The shopping addiction thing for sure. Especially with the 2020 plant collection mega expansion I experienced. I was looking for anything soothing during a global pandemic and it created unrealistic compulsions and emotions around how much more happy I could be with this new specific plant purchase, especially when I was feeling low or anxious and really needed that happy bump. Even when it was only while I was in the store and car driving home. Buying a plant felt easier than working through anxiety around global chaos.
THIS! Thank you for this comment. It is what I experienced during the pandemic and it almost got out of hand. I now just trade, go to plant swaps and have learned to appreciate what I have and what plants work for me and my space. I definitely found buying plants soothing and satisfying instead of dealing through the trauma of the pandemic. I have a membership to the botanical garden and go there to surround myself with plants that I could never have since I live in a small apartment.
I agree with both of you! We all cope in our own ways, especially during a global pandemic/constant bad news. I love the idea of visiting botanical gardens as a way to be surrounded by plants as an alternative to buying 🪴
I would love to see a video on weird plant community experiences, I think it could be really educational! Obviously not putting people on blast by naming them, but like just common plant scams or things to watch out for
Looooove this. I’m so content with my 30+ plants and no longer feel the need to go out and buy 100+ plants. I still have some on a wish list but I’m not actively looking and I enjoy all my current plants!
Perfect. I totally agree about shopping addiction. Especially since COVID, people are bored, scared & indoors...perfect medium for addiction. I am 37.5years clean. Same patterns.
I started buying plants in 2019 after my mom passed away and I’ve been all through this journey. So many plants to plant ban, to ambivalence. Now I rarely buy a plant, my plants are fairly basic and I really still enjoy new leaves!
this is exactly how I am -- I had SO many plants as soon as I started collecting. then I slowly dwindled down, and I have probably >50 right now, yet I'm OBSESSED with every single one!
I totally did the indoor jungle in 2020 lol! Ended up giving a whole lot away, now I limit myself to the markdown section in the nursery, it feels so much better knowing you've saved a plant then just going out mindlessly buying stuff 😀
I love these videos you make about slowing your intake of plants. It's easy to get swept away by all the new and interesting plants, especially when it's ones you've only seen online before. It's why I have a few of the plants I have-- I had never seen them in person before so I felt like I needed them. But it's more sustainable and better for your wallet to really care for the ones you have. I'm glad most of the plant community is realizing more isn't necessarily better. I remember watching a video of someone selling half their collection to move, and then in the next video buying more! Like they hadn't even moved into their new home yet. It's like all those fashion haul videos that used to be super popular. Decluttering their closets, then the next video is another Shein haul.
I LOVE weird, "special" plants, I don't want too many that are similar, and I am SO jealous of your hoya carnosa crinkle curl!! I see it in your videos all the time and I've wanted one for a while, even without the pink flowers, but the pink flowers are SO 😤 DANG 😤 CUTE 😤😂 My rule is that I love weird plants, so like weird colours, weird leaf shape, weird growth patterns, quirky lil dudes. And hoya carnosa crinkle curl is definitely on my wishlist for that reason!! 🥰 So that stops me from like buying like every type of Pothos there is, for instance. I have a golden Pothos named Polly, and I love her, and until I have more space I'm probably going to keep my Pothos collection to one and just buy plants that I feel are really SPECIAL.
love the "big sis plant chat" :) I made a list of my VIPlants on my phone so if I'm needing to focus on myself I can narrow down my plant care to just the VIP list.
As a person that grew up not having a lot of expendable money, I find it weird seeing those skits on instagram about buying pants all the time, or replacing a new one when a plant dies. I am glad you are able to speak of this.
I had a terrible addiction to buying plants in 2020 and 2021. I calculated and I spent over 5k between those two years on plants and plant supplies and I ended up giving a lot of them away and losing tons of them to pests because I had no idea what I was doing! I only have 35 plants now and they are all my absolute favorites. I couldn’t find one to give away if I tried.
Love this video! My indoor plant journey started during Covid lockdowns here in the Bahamas 🇧🇸 it was such a joy to go plant shopping! My plants literally kept me sane and gave me purpose everyday. However once life started again and I had to go work I realized that I had to many and happily edited my collection to only those that brought me joy💞 I continue to share my plants and spread the joy 🌿
I continue to rewatch this video because it has such solid, comforting advice in it. Taking care of yourself when you’re in a fog is so important, and I love how you said our plants will be happy to see us once we return. Made me smile. Thank you for being so gentle yet firm in sharing your plant boundaries. I’d love more content about this topic. Maybe upload it in a playlist called: Your Big Sis Plant Chat
I got into plants a few months ago and went on a splurge and bought large amounts of plants (thankfully, cheap/affordable). I think for me, it was a good thing. I became limited on space, so started to prioritize what plants I bought. I think owning a vast variety of plants in a short amount of time helped me "get over" or "break up" with the plants I wanted and to really discover what specific types of plants I like now.
I completely agree with your point about haul content. I love it, but more importantly I LOVE to see updates. I want to see how the plants live in YOUR home, where they’re at what condition they’re in (if they’re even still alive). Just the update all together helps me so much more. That’s actually one of my fav parts about your channel is that you actually DO cycle back around and give updates on haul/how your plants are in general!
Thank you for addressing this issue. I have watched plenty of plant youtubers, who, this is just my own view/perception, only buys plants just because theyre in atm but neglect most of their plants at the same time. My plant collection, i would even call it a collection, is rather small but i try to make those plants i got look healthy, happy and most importantly mature! There is one youtube i really enjoy watching. If you havent watched Sydney Plant Guy, have a look at his channel. He is a really good plant dad who takes care well of his plants :)
Thank you for this video! I really needed this! I downsized into a smaller home earlier this year. As a result of my move I had to downsize furniture, clothing, outdoor plants and other things, but I DID NOT downsize my indoor plants. I have actually added to my indoor jungle since I moved. Over the past few weeks I began to question whether or not I needed to stop adding to my jungle. This has led me to stop watching plant haul and shopping videoes. Those always inspired me to head to my big box stores or go online in search of the plants in the videos. Your video helped me see the boundaries that I definitely need to set and maintain. You have no idea how much you have helped me!💚💚💚
Becca, I got into houseplants earlier this year and your videos have been a huge inspiration! They’re so incredibly helpful and have helped me expand my plant knowledge. Thank you so much for all of these amazing videos!
