Plant Whisperers is our blog section where, each month, we interview true Pilea lovers and plant enthusiasts all around the world!
This month we met Salena from @littleleafie.
She fell in love with plants thanks to her best friend, and now she has created a beautiful indoor jungle in her apartment, and she owns more than 60 plants!
Hello Salena!
When and how did your love story with plants begin?
My plant love affair began about one year ago when my best friend Katelin (@succsandpups) gave me my first plant as a gift.
She's really into plants, and we used to share an office at work, so I decided to place the new plant there. Having a plant in the office really got me wanting some of my own.
She gave a Golden Pothos, that I still have in my office at my new job! Since then I've added quite a few to the collection.
Plants are like living art to me. I love the color and dimension they bring to a room. Not to mention, the better breathing air! Honestly, it's a sad time when they're outside for their weekly watering because the room looks so boring.
How many plants do you have at the moment, and how do you take care of all of them?
I have 53 plants at home, 2 at my office, and around 8 propagating.
It's tough at times: making sure they're all watered on time, even finding time to water them...
Unfortunately, I've had some die along the way, but it's all a matter of trying again.
Keep trying, really! If I had let a few plants dying to stop me, I wouldn't have as many as I do now. Or even enjoy them as much.
Be patient, and remember that the same plants won't grow at the same pace!
You have a cat.
How's living with a pet and plants in the same place?
Yes, Bailey! It's been really easy in our case actually.
She smelled them when I started bringing them home, but she never showed a big interest in them. I was hesitant at first and would put my Sansevieria up on the shelves before bed.
The best tip I can give is to introduce your pets to the plants, let them smell them, and observe their behavior carefully before leaving them alone with the plants.
What's your experience with Pilea Peperomioides?
I got my first Pilea in March 2018. I fell in love with this plant from an Instagram post; I had no idea what it was, nor how popular it was. It was just beautiful!
I currently have 6 Pileas. My first 3 ones unfortunately died. I potted them too soon, in pots that were too big.
Take your time with them, leave them in their grower pots until they outgrow their space. And don't forget to turn them, they reach for the sun!
Do you ever talk to your plants or listen to music for them?
I do talk to my plants, especially when watering them or doing a little pruning! I also play a lot of music for myself, so they get to hear it all!
What plant is on your wish list right now?
Right now I don't really have one I'm dying for; I'm starting to run low on space.
I'm holding off on plants for myself, but I do plan on giving some as gifts!
Thank you for telling us your story, Salena!
Don't forget to follow her on Instagram! Her profile is @littleleafie.
Let's keep spreading the love and the fun!
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