Plantitos and Plantitas Assemble

Here’s how to get your plant care game on

by Nina Tambal / August 27, 2020

Notice that your Instagram (or even Facebook) feed has been a little green lately? And by green, we mean filled with all sorts of houseplants. With the quarantine keeping us at home, it isn’t hard to get sucked into the fascinating world of plants.

Not only is growing plants good for the environment, it’s good for your health too. It increases oxygen levels and removes toxins from air. Plus, it makes your space look a little more homey. The ultimate aesthetic that transcends all generations, from baby boomers and Gen X to millennials and Gen Z.

So, if you have been looking for a sign to finally become a plantito or plantita, this is it. But you may be wondering, “Where do I start?”, “How do I know which plants to nurture?”, or “Am I even qualified to become a plantito or plantita?”. 

The answer to that last question is yes. And it will always be yes. For anyone and everyone is qualified to be a plantito or plantita. Because as long as you’re passionate about developing your green thumb, you will achieve the indoor garden of your dreams.

Here are a few tips and tricks on how to become a certified plantito or plantita!

Baby steps

Start small. Just like any beginner getting into a new hobby, it is okay to get down with the basics first. You also don’t have to purchase a jungle’s worth of plants on your first run.

All plants have three basic needs, which are water, light, and temperature. Beyond that, you will have to do your research regarding the environment of your chosen plant in order for it to thrive. 

For example, a cactus requires direct sunlight for at least four hours everyday. So, if you don’t have a windowsill or a porch that has enough access to sunlight, then caring for a cactus is probably not the best right now. 

Choosing your plant

To begin your plant journey, you do not choose the right plant, the right plant chooses you. As mentioned, you may want to care for a certain plant, but you may not have the environment it needs. Don’t worry though! There is a wide selection of indoor plants that are low maintenance and can survive almost every habitat through thick and thin.

According to plant experts (which happens to include the NASA Clean Air Study), Snake Plant is a good houseplant to nurture as a novice plant carer. These succulents like plenty of light, but can withstand less if necessary. Plus, they only need to be watered every two weeks. In other words, they’re tough and will never take no for an answer. People can learn a lesson or two from them.

Another plant best for beginners is Peace Lily. Not only are these beauties pleasing to look at, they are easy to grow. If Peace Lilies were a person, they’d be a pretty or handsome homebody. They like growing indoors and prefer indirect sunlight from a nearby window. Just make sure that they have evenly most soil. If their leaves start to droop, it means that they need more water, so give them a cup or two.

Then, there’s Bird’s Nest Fern, which thrives in warm and humid conditions. Perfect for a place like the Philippines. Although they’re thirstier creatures (one may say that they are the camels of beginner houseplants) compared to Snake Plant and Peace Lily, they also prefer indirect sunlight. It would be ideal to mist them every three to four days. And avoid watering its center, because it acts as a cradle and can cause the plant to rot.

Even with these recommendations, trust us when we say that there is a lot to explore in the realm of plants. Special shout out to other low maintenance plants such as Cobra Fern, Philodendron Xanadu, Bamboo Palm, Money Plant, and more!

Having fun

What is a hobby without it being fun? If you have gone through this article and think the task is too much to handle, then perhaps plant care is not for you just yet. However, if you feel pumped and ready to become the best plantito or plantita out there, then go on and start creating your own plant emporium!

As the popular proverb from the Spider-Man comic books go, “With great power comes great responsibility.” This certainly applies to plant care because it involves nurturing another living thing.

Remember to set reminders for yourself on when to water your plants. Because as a beginner, it is more likely that you will forget to do it on the regular. Building the habit will take time. And when it finally feels right, do not be afraid to expand your horizons and care for other plants that may pique your interest.

So, plantitos and plantitas assemble! Your mission to maintain a sustainable hobby and possibly transform into the ultimate plant parent awaits.

If you want to start your plantito or plantita journey as early as now, check out these stores on Instagram: Plants Manila (based in Quezon City), Plants by Amanda (based in Muntinlupa City), Sprout Plants Manila (based in Bonifacio Global City), Happy Plant Co. (based in Makati City), and Nest Plant Studio (based in Mandaluyong City).