Why I Got Rid Of Over 100 Plants | Burnout + The Lessons I've Learned (& what I'm doing from here)
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
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ABOUT ME
I’m Fern! A 20-something gal living on beautiful Vancouver Island, Canada with my sweet lil doggo & around 100 houseplants. Plants have changed my life - I love tending to them and sharing the joys and discoveries of my planty journey online. I am passionate about all things living and I have been vegan for over 5 years - it was the best decision I’ve ever made. For those into astrology, I am a gemini sun, scorpio moon, & libra rising. I started out on social media with a focus on makeup/beauty/fashion and am not into it as much, but I do share on those topics from time to time. Thanks for stopping by!
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I love this topic so much. I actually unfollowed a few UA-camrs because their channels felt like it was mostly geared towards consumerism. I love cheering on all my plants and am picky about what comes into my house, I usually think on a plant for months at a time before I bring one home. Missing new leaves is a bummer and with such a large collection, those new growths can go unnoticed for a while. But yes, I agree, the point of having them for you, resonates with me 💚. Love seeing the growth and overall maturity I’ve seen blossom in you.
Same! I try to be mindful when I set my sights on a new plant. I think hard on what I like about it, where I would put it, I ask myself if I already have a plant with the same “vibe”. I’ve really geared my thinking toward having a small collection of plants I think are really neat and displayed in nice ways and really reject the “Pokémon” numbers game. It’s not about how many rare plants I can acquire, it’s which ones are the best for my style and environment.
Ugh. What a good way to word it. I always wondered why I felt put off by certain channels now when I used to love binging them. I definitely did a huge downsize too but I was related to moving to another country but I definitely was more intentional in the plants I purchased after the move.
I'm grateful for the gnat infestation that brought my plant collection to a screeching halt within weeks after it began two yrs ago. It spooked me so much so last year I bought only 3 plants to replace the plants I lost to the infestation. 2 yrs later my tribe of 22 has expanded only by propagations (6). The infestation was a gift because it forced me to slowdown and be mindful of being present with the plants I have and enjoying them. I'm open to adding a plant this season if the plant brings me joy at the right price.
Yes to this, I love how she talks about it and she's helping me understand what I enjoy and don't enjoy about plant parenting and how I can prevent my own burnout.
Yes yes and yes! My journey is the same as yours, 1st wave getting everything I could then 2nd wave getting into the rare ones. I’ve been getting rid of the odd couple here and there but I always feel so guilty as if they are actual human beings that it takes me so long to say goodbye 🙈😂🥲 I am also that person who completely shuts down often when I have too much to do!
I think that’s the hardest thing for me too. I see them as living breathing an they are, but makes getting rid of them tougher. 😀
I am also thinking of getting rid of some plants as they just don't excite me anymore. I feel a little guilty about the money I spent, as I'll probably have to take a loss to sell them. I'll definitely be a lot more selective about what I purchase going forward. You live and learn.
Yep, I think a lot of people are going through the same stages. I started collecting 2 years ago and live in a small apartment with only two small windows that I can use for plants. I had nothing near the quantity you did. I have about 40 and that is a good amount for me. I love looking at each one almost daily and admiring their beauty. I don’t want to ever have so many it stresses me out. I struggle with chronic anxiety disorder and am on medication for it. The plants help me to get out of my head and focus on something I enjoy. So good to see you getting some down time.
I definitely feel you! I knew that I was getting overwhelmed. Now I broke my ankle, and let me tell you, it is a struggle. ✌🏻and 💚
fern you amaze me! the reflections you're able to have made it so easy to watch you and relate. i hope you're feeling better love
This is such an interesting topic. I would really like to see which plants were purged, maybe from an old houseplant tour you can point out and narrate for us if you're up for it? Personally, seeing it more visually would help me in my own plans to downsize.
Love your honesty and energy as always! Take care Fern!
I agree so much with the fact about the styling your plants to enjoy them. I've never had the desire to have a plant room. I'm enjoy seeing them scattered around my home. I do have maybe 50 or so, but I'm not into all the "rare" plants that are to fussy for me. lol. I think you will be happy with what you have decided to do. Can't wait to see the tour. Have a wonderful day.
