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I’ve amassed nearly 200 plants inside and outside in 15 sites in 2… | Anything about plants | Planta community

Shirley🪴you jest

I’ve amassed nearly 200 plants inside and outside in 15 sites in 2 years. I’m still trying to determine whether mine is a healthy hobby or if it has crossed over into something less healthy. It feels like a pretty fine line at times. I’m most often eager and fulfilled while gardening, but sometimes it would be nice to take a break (when plants need attention) and no living things suffer - like with painting or crocheting. Do you share this dilemma? Thanks for sharing in advance 🪴

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11 comments

  1. Anna

    I follow a plant gal that once a month she goes through all her plants and makes sure she is still getting joy from them. If there are any that stress her out or make the hobby less fun she gets rid of them. If you celebrate Christmas you could gift some. But, ultimately it comes down to what brings you peace and joy.❤️ P.S. if you’re comfortable with it, I’d love to see some pictures of your collection.😊

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    • Shirley🪴you jest

      Thank you for sharing. I like this perspective. I’ll happily share photos soon. 🪴

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  2. Women are Water

    Ironically I was just watching a YouTube video about plant burnout yesterday. Personal the most I’ve gotten up to was 150. Which I managed for a long while. But I had a depression episode and lose like 25 plants. So now I’m bust to around 130. But I realized that’s I have an addictive personality so I could literally buy all the plants. So I put strategies in place. I also really that plant are great for me mental health. But there are others thing I need as well. Like eating well and moving my body. Or and rest! Rest is so important. Without it I could do anything else. So when i need to rest I rest. That way when I am playing with my plants it’s something I enjoy and not a chore. I also gift that’s to others when they no longer bring me joy instead of holding onto it. I’m rambling but just know thatyou are not alone. I think when you have a large collection it can be hard work Just listen to your body and give yourself what you need. Including rest!

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    • Shirley🪴you jest

      Thank you (all) for sharing. I have been receiving the “messages” very clearly that the number of plants have become more than what is best for me. But I’ve been ignoring those intuitions which is what led me to wonder about a type of addiction. I’m now thinking it’s more of an issue of attachment and a true sense of loss of life and even some guilt if I give up on a failing plant or don’t root healthy trimmings. With much reflection and suggestions from this community I am reminded that it’s ok to send a failing plant and excess trimmings to the compost bin. It’s the circle of life in addition to it being the better self-care thing for me to do. I so appreciate the reminder to keep only what brings me joy and share the rest. Thank you ;-)

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  3. Hiya!

    I once had advice to find out what type of plant you do best with. I was in the same boat as you are. I was a bit obsessed with getting all types of new plants. It’s one way of seeing what type of plants you do best with, in your own environment. I found over time that my climate is really too dry for ferns even though I love them and tried every kind of fern imaginable. As each one met it’s demise, I realized they weren’t happy here. Except for my blue star fern which is thriving. Ultimately I decided that my go-to plants were hoyas, cactus, ficus and other similar plants that thrive in drier climates. I also realized that when I got to the point that I had too many plants…I wasn’t able to care for them all as well as I should. So I downsized to an appropriate number and type of plant….now, they are all thriving and I’m thrilled!

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  4. Mon

    Yes, I’m around 100 plants and it is now a chore 😔 I managed to suck the joy out of this hobby. I am in the process of severely downsizing by rehousing my plants. I will only be keeping the ones that I love the most. But I’m having issues letting go 😣😅

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    • Hiya!

      😂 been there, done that

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  5. Leafmealone

    This is such a good post. I completely understand you. I have a very addictive personality so I shouldn’t be surprised by my obsession with plants. They bring me an enormous amount of joy but with 140+ I am definitely overwhelmed at times and and they suck up a lot of my time. As with all things it’s important to find a healthy balance but it’s a struggle. I agree that keeping the plants that bring you the most joy is a nice idea but it can be very hard to let them go when you’ve been watching them grow or nursing them to health for so long.

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    • Shirley🪴you jest

      Thank you so much for sharing. It’s been helpful to hear what others are experiencing, along with their thoughts, emotions, and processes of growth. One of the most difficult things for me has been to “let go” and decide that it’s time to compost a sickly plant or healthy trimmings. I am slowly shifting my perspective and making more practical choices. I’ve been giving away what I can, but I know so very few folks who have interest caring for a plant. 🪴 Best wishes.

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    • Mon

      Online plant groups are great for that. Find your local fellow plant people and you will make someone very happy with your downsizing.

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    • Leafmealone

      Do you know of any groups other than on Facebook? I would love to find a local group but I don’t do Facebook and Instagram.

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