Plant Whisperer

Posted by Bruce Palma · September 15, 2021

A “houseplant” is defined online as a “plant which is grown indoors.”

Growing up, I never put too much focus on houseplants. My mom had houseplants in our apartment. I remember them hanging from shelves and sitting on tables. But we never had much connection. I didn't speak to the plants and they didn't speak to me. My mom took care of them and I just made sure I didn’t knock them over, as I ran around the rooms like a wild little kid.

I might have had a few decorative plants in my own apartments after I became an adult. I just don't remember. Houseplants were not my primary focus as a 23-year-old.

It wasn’t until recently, after living with my wife, Myrna, for over 30 years, that I truly appreciated the magic of the houseplant.

And it wasn’t until recently that my wife became what I like to call, a “plant whisperer.”

She’s always been in love with gardening; growing indoor and outdoor plants, flowers, herbs, and other green living things.

But in the past year, she’s elevated her passion to a full-time focus. And our house is the better and richer for it.

These are some photos of our indoor, “house” plants. (She’s also working magic outdoors as well.)

It takes a lot of focus, dedication and love to maintain a thriving family of houseplants. And it takes some skill, too. They don’t just grow without focus or care. There’s a ton of variables involved in keeping them healthy, alive and flourishing:

Proper light (or lack thereof).

Watering correctly.

The right pot size and material.

When to increase size of pot.

Which varieties thrive indoors.

Keeping little random bugs off the leaves.

Keeping the cat from eating the plant.

And so on…