Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Gloria, a dedicated plant lover who sees her green companions as more than just decor. They are a testament to her roots, a channel for her patience, and a source of endless fascination. By day, Gloria works in the demanding healthcare industry. Outside her job, she finds solace and connection in her burgeoning indoor jungle.
In This Article
A Green Heritage
Gloria’s connection to plants is a thread woven deep into her life story. As a first-generation Guatemalan American, plants have always held a special place in her heart, from her family’s traditional cooking practices to her first job at a greenhouse. There, she found herself immersed in a world of greenery under the tutelage of her father, a skilled landscape architect who designed beautiful gardens for others. Despite his passing over 20 years ago, every plant Gloria cares for now is a living testament to their shared love for nature.
Gloria’s Plant Favorites
If you were to ask Gloria to choose her favorite plant, she’d find it nearly impossible. Currently, she’s in the grip of an aroid obsession, particularly smitten with anything variegated. However, the plant that truly captured her heart is the Philodendron Micans, with its soft, velvety leaves. Despite any perceived difficulty or cost, Gloria believes in her ability to care for any plant she loves, reflecting her unyielding optimism and dedication.
Her first plant was a Monstera Deliciosa, a tropical beauty that boasts large, holey leaves. This was the plant that transformed Gloria’s casual interest into a defining characteristic, and she firmly believes its timeless allure will never fade.
Navigating the Green Challenges
As a seasoned plant parent, Gloria admits that one of the biggest challenges is resisting the urge to buy every plant she sees. She’s learned to be mindful of her home environment and only bring home plants that will thrive within it. Her approach is thoughtful – she asks herself whether the risk of a plant dying is worth it, often opting to leave it for another plant parent who can provide it with the care it deserves.
The Power of Patience and a Watering Tip
Patience is a virtue that plant care has instilled in Gloria. She believes that plants can teach us a lot about pacing ourselves and understanding that growth takes time. When it comes to plant care tips, Gloria is a strong advocate for the principle of ‘less is more.’ She advises against overwatering, a common mistake among plant parents. Remember, you can always add more water, but once it’s there, you can’t take it back.
Plants and Lifestyle
For Gloria, plant care extends beyond the pots and soil. It has cultivated patience within her and sparked a deep appreciation for the diversity of nature. After a long day at work, her plants offer peace and relaxation, becoming a source of comfort and a way to de-stress. In her home decor, plants are the stars of the show. They’re placed with purpose and intent, creating an organic, calming environment.
Busting the Plant Myths
One myth Gloria would love to dispel is the notion that one needs to be an expert to care for plants. She believes that anyone can become a plant parent as long as they’re willing to invest time and love. And remember, even the best plant parents experience plant deaths – it’s all part of the journey, and it’s important not to be hard on oneself.
Plant Resources and Dreams
Gloria draws inspiration and knowledge from various plant bloggers she follows on social media including Brittanie @botanistbee, Alessia @apartmentbotanist, Agatha @agathatisabel, and Phoebe @welcometothejunglehome. These plant enthusiasts serve as her go-to resources and provide a wealth of information for both novice and seasoned plant parents alike.
Advice for Plant Novices
Gloria has a word or two for those new to the world of plant care: firstly, never let anyone tell you that you can’t care for a certain plant. Secondly, be mindful of overwatering – it’s a common mistake that’s hard to rectify. And finally, it’s normal for plant deaths to happen – so don’t be too hard on yourself. The key is to keep learning and keep growing, just like your plants.
Specializing in… Confidence!
While Gloria might not consider herself an expert in any particular species, she believes that the real expertise comes from successfully nurturing a plant for a few months. This accomplishment instills a level of confidence that she believes qualifies anyone as a plant specialist.
A Life-Long Plant Companion
If Gloria had to choose only one plant to accompany her for the rest of her life, it would undoubtedly be the Philodendron Micans. Its velvety leaves hold an unmatchable appeal for her. This choice reflects her love for the unique and her belief in the power of affordable beauty.
The Evolution of a Plant Relationship
Gloria’s relationship with plants has evolved over time, much like the plants themselves. Initially filled with doubt, she has grown into a confident plant parent. Her patience has deepened, and her admiration for nature’s diversity has amplified, leading her to see the extraordinary beauty of life in every plant.
Future Green Dreams
Looking ahead, Gloria dreams of opening her own plant store, accompanied by a curated selection of books, merging her two passions. She envisions a place where people can explore the world of plants while diving into a good read.
Join Gloria’s Plant Journey
Gloria shares her plant journey on Instagram under the handle @greeneryisherscenery. She welcomes anyone interested in plants, gardening, and the beauty of nature to join her in exploring the green world.
As we conclude our feature on Gloria, we’re left with a deeper understanding of the profound connections one can form with plants. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of patience, the beauty of growth, and the potential for plants to bring us closer to our roots and to each other. In Gloria’s world, every plant has a story, and every story is a celebration of life.