This is so me right now. I've collected way too many plants and I'm totally overwhelmed. I'm committing myself to getting rid of every one that isn't bringing me joy anymore. Thank you so much for this video. I already feel better just thinking about clearing out some of my collection. 💚
I haven’t gotten to that point yet, I’m still in the “buying-high”, but I can tell if I continue down this path it’ll get overwhelming fast. I started getting into baby succulents recently as a way to simmer down, it’s my way of still getting that excitement of a new plant, but on a much smaller smaller scale. I’m glad to hear people talk about this, it’s very important IMO. 💖
You know I did the same thing started buying succulents because they were smaller only to get addicted to them as well. Then went back to houseplants . My house is completely full now so If I do buy anything it has to be from my wishlist for sure
My bedroom used to be my pet room. Because I would only ever go in there for pet chores or to sleep, I felt like I never saw any of my animals. My pets are now in my living room and I love it! When I got into plants, cause they’re also my babies, I made sure I did the same thing and try to have them in my most used spaces.
I feel this! I have around 70 plants & I’ve slowed down soo much on buying new ones after losing several and realizing I didn’t even care lol. I brought home so many that I didn’t really connect with, like I was trying to catch them all. It’s easy to spiral out of control, but the thrill wears off when the reality hits. It’s hard enough caring for the ones I absolutely love when I’m in a rut or life is chaotic. Plant care should bring more joy than anxiety and stress. Then I started my first outdoor garden, which ended up suffering when life got hectic and I had to put my houseplants first (overwhelming already).
I honestly feel the same way when people ask me when I’m having more kids (hello, let’s stop asking this question!). Some people thrive with a big family. But I know physically, mentally, and emotionally - I’m at my limit. I would rather give all I have to my two kids & enjoy being their mama, rather than stretching myself too thin for another and being insanely overwhelmed.
Life can be so tough. We have to be very intentional with our time & energy. Part of self care is not forcing ourselves to continue taking on more than we can (happily) handle ❤️
The world is massively overpopulated. It’s a crime against the environment to have lots of kids
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Just wanted to say that even though this comment is a year+ old, I feel this in every fiber of my being. You’re doing great and thank you for prioritizing self-care through navigating life ❤️
What a great message and a good reminder to stop and enjoy the now. I have always been bothered by plant Haul youtube videos, as they made me feel that it was normal to buy 5 or more plants a month that would cost $200+. I feel like a lot of people are focused on showing off their plants instead of discussing or becoming interest in their history, care needs etc....
I don’t personally want a whole room dedicated to plants even though I love them. I feel that around 100 is about good for me and my home. I have them in all my rooms and now, I only buy a new one if it is totally different from anything else I have. I also have never spent more than £25 on any plant. I can’t get into spending a lot of money on them as it would stress me out if it wasn’t doing well or died. I love getting small versions or cuttings of the more unusual plants to watch how they grow and develop. I also don’t have space to do lots of huge plants justice even though I do appreciate how lovely they are. When I we t through a stage of buying too many, it actually started making me feel anxious when I brought them home as I couldn’t find a suitable space to display them. I also hid them from my husband ! Not ideal ! Great topic to reflect on, thanks Fern x
I also think that plants should be enjoyed. I like to decorate with plants so I can watch them grow. They add a natural element to a room when things can get too hard lined, they add a softness, a living element, a touch of the outdoors. Hard to explain, but when their just sitting in a room their just things, things I own and can say I have but their not appreciated. Again hard to explain☹️🌺💚🙃
Girl, 200 plants is exhausting just to say, let alone take care of! Happy to hear you’re at a place that works cohesively for you and your plants! I don’t allow myself to buy plants every month(I take long breaks) and if I still want a plant after 3-4 months, then I may treat myself. Take care of your brain first, plants second ❤️
I actually was currently in that stage. After listening to you it really is making me second guess everything and go back to me enjoying each and every plant and not worry about getting more and more. I also have depression and PTSD from the military and plants are the one thing that makes me truly happy.
I agree with everything you said Fern . This is why I left the makeup community. I realized I only needed (or used ) only so many makeup palettes. Once you have 2 that is all you really need to create a look. I got rid of my makeup room , and moved to plants . Unfortunately, I started to see the same trend in the plant community. Plants are different than makeup in that they grow and need lots of time/care . Also spending over $100 every time a new rare popular plant came on the scene , was not a mood I wanted to participate in. Currently, I now only follow UA-camrs with more focus on plant care videos. I am so glad you are in your new space Fern. Moving on is scary but worth. That is how we grow .
