Ask a Plant Lady
This is an interview about plants, with plant master Melissa Arteaga-Marti of the houseplant behemoth Costa Farms and the new plant- and home décor-themed digital publication GrowingStyle. She wants you to have houseplants, even if you kill them, even if you kill the ones that are supposed to be unkillable, and even if you kill the ones that unexpectedly start growing out of the abandoned pots your unkillable plants died in. She will not rest until you have a houseplant!
First of all (and full disclosure), thank you for sending me all those plants a couple months ago. That was kind of crazy! One (and a half) died, but the rest are still alive today, amazingly, and are beautiful.
Since you’re a city dweller and live in an apartment (which I’m sure is very comfortable and convenient!), the living space can be cramped. So I figured any little thing that I could do to help brighten up your living quarters would go a long way to making it healthier and more comfortable … so I sent you a plant or two. : ) They came from our O2 for You: Houseplants with a Purpose line, which safely and effectively clean the air you breathe by naturally recycling the air around them. If I had known the square footage of your apartment, I could have sent you NASA’s recommendation for having a clean air space: 1 houseplant per 100 square feet.
I once left them for a week and they didn’t die — are they magic? I’m terrible at keeping plants alive, so this was awesome.
Some would say houseplants guard against evil influences and prevent household accidents, but I’m of the belief that you were very fortunate to have some good ol’ Plants of Steel in your home. Ideal indoor houseplants are of ‘heavy mettle’ — durable enough to withstand low light and irregular watering. The plants that fit this category seem to handle abuse fairly well, can adapt to a variety of conditions and don’t need a lot of water.
If you were a plant, which would you be?
I love the red aglaonema! It has supple red stems with fine green leaves, and a small yellow-green tinge with white line patterns. The burst of color increases the visual appeal, and the plant helps filter the air and create a healthier environment. Double the pleasure!
If you were a plant, what would you say, if you could say one thing?
“Feed me, Seymour!” Just kidding… “Take me home.”
What’s a good office plant if there’s not a lot of natural light?
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, otherwise known as the ‘ZZ plant,’ is one of the most durable houseplants. It requires next to nothing in care, thrives in almost all conditions and isn’t bothered by pests or diseases. Sansevierias could also be elected one of the easiest houseplants, as well as the ponytail palm, which is basically a ‘plant it and forget it’ kind of plant, providing it has enough light to thrive and somewhat steady water throughout the growing season.
What’s your least favorite plant?
I’m an equal opportunist and love all plants!
Boo! Do you have a favorite cinematic plant? I like the plant in Wall-E.
Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors. I love how the nerdy florist shop worker raises a vicious plant that feeds on human blood.
What are the five best reasons to have houseplants?
- Houseplants improve the air quality. Not only do they filter out bad stuff (Volatile organic compounds), but they produce oxygen, and that has numerous benefits such as clearing congestion, reducing headaches, and providing for a better night’s sleep.
- They look good! A few well-placed houseplants in a room are an easy way to decorate. I love the ambiance that greenery adds to a room.
- Do you know someone who has everything and it’s hard to find them the perfect birthday gift? Try something different if you’re considering buying cut flowers. Potted plants last longer, freshen indoor air, and are a unique gift.
- The presence of green living plants in the workplace has been shown to increase worker productivity. There must be a corresponding benefit at home. I think it’s because plants make you happy!
- It turns out there’s a good reason to send get-well plants to friends and family in recovery: Research has shown that having plants in hospital rooms can actually reduce pain associated with the healing process.
Why do you think people who don’t have plants … don’t have plants?
Let’s face it, we as a society are busier than ever and many feel they just don’t have the time to keep a houseplant alive and healthy. I’d have to say the biggest killer of indoor houseplants is over-watering. Busy people somehow seem to neglect the water until all of a sudden they remember, and flood the plants for a few days, and bingo! Poor plant!
Are plants sexy?
Be they leggy and lean or gigantic and curvaceous, all plants are sexy in their own right.
What are the least-killable, most-beneficial plants?
Lucky bamboo is one of the most durable plants, has a very modern look, and has its roots in feng shui by giving off good luck and fortune to its owner. Can you say triple-threat? I also love lucky bamboo because it’s a gift-giving opportunity that can last for years to come if properly cared for.
What am I leaving out?
Did you know that there are people who find it easier to remember the names of their plants than people they meet, and who have been in love with many more plants than people? Crazy, huh? There are also those who pass down plants through generations like living treasures. Others talk to their plants because they believe it will help them grow. Plant people take their green seriously!
I didn’t know that about the names! That is crazy. If you reached out your arms right now, what would be the first plant you touched?
A moth orchid (Phalaenopsis). Beautiful, elegant, and pure, orchids stand out in any and every place you put them. They’re also versatile and easy to care for, and they remove VOCs effectively, including formaldehyde. It’s a bold and beautiful way to clean the air in my office.
Melissa Arteaga-Marti is the content manager for Costa Farms, the largest producer of indoor houseplants in the world. She hopes you like GrowingStyle, and wants you to have plants!
Photo by Quang Ho, via Shutterstock