Creator's Instagram：@pots_and_leaf
It all started a little over a year ago, when I bought my first plant: a Monstera deliciosa ‘Monkey Mask’. I had zero experience, but I instantly fell in love. I still remember visiting friends who had plants and being completely fascinated — that was probably the moment I realized this is exactly what I needed in my life.
Since then, I’ve completely fallen for Monsteras, Philodendrons, carnivorous plants, and Scindapsus. Today, I have around 50 plants from these families — everything from Monstera siltepecana, Monstera variegata, and Monstera Adansonii Mint, to Philodendron Melanochrysum, White Princess, and rare cuttings like Philodendron Green Violin, to carnivorous beauties like Drosera admirabilis and Nepenthes alata, and of course, several Scindapsus including the Silver Satin.
Growing them in my apartment has been a journey of trial and error. My space only gets a little morning sunlight, and the air can be dry unless I water, cook, or dry laundry. In my old apartment, my plants thrived with the light they got. But after moving, I quickly ran into problems: root rot, pale leaves, and plants that just… stopped growing.
Finding the Right Substrate
One of the first things I realized was that every plant family needs its own soil.
- Monsteras love a chunky, well-draining mix that still holds some moisture. I use orchid bark, perlite, and a little coco coir. It keeps the roots happy and lets them breathe.
- Philodendrons prefer a looser, airy mix rich in organic matter. I mix potting soil with perlite and a bit of compost or worm castings. It stays slightly moist and encourages healthy root growth.
- Carnivorous plants like Drosera admirabilis and Nepenthes alata are a different story. They need a wet, nutrient-poor medium — for example, a mix of sphagnum moss and perlite. Fertilizer would actually harm them, so I focus on keeping the moisture just right.
- Scindapsus like a light, airy mix, potting soil with perlite and a touch of orchid bark works perfectly. It prevents compacting and allows the roots to breathe.
Having the right substrate for each family made a huge difference. The plants could finally absorb water without drowning and start to stabilize.
Adapting Watering
Watering is just as important as the soil. With less light, plants grow slower and use less water. Overwatering can quickly lead to root rot. Since plants need sunlight for photosynthesis, and water is part of that process, lower light naturally means less water is needed. Adjusting how much and how often I water became a crucial part of their care.
Creating Humidity
Humidity was another challenge. My apartment can be dry, so I found a simple solution: shallow trays filled with clay pebbles and water under my pots. The plants sit on the pebbles, not in the water. As the water evaporates, it creates localized humidity around the plant — perfect for Monsteras, Philodendrons, Calathea Peacock, and Makoyana. It’s a small change, but my plants love it.
Dormancy and Bringing Plants Back to Life
Once the soil and watering were adjusted, most of my plants entered a dormant phase. Growth slowed, and some cuttings, like a Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’, seemed stuck for months.
That’s when I discovered SANSI LED. Living in Europe, I ordered two “40W Adjustable 4-Head Clip-on LEDs” after a local plant boutique recommended them. The results were immediate: the variegated Monstera produced a big new leaf! Seeing that cutting finally grow after four months felt incredible.
Lighting requires observation too. I check my plants twice a day to see how they react, and I move them if necessary. Some, like Calathea, react poorly to intense light and show it quickly, while Monsteras and Philodendrons thrive.
Observing and Understanding Your Plants
The most important thing I’ve learned? Watch your plants closely.
- My Philodendron Melanochrysum gives subtle signs when it’s happy — a new leaf unfurling, or the petiole darkening.
- My Drosera admirabilis shows dryness or too much water through the curling of its leaves.
Interpreting these little cues makes all the difference.
Propagation Fun
Propagation is another rewarding part of collecting. Many of my plants, like Monstera Adansonii Mint or Philodendron Green Violin, started as cuttings. Watching them root and produce new leaves is incredibly satisfying. I also propagate Scindapsus from leaf cuttings — roots can appear in just a few weeks!
Final Advice
If there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s this: observe your plants closely and adjust the environmental factors you can. Light, humidity, soil, and watering all play a role. The closer you can replicate their natural habitat, the happier and healthier your plants will be.
From my first Monkey Mask to my current collection of rare Monsteras, Philodendrons, Scindapsus, and carnivorous plants, this journey has been about patience, observation, and learning as I go. Every plant is unique, and discovering what makes them thrive has turned a simple hobby into a daily joy. The more I learn, the more excited I am to see which plant will join the family next.
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