Some people can easily recall the first time their mom let go of the bike and they realized they were pedaling all by themselves. Others just close their eyes and easily remember the color of their favorite childhood toy.
With the same precision that people use for recalling these sentimental details, I remember the first message I sent to someone about plants. I was new to this Instagram thing, and in fact I had just wanted to comment on a picture, but I ended up sending a complete stranger a direct message about how much I was crushing on their stripey calathea.
I won’t lie, it was a tad creepy. But we kept messaging back and forth and we were obviously both quite excited to be chatting about that particular type of plant, albeit with complete strangers from a different continent.
Fast forward through the awkwardness of connecting with a naturophile via some platonic greenery talk, and I felt like I had finally found someone to chat with about my houseplant obsession. (I’d call it hobby, but who am I kidding?)
You see, none of my IRL friends share this hobby. That’s clear to me whenever my enthusiastic “I got a new houseplant” yields no equally enthusiastic replies. Instead, it’s often “But you already have too many plants.” Pff … people!
I think houseplants can build community for a few reasons:
1. Houseplant lovers are generous with information.
Bring your plant-related problem or question to any online platform, and somebody will go out of their way to help you. Whether we’re talking basic Reddit threads, elaborate Instagram posts, or the old-fashioned forums, you’ll find someone who’s eager to offer advice to right your (ok, my) overwatering ways.
2. Houseplant people genuinely want others to succeed.
I’ve never spent time in any other online community where people wanted others to succeed, and where the criticism was kept to a minimum. Sure, you’re bound to have a few know-it-alls popping up here and there and unleashing taxonomy rants, but they’re few and far between. Generally, plant lovers will root for you to succeed.
3. Houseplant lovers generously like to share.
I’ve never met a gardener who doesn’t love sharing. From seedlings, to veggies, to cut bouquets of flowers, or packs of seeds saved from their crop. I genuinely believe it’s in the nature of people who love to grow things to share their harvest, no matter how bountiful. I found it’s the same with houseplant lovers. This hobby brings us so much joy that we’re often thinking how to get others hooked up too.
8 Ways to Share Your Houseplant Love with Others
In the spirit of adding your own contribution to this generous community, here are a few simple things you can do:
+ Root a few extra clippings and offer some to your friends, co-workers and neighbors. But if they don’t want them, don’t be pushy.
+ Offer clippings in your local “buy nothing group” or on freecycle. You’ll meet some like-minded people along the way.
+ Prepare a few houseplants or clippings to give away at your local yard sale.
+ Start a seed library. Some libraries or community centers offer spaces for seed libraries. You can start one with as little as a shoebox and some envelopes, or a piece of cardboard on which to glue the seed pouches.
+ Organize a plant swap. Much like a clothes swap, or a book swap, a houseplant swap is a great place to meet new people with the same hobby as you.
+ Set up a planting party. Somewhere in a public park or a place that can get messy. You bring the dirt and the seeds/seedlings; your guests bring their own flower pots or planters.
+ Place plants in a communal area of your apartment building – in the courtyard, on the common straicase or on the sidewalk if you live in a neighborhood where they might survive the hustle and bustle. You might not have easy converts, but you might make a few of your neighbors pay attention (and even ask questions) and want to try some plants of their own.
+ Finally, be that person who helps others care for their plants – whether online, or via email or in person. Be kind with your judgement and generous with your knowledge.
I’m sure there are about a hundred other ways to share your love of plants and build a sense of community. I’d be happy to hear how you’re doing that, and you can share on Instagram.
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