Houseplants as a Hobby
Not surprisingly, during the pandemic, many people became interested in house plants. As someone who has been a “plant mom” for about 6 years, I can agree that my interest has only grown in the past two years. There are few things that bring me joy like doing anything involving plants. As far as hobbies go, getting into house plants is relatively inexpensive, fun, and they bring decor to your house. So, let’s talk about this hobby.
Besides looking good in your house, plants have several health benefits. Studies have shown that plants can boost your mood, creativity, productivity, and concentration. They can reduce stress, fatigue, and common illnesses like the cold. Who doesn’t like a natural immunity builder? They produce oxygen and absorb toxins! If you’re in a particularly dull space, a plant could be the “something” missing that gives your area some life. Finally, they are particularly therapeutic to care for (The Sill, n.d.). I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked around my house just to see them and how they’re doing. I immediately feel more at peace, and the sight of a new leaf is borderline exhilarating.
The hardest part is often just getting started. Walking into a plant shop can often be very overwhelming. Here are a few easy, classic, but cute plants to start with. Snake plants are one of the most common plants. They require little light and little watering, yet they filter the air really well. They are the perfect end table plant or corner piece for your home. Next are pothos. There are so many kinds - you can often find some that are dark green and light green, green and white, etc. Classically known as a hanging plant, these guys will grow until you give them a haircut, which makes them perfect for a (shady) window, kitchen, or bookshelf. ZZ plants are another great option and a classic starter plant (The Sill, n.d.). They are leafy, making their growth fun to watch. You could probably stick this plant in a closet and forget about it for a month, and it would survive. Therefore, they are good for any low-light/low-water environment.
So now you have a plant, or two, or ten, and you have them in their spot in your house or apartment. Now what? Well, set a reminder on your phone to water every once in a while, sit back, and watch them flourish. At some point, you will have to repot them once they grow too big for the current pot. Choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches bigger than the one it is in and fill in the extra space with soil. Make sure the roots are covered and the plant is nice and snug. It should be good for a while!
Not everyone has a green thumb, but even my friends who don’t have a green thumb love the plant life. Go out and try it sometime! I’m 99% sure you’ll enjoy it.
Reference: The Benefits of Having Plants in Your Home. (n.d.). The Sill. Retrieved from https://www.thesill.com/blogs/care-miscellaneous/why-you-need-plants-in-your-life.
Challenges/Points:
Plants can improve mood and productivity, reduce stress, absorb toxins, and are therapeutic to take care of.
Snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos are all easy starter plants.
If you’re able, buy one plant this week, look up what it needs, and start to take care of it.
Questions:
Do you consider yourself a “plant parent” or someone who has a green thumb?
Have you considered caring for houseplants as a hobby before?
If houseplants aren’t your thing, have you tried gardening?
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