Feb 13

Feb 13 "Say ALOE to My Plant Collection!"

Hello my lovely friends, and welcome back!! I've officially made the decision that I’m ready to join this unspoken club for women who cover their home in PLANTS!!! I was NEVER a plant person, and I know exactly the reason why…I assumed that where there were plants, BUGS would follow, and I've always been very fearful of SPIDERS. (Call me a recovering arachnophobe…haha!)

However, I refuse to miss out anymore on the JOY and BEAUTY that plants bring to a living space! I purchased a few plants last year, and was gifted a bunch more. I guess I’m officially, a "plant mom?!” Now that I've proven to maintain my current collection, I'm on the hunt for MORE. Prior to taking your suggestions for what plant I should welcome next, I figured I'd introduce you all to my current crew! So, let's learn together about these green beauties, and I look forward to hearing all about your recommendations in the comments below!!

My Collection:

Succulents

Care: These six succulents were gifted to me, and they have grown SO MUCH since then! I love to place them all around my house in indirect sunlight, water them once a week, and I’ve noticed that they’ve managed to retain such a lovely shape!

Cactus

Care: This cactus was from Ikea! (The perfect little guy for my bedside table.) I leave him in indirect sunlight, and wait for his soil to completely dry before watering him! I smile just looking at him! :-) Cactus are so rustic and fun!

Money Tree

Care: Don’t get too excited upon hearing this plant’s name because “Money [still] doesn’t grow on trees!” A good friend of mine helped me identify these plants by their twisted trunks. When the top 2-4 inches of soil are dry, I water these money tree plants again! I make sure the water fully runs through, and drains well each time. I never over-water to avoid root-rot!

Aloe

This little guy was also an IKEA purchase! Many a times he's helped me heal cuts and burns with his “aloe juice” which I've greatly appreciated. Every time I reluctantly cut a little piece of him off, I feel a tremendous amount of guilt, but I always say, "I'm sorry,” haha! They should be watered well, but infrequently, and kept in indirect sunlight. A while ago, I noticed my aloe plant was very soft, and limp, and a friend pointed out that it may not be retaining enough water. After getting on a better watering schedule he perked right up! GO ALOE! GO ALOE!

Peace Lily

Care: This Peace Lily was gifted to me by a sweet friend! I am so thankful for it’s ease of care, (and that I’ve not managed to kill it)! It’s roots are able to grow in water which is very cool! I change the water out once a week making sure the roots stay below it. I also keep her in indirect sunlight! (Do you refer to your plants as “he,” or “she?” lol) Apparently, you can even add a little fishy in the water so I may do that in the future for fun!

Dragon tree

Care: This Dragon tree adds a look of “vacation” to my home which I love! I water this plant once a week, and also keep him in indirect sunlight. When I see brown tips, I recently learned to take a sharp scissor, and cut them off. I gave him a haircut the other day, and he’s looking SHARP!

Well, thanks for checking out my current plant collection! This fairly new plant mama isn’t too prideful to take advice so if you see something I can do better better, please let me know in the comments below!! Also, which plant (preferably low maintenance) should I welcome into my home next??! I just may take your advice and give you a BIG SHOUT-OUT on my Instagram stories (@coolmomandcollected). What plant babies do you have in your home?? Share them in the comments below, and have a wonderful day! Aloe you so much! <3

Cool, Calm and Collectedly Yours,