Wow I really needed this... My plant collection has been growing so fast over the last couple of months, I would say it doubled in the last four. I've been going to the nursery at least once a week because I hated seeing empty spots and pots and I just love to buy plants, it makes me happy somehow... I live in a shared apartment and my room isn't very big, but I already have over 60 plants. This video really got me to be content with my collection, I love the plants I have and overall the collection in combination with the furniture is really reslly beautiful. So thanks! Now I'm gonna use my time to make art for the walls haha
Nick Alexander is a great creator who mainly focuses on the plants he has in his collection as well as the science behind certain aspects of houseplant care. His video on variegated plants was super helpful.
Wow!!! What a great & needed video… Your content is never expressed, but completely real, & totally true. As a retired, ADHD, ENFP, Aquarian, plant buying addict, I feel like I just got a Therapy Session from one of my Adult Kids… ***note: and learning from your kids, is a very good thing*** So, Thank You for saying what no one else in the plant world is saying!!! Mahalo, & much Aloha………
Becca your point of view in this video is so true and priceless. I have the same ideas about plants. I love plants too because of my two grandmothers, they had plants everywhere in their homes for me it’s a link that lasts forever, i’m passing it on my 3 years old kid too like family inheritance ❤️
My plant journey started this past summer and when I had to bring them in for the winter, I counted 53 plants. I have lost a few with the transition, and like you say, that’s ok, I’m learning. However some situations required a repotting even at this time of year. I used Miracle Grow cactus soil because of my tendency to overwater, the soil had fungus gnats in it. That has been fun. Subsequently I came to the realization that with all the care time for so many, I have to rethink adding even ONE more, even though I have a few on my wish list, because I would rather have a few healthy plants than a lot of plants that don’t look so good, like some of my acquaintances have. It pains me to see them uncared for. They are a commitment with care needs, cleaning their leaves so they will be healthy is time consuming….anyway that is my realization.
This is really comforting I’m dealing with my first thrips outbreak and it’s been breaking my heart and making me fall behind on plant care. I’m trying to be soft with myself and know I did the best I can.
Thank you for this video. I just counted all of my plants. I thought I had 150 but I actually have 233. I am so overwhelmed 😪. I have mental and physical disabilities, they were therapy but not anymore. When I have anxiety shopping. I am on a no buy with my doctor. I haven't bought a plant/cutting since 06/10/2022.
I needed to hear this whole video today, honestly. I started to really get into houseplants during the pandemic, and in the last year, I've been kind of out of control with buying new plants. It started out going really well, but in the last 1-2 months, the health of several of my plants have fallen, and I had to completely chop up 2 of my favourite plants due to root rot yesterday, while a third seems to be on its way out (which makes me sad. I'm very sentimental). I realized that I need to purchase plants at a slower pace while I figure out what I am doing, what works for me, and what works for my house, and your video really solidified that for me! Thank you! This video could not have come at a better time for me.
I loved your comments about the plants women in your family. I have my great grandmother’s aspidistra , cuttings from my mother’s cissus and before we sold my mother’s house I took cuttings from the oleander in the greenhouse. The original plant had been from a cutting my sister’s late father in law brought back from his travels. Was satisfying to return a rooted plant to my sister.
I was a plant hoarder and had to S.T.O.P....now when I see a plant I'm not familiar with, I like you, walk away. I take a pic and go home and do research and get more familiar, then when I'm more comfortable I decide yes or no to buy or forget....love love love hoya! I have 7 different so far
This is sooo good. I've been in the plant buying/plant shopping addiction phases as well as terrible impulse buying with this made up thought in my head that I HAD to have it, or that it was going to make me happier, and then moving right onto buying the next without even appreciating what I had or just recently bought. I really wished I saved my time, energy, and emotions and spent time with each plant and enjoyed them instead of trying to fill a happiness void. I've given away 100s of plants to downsize my collection just to end up with that many more and I'm just finally over buying and more into what I currently own and I really love my collection. I have a very hard time letting go of plants I'm not appreciating because I have a connection with them or a story or whatever it is but I just need to rehome. I'm overwhelmed. I have no more room, or space, and have put my money into higher priorities. I want to enjoy what I look at in my home, and not just look at heaps of clustered plants in each window with no asthetic purpose. Plants make me feel good and growing them too but I wish I could only own 20 and be satisfied. I'm currently focusing on my collection I currently have, and then downsizing overtime to make room for the ones I already have and more time appreciating each individual plant. I think that the realization of what the future holds as far as spending on plant essentials like bigger pots as they grow, grow lights, fertilizer, soil, pest treatment etc. I've realized this is too much and in a year when my plants have grown quite a bit more, it's just gonna be even more of a mess for me so I just cannot buy more plants.
Love this message! I’ve been working on setting plant boundaries for myself and specifically intentionally appreciating the plants I already have. Another great plant-tuber that I love is Kevin/ Hakuna Laplanta! It’s so nice watching his plants and propagations grow and seeing his enthusiasm about each plant 🌱
This was a wonderful video to share with all of us plant mom's. I realized years ago to only buy what I love and know I can care for without all the fuss. Some of us have to learn the hard way before we realize enough is enough.
Occasionally I go for a "tricky" plant but I try to think ahead beyond two months, particularly winter in Chicago. I want my plants to survive year 'round without a grow tent and not take a nosedive when the humidity is 35%. I think about space and my radiators and which direction my windows face (all north and south). I've learned a lot in the past year and will continiue to do so!
