I have more than 200 house plants covering my flat – 3 beginner friendly buys are almost impossible to kill
A SELF-DESCRIBED plant expert has shared the three beginner buys they recommend.
With over 200 plants in their flat, Christopher Griffin, aka Plant Kween, knows a thing or two about keeping them alive and thriving.
Speaking on BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast, the Brooklyn-based influencer revealed the secret to their success.
After developing an interest in nature and plants from watching their grandmother in her garden, Plant Kween wanted to surround themself with as much greenery as possible.
In their New York City high-rise, they have filled every inch of their space with a leafy plant or sturdy succulent.
“Technology [is] such a part of our every day, and there are great things about it but it also disconnects us from the land and the nature that surrounds us every day,” they explained.
“I have plants surrounding me and they remind me that it’s important to keep on growing, it’s OK to let go of the yellow leaves in your life, they remind me to stay hydrated.
“It grounds me, it keeps me rooted, all puns intended.”
They described going through “nine years of trial and error” but contested the claim that some people have naturally green fingers.
“Green fingers are about good fortune,” Plant Kween said, explaining that anyone can become a plant parent.
They suggested starting with something easy to develop your habits and hone your skill.
“I do believe that there are some plants that are more adaptable and easier to care for,” they said.
“Interestingly, the pothos is number one on my list, if you get yourself a pothos, honey, just try that out.
“Let it boost your confidence to explore other plants you want to bring into your home.”
While they joked that the plant is able to tolerate neglect well, the plant pro added that pothos “love growing.”
“Depending on your lifestyle, depending on where you’re living, maybe the pothos is difficult for you to care for and that is OK,” they added.
Plant Kween explained that pothos are so adaptable and enduring that they are considered an invasive species in some parts of the world, including Hawaii.
Plant Kween's maintenance tips
The author of You Grow Girl shared some of the DIY hacks they use to protect their houseplants.
- Neem oil can be used as an organic natural insecticide ane pesticide.
- Stay away from harsh chemicals.
- Peppermint spray can be used to naturally deter insects.
- Ground cinnamon in your potting mix deter bugs from laying eggs.
- Cayenne pepper mixed with water can help to repel insects from your plants.
- Alcohol wipes can be used to remove fungus from your plant’s leaves.
“It just grows so well,” they said.
“If I didn’t allow myself to be curious, if I didn’t go into that journey, I would’ve never found out that it’s an invasive species.
“There are a lot of plants that we bring into our spaces that are considered weeds in other countries and we’re spending like £50 on that plant that someone in a different country is trying to get rid of.”
Plant Kween also named zanzibar gems and snake plants as ideal for beginners.