Garden Photo of the Day

Dealing With Stressful Times With Plants

Growing an indoor jungle is a great way to deal with stress

Today we’re in Oklahoma City, visiting Treyon’s indoor plant collection:

I started gardening about a year and a half ago. I started as a means to decompress, get grounded, and connect with nature in a new way than I have before. I am currently a dental student, so life can get stressful, but my plants have been a key element in my creating a safe space for myself. My plants help remind me that simply existing and growing at my own rate is enough. No need to perform—only exist and grow, however that may look for me.

Philodendron Jose BuonoA beautifully variegated Philodendron ‘Jose Buono’. This is Treyon’s largest philodendron, and he says that he dreamed of having this plant for two weeks before he found it, and that it has lived up to all his expectations. The dramatic, irregular patterns of white and green are certainly worth dreaming of!

Another shot of ‘Jose Buono’. Variegated plants like this produce a different pattern on each leaf.

indoor plantsThe plant lover relaxes in his indoor plant jungle, which is his safe space during the stress of dental school.

calatheaTreyon’s calathea collection: Calathea musaica (left), Calathea leitzei ‘White Fusion’ (bottom), Calathea orbifolia (right), and Calathea ‘Medallion’ (top). These look stunning. Calathea have a bit of a reputation for being fussy, but there’s no sign of that here.

variegated peace lilyA variegated peace lily (Spathiphyllum). Who needs flowers when the leaves are this beautiful? Treyon says that this plant is easy to keep happy because it always lets you know when it needs something. This is a plant that will wilt dramatically if it gets too dry, but it perks up again the moment you give it a drink.

Fiddleleaf figFiddleleaf fig (Ficus lyrata) can be expensive, and it has a reputation for being fickle, but Treyon fell in love with this dramatic plant and had to give it a shot. Clearly it is happy and looks fantastic.

Treyon also says that he has found a great community of plant lovers online and that these plant accounts have been a big inspiration to him: @monsteramaven, @plantsdecoop, @botanicalblackgirl, @plantkween and @kayleeellenofficial

You can see more of Treyon’s plants in his own Instagram feed: @plantfix_and_chill/

 

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Comments

  1. Rebeccazone7 11/30/2020

    I'm with you. I can spend hours just clipping, rooting, repotting, finding the best light in the best window depending on the plant. I'm currently trying to save an Indian Rope Hoya, that has seen better days. Thanks for sharing.

    1. nwphillygardener 11/30/2020

      Good luck with the Rope Hoya. As Rebecca probably knows, when those are healthy and well and in bloom, they are so amazing!

  2. Carolyn3134 11/30/2020

    Wonderful! I can see part of the reason your plants love you so much -- the humidifier!!

  3. User avater
    treasuresmom 11/30/2020

    Very pretty & well cared for.

  4. nwphillygardener 11/30/2020

    Thanks for reminding us that indoor plants and their care can provide the same thrills and attachments to plants as those who tend ornamental gardens of every size and many with years of satisfaction. I hope it's a life long passion for you, Treyon!

  5. User avater
    cynthia2020 11/30/2020

    Treyon - thank you for sharing some of your lush and healthy plants with us. I also looked at your links - lots of creativity and happy confident vibes!

    I am trying to propagate some Aucuba cuttings in water in the house. Also some Guara in soil. Not too hopeful about these two - but I like experimenting anyway!

    Electric Lime Coleus has been easy to propagate in water, though and I love it's brightness!

  6. User avater
    simplesue 11/30/2020

    Your houseplants are all so healthy and thriving! Reminds me I ought to try a little harder with some of my houseplants!
    Your post has inspired me for sure.

  7. cheryl_c 11/30/2020

    Treyon, you clearly have cultivated your already green thumb to be able to have such great success with your indoor plants. Such a tropical paradise you have created. Thanks so much for sharing and for inspiring us to take a second look at some amazing houseplants.

  8. btucker9675 11/30/2020

    Wonderful - I have also found my fiddle leaf fig tree to be fairly easy to keep happy - it has grown over a foot in less than 2 years. Thank you for sharing your lovely collection.

  9. perenniallycrazy 11/30/2020

    Joe Buono is swoonworthy! Thanks for sharing.

  10. Musette1 11/30/2020

    Treyon, this is a gorgeous indoor jungle! I'm glad you have created this lush, safe space for yourself - and thank you for sharing it with us! Best wishes for continued happiness 'existing and growing'!

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