I have a lot of boundaries. I actually very rarely buy nowadays. I found that I love the chase almost as much as getting the actual plant. I spent a whole year researching philodendron maximum before I got one and had a blast tracking down how it got to the states etc. I had one HELL of a time hunting down a thaumatophyllum stenolobum. I also spend hours and hours looking for different ways to grow plants, style them, and products to use. I never spend above $100 on a single plant and never will unless I sell cuttings to offset the price (which I haven't done yet). I don't care how much I want it I think $100+ is ridiculous I mean most of the ones I like literally grow on trees. My salary goes to my kids and houses first and I don't budget for pricier plants. I don't like buying mature plants since there's always transit damage and I prefer to invest the time into my plants. A bonus perk is that small is usually cheap. My tc billietiae was $20 and less than an inch tall on arrival. I also don't buy anything unless I have a spot in mind. I'm starting to run out of room since my wife doesn't love grow lights. I just have three windows and a wall of lights I manage and I have a few large plants really take up a lot of real estate. Fortunately the largest (a giant monstera) is going to permanently move outside once it stops fruiting. Because of those things I probably buy a plant once every few months and I truly appreciate each one. Each plant gets a lot of attention. I have maybe five I am uninterested in that I bought on impulse when I started ordering them online. I went a little nuts there in 2020 and I'm going to gift them away. Oh man btw and I hate when people buy me plants because they're usually not something I want but I pretend to love them. I also love playing with my plants. I've propagated my michans like crazy. I love trying new arrangements, pots, and I'm waiting for the parts to finally make my own moss poles. Buying is such a small SMALL part of the hobby for me.
Great video, especially in combination with the one on how to get rid of plants! And, even though I do think some of these boundaries/rules are kinda obvious, many people (including me) definitely needed to hear the whole list in one go. :)
This is such a great video. You have a new subscriber! I'm pretty new to plants. And with my ADD, my obsession is real. To the point where it is overwhelming sometimes. I know my own cycle with hobbies. But I love plants. And I want to be a long term plant parent!
This was a fantastic episode! Videos featuring Plant shopping hauls always raises a flag for me. Words like: Addiction, Obsession, Blowing the Budget but Worth it, I had to get it, should make us viewers sit back and wonder!
So glad i watched your video today , i was starting to get out of control with buying plants i starting having to sneak in plants from my husband and having buyers regret , i' m now going to concentrate on the ones that i have . and enjoy them with out having to get every plant i see on a plant video ,, Thank you so much..
Oof, as a very new plant parent, I really needed this! I’m sure my hubby and kids would agree 🫣 Your videos guide me through my plant journey; thank you for another great one! I was out of town for some training and came back to a hand written card from you with a sticker I purchased!! On a puppy card 🐶 🐾 🌈 That was so kind and unexpected! I appreciate that even though you are super busy and have a massive following, you still take the time to be personable. Thank you! ~Erica
My plants suffered last year when I had COVID and again last month during a pet health crisis. I've been thinking I need to "crisis-proof" my collection as much a I can for when life gets in the way of plant care.
The word you was looking for was autopsy! Needed this chat as I've been bad for buying too many recently. As soon as I see an offer or a plant reduced I have to have it. It has meant I've been able to get some plants I've really wanted but also some I probably wouldn't have purchased otherwise! It's a fine balance which I'm starting to now get a hold of.
@@BeccaDeLaPlants it doesn’t help that my local garden centre often has plants heavily reduced in the orphanage (what I like to call the reduced section!) I got two stunning Rex begonias the other week reduced from £8.99 to £1.89! My mum got 4 reduced plants for less than the full price of one of them!
I'm so glad I only got into plants last year because although I did make some of the mistakes you caution against, I got to benefit from the lessons from the OG plant collectors. My two tricks to curb my spending are: 1. I have an upper limit for how much I want to spend on a plant and what size of plant I want for that money. My number eliminates most rare plants so I can't even be tempted and besides, I probably wouldnt have the right conditions for them anyway. Although if I do find a ZZ Zenzi... 2 . I severely restricted the areas in my city where I am willing to go to get a plant. This is mostly for Marketplace purchases but also there are some nice garden centres outside of my city but I need a car service to get there. So even though I could still visit some nice plant stores within that second restriction, some are far enough for me to resist going just to brows.
My adhd = lack of impulse control. I have been proping more and buying less because it still feels exciting to make my plants big and full. I avoid all plant sections of stores and only buy from my local rare plant shop because I know I'm getting good quality plants.
i walk around the store or nursery holding the plant for a while and make sure i actually want it. i do this when shopping for things like decor and stuff i might not actually need just to make sure i really really want it
I love the subject of this video. The haul/shopping vids are great but they foster the “gotta buy” frenzy. Then I look at my collection and think, “I’ve got about all of my wishlist plants and I love them all.” I did buy a couple plants on the vacation with my sis and nephews but it was a wish list plant and special since it’s our first family trip since 2019.
Consumerism and its negative impact can definitely ruin your wallet and life! It's easy to get into the trap of thinking you must have that next best plant. Thank you for the words of wisdom.
First of all I LOVE your headband! 😍 it’s very pretty and looks nice on you! Very well said, I am glad I saw this video, thanks for sharing! I watched patadendron talk about the same topic and yes I did stopped buying plants ever since, what you and he said hit me hard because I was getting addicted 😳 and buying plants even when I am grocery shopping.. yup stater bros got me! But not anymore. Thanks for this video and I enjoyed watching/listening to you. They all made sense 👍 👍 also, I haven’t bought a plant since 6/28 I think 🤔 and have been taking care of the plants I have 😊 thanks again!
Thanks fot another great video hun you always bring me so much joy when you smile your videos have helped me through some of the darkest times in my life thank u
Couldn't agree more with every point you made! I have a short wish list of plants that I would buy if I could find them, anything else I just notice and come back to if I'm still thinking about it after days. Some plants look great, but they just wouldn't do well in my home (Alocasia, Anthurium...) so I simply won't purchase them. I grew my collection a lot during winter and now that I see the needs of the plants in summer I'm already downsizing 😅
Can you link the video at 22:10? I agree with what your talking about, except buying plants can bring joy for years to come, the endorphin boost is not necessarily over. For me plants have helped me a lot with my depression and life in general; they are teachers of growth through rhythm
I’m at a place where I’m more picky about the plants I bring home they have be very very important to me and something I’ve wanted for a very long time also if there are plants that just don’t make me happy when I care for them I smile then I don’t need that plant. The truth is I’m pretty happy with my collection as it is right now.
