This month’s plant parent is Raquel, who turned a lifelong love of plants into her vision of a beautiful indoor oasis. After some trial and error, of course. She’s cultivated a collection of 150 plants over the past year and a half. Read on to learn all about Raquel’s journey to a lush indoor jungle!

Bringing the Outdoors In

Raquel grew up with plenty of plants around, and she was excited to tackle her first garden when she and her family bought their first home. But things got a little complicated. 

Ever since I could remember I grew up surrounded by plants. Maybe not this many, but nonetheless my mother and grandmother owned houseplants. Last year was a tremendous year for my family. Our children were reaching different milestones and with that came a new home. I was so excited to have found my perfect home, the one that I see myself in for a very long time. I started dedicating all my time working on the outdoor garden: aerating the soil and preparing it for a fruitful season...so I thought.

We had horrible weather here in Chicago. We had such a short planting season and our outdoor garden was ruined. I was so disappointed that all my hard work was in vain, but what could I do? I couldn’t control the weather.

Then I remember my husband expressing to me how it would be so awesome having a house full of plants!...I agreed and put his vision into action.

I knew with houseplants I could be in control. I could control the temperature. I could control the location. I could control the lighting and watering needs. I was pumped and started buying one plant at a time here and there and now I can’t stop.

Most of my plants have been found randomly. I love going to the groceries or local farmer’s markets and coming home with a surprise plant. That definitely makes my day! At this point, our home has become an indoor jungle, not sure if that was my husband's original vision, but it was definitely his idea at first...so if we are pointing fingers, I’m blaming him for it.

A 15 Year Old Plant Masterpiece

We loved this story about Raquel’s longest standing member of her plant family. And he’s got the best plant pun name we’ve seen yet. 

My good old golden pothos Pablo Plantasso has been with us for over 15 years. He’s been in our family the longest. He’s laid back and prefers to be left alone. He likes to stay in one place and never seeks any attention. He’s definitely an introvert. He got his name due to the fact that he has been propagated many many times, each time creating a new plant masterpiece. 

Sage Advice for New Plant Parents 

Raquel has made plant parenting an art form, and she has a piece of advice for anyone who wants to grow their plant collection. 

“Don’t Be Afraid!”

Depending on your personality you might want to start slow or if you are like me and want to be a bit more aggressive that’s fine too. There’s no right or wrong way of greening up your space. The idea is to start. The plant community is so supportive and there is a wealth of information to help you along the way. Keep in mind that some plants will thrive and some may not, and that's ok too. As you get the hang of it, you will find your groove and know which plants thrive better with you and which don’t.

Raquel has also become a plant parent inspiration to those around her, including colleagues and her eighth grade students who say her plant-filled classroom helps reduce their stress and they love coming to class. 

Besides my own children, I feel that I have given the “Plant Bug” to others in my workplace. There’s definitely a plant fever going around here. I am an 8th grade Language Arts teacher and my classroom theme is indoor-jungle with a hint of Hogwarts.

Many of my colleagues stop by my room and ask me about my plants and plants in general. My students love my classroom plant vibe I have created for them. My thought was to create an environment where kids feel relaxed, safe and welcomed. Some have expressed that my environment makes them less anxious and enjoy coming to class. Not only am I the crazy plant lady next door but I’m also the crazy plant teacher down the hall. Bonus!

Swiping Right on Plant Matches

We thought Raquel’s description of her favorite houseplant sounded like a classic dating app bio, but it sounds pretty good when it’s describing a plant! 

My favorite plant is Saul Sansevieria the snake plant. What can I say? He’s super chill, low- maintenance and drama free. He never disappoints me and is so strong and resilient even in the darkest places. He is tall, dark and handsome; always looking so sharp even when I forget to feed or water him. What else can a girl ask for? He truly completes me and I love him for that!

Raquel is also holding out for her true plant loves with a fairly short wish list of dream plants! 

I am such a Hoya Head, I love them all. Here in Chicago it’s very hard to get your hands on them. But If I had to make a wish list, this would be it as of today:

Hoya Obovata

Hoya Linearis

Peperomia Rotundifolia

Ceropegia Woodii Variegata

Albo-Monstera LARGE….VERY LARGE!

Raquel keeps trying to love some plants, but it’s just not happening. 

Ferns and I have a very one-sided relationship. I love them, but I’m not feeling the love back. I have tried my hardest to keep them looking full and green, but they always end up looking brown and crispy. I’m not giving up on them yet, but I know I don’t deal well with overly dramatic and high-maintenance plants, not worth the stress!

 Follow Raquel on Instagram to see her beautiful plants! @plant_1ife