How I downsize my houseplant collection

Introduction

Hello friends! Recently, I’ve been reflecting on my houseplant collection and how to manage it better. After recent plant hauls and my last updates video, I realized that some plants simply aren’t bringing me the joy they used to. It's time for a declutter session!

Why Declutter?

With new additions to my collection, I noticed that the surfaces in my home were overflowing with greenery, making it feel overwhelming. This prompted me to reassess what plants truly bring me happiness and which I could part with. Ultimately, I want my collection to be manageable and uplifting, not stressful.

Testing Out New Equipment

Before diving into the declutter, I mentioned that I'm trying out a new microphone for this video. Hopefully, the sound quality is a good match for this conversational piece, allowing you to hear me clearly, whether I move away from the camera or not.

The Declutter Process

I started my declutter by checking my plant cabinet, where I suspected I had a few plants that no longer resonated with me. One standout was my Monstera Dubia, which had grown long tendrils and just didn’t excite me anymore. I also decided to part ways with my Alocasia Dragon Scale, as I already have plenty of other Alocasia varieties.

Next up was my Anthurium Silver Blush and Rat Tail Cactus, both of which were on the fence. The Anthurium had good roots but wasn’t capturing my attention. The Rat Tail Cactus simply didn’t fit into my collection’s vibe anymore.

Upon further inspection of the cabinet’s top shelf, I also found a Variegated Gajana that suffered from rot, which I felt fine tossing in the bin. As I continued, I noticed my Monstera plant wasn’t thriving. Despite my best efforts, it still had long internodal spaces, which were frustrating.

While sorting through the other plants in my home, I identified a few that I could live without. An Out of Pente hybrid caught my eye; while it was doing well, I wasn’t giving it the attention it deserved. Additionally, I decided the Queen of the Night was not one I was excited about anymore.

I had a few plants stashed away in a box, including a Hoya that I decided to give to a friend who will appreciate it more. I also realized I had too many Hoya plants without enough room, and I could streamline my collection.

Finally, I turned my focus to my cactus cabinet, where I found a few cacti that might need to go. An Auna cactus that had given me trouble and another that just wasn’t growing well were both up for consideration.

Conclusion: Finding New Homes for My Plants

The process concluded with a realization that it's okay to redistribute my plants to new homes where they’ll be loved and appreciated instead of festering in the corners of my home. I shared my strategies for removing plants—Facebook Marketplace, local community swaps, or even simply putting them out on the curb for someone else to adopt.

In sharing this journey, I hope you feel empowered to reassess your own plant collection. Remember, your plants are meant to bring you joy, not stress!

Keywords

• Declutter
• Houseplants
• Joy
• Collection
• Resonate
• New homes
• Community swaps

FAQ

Q: Why should I declutter my plant collection?
A: Decluttering your plant collection helps reduce overwhelm and allows you to focus on the plants that genuinely bring you joy.

Q: How do I know which plants to get rid of?
A: Assess which plants you no longer feel connected with or have neglected. If a plant isn't thriving or isn’t capturing your attention, it may be time to let it go.

Q: What are some ways to part with my plants?
A: You can use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, plant swaps in your community, or simply gift them to friends.

Q: Is it okay to throw away a plant?
A: Yes, it's perfectly fine to dispose of a plant if it’s dead, infested, or simply taking up space. Prioritizing your mental health and enjoyment is crucial!

Q: What if I feel guilty about giving away a plant?
A: Remember that each plant has its own unique journey. If a plant isn’t providing joy, it may thrive better in a new environment with someone who will appreciate it more.