So many relevant points, really great video! I definitely want to focus on my collection and have been getting much better about buying in the last 3 months. Now I only get them if I got $ to blow lol
Great video! Yeah shopping for plants is super addicting, especially with folks posting on IG, RUclips etc. Lots of content creators like to say, “I recommend this plant, or you should def buy this plant if you see it.” I am still trying to resist temptations haha. I probably need to join an AA group for plants lol.
One more thought...maybe a video about plant thoughts. Like what your subscribers have to say or a short paragraph about their experience. Not a how to but a place to talk about their plant boundaries, struggles, collections, etc. I don't know. I'm not a content creator and I don't always have time to read all your comments, but maybe a quick highlight of what subscribers are doing.
I have a rule now of in one out one. If I wouldn’t be willing to get rid of a plant in its place I do not buy. If I do not love a plant anymore I sell it, even if I lose a little money. I’ve been able to get my collection to a place where I’m happy & don’t feel a need to buy more.
My own rules which have saved me a lot of money 1) not over $15. Seems crazy but I’ve found so many plants for less than $15, it just takes time to find them but they’re out there and I choose- 2) plants that are easy to propagate because buying plants is great n all but FREE plants is even better! 3) BUSHY! A lil crowded is great (if its healthy) If its ticked off number one, it follows number two and you could very well end up with two plants after pruning and propagating it. One plant becomes two, two become four, etc.
Plants I definitely buy for the spaces i want them in and live in that place permanently. And only buy if I really love them and want them. And if i am still thinking about that plant then I will buy it.
I only buy from my want list and know I can care for them. I have struck so many off so many plants after seeing them in a mature form too which my best tip. I spend ages trying to find the name of one then when I did I was so disappointed so glad I didn't waste the money as it was a pricey one
I hate trading.. I have always gotten burned on trades, and I have terrible boundaries so I easily get talked into an uneven trade. I have also gotten burned with some local sellers, getting rare cuttings/plants that are not in the greatest shape. It makes me extra cautious about who I get plants from locally.
I still feel the impulse to BUY, but I've been way way better about actually making the purchase. I am currently planning to just work on improving the plants I already have. Make trellises (crochet, wire and wood). Repot. Combine plants together. Rearrange to make it feel fresh.
Thank you, very useful topic and so relevant for many of us starting their collection after pandemic 😷 world is slowly getting back to normal but buying plants become a habit as buying groceries 🫢 and it’s hard to ring the bell in the head and focus on things that are available again as traveling and going out 🤗 especially with online shops available 😅 Could you please link the episode about Brain and plants? I didn’t find a link 😇
I now limit myself to a certain number of plants and types of plants that adapt to my care. No more fussy plants! I will occasionally buy a Hoya because I find them easy to take care of. But I do limit my collection and use a 1 in 1 out rule if I buy a new plant I try to give away a plant I don't really care for. This is a very good video with an important message.
Plants come and go but there is no guarantee certain plants will be available at any given time. Tasmania has a super strict quarantine protocol and it is difficult to acquire plants when it suits! I'm glad we have these restrictions in place but if I see a desirable plant, I snap it up! @@BeccaDeLaPlants
The shopping addiction thing for sure. Especially with the 2020 plant collection mega expansion I experienced. I was looking for anything soothing during a global pandemic and it created unrealistic compulsions and emotions around how much more happy I could be with this new specific plant purchase, especially when I was feeling low or anxious and really needed that happy bump. Even when it was only while I was in the store and car driving home. Buying a plant felt easier than working through anxiety around global chaos.
THIS! Thank you for this comment. It is what I experienced during the pandemic and it almost got out of hand. I now just trade, go to plant swaps and have learned to appreciate what I have and what plants work for me and my space. I definitely found buying plants soothing and satisfying instead of dealing through the trauma of the pandemic. I have a membership to the botanical garden and go there to surround myself with plants that I could never have since I live in a small apartment.
I agree with both of you! We all cope in our own ways, especially during a global pandemic/constant bad news. I love the idea of visiting botanical gardens as a way to be surrounded by plants as an alternative to buying 🪴
Some great plant youtubers that I like that dont just do haul type vids are Benjiplant and reallybigplant
I just found reallybigplant! So cool
I love Benjiplant!
I like reallybigplant because she does rescues and rehab.
Love both of them !
Love Benjiplant!!!!
I would love to see a video on weird plant community experiences, I think it could be really educational! Obviously not putting people on blast by naming them, but like just common plant scams or things to watch out for
Haha yes that would be a good one!!
Looooove this. I’m so content with my 30+ plants and no longer feel the need to go out and buy 100+ plants. I still have some on a wish list but I’m not actively looking and I enjoy all my current plants!
I love that!!
Perfect. I totally agree about shopping addiction. Especially since COVID, people are bored, scared & indoors...perfect medium for addiction. I am 37.5years clean. Same patterns.
Absolutely!!
This video articulated so many personal lessons learnt on my plant lifestyle journey! Always enjoy your content, thankyou 🤗
I feel the exact same way!!!!!!
Thank you so much ❤️
I started buying plants in 2019 after my mom passed away and I’ve been all through this journey. So many plants to plant ban, to ambivalence. Now I rarely buy a plant, my plants are fairly basic and I really still enjoy new leaves!
I’m really glad you’ve reached that point! It feels good ❤️
this is exactly how I am -- I had SO many plants as soon as I started collecting. then I slowly dwindled down, and I have probably >50 right now, yet I'm OBSESSED with every single one!
