The Sensible Approach to Houseplant Care

In the short time since I started House Plant Journal (on Tumblr, then Youtube, then Instagram), I’ve answered THOUSANDS of questions about plant care. The resounding consensus seems to be that people can’t find (or don’t trust) the plant care information on the internet.

Part of the problem is that most plant care information is usually associated to a specific plant, giving the impression that those conditions/care instructions are unique to that plant. In reality, you should consider your home as having several potential plant homes and choose plants accordingly.

Another problem is people tend to forget that plants are alive. Let me elaborate on what this means: plants will grow; interact with the environment around them; they have requirements that dictate whether they hang on for dear life or thrive; they’ll protest in difficult times; they’ll reward you in happy times. Yes, there is psychological proof of their beneficial effects but I assure you, there are detrimental effects to both plant and human when either of you is in ill health.

So this blog is about the basics of responsible plant parenthood. I want to help you enjoy healthy, thriving plants for the long term (years). A green thumb isn’t about luck but about being observant and knowing how Mother Nature takes care of her house plants – all plants!

Enjoy!

~ Darryl Cheng ~ Instagram/YouTube: @houseplantjournal (Twitter: @houseplantjrnl)

"People look to plants for different reasons. Happy are the ones who see plants as lessons in patience and acceptance of Nature. Disappointment awaits the ones who see plants as ornaments to control and achieve perfection."