Note: This was written earlier this year, when I originally planned on launching this blog. A lot has changed, but I decided to keep this post as a memory of the plants that I had back then. I will have an updated collection post soon!
Welcome to my plant collection as of February 2020! This is actually the first time I’ve sat down and made a list of all the plants I own at a given time, and it ended up looking like a lot more than I thought it would. I’ve had at least a couple houseplants for probably the past 6 years. They got more important to me during college because they were sort of pseudo-pets to make up for my animals that I was missing at home.
I had to be selective with the plants I had at college, with limited space and uncontrollable lighting conditions in my bedroom, I couldn’t get just any plant that I wanted. That kept my collection small for a while, but toward the end of college, my urge to buy more plants was getting stronger.
Naturally, when I was back home during the summer after college, all bets were off haha. My mom was setting up a vegetable garden in the backyard, and I probably got a new plant during every trip to Home Depot. That’s where a lot of my plants are from, but I’ve also gotten some from local nurseries and plant shops. That summer was also when I started researching more seriously and really learning about the plants I was getting. I discovered some of my favorite plant YouTubers and some great websites.
My collection has grown along with my knowledge. I never want to take on more plants than I can handle or get to the point where taking care of them feels overwhelming. Plants are supposed to be fun, you know? I look forward to coming home and seeing my plants after work, and I love watching them grow.
My taste in plants leans toward the tropical ones. I want my apartment to have that jungle-y feel, so I tend to go for more of the full, lush plant varieties.
So that brings us to now! I currently have 20 different plant varieties in my apartment. My goal is to have a separate post about each one and its care, but for now, I’ve put together a list. Here they are, sorted into some categories that I think are accurate. I’ve listed common names when they have them, as well as the scientific names.
Vining Plants
Scindapsus pictus argyraeus
I wanted one of these babies SO BAD. It was the middle of winter and I had never seen one in a store near me, so I ordered two online. Their silvery variegation is super pretty.
Philodendron cordatum
The cordatum is the non-variegated version of the popular philodendron Brasil. Mine already had some vines when I bought it. I love the texture of the leaves and of course the distinguishing heart shape.
Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
If you don’t have a golden pothos, do you even have plants? Just kidding, but a very basic staple plant that is beautiful and great for beginners. Easy to propagate too!
Pink Plants
Peperomia clusiifolia tricolor
This pink-edged peperomia is so soft and gorgeous. I haven’t had any issues with this one so far, and I love how low-maintenance it is.
Aglaonema Lady Valentine
I guess sometimes I’m a sucker for pink plants. Every time this one grows a new leaf, it’s a big deal to me. It was my first aglaonema, but it definitely won’t be my last.
Tropical Plants
Majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis)
I was excited when I finally had space for a large floor plant, and I chose a majesty palm. A lovely way to make a statement and add some greenery to a room.
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae Guzmania)
My bromeliad is pink and one of the most tropical-looking plants I have. It had some damaged leaves when I got it, and it hasn’t grown much.
Monstera deliciosa
These babies are probably my favorite plants of all time. I have one, and I want ten more (only kind of kidding). I definitely need to learn more about them, and I’d love to try propagating mine sometime.
Raphidophora tetrasperma
This was on my wishlist for a long time, and I wasn’t sure if I’d ever find one in person, but I did. Mine is still very small but I’m hoping that it’ll grow into a big, beautiful plant. I love the leaf shape, and it’s no wonder that the so-called ‘mini monstera’ has gotten so popular recently.
Monstera adansonii
I was not planning to buy this one, but I’m so happy I did. Mine seems to be on the young side, so not all of the leaves have fenestrations yet. It sits right next to my deliciosa, and I like to think that they’re BFFs.
Succulent-type
Jelly bean succulent (Sedum rubrotinctum aurora)
This pink-tipped jelly bean plant is adorable. I don’t have the best luck keeping succulents alive, but I’m drawn to the plump-looking varieties like this one.
Aloe (I can’t get more specific than that)
The standard aloe plant that you find at Home Depot and other big-box stores. I haven’t had any problems with this guy so far, and I’m pretty sure that aloe tends to be a slow grower.
Zebra cactus (Haworthia attenuata)
This one is a cutting from my mom’s plant that seems to always be growing new babies. It’s a very easy-care plant, and I love the way it looks like a little pineapple top sticking out of the dirt.
Moonstone succulent (Pachyphytum oviferum)
The only other succulent in my collection right now. I’m crossing my fingers that I can keep it alive because it’s just so cute!
Other Plants
Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans)
I’ve had this one for a while, and it’s still alive but not doing great. (More on this coming soon!) It’s on my list of plants to learn more about, so I want to see if I can find something to help this little guy.
Dieffenbachia camille
I’m pretty sure that’s the subspecies I have, but I’m not 100% certain. This is another one of my plants that is not doing great. I think it’s beautiful, but I haven’t quite figured out how to keep it happy yet.
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii)
The snake plant is another staple houseplant. I love mine and I would love to have several more. There’s just something about their structure and the way they grow that makes me so happy. I also have a care guide for snake plants if you’d like to learn more.
Lamb’s ear/silver carpet (Stachys byzantina)
I could go on and on about how much I love this plant! I KNOW this is an outdoor plant meant for landscaping, but I can’t help myself and keep it in a pot that I bring inside for the winter.
Sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica)
I’m not gonna lie, my sensitive plant is riding the struggle bus right now, and I’m not sure if it will make it. I should have researched this one more before I got it so I was better prepared to take care of it.
Frosty fern (Selaginella martensii)
Two words: high humidity. I bought this one, did some research, and was certain that I was going to kill it immediately. Three months later and it’s still happy, so I think I’m doing something right.
So that’s my plant collection for February 2020! I was not expecting this post to be so long but I just get so excited thinking about my plants and I get carried away. My plants bring me joy every day and I’m so grateful for that. I’ll probably be picking up a few new plants once the weather warms up, but I’m going to try and hold off until then.
Leave me a comment telling me about your favorite plant in your collection!
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