@Jess.aplant

Jess and one of her stunning plants.

1.When and how did you get into the plant world?

I have always an interest for plants and started to bring more “greens” in after I purchased my own apartment in 2018. My auntie has big influence on me for my early interest because her house has different plants adding calm, soothing vibes. I had a break after a severe spider mites outbreak (no experience and only sleepless night lol). But I picked up my hobby again during COVID.

2. What kind of plant lover are you? (Are you about quantity or quality? Do you have a specific collection, or you love a bit of everything?)

I’m a “bit of everything” type, I started with orchids, then expanded to tropicals/aroids and then got into succulents in a short period of time. 

3. If we talk about plants, what is your strength? And what would still like to learn?

I rarely give up on my plants. Propagating, trying out, saving dying plants until the last last moment is my thing. I love to see my plant back to life (and most of the time, they always do!) 

Thinking ahead, I would like to learn more about plant decor or  plant interior design. learn how to styling our every day home with plants and makes it cozy, calming and our own sanctuary to relax. 

4. Where do you usually get your plants? (swap, tuincentrum, private sellers, local plant shops, online e-commerces?)

I normally get them online from renowned shops/sellers. But I love to shop in plant market too where you normally get unique plants with great price. 

5. As a plant lover, what is a green place that you would like to recommend to the community? (it can be a shop, a city, a garden center, the house of another plant lover)

I would say botanic gardens, I’m also putting it on my own list, whenever I visit a new place I love to visit its botanic gardens. As a start, I would recommend Monte Palace Madeira. I would love to hear what others say about recommendations of botanic gardens. 

6. What plants do you have on your Wishlist?

I started to love anthuriums more. Currently I’m keeping an eye on the king and queen clarinervium :) 

7.  What is your absolute fav plant?

It is my Monstera Thai Constellation. Beautiful variegation and strong growth, just stunning. I’m only worry it will grow bigger and can’t fit into my space anymore.

8. What is a plant event that you would love to participate in? (Doesn’t need to be one of my events, it can be something organized by someone else, in another city or something still not organized)

I love the recent plant market in Hoorn. It’s very cozy and has different varieties of products from plants to pots to care products. I love where I can have a deeper level of conversations with the sellers and their own stories with plants. That inspires me while I do my plant shopping :)

9.  What does Youplant Amsterdam represent for you?

When I first saw Youplant on social, I already fall in love. I feel inspired and energized to meet other plant lovers via this platform. I joined a plant swap and a plant market event afterwards, it’s just so important for us plant lovers to have this opportunity to meet and to chat about our hobbies. For me, it means community, energy and vibes. I’m so glad I found youplant.

10.  What is your best advice for someone who wants to start a plant hobby?

Start with easy plants, get cuttings, start trying, learn what works for you by doing it.

accept the facts you will have to deal with pests sooner or later. 

Ask questions to fellow plant lovers, we are out there to help. 

Don’t hop on the train of expensive plants right away.

Most importantly, have fun with your hobby.