I can't believe this, I started collecting plants after my dad passed away in 2020, they brought me peace
I totally did the indoor jungle in 2020 lol! Ended up giving a whole lot away, now I limit myself to the markdown section in the nursery, it feels so much better knowing you've saved a plant then just going out mindlessly buying stuff 😀
I love these videos you make about slowing your intake of plants. It's easy to get swept away by all the new and interesting plants, especially when it's ones you've only seen online before. It's why I have a few of the plants I have-- I had never seen them in person before so I felt like I needed them. But it's more sustainable and better for your wallet to really care for the ones you have.
I'm glad most of the plant community is realizing more isn't necessarily better. I remember watching a video of someone selling half their collection to move, and then in the next video buying more! Like they hadn't even moved into their new home yet. It's like all those fashion haul videos that used to be super popular. Decluttering their closets, then the next video is another Shein haul.
You are a very thorough and articulate person. No wonder you wrote a book! 🍀
Thank you so much ❤️❤️
I LOVE weird, "special" plants, I don't want too many that are similar, and I am SO jealous of your hoya carnosa crinkle curl!! I see it in your videos all the time and I've wanted one for a while, even without the pink flowers, but the pink flowers are SO 😤 DANG 😤 CUTE 😤😂 My rule is that I love weird plants, so like weird colours, weird leaf shape, weird growth patterns, quirky lil dudes. And hoya carnosa crinkle curl is definitely on my wishlist for that reason!! 🥰 So that stops me from like buying like every type of Pothos there is, for instance. I have a golden Pothos named Polly, and I love her, and until I have more space I'm probably going to keep my Pothos collection to one and just buy plants that I feel are really SPECIAL.
really needed this video I have been compulsively buying plants for months and now it’s time to sit back and enjoy my collection !
love the "big sis plant chat" :)
I made a list of my VIPlants on my phone so if I'm needing to focus on myself I can narrow down my plant care to just the VIP list.
I love the idea of doing a VIP list!!
As a person that grew up not having a lot of expendable money, I find it weird seeing those skits on instagram about buying pants all the time, or replacing a new one when a plant dies. I am glad you are able to speak of this.
Oof yeah it feels weird to see that stuff 😬
I had a terrible addiction to buying plants in 2020 and 2021. I calculated and I spent over 5k between those two years on plants and plant supplies and I ended up giving a lot of them away and losing tons of them to pests because I had no idea what I was doing! I only have 35 plants now and they are all my absolute favorites. I couldn’t find one to give away if I tried.
Love this video! My indoor plant journey started during Covid lockdowns here in the Bahamas 🇧🇸 it was such a joy to go plant shopping! My plants literally kept me sane and gave me purpose everyday. However once life started again and I had to go work I realized that I had to many and happily edited my collection to only those that brought me joy💞 I continue to share my plants and spread the joy 🌿
This was a wonderful, rich, video. So many important messages here, using the framework of plants, that are so worth the time to reflect upon.
Absolutely!! Thanks for watching ❤️
I continue to rewatch this video because it has such solid, comforting advice in it. Taking care of yourself when you’re in a fog is so important, and I love how you said our plants will be happy to see us once we return. Made me smile. Thank you for being so gentle yet firm in sharing your plant boundaries. I’d love more content about this topic. Maybe upload it in a playlist called: Your Big Sis Plant Chat
I got into plants a few months ago and went on a splurge and bought large amounts of plants (thankfully, cheap/affordable). I think for me, it was a good thing. I became limited on space, so started to prioritize what plants I bought. I think owning a vast variety of plants in a short amount of time helped me "get over" or "break up" with the plants I wanted and to really discover what specific types of plants I like now.
I completely agree with your point about haul content. I love it, but more importantly I LOVE to see updates. I want to see how the plants live in YOUR home, where they’re at what condition they’re in (if they’re even still alive). Just the update all together helps me so much more. That’s actually one of my fav parts about your channel is that you actually DO cycle back around and give updates on haul/how your plants are in general!
Absolutely!! I love making updates and keeping everyone in the loop. Definitely normalizes so much about owning houseplants! ❤️
Thank you for addressing this issue. I have watched plenty of plant youtubers, who, this is just my own view/perception, only buys plants just because theyre in atm but neglect most of their plants at the same time.
My plant collection, i would even call it a collection, is rather small but i try to make those plants i got look healthy, happy and most importantly mature!
There is one youtube i really enjoy watching.
If you havent watched Sydney Plant Guy, have a look at his channel. He is a really good plant dad who takes care well of his plants :)
Thank you for this video! I really needed this! I downsized into a smaller home earlier this year. As a result of my move I had to downsize furniture, clothing, outdoor plants and other things, but I DID NOT downsize my indoor plants. I have actually added to my indoor jungle since I moved. Over the past few weeks I began to question whether or not I needed to stop adding to my jungle. This has led me to stop watching plant haul and shopping videoes. Those always inspired me to head to my big box stores or go online in search of the plants in the videos. Your video helped me see the boundaries that I definitely need to set and maintain. You have no idea how much you have helped me!💚💚💚
Becca, I got into houseplants earlier this year and your videos have been a huge inspiration! They’re so incredibly helpful and have helped me expand my plant knowledge. Thank you so much for all of these amazing videos!
Thank you SO much for being here & watching - I’m glad you found my channel ❤️
Wow I really needed this... My plant collection has been growing so fast over the last couple of months, I would say it doubled in the last four. I've been going to the nursery at least once a week because I hated seeing empty spots and pots and I just love to buy plants, it makes me happy somehow... I live in a shared apartment and my room isn't very big, but I already have over 60 plants. This video really got me to be content with my collection, I love the plants I have and overall the collection in combination with the furniture is really reslly beautiful. So thanks! Now I'm gonna use my time to make art for the walls haha
Nick Alexander is a great creator who mainly focuses on the plants he has in his collection as well as the science behind certain aspects of houseplant care. His video on variegated plants was super helpful.
Nick is hilarious 😁 I love his style.
