my (slightly controversial) houseplant hot takes
After being fully immersed in this hobby since 2019, I’ve developed a few opinions around houseplants. Just like my plants have grown over the years, myself as a houseplant enthusiast has grown and learned so so much. Here are my most controversial plant opinions:
1) I think pink/purple/red plants are ugly.
-This is just purely personal opinion. I understand the appeal of colorful plants but to me, you just cannot beat green.
2) Drainage isn’t always a must.
-I truly believe that if you have a firm understanding of your plant’s watering needs (like know how much and how often you need to water) you don’t always need drainage in their pots. For beginners, I would absolutely recommend all your pots have drainage but after a while, you start to get a feel of things watering wise.
3) “Read” your plants instead of sticking to a watering schedule.
-This one kinda goes along with the last one. If you learn to read your plants and observe when they need water, you can greatly reduce the risk of any overwatering or even rot. Sometimes your schedule doesn’t always align with your plants’.
4) Throw away plants that stress you out.
If a plant is stressing you out, it’s honestly not worth keeping in my opinion. Stressful plants can cause you to resent taking care of your plants and just become overwhelmed.
5) You can have too many houseplants.
-I learned this the hard way. When you start to become overwhelmed with plants and find care to be more of a chore, you have too many houseplants. It’s better to have a manageable amount of happy plants that you enjoy tending to than hundreds of plants you can hardly keep up with.
If you disagree with any of these, that is totally normal and okay! Not everyone gravitates towards the same plants or plant care techniques. The houseplant keeping journey is personal and dynamic, offering lessons in patience, observation, and appreciation for the little things.
#plantrecommendations #plantadvice #plantcommunity #houseplant #hottakes @Lemon8 Home
When it comes to houseplants, many enthusiasts develop their own sets of rules and preferences based on personal experience. Growing houseplants since 2019, some ideas stand out as unconventional yet practical. For instance, preferring green plants over pink, purple, or red ones is purely subjective but rooted in the calming and classic appeal of green foliage. While colorful plants can brighten a space, green leaves often provide a timeless, natural look that many find more pleasing. Regarding pot drainage, it’s commonly accepted that drainage holes are crucial to prevent waterlogging and root rot. However, once you master a plant’s specific watering needs and habits, it’s possible to skip drainage if careful. This approach requires attentiveness and experience but can work well for those who monitor soil moisture closely. For beginners, drainage remains a must to avoid mistakes. Perhaps the most liberating advice is to "read" your plants rather than blindly follow a watering schedule. Plants communicate their needs through subtle signs—drooping leaves, dry soil, or changes in color—and sensitive observation helps prevent both under- and overwatering. This dynamic interaction promotes a healthier plant and a more enjoyable plant-care routine. Stress from plants can turn a hobby into a chore. If a plant consistently creates frustration—due to difficult care, pest problems, or poor growth—it might be wise to let it go. Focusing on plants that bring joy and satisfaction helps sustain the love for indoor gardening. Lastly, having too many plants can be overwhelming. Managing a large collection requires time and energy, and it’s better to care well for a modest number of plants than struggle with too many. Cultivating a manageable indoor garden supports a more relaxed and rewarding plant-keeping experience. These houseplant hot takes highlight the personal nature of plant care. Experimenting and learning through trial and error is part of the journey, and embracing individual preferences is key to thriving as a houseplant enthusiast.
Alot of mine don’t have drainage holes and are doing fantastic!! I completely agree!! 🪴❤️