Since I started working at a local farm almost a year ago, I have vastly increased my houseplant collection. Prior to that I really had a minimal selection of houseplants: ivy, spider plant, aloe, jade, a few succulents, a free pothos from a coworker, and a couple of snake plants. I have learned a lot about houseplants: identification, care, and how to help customers deal with pests.

I was able to take home a few free cuttings (inch plant, variegated spider, pothos) and succulent leaves over the course of the season. I even got several free plants, either from coworkers, or store plants that needed extra attention. One such freebie was a ZZ plant, that was partially dying. I dug it up, chopped off the roots that were rotting, and repotted it. Not sure if it will survive, but I think I improved its chances. It appears to be in a holding pattern for now, so I’m taking that as a good sign. I have also made several purchases and can now say that I own the following: ficus, pepperomia, goldfish plant, anthurium, hoya, and albuca humilis.

Overcrowded aloe that had fallen out the pot at the store, I was able to take it home for free. All these plants had been in one pot.

I’m not an expert at houseplants, but I am learning through experience. I enjoy having more greenery inside the house. It especially helps to brighten things up in winter. Right before Christmas I purchased my first ever orchids, split leaf monstera, and white princess philodendron.

Split Leaf Monstera, which needed to be repotted right away. It has since grown a new leaf.

White Princess Philodendron unfurling its first leaf

Then in early February after the farm got its first big houseplant delivery of the year, I purchased a couple of small plants. After careful deliberation I purchased my first ever Rhaphidophera decursiva, an air plant, and lucky bamboo.

My new Rhaphidophera decursiva has already put out a new leaf.

My new air plant is bright red.

Lucky bamboo, repotted to a green bonsai style pot. It has 5 shoots coming off of 3 stems so I’m hoping it will fill out nicely soon.

My houseplants have taken over three shelves of the 6-shelf rack in the family room, which I normally use for seed starting. Think I am going to be tighter on space this year, since I also have all the fig cuttings. Might need to shuffle trays around and reorganize, to fit in as much as possible near the south facing windows.