Great recommendation, thank you :)
I resisted his videos for a long while but ended learning so much from him
I really needed to hear that Becca 🥰 so true about the need to take care of ourselves and it's too easy to forget the real important things
Absolutely!! ❤️
Loved this video! Love that you do updates on your hauls and are doing cool projects without buyinh a ton of new ones
Thank you very much ❤️
Wow!!! What a great & needed video… Your content is never expressed, but completely real, & totally true. As a retired, ADHD, ENFP, Aquarian, plant buying addict, I feel like I just got a Therapy Session from one of my Adult Kids… ***note: and learning from your kids, is a very good thing*** So, Thank You for saying what no one else in the plant world is saying!!! Mahalo, & much Aloha………
Becca your point of view in this video is so true and priceless. I have the same ideas about plants. I love plants too because of my two grandmothers, they had plants everywhere in their homes for me it’s a link that lasts forever, i’m passing it on my 3 years old kid too like family inheritance ❤️
My plant journey started this past summer and when I had to bring them in for the winter, I counted 53 plants. I have lost a few with the transition, and like you say, that’s ok, I’m learning. However some situations required a repotting even at this time of year. I used Miracle Grow cactus soil because of my tendency to overwater, the soil had fungus gnats in it. That has been fun. Subsequently I came to the realization that with all the care time for so many, I have to rethink adding even ONE more, even though I have a few on my wish list, because I would rather have a few healthy plants than a lot of plants that don’t look so good, like some of my acquaintances have. It pains me to see them uncared for. They are a commitment with care needs, cleaning their leaves so they will be healthy is time consuming….anyway that is my realization.
This is really comforting I’m dealing with my first thrips outbreak and it’s been breaking my heart and making me fall behind on plant care. I’m trying to be soft with myself and know I did the best I can.
Thank you for this video. I just counted all of my plants. I thought I had 150 but I actually have 233. I am so overwhelmed 😪. I have mental and physical disabilities, they were therapy but not anymore. When I have anxiety shopping. I am on a no buy with my doctor. I haven't bought a plant/cutting since 06/10/2022.
I needed to hear this whole video today, honestly. I started to really get into houseplants during the pandemic, and in the last year, I've been kind of out of control with buying new plants. It started out going really well, but in the last 1-2 months, the health of several of my plants have fallen, and I had to completely chop up 2 of my favourite plants due to root rot yesterday, while a third seems to be on its way out (which makes me sad. I'm very sentimental). I realized that I need to purchase plants at a slower pace while I figure out what I am doing, what works for me, and what works for my house, and your video really solidified that for me! Thank you! This video could not have come at a better time for me.
This video delivers such important messages, which I absolutely support👍🏻
I loved your comments about the plants women in your family. I have my great grandmother’s aspidistra , cuttings from my mother’s cissus and before we sold my mother’s house I took cuttings from the oleander in the greenhouse. The original plant had been from a cutting my sister’s late father in law brought back from his travels. Was satisfying to return a rooted plant to my sister.
I was a plant hoarder and had to S.T.O.P....now when I see a plant I'm not familiar with, I like you, walk away. I take a pic and go home and do research and get more familiar, then when I'm more comfortable I decide yes or no to buy or forget....love love love hoya! I have 7 different so far
This is sooo good. I've been in the plant buying/plant shopping addiction phases as well as terrible impulse buying with this made up thought in my head that I HAD to have it, or that it was going to make me happier, and then moving right onto buying the next without even appreciating what I had or just recently bought. I really wished I saved my time, energy, and emotions and spent time with each plant and enjoyed them instead of trying to fill a happiness void. I've given away 100s of plants to downsize my collection just to end up with that many more and I'm just finally over buying and more into what I currently own and I really love my collection. I have a very hard time letting go of plants I'm not appreciating because I have a connection with them or a story or whatever it is but I just need to rehome. I'm overwhelmed. I have no more room, or space, and have put my money into higher priorities. I want to enjoy what I look at in my home, and not just look at heaps of clustered plants in each window with no asthetic purpose. Plants make me feel good and growing them too but I wish I could only own 20 and be satisfied. I'm currently focusing on my collection I currently have, and then downsizing overtime to make room for the ones I already have and more time appreciating each individual plant. I think that the realization of what the future holds as far as spending on plant essentials like bigger pots as they grow, grow lights, fertilizer, soil, pest treatment etc. I've realized this is too much and in a year when my plants have grown quite a bit more, it's just gonna be even more of a mess for me so I just cannot buy more plants.
Love this message! I’ve been working on setting plant boundaries for myself and specifically intentionally appreciating the plants I already have. Another great plant-tuber that I love is Kevin/ Hakuna Laplanta! It’s so nice watching his plants and propagations grow and seeing his enthusiasm about each plant 🌱
Love that recommendation!!
Thank you for keeping it real and bringing up these topics. 🤗👍
My plant care helps me come out, knowing I have things to take care of gets me moving.
This was a wonderful video to share with all of us plant mom's. I realized years ago to only buy what I love and know I can care for without all the fuss. Some of us have to learn the hard way before we realize enough is enough.
Occasionally I go for a "tricky" plant but I try to think ahead beyond two months, particularly winter in Chicago. I want my plants to survive year 'round without a grow tent and not take a nosedive when the humidity is 35%. I think about space and my radiators and which direction my windows face (all north and south). I've learned a lot in the past year and will continiue to do so!
I have a lot of boundaries.
I actually very rarely buy nowadays.
I found that I love the chase almost as much as getting the actual plant. I spent a whole year researching philodendron maximum before I got one and had a blast tracking down how it got to the states etc. I had one HELL of a time hunting down a thaumatophyllum stenolobum. I also spend hours and hours looking for different ways to grow plants, style them, and products to use.
I never spend above $100 on a single plant and never will unless I sell cuttings to offset the price (which I haven't done yet). I don't care how much I want it I think $100+ is ridiculous I mean most of the ones I like literally grow on trees. My salary goes to my kids and houses first and I don't budget for pricier plants.