I so can relate to this. I also moved from makeup and skin care to plants. The amount of time that is needed to care for plants is crazy. They require a lot of care specially succulents and some cactus.
One way I cut back on the number of plants was potting smaller plants together. For example I took 3 different pothos in 3-4" pots and combined them all into a 7" pot. Now I get the joy of having all the varieties but only 1 pot to water instead of 3. I think when I got beyond 50 plants the amount of time it took to care for them was unsustainable, I started dreading the big watering days and would even skip it sometimes. Thanks so much for the thoughtful video!
I see so many people that get stuck trying to keep their influencer cred, and it gets obvious to me at least they aren't having fun anymore, they just have to buy more plants to make more unboxing videos and spend more and more money on more and more elusive stuff that they don't even want.
I'm so excited to hear what you say in this video. I feel like people don't really talk about the stress of having so many plants often. I'm glad you are ♥️
I can't wait to see your next plant tour! Would you maybe even make a video on what plants you got rid of and why? I've been collecting plants since 2019 and had got rid of a good amount of plants that I've had throughout that time. It can really get draining having to take care of so many!
I definitely understand where you’re coming from and I feel the same way. I had a few months where I was buying like crazy, but then that high would only last for a short time before I wanted a new shiny plant, and I realized that this was not sustainable nor did it bring me real joy. What brings me real joy is having a plant for a while and seeing it grow and mature, then one day you look at it and realize “wow, you used to be so small 😭 we’ve come such a long way together” which is something that can be fostered with even the most common and cheap of houseplants. I have a scraggly monstera deliciosa and a Golden pothos that are my two oldest plants, and nothing will be as precious as they are because I’ve had them through SO many major life events, and even when I didn’t care for them they survived and are living today. 🌱
I got half way through watching this feeling very smug about my own plant management habits when it hit me like a kick up the backside that no amount of wardrobe weeding that I have done has been enough to stop my clothing situation from being overwhelming and psychologically bad for me. So I went through and did another round of weeding and some organizing (... found a hamper of dirty laundry from 8 months ago) and am feeling like I'm going to get back on top of the situation. So thank you for the helpful language around your things being in service to you rather than just vice versa!
I'm not allowing myself more than 50. Might even try to get to 40. Just keeping my absolute favorites ❤
Thank you for keeping it real. I've been a plant parent for over 50 years ( yikes!!) And have definitely ebbed and flowed.
So much wisdom 🌟 I'm actually getting pretty sick of this trend of having tons of plants (esp very rare / variegated / pricy) for just a fact of having another collectable item in my house or just to show it on instagram. This is not a plant joy for me. Wish U all the best, greetings from Poland 💚
Great video! I’ve definitely been feeling this the last few months, especially the fact that I was just crowding my plants around my windows. I’m definitely starting to downsize to my collection so that my plants can actually complement my space instead of making it look chaotic.
I feel like we should normalize just... getting over plants and then giving them away more. It's okay to not like that rare aroid, or that hoya, or your 10 year old pothos anymore and give it away. I feel like there's been this kinda vibe that if you give plants away or they die on you it's your fault and you're doing a bad job being a plant parent and... just no. Here's to only keeping plants we actually love and treasure from now on!
Different lives, ages, continents... and though very similar feelings! Thank you for sharing. I totally recognise my own experiences in yours. In fact, being at the first year of my collecting plants journey, I am already slowing down with adding more and more plants, and getting rid of those that don't give me so much joy, just because I don't want to get overwhelmed. And I refuse to consider cabinet or green house, I prefer to choose plants that can live with me in my home conditions, so I can really enjoy them.😊
I maxed out at 52 plants. I completely stopped propagating, it gets to be a little much. I can now enjoy the ones that I have.
Same! Anymore than that for me really gets v overwhelming. 💚
Me too, propagating always kind of overwhelmed me. I’d rather just give cuttings away than having to deal with them myself lol
Watching your plant journey is very interesting as I am still a fairly new plant mom… I have maybe 25-30 plants and I still haven’t gotten every kind I actually want. Most of mine have been gifts. And thus far plants have brought me much joy and has been very therapeutic. But I can understand how it can be overwhelming. I have two small boys and they are very overwhelming for me sometimes as a new mother and plants is my new hobby that gives me joy.
