Upon recently visiting a chum’s flat, I was rather taken aback by the amount of greenery she had amassed. Her collection consisted of an array of vibrant flora, including a Philodendron Goeldii, a finicky fig, a winter cacti, a mini palm, devil’s ivy, and a spider plant to name a few. These weren’t just small additions to the décor, perching on bookshelf corners. Several were imposing figures, commanding the area.
Amongst these leafy giants, furnishings were reduced to mere substructures. The armchair or telly, for instance, seemed like mere backdrops to this verdant stage. Yet, surprisingly, it didn’t create a sense of being overwhelmed. Instead, they added a unique structural component and ambience to the room.
The fascinating part was how the flora influenced the mood of the area. The broad, dark leaves of the Philodendron Goeldii, for instance, hung over the armchair, creating a cozy, clandestine corner, an ideal haven for literary absorption over a warm brew. Then there’s the finicky fig that stood like a sentinel next to the telly, guarding the passage to the veranda, instilling a natural essence to the sitting room.
Indoor greenery, of late, seems to be a trend among those in their second and third decades of life. An internet search term for houseplants on social media platforms such as Instagram or TikTok fetches numerous tutorials on how to foster them. So why is this sudden interest in greenery among the younger generation?
Rachel Purcell, a 36-year-old Dubliner and the sibling of 2fm presenter Roz Purcell, cites the pandemic as her motive for this newfound interest. She describes her desire to infuse her new home with a calming ambience, enabling her to mimic the outdoor environment she so loves indoors. She adds that she finds these plants a fascinating and less cluttery decorating medium, bringing a chunk of nature inside her urban dwelling.
However, she is quick to point out, like all houseplant connoisseurs, that every verdant companion comes with its unique set of needs, including light and water. While some might tolerate less than ideal conditions, signs of neglect are not far behind. Rachel laughingly recalls her initial flounderings with a fern, explaining it was not successful and she hasn’t had a fern since.
Purcell, an avid plant enthusiast, took time to educate herself on optimal light positioning and watering schedules. “I’ve established a routine. I water my plants every Friday,” she shares.
As a proud owner of three dogs, Purcell ensured she purchased plants non-harmful to pets. She advises caution for others who choose plants that are not safe for animals and recommends positioning them out of the animals’ reach.
Proactively researching online on prospective plants to buy is key, according to Purcell. She stresses understanding the needs of each plant — right from its suitable lighting and water conditions, possible diseases, and the types of bugs it may attract.
She recalls an instance when she unintentionally introduced an infested plant to her collection which then spread to the rest of her plants. “It was close to disastrous”, she says, remembering the struggle to eliminate the bug and restore the plant’s health, a process that took nearly a month.
In terms of plant food, Purcell uses a pet-friendly brand named Nature Safe from Ireland. She’s always careful, ensuring her dogs aren’t around when she’s applying it.
Now set up with her partner in Tipperary and tending to a sizable vegetable patch in her garden, Purcell continues to profess her love for house plants. As for her partner? “He’s mandated no more plants in the bedroom, though he does love them,” she says, laughing.
Another plant devotee, Sofia Scatto, a professional interior designer, found solace in plants during her shift from the Tuscan countryside. Having lived in Mexico, she wanted a bit of the jungle in her living environment upon moving to Belgium, so she got plants reminiscent of Mexico.
“My monstera, the calatheas, livinstonia fan palm; essentially any green tropical plant — that’s the majority of indoor plants. Also, plants having unique and variegated foliage like calatheas appealed to me since they have such magnificent patterns,” shares Sofia.
The 34-year-old Scatto relocated to Dublin in 2018, her passion for plants persisting in her Ranelagh studio flat. Although she was unable to take most of her plants with her to Ireland, Scatto has since replenished her collection and has initiated growing some rose shrubs in her quaint garden in Dublin 6.
Scatto says her inaugural plant in Ireland was a monstera which has grown taller than herself. Her apartment boasts around 11 plants and she enjoys their presence. “Overwatering them due to my anxious tendency was an initial mistake but they require less water than anticipated,” she explains.
She mentions research showing the beneficial effects of plants on stress, healing and recovery. A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology in 2015 revealed that the presence of plants can induce calm in individuals. Other studies hint at improved recovery for surgical patients when plants or flowers are present in their rooms.
Scatto has always found a sense of calm in her various residences around the world and attributes this peace to her plentiful houseplants. “I could not exist without plants; they bring immense joy into my life. Although they do take up space, it’s worth it,” she affirms.
Similarly, Jonathan Twomey has been intrigued by plants for a long time but took up gardening more seriously amid the pandemic. “The initial three months of lockdown due to Covid left me in total isolation except the occasional ‘hi’ or ‘thanks’ at the local shop,” Twomey reminisces.
Feeling lonely, he eagerly grabbed the chance to purchase some plants when the garden centres reopened. “Nurturing them and watching them grow and change over the year is truly a gratifying experience,” he shares.
Twomey acknowledges that the demise of plants due to simple errors like over- or under-watering can be frustrating but considers it as part of the learning process. “Once, when I returned from holiday, I found a bleak wasteland – a shocking result of severe underwatering,” he remembers.
Twomey explains that establishing a consistent plant routine can be challenging because every variety of plant has specific needs. He currently cares for 10 plants, down from a previous 16. The key to a nurturing routine, he notes, involves understanding each plant’s water requirements – usually by monitoring soil dryness and leaf health. A plant will typically need to be watered if the top several centimetres of soil are dry. In alignment with the seasons, Twomey also uses plant food with more frequency in sun-intense summer – a period when his plants tend to be thirstier.
When it comes to plant recommendations for beginners, Purcell suggests a snake plant, due to its low light tolerance, as well as Pothos which is her personal favourite, and the Chinese evergreen for its luxuriant foliage. If novices would like to step up a level, she endorses the Bird of Paradise; a standout in the plant world and a prominent feature on her wish list.
Scatto similarly agrees on the snake plant for starters, adding the monstera and fern to the list. Twomey’s top recommendation, however, goes to the Peace Lily; a plant he bought during the Covid pandemic. This plant has grown from a small pot to a more substantial 22 cm pot and frequently flowers. Twomey mentions that it even came through The Great Drought of 2022 unscathed. It seems that calathea, a low-maintenance plant that “performs a dance as the sun changes”, is also a suitable choice for beginners.
Furthermore, aloe vera plants require less water than most and are perfect for those who may under-water. Finally, Scatto offers a few tips for houseplant care; it’s important to comprehend your plant’s sun needs. Since monsteras naturally reside under large trees, Scatto advises providing them with more indirect light. He also offers a cautionary note: overwatering is more damaging than underwatering. It’s safer to give plants less water initially and observe their response.
Avoid initiating with herbs as they pose a significant challenge to maintain. When procured from a supermarket, they necessitate immediate segregation and replanting due to the limited space in the minuscule pot in which they are housed. To prevent the roots from absorbing excess water in instances of overwatering, place a piece of kitchen roll beneath the pot.