I don't like buying mature plants since there's always transit damage and I prefer to invest the time into my plants. A bonus perk is that small is usually cheap. My tc billietiae was $20 and less than an inch tall on arrival.
I also don't buy anything unless I have a spot in mind. I'm starting to run out of room since my wife doesn't love grow lights. I just have three windows and a wall of lights I manage and I have a few large plants really take up a lot of real estate. Fortunately the largest (a giant monstera) is going to permanently move outside once it stops fruiting.
Because of those things I probably buy a plant once every few months and I truly appreciate each one. Each plant gets a lot of attention. I have maybe five I am uninterested in that I bought on impulse when I started ordering them online. I went a little nuts there in 2020 and I'm going to gift them away.
Oh man btw and I hate when people buy me plants because they're usually not something I want but I pretend to love them.
I also love playing with my plants. I've propagated my michans like crazy. I love trying new arrangements, pots, and I'm waiting for the parts to finally make my own moss poles.
Buying is such a small SMALL part of the hobby for me.
Great video, especially in combination with the one on how to get rid of plants! And, even though I do think some of these boundaries/rules are kinda obvious, many people (including me) definitely needed to hear the whole list in one go. :)
It’s definitely helpful to hear it all at once!!
Perfect timing! Just told myself : this is 2 last one’s for this season… 🙏
Yes, we want the chat!!
❤️
Off topic but you look so pretty today! I love the bangs, headband and glasses look, it suits you so well!! Loved this topic, too!
Love that you are discussing this! It needs to be more talked about within the community for sure.
I agree!!
This is such a great video. You have a new subscriber!
I'm pretty new to plants. And with my ADD, my obsession is real. To the point where it is overwhelming sometimes.
I know my own cycle with hobbies. But I love plants. And I want to be a long term plant parent!
Thank you for this! Great wisdom!
This was a fantastic episode! Videos featuring Plant shopping hauls always raises a flag for me. Words like: Addiction, Obsession, Blowing the Budget but Worth it, I had to get it, should make us viewers sit back and wonder!
So glad i watched your video today , i was starting to get out of control with buying plants i starting having to sneak in plants from my husband and having buyers regret , i' m now going to concentrate on the ones that i have . and enjoy them with out having to get every plant i see on a plant video ,, Thank you so much..
I love that!! So glad you saw this then ❤️
Oof, as a very new plant parent, I really needed this! I’m sure my hubby and kids would agree 🫣 Your videos guide me through my plant journey; thank you for another great one!
I was out of town for some training and came back to a hand written card from you with a sticker I purchased!! On a puppy card 🐶 🐾 🌈 That was so kind and unexpected! I appreciate that even though you are super busy and have a massive following, you still take the time to be personable. Thank you!
~Erica
Aww fun!! So glad you received it and of course thank you so much for watching ❤️❤️
My plants suffered last year when I had COVID and again last month during a pet health crisis. I've been thinking I need to "crisis-proof" my collection as much a I can for when life gets in the way of plant care.
The word you was looking for was autopsy!
Needed this chat as I've been bad for buying too many recently. As soon as I see an offer or a plant reduced I have to have it. It has meant I've been able to get some plants I've really wanted but also some I probably wouldn't have purchased otherwise! It's a fine balance which I'm starting to now get a hold of.
Ah thank you!! Haha. It’s hard to pass up a plant esp when it’s a reduced price, I so feel that.
@@BeccaDeLaPlants it doesn’t help that my local garden centre often has plants heavily reduced in the orphanage (what I like to call the reduced section!) I got two stunning Rex begonias the other week reduced from £8.99 to £1.89! My mum got 4 reduced plants for less than the full price of one of them!
I'm so glad I only got into plants last year because although I did make some of the mistakes you caution against, I got to benefit from the lessons from the OG plant collectors. My two tricks to curb my spending are: 1. I have an upper limit for how much I want to spend on a plant and what size of plant I want for that money. My number eliminates most rare plants so I can't even be tempted and besides, I probably wouldnt have the right conditions for them anyway. Although if I do find a ZZ Zenzi... 2 . I severely restricted the areas in my city where I am willing to go to get a plant. This is mostly for Marketplace purchases but also there are some nice garden centres outside of my city but I need a car service to get there. So even though I could still visit some nice plant stores within that second restriction, some are far enough for me to resist going just to brows.
My adhd = lack of impulse control.
I have been proping more and buying less because it still feels exciting to make my plants big and full. I avoid all plant sections of stores and only buy from my local rare plant shop because I know I'm getting good quality plants.
Definitely fun to prop to fill that spending void!
i walk around the store or nursery holding the plant for a while and make sure i actually want it. i do this when shopping for things like decor and stuff i might not actually need just to make sure i really really want it
Great idea!!
Thank you for the amazing video
Thanks for watching ❤️
Vey good advice! Thank you! I find that larger but fewer plants tends to be less overwhelming than a lot of small plants.
Love this video, thank YOU!
I love the subject of this video. The haul/shopping vids are great but they foster the “gotta buy” frenzy. Then I look at my collection and think, “I’ve got about all of my wishlist plants and I love them all.” I did buy a couple plants on the vacation with my sis and nephews but it was a wish list plant and special since it’s our first family trip since 2019.
Absolutely!! It makes me feel bad about my collection sometimes haha but I love that you bought plants that represent a special moment!
Consumerism and its negative impact can definitely ruin your wallet and life! It's easy to get into the trap of thinking you must have that next best plant. Thank you for the words of wisdom.
Absolutely! Thanks for watching ❤️
This is such a great video!!
First of all I LOVE your headband! 😍 it’s very pretty and looks nice on you!
Very well said, I am glad I saw this video, thanks for sharing! I watched patadendron talk about the same topic and yes I did stopped buying plants ever since, what you and he said hit me hard because I was getting addicted 😳 and buying plants even when I am grocery shopping.. yup stater bros got me! But not anymore. Thanks for this video and I enjoyed watching/listening to you. They all made sense 👍 👍 also, I haven’t bought a plant since 6/28 I think 🤔 and have been taking care of the plants I have 😊 thanks again!
