identify pests and provided solutions for every issue I encountered. On TikTok, check out creators like @amongthejungle and @gay4plants, and on Instagram, follow accounts such as Welcome To The Jungle Home and Little Home Jungle.
Start with Hardy Plants: Consider beginning your plant journey with resilient species. Pothos and snake plants are great choices as they’re hard to kill. If you’re overwhelmed by choices at the nursery, come prepared with a list of plants you’re interested in.
Use Pots with Drainage: To prevent overwatering, invest in pots that allow excess water to escape. This helps avoid root rot, which occurs when roots sit in stagnant water. You can find budget-friendly pots at places like Walmart or thrift stores, which is also a fantastic way to be eco-friendly.

Honestly, I’m still figuring out this plant parenting thing, but having access to online resources has been invaluable. If I can transform from a notorious plant killer to a proud plant mom, so can you!

For those looking for more information on starting a family, check out this post on home insemination kits for additional guidance. If you’re seeking resources on pregnancy, the Women’s Health website offers excellent information on infertility as well.

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In summary, my journey into the world of houseplants has been a fulfilling and therapeutic hobby that has brought joy into my life. With a little help from online communities and some basic knowledge about plant care, anyone can become a proud plant parent.

Keyphrase: houseplants as a hobby

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