Picture this: you’re out at your local plant store, perusing all the tropicals, your eyes scanning over the leaves… what catches your attention? And more importantly, what does it say about you?
Pothos
This is your first plant. There’s a simplicity found in those vines, forever stretching out and putting out one leaf after another. You heard the shopkeep say that they’re really easy to care for; something about that they like being root-bound and drying out fully before another water? Sounds great, whatever that means. You have a single hook free to use in the dim apartment you’re renting and your landlord won’t let you put in anymore. You’re no-nonsense and like the sound of a plant that doesn’t need much light or attention. This is one you can keep alive, unlike that succulent you bought at Canadian Tire that only lasted a week. Time to start with a more manageable goal.
Prayer Plant
You like a challenge. The prayer plant’s exotic leaves caught your attention and you thought, I can do this. You have an eye for interior design and you’re probably going to pair it with a nice, simple pot that makes its stripes pop. If you’re an organized person and do your homework, you might even keep it alive. Otherwise it’s going to be another one of those things where life isn’t like the photos, because these plants can be picky. They require humidity, excellent drainage, and prefer distilled water. Even with this in mind, it’s hard to resist their beauty. This plant is often the litmus test of houseplant knowledge and care, but don’t worry; you can always try again.
Dragon Tree
The 70’s are back, and the dragon tree with its clean, spiky leaves, is a perfect pair with your new (old) woodgrain furniture that you may or may not have picked up off of someone’s lawn for free. This is a plant that, like you, has potential. It’s not just a houseplant, after all; it’s a bonafide tree! The sort you can care for and grow for years and then pass down to your children. That, or you drop it on the buy and sell page for $30 when you leave town and realize it’s definitely not going to fit in the hatchback. But for a while at least, it’ll be really cool.
Snake or ZZ Plant
This is your second plant, after the first one you bought died. Turns out they need light and water. Well, not these ones! Are you never home? Do you live in a dark basement suite? Are you adamant about having a plant in your bathroom despite it not having any natural light? Then this is what they recommended to you at the shop. It’s indestructible, they said; it thrives on neglect! They’re not totally wrong. Either of these plants will last a long time, even if they’re slowly dying in actuality. The biggest threat to them, usually, is overwatering. That said, they still need SOME light and water; you’re that ‘when you remember’ type of person, and that’s exactly what these plants want.
Monstera
You know plants. Your friends have started asking for you for advice, and even though you usually just pull out your phone to google it, you’re the closest thing to an expert in your group. So you figure it’s time to try your hands at something different; something bigger; something beautiful. The monstera is an exotic plant that can transform any regular space into a commercial-ready set and you kinda want that feeling. Something about the clean splits and curves of the leaves inspires you. You’re on facebook plant groups. You visit the plant shop at least once a week. You’re running out of space, to be honest. But keeping this alive means that you’ve really, truly, made it. You can do anything. (The truth is, monsteras are actually quite hardy. But sssh. You’re accomplished. That’s what matters here.)
Cactus
Someone gave you this as a gift. You have no idea when to water it so you just leave it until you feel guilty. It’s been in the same pot forever because you’re scared to repot it without ski gloves on. You’re not really sure if it’s still alive, or ever was. Has it been plastic all along? At least cacti, with their funky recognizable shapes and potential to flower, are the perfect thing to stick in your window, mostly forget about, and remind you of warmer places every time you look at it.
All of this is either tongue in cheek or a representation of the writers’ own experiences with plants. Don’t forget that we usually have a new selection in at the shop every second Thursday, and that we can special order large tropicals if there’s something particular you’re looking for! Happy planting!
-Juls