Love this message☺️❤️
I actually ordered a bare root hindu rope yesterday, all I ever had was a cutting and it didn't make it, so fingers crossed!
This is a fantastic video!
Thanks fot another great video hun you always bring me so much joy when you smile your videos have helped me through some of the darkest times in my life thank u
❤️❤️ so glad to hear that!
Couldn't agree more with every point you made! I have a short wish list of plants that I would buy if I could find them, anything else I just notice and come back to if I'm still thinking about it after days. Some plants look great, but they just wouldn't do well in my home (Alocasia, Anthurium...) so I simply won't purchase them. I grew my collection a lot during winter and now that I see the needs of the plants in summer I'm already downsizing 😅
Definitely! Making a wishlist is a great way to curb random spending.
I’d love to see the video about questions to ask when a plant is dying and troubleshooting!,
Very very very well said! This video was so well done!
Thank you so much!
please share how you made your headband!!
Ooh sure!!
Excellent thoughts!!!
Thank you!
Can you link the video at 22:10?
I agree with what your talking about, except buying plants can bring joy for years to come, the endorphin boost is not necessarily over. For me plants have helped me a lot with my depression and life in general; they are teachers of growth through rhythm
Such a wonderful video!!! Absolutely love it! Thank you❤️ your awsome and everyone should watch this video, it applies to more then just plants too
Thank you so much!! I totally agree
I’m at a place where I’m more picky about the plants I bring home they have be very very important to me and something I’ve wanted for a very long time also if there are plants that just don’t make me happy when I care for them I smile then I don’t need that plant. The truth is I’m pretty happy with my collection as it is right now.
idk if anyone has said this already but i love so much that your lipstick and eyeshadow are terracotta sometimes 😭😭😭😭
So many relevant points, really great video! I definitely want to focus on my collection and have been getting much better about buying in the last 3 months. Now I only get them if I got $ to blow lol
Great video! Yeah shopping for plants is super addicting, especially with folks posting on IG, RUclips etc. Lots of content creators like to say, “I recommend this plant, or you should def buy this plant if you see it.” I am still trying to resist temptations haha. I probably need to join an AA group for plants lol.
Absolutely!! Hahaha it can be hard to resist.
One more thought...maybe a video about plant thoughts. Like what your subscribers have to say or a short paragraph about their experience. Not a how to but a place to talk about their plant boundaries, struggles, collections, etc. I don't know. I'm not a content creator and I don't always have time to read all your comments, but maybe a quick highlight of what subscribers are doing.
Very good information. 😊🌹🌿
Thank you for this I definitely have an addiction, I think k your tips will be helpful.
I have a rule now of in one out one.
If I wouldn’t be willing to get rid of a plant in its place I do not buy.
If I do not love a plant anymore I sell it, even if I lose a little money. I’ve been able to get my collection to a place where I’m happy & don’t feel a need to buy more.
I really needed this content.. Thank you
❤️❤️
Wish I had some of this wisdom now 😅 but now I'm here and know better
Do the best with what you have!! And now you have this ❤️ it’s okay
My own rules which have saved me a lot of money
1) not over $15.
Seems crazy but I’ve found so many plants for less than $15, it just takes time to find them but they’re out there and I choose-
2) plants that are easy to propagate because buying plants is great n all but FREE plants is even better!
3) BUSHY! A lil crowded is great (if its healthy) If its ticked off number one, it follows number two and you could very well end up with two plants after pruning and propagating it. One plant becomes two, two become four, etc.
Plants I definitely buy for the spaces i want them in and live in that place permanently. And only buy if I really love them and want them. And if i am still thinking about that plant then I will buy it.
Great rules!!
Your dog walking by the window scared me for a second 😂
LOL me too while editing. 😂
Great advice Becca
I only buy from my want list and know I can care for them.
I have struck so many off so many plants after seeing them in a mature form too which my best tip. I spend ages trying to find the name of one then when I did I was so disappointed so glad I didn't waste the money as it was a pricey one
Yesss!!
I hate trading.. I have always gotten burned on trades, and I have terrible boundaries so I easily get talked into an uneven trade. I have also gotten burned with some local sellers, getting rare cuttings/plants that are not in the greatest shape. It makes me extra cautious about who I get plants from locally.
I totally feel that. It can be hard to make it even/not fall into people pleasing. I’m the same way 😅
You look so cute in this thumbnail! 🥰
Thank you!! ❤️❤️
I still feel the impulse to BUY, but I've been way way better about actually making the purchase. I am currently planning to just work on improving the plants I already have. Make trellises (crochet, wire and wood). Repot. Combine plants together. Rearrange to make it feel fresh.
Thank you, very useful topic and so relevant for many of us starting their collection after pandemic 😷 world is slowly getting back to normal but buying plants become a habit as buying groceries 🫢 and it’s hard to ring the bell in the head and focus on things that are available again as traveling and going out 🤗 especially with online shops available 😅
Could you please link the episode about Brain and plants? I didn’t find a link 😇
Ooh so sorry, here’s the link! bloomandgrowradio.com/brain/
@@BeccaDeLaPlants thank you 😊
I now limit myself to a certain number of plants and types of plants that adapt to my care. No more fussy plants! I will occasionally buy a Hoya because I find them easy to take care of. But I do limit my collection and use a 1 in 1 out rule if I buy a new plant I try to give away a plant I don't really care for. This is a very good video with an important message.
Great rules!!
me screaming into my computer screen "AUUUTTTOOPPPSSYYYY!!!!!!!!!"
Loool😂
Yikes I have a Hoya obsession, I am a compulsive buyer - I have a problem
In Tasmania, you don't walk away!
Oooh!!! I’m super curious about the plant market there!
Plants come and go but there is no guarantee certain plants will be available at any given time. Tasmania has a super strict quarantine protocol and it is difficult to acquire plants when it suits! I'm glad we have these restrictions in place but if I see a desirable plant, I snap it up! @@BeccaDeLaPlants
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