Hey All Of Fern's Plants
I’ll never have a plant room or grow tents in my house. I like to incorporate plants into my decor, not just keep them zipped into a giant ugly tent or stored away on endless shelves in a spare room. No thanks. It’s just not for me. I like my plants to live around my house, displaying them in beautiful handmade planters, hanging on the walls like an art piece. If a plant can’t live in my home with the natural temperatures and humidity then that plant isn’t for me. 🌱
I really appreciate your honesty and your truth is helping me reflect on my own plant adoption/ buying habits. I love my collection but I don't want to get overwhelmed by adding more, and more and so on. You have set a good example for us all to appreciate and care for the plants we already have. Let them give back to us the results of our caring. With that said... I still look forward to your next plant tour🌿🙂
I have 90 houseplants and I’m moving from a 3 bedroom house (where I have plant room) into a basement apartment with zero natural light for the next year. I have so much anxiety and such a strong desire to be more intentional and reduce my collection. I’m moving tonight and tomorrow and watched your video just now and I feel oddly more comfortable and capable of making these changes after hearing your take on all of this. I’m ready to focus on the joy my plants bring instead of having a “more is better” mentality. Kudos to you for getting to where you’re at! Thanks for the video!
Yessss you can do it ❤️ good luck with your move!
Lately, I'm combining plants for a fuller, smaller collection. All this resonates on such a deep level. From mental health awareness and major expenses to the sheer amount of time invested around the sometimes unbalanced happiness exchange. Plant parenting is a wonderful, nurturing experience... but yeah, it can be really overwhelming too.
Thanks for reminding me that I'm not alone 💚
Yessss exactly 💚💚💚
I’m very new to the houseplant world and seeing people with plant rooms and greenhouses totally threw me for a loop. I thought it was super cool, and I love learning from those people, but anytime I considered making an Ikea greenhouse I was like… but why? I don’t want all my plants in one area. I want plants all over, among me. So I continue to buy tons of pothos, philodendrons, ZZ plants and others that suit my space and will thrive in my environment rather than me having to work to make them thrive. I have a select few under grow lights and I practically worship them, like you were saying - i often go sit by them and just stare.
Houseplants are an easy obsession for sure and more feels like a treat until it’s not. I have 25 or so and spend so much time checking on them - i can’t imagine having 200+ 😅
Loved this video and it was so refreshing after spending the last few months watching videos that make me want more more more. ♥️
Im also moving next March to another state and have gone down to 100 plants from about 250. I am back at a number where I am remembering what my “favorite kinds” are (ferns and palm-like leaved plants). I still go through waves of being excited about a new type (currently riding a Hoya wave for sure) but I think it is all in the process of finding what I like and don’t like. Having the ones I purged was important in knowing I wanted to keep the ones I have now. I’m sure my collection will continue to fluctuate as I continue to change and learn and appreciate different things about my plant collection, but my baseline will probably stay closer to 100 now. The first thing I do each morning is go round to all the plants and see how the new growth is moving along :D
I really fast tracked through the waves of plant buying since classes restarted. I started with buying a bunch of succulents then other small house plants. I’ve reached the point now that I only buy a plant if I specifically want it, not if I go to the store, see it, and buy it. And I’m working on buying mostly from local nurseries. Right now my babies are my Neon Pothos, my Golden Pothos, and my Stromanthe Triostar. They aren’t expensive or rare but they’re my babies.
I see what you mean with the plant room! Living in a small space myself, I never had a plant room but I display them all around the apartment, so I'm able to see them every time I study, work, relax. And I love it ! It really soothes me. Plus, I look at them all the time :)
I JUST went through the same thing.. first was collecting ALL plants that I didnt have.. then realized I don't need plants I don't love. then was over spring/summer this year went hard into the less common plants.. and now I am on a no-buy until further notice because 1. I don't want more and am overwhelmed by what I have.. and 2. need to save Money and sanity.
