The Houseplant Nurturer

There’s a definite houseplant mania going on these days as more people of all ages are becoming interested in this gratifying hobby. Since you can easily purchase houseplants just about anywhere – via catalogs, online, in big box stores and even small neighborhood markets – it’s not surprising they’ve become so popular.

It’s easy to fall in love with houseplants when you think about how much they enhance our living spaces. They help to purify the air we breathe, add beneficial humidity and beautify our rooms with their verdure and colorful blooms. They’re ever-uplifting home companions and, after a lifetime of keeping houseplants, I cannot imagine being without them.

If you’re new to collecting houseplants, you may be wondering what you can do to help them thrive, and the answer is both surprising and simple – nurture them. Just like pets, our houseplants are totally dependent upon us for care. But how much care you’re willing to give really depends on your personality and lifestyle, so choose your plants accordingly.

If you have strong mothering instincts, then Orchids, Ferns, Begonias or African Violets would be thrilled to share your space. However, if you’re rarely home to water your plants or even wish them well in passing, then easy-care Cactus, Pothos, Philodendrons or Succulents would make better companions. Once you’ve made your choice and settled your new plant or plants in your home, it’s time to add the secret ingredient to houseplant success – your loving care. But what exactly does ‘loving care’ mean when it comes to plants? After all, you can’t snuggle with them on the couch like you can with Fido.

Plant nurturing is a different kind of love for sure, but it’s still love. To me, it means doing whatever I can to help my plants enjoy a long and healthy life. I make sure they’re getting enough light, monitor them for dryness, feed them when needed and check them regularly for any changes that may signal pests or disease. I talk to my plants, encourage them and touch their foliage. I collect rainwater for them to drink. I take the time to groom them and remove any yellowed leaves or spent flowers to keep them looking their best. Occasionally, I even take them to the tub for a hydrating bath or bring them outside for a summer shower. And when I spy fresh new growth and flower buds forming, I’m elated! I know it’s their way of saying, “thank you!”

Yes, it’s a little fanatical and a true labor of love to provide this level of care on a regular basis, especially with a large collection, but my houseplants respond in grateful appreciation with increased vigor and beauty. If you’re wondering if all this fussing is worth the effort, just visit the home of someone who’s a known houseplant nurturer. Chances are their plants look pretty fabulous!

For more on houseplant care, visit my blog: Winter Houseplant Spa

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