Interesting thoughts. I'm just starting on my indoor plant journey and I think I'll definitely take your advice on the propagation, I've already got quite a bit of the available space for plants full of cuttings and things which I don't really know what I'm going to do with! So, might nip that in the bud (or peduncle) so to speak :-)
Yes I’ve definitely been going through this same thing. I’ve decided that there are certain families of plants that I love and that I’m not collecting everything
Can relaaaaate. About a month ago i counted like 55 plants that I have plus MANY propagations…..and realized it was too much. It had crossed over from stress relief to stressful. So now I have some set aside to sell/give away, and I’m not propagating anymore for a while at least! 💚 visual clutter makes me feel anxious, so I don’t really want to have plants on every surface of my home. But I like to be able to look around and see them here and there, especially vining plants. 🤗
Well I just cracked the 200 barrier myself and I watched this video while sitting in my plant room so.... 😬😄 One thing for me is that all of my plants are in ceramic pots specifically purchased to fit a certain space so the plants are therefore very integrated into my decor. They feel like part of my house at this point and maintenance is just something like vacuuming or dusting. It can get annoying to sometimes have to stop what I am doing to water a plant I notice needs it, but the happiness they bring currently outweighs the negatives. The thing I am working on is not feeling obligated to keep a plant or plants that no longer interest me. Like I felt obligated for a long time to keep my big succulent setup in my large east facing window intact just because it has been there for a while, but I am now working on the best way to condense or outright remove it. I think that’s the key: no matter what the particular number of plants is, only keep what interests you and makes you happy. No negativity allowed from plants.
It's ok to collect all your favorites, just don't let them take away YOUR space. It's ok to give them a room of their own too, as long as you love those that occupy it enough to visit, hang out, and admire their beauty. Basically, if they are not bringing something to your life then they are not worth the space they are taking up. Surround yourself with the things you love most.
I only have like 20 plants and still I can relate so much! Right now I have some pests and it makes me wanna trow my Adasonii out of the window. But I love the look of the plant so much when it behaves and it makes me want to still try (it's been a gouple of weeks since I noticed the pests and I still haven't done enough to fight them...)
It has always been my intention to have my plants to add to my life not just to say I have them. Mine are in several rooms in my home where I can see them and watch them grow. But I get being overwhelmed by to many plants and that’s not something I want nor do I want to be stressed because I gave hundreds of dollars for a plant and panicked because it’s not doing well. I think some people have plants for the wrong reasons and I don’t want to be one of those people. If they don’t bring joy to my life I won’t have them. I’m glad your doing what is making you happy.
Downsizing my collection has been the best then I did for my mental health. I have been enjoying houseplants since 2016 and as soon as I start feeling overwhelmed I know its time to let some go. I love real videos like this because so many of us feel this way too.
Very insightful! I’m glad you have downsized to the point where your plants bring you joy. I have always loved plants but for the past 8+ years I haven’t really been settled, constantly moving, etc. This past May I started up my collection knowing we were going to be more settled and then I saw all the UA-cam videos and Facebook posts about plants and I kind of felt like it was this contest about who could get the most plants and win. Win what? I live in a very small space (about 250 square feet) with two other people and it has been completely overtaken by all my new baby plants and the other day I felt overwhelmed. We will be in a new larger space (but still less than 500 square feet) in a couple of months so I know I will have spots for my plants. But I love plants as visual joy, as decoration, as beauty in my home. When i see ppl have so many plants I feel like they’re just plants and not beauty. They should be able to be appreciated. I’m not really getting my point across 100% but I completely get where you’re coming from. I look forward to your future content to see where you go with your new “smaller” collection. 😉❤️
Edited to add: I love waking up each morning and checking out all my plant babies and watching them throughout the day to see what they might do. I’m definitely a helicopter plant parent.
No creo que mi experiencia sirva de poco o nada para las gentes jovenes , que veis con otros ojos todo en general ; yo llevo cultivando plantas creo aproximadamente unos 35 o 40 años , compro alguna que otra planta y cuando son enormes las corto y regalo , si que veo por UA-cam, no conozco el resto de redes jamas he tenido ni pienso tener , soy de otra generación y esas cosas me abruman ,que casi todo se convierte en mas mas y mas , comprar y comprar mas y mas ( siempre habrá cosas nuevas bajo el sol , pero no por eso ni las necesito ni las quiero ) , creo que esta forma de ver la vida en general, esta trayendo mas problemas que alegrias y los supuestos adelantos , siempre debieran ser para hacernos mejores y mas felices ; resumiendo y para finalizar, me ha alegrado ver a una mujer joven , hacer una buena reflexión sobre el " exceso " sea en el ámbito que sea , en este caso en plantas de interior . Un saludo 💌
I only bring home plants that ive been wanting and love! Im so picky. I only love some plants…not all💜
You are a lovely girl. I'm not collecting plants, I enjoy plants.
I found myself in a similar situation a few months ago, crying because I felt like I had too many house plants and that I was surrounded by a jungle I couldn’t tame 😂. I took inventory and gifted the plants to family and friends for birthdays, Mother’s Day etc and really curated my collection. Everyone LOVED their hand grown gifts that so much time and care went into, and I felt like I could breath again. I completely feel where you are coming from with this one girl ! 💕
I’m a senior citizen with a mini collection of my favorite Hoyas.Nothing rare. I’m content.You have a sparkle in your eyes.❤️
Thank you for this video, this was very important for me to hear. I don't have hundreads of plants, but it's true that when I'm depressed, it's hard to take care of them. I'm glad I understood now that I don't need more plants, just taking care and enjoy those I already have. 🙂
I also have had a similar realization. Sold some duplicates and gave away some that I just wasn't loving anymore and now I'm trying to focus on only buying ones that I really love and enjoy. And fill my space the way I want instead of just hoarding plants lol It was starting to feel like clutter and not special anymore.
I love philodendrons and i live in the tropics so they grow huge so fast, which ended up overwhelming me and making me stressed out. I eventually sold all my big plants, and only keep smaller plants that stay on the smaller side, and that really did stop me from stressing out so much. Now I just admire them on yt or ig, and live with my manageable collection!
Lol SEVERAL lifetimes 😭 unfortunately, ikwym. I love chill videos, especially on a Friday. Blessings and love to you Fern 💚
Omg I got chills when you mentioned depression and shutting down... this video is so real. And same 👀.
I can totally relate to this, I’ve been really intentional with my plant purchases for months now, I don’t really have the desire to buy anything new but still have a few wishlist plants. I’m still trying to find everyone their “home” in my place and make it look more aesthetically pleasing than just a mess of plants, I think having them spread out will help me appreciate them as well ♥️
I’m 1/3 through the video, but wanted to say that I’m 100% feeling the same way!! I have around 100 plants, just got another one a few days ago and just wasn’t feeling the excitement that I used to feel... it slightly stressed me out. I miss the excitement too. I’ve been trying to focus on buying nice pots for each plant or put them somewhere nice instead of all on a table under a grow light. It’s helping me love them again. I’m sure the stress of finding a new home was making you feel overwhelmed as well. Hope all of us feeling this way can get back to how we were before 💗
It can be a lot sometimes 🥺💚✨ btw love these kind of videos! They are so chill I love watching them whenever I am doing chores around the apartment. 😅
I just started getting into houseplants actually and I am trying hard not to just buy anything that catches my eye. "Luckily" my flat is tiny and doesn't get the most amount of light, so I have to be mindful with the kind of plants I get. (For example I LOVE Monstera Deliciosas but I simply have no space to put one.) But I am also having a ton of fun just watering them and appreciating new leaves and I hope I can keep that excitment up. It sounds to me like you definitely made the right choice for yourself. Plants should enrich our lives, not stress us out. 💜
Where am I in my plant journey? I wanna be a farmer 🚜
Watching this honestly makes me so happy! I don't even have that many plants, maybe 20-30, and I stopped buying them in February/March and started focusing on the ones that I have. I also struggle with depressed/burnout episodes and the constant pressure of having to take care of the plants really isn't helping. I still get more plants now and then, but I make sure they're plants I really want and then start looking for people to trade with instead of buying. That way it feels so much more rewarding.
Great video! I feel like I have gone through a similar experience with my plants, however I am not as far along as you are in the sense of downsizing. I started off with a few plants and helicoptered, then was buying everything "cool" or different that I saw in the greenhouses and box stores. Eventually I realized they were very common plants and slowed down buying those plants. Now I have moved to more "rare" plants and got my first cabinet. I look at those common plants as my trial and error plants because now they are the base of my experience for my expensive plants. I am currently at 84 plants and I still helicopter all of them but still on the hunt for more lol. Sometimes I will lose my drink and I know to just search the plant shelves for it because it will be where I was last admiring plants.
I agree, its nicer when you can actually see and appreciate what you have instead of just collecting. Also, less chance of bug outbreaks!
Hey, I totally get the anxiety, plant messes, being overwhelmed, and basically feeling paralyzed. Not just about plants, but chores, and duties. Less is more, and it hard to remember that when the world bombards you with all the new and exotic. Sending good vibes.
I agree with you 100 per cent ! I live in a small apartment (50 square meters) and my plants are all around me, I can enjoy and take care of each of them without feeling stressed. I’m happy for you! 🤗💚
I totally was one of those people in the plant noob phase of total acquisitions of plants. I really romanticized having a ‘jungle vibe’ in my home. But since I live in the desert SW, I really struggle with humidity. And I’m totally with you on wanting to be able to see and interact with my plant collection. I’ve thought about grow tents but I mean that’s not joyful to me and I don’t plan on starting a plant shop so that just sounds like a lot of work for what?? I also chose to up my game outside with a bunch of cactus and succulents but again, between animals, birds, and care, my plants are overwhelming me and definitely depleting the joy. I do think there’s some kind of temporary excitement in the ‘hunt’ for a plant. But then you get home and you’re on to the next one. And you are right, you now have to care for them. I have many small rare plants that will require years to grow. I may just sell or give away a lot of them and maybe get a few large ones instead. The ones that I really enjoy. I have over 250 plants indoors and over 150 outside. It’s overwhelming at this point. So I’m gonna just really sift thru my collection and observe this month the plants I want to keep. Thank you for this. 🙏
Yes exactly!!! I remember romanticize the jungle home thing, too. I still do, but I recognize it’s just not where I’m at right now.
I connect with this video so deeply. I have about 40 houseplants, and for me the balance was starting to tip into more work than enjoyment. Having a sore back after watering day; it was taking a toll on me. I've slowly started to weed out some plants from my collection. I've found a lot of enjoyment giving plants to friends and family members. Succulents were my down fall because they are so easy to propagate. Yesterday I threw away about 50 jade leaves that I typically would have saved and propagated.. I now feel more balanced and falling back in love with the plants that I currently own... 🌱🌵
I completely relate to this, I’ve been collecting for four years and it’s come to the point where I don’t even look forward to watering them. The most difficult thing is trying to pick and choose who I want to keep and who I want to sell.
Have 75 plants and haven’t loss that loving feeling. Totally enjoy caring for them and only buy what l love. ✌️❤️
Needed this video!
I’m overwhelmed with the care of 100 plants.
I’ve been doing a lot of propagating for plant swap/sales and I’ve really enjoyed it. I may have to reevaluate.
Thanks Fern.
You look so relaxed 😌
I am really feeling this stress lately, thank you for talking about it!
You're welcome 💚
Love those eyes... 😁🇵🇭
Gosh it’s like you were inside my brain and used all my thoughts 😂😂😂 this is exactly where I’m at, how I’m feeling, like this was so good to hear. I felt like I am in such a weird place so thanks for making me feel not alone sister!! 🖤🖤✨✨
It seems like this shift has made you happier and less stressed! I have a very small plant collection, but some have died and I’m not bothering to buy new ones. It was getting too much and cluttered.
Ugh, yes! I caught myself getting way too excited about the "getting" process rather than the "having". And I have been there before when it comes to other things like make up and clothes, now it's plants 😬 Capitalism always finds a way to sneak in. But I got rid of a bunch of plants too and I love my collection the way it is now.
When you mentioned the feeling of being so eager to care for the few plants you had… I hear you, that’s currently where I’m at with my 20 plants and I love it 🥰
Yeah I definitely went through this. I bought a ton of plants during 2020 and got so overwhelmed and stopped taking care of them :/ now I have around 30 plants, all super easy, still working on getting that spark back but I think that has more to do with my struggling mental health.
I relate to all of this, so much!! Thanks for sharing 💚
I lOVE this style video from you so much.
You have inspired me to also downsize my collection as well. I want to be able to give the best care to all my plant babies. So I only want to keep the ones that I truly am in love with. I’ll still have a lot, don’t get me wrong. But there’s several I want to sell/give away to a better home. I really relate to what you said about the brain overload and you end up not doing ANY of the work with your plants that needs done. I was like you in the beginning, helicopter plant mom. I LOVED repotting and caring for them. Thank you for this 🥲
Thanks for your point of view. For me downsizing is happening right now. I m adopting a dog and I have thrips its made me realize that was too much for me... Sorry for my english 😅 Loving your videos thanks a lot !
I remember earlier this year taking a step back and being like.. « when am I going to stop?!? When is enough enough? » and I realised I was filled up this empty space inside of me, that I use to fill with clothes, with make up... with plants..
OMG GIRL!! SAME!! haha all of this! just moved as well, and downsized, and trying to stylize more, display and ENJOY!! hope you enjoy too!!
I recently looked over my plant wishlist and went through every plant and asked myself why I specifically wanted this plant, and If I still want it/ love it. I crossed out two thirds of my list that way. It really helps with the only buying plants that give you joy part.
Also, I try not to put plants on there just because they are popular.
When I go plant shopping, I tell myself to only really buy a plant, if I am absolutely in love with it/ if it is on my wishlist. It's still hard sometimes, because while I am absolutely in love with a lot of Calatheas for example, I don't trust myself yet with caring for one, so it's difficult not to bring those pretty plants home haha.
And while I had a phase a few weeks ago, where I bought a looot of plants, I'm kind of happy most of them don't need much care, so I don't get too overwhelmed (most of them where cacti or snake plants).
The good thing is, that I am very limited by space. I only have one room right now, so if I buy a plant, I am forced to think about if I have space for it.
Thanks for bringing this topic up. I always was more on the minimalist side of consumerism... until I got into houseplants. There are just so many beautiful plants out there that I felt that I had to have them all. I'm also rethinking things now
Girl........I get it! Oh my goodness........I'm right here with you! Burn-out is real and I'm making a shelf of plants I'm ready to purge! You are awesome, Fern! Thank you for keeping it real and for your honesty!
looking at all my plant clutter has been stressing me tf out lately. 🥺i actually started cleaning up my collection right before i clicked this video and hearing what you have to say it was encouraging for me, thank you!
I completely understand, agree, and commiserate with this topic.
The plant room - I don’t have one but what I did have was a full room just for clothes, shoes, and accessories at one point, and TALK about 🌮 astronomical amounts of stuff I was just collecting to HAVE, not actually wear or wear that often.
It just got to be too much at one point, and exactly what you said - when moving time(s) came around. As a person who’s moved almost yearly for the last 20 or so 😓🤦🏾♀️, you definitely get tired of the horde (of whatever) and the logistics of moving and then reorganizing it in the new space. Anxiety and obsessive organizing tendencies coming all the way through 😔 I had to Marie Kondo the whole thing on my last state to state relocation cuz I just couldn’t justify owning 87😱belts or 300😳👀 pairs of shoes anymore…
Now, for plants (which yes I guess you could say replaced clothes in my collecting tendencies🤭) - I’m holding at around 80 or so.
Definitely enjoy watching the videos of all the cool, rare and sexy plants and even adding them to my running wishlist BUT at this time I’ve slowed wayyyyy down on actually purchasing.
Almost all of mine were purchased in 2-4” pots so yes indeed, when it came time earlier this year to repot some, it was a LOT. Not to mention the varying water schedules and general care.
I’ve found myself even now looking at some of them and thinking, 🗣if/when you start to decline, I won’t even be mad 🤷🏾♀️
🗑….. 🪴🚶🏾♀️
So for sure taking the time to just love on and admire the ones i really enjoy, cheer them on when they sprout new growth, and spoil THEM as opposed to finding them new brothers and sisters 😂
I love this video! You are so relatable and made me think twice about buying a new plant today that I don’t have the space for because I too have a small space that I need to live among my plants and not have them take over my living space. I will watch this again when I, feeling pulled in by the hype of a new plant
I had 40 plants (small apartment) - then i found thrips way too late...now i have 34 :) but I like having a small collection as long as it fills up the room in a way it makes it warm and cozy. but the thrips definitely got me back to reality - the fact i really have to check on them regularly and just take care of them.
You’ve inspired me. I have about 40-45 plants and I’ve been neglectful and uninspired for weeks now. I see them and think “I gotta inspect you guys” but find myself just quickly watering and going about my day. I’ve stopped purchasing about a month ago and feel ready to just care for and possibly gift some.
Great vid! I love your honesty. I'm a beginning gardener and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed myself. I only have a few house plants but my collection is growing slowly. Keep up the good work! 😍👍🏾👍🏾
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I can totally relate in caught up in buying too many plants! Its a good reminder to just be thankful for and appreciate what we have.
Depression SUCKS!!!! I’ve lost so many plants bc I just can’t most days….thank you for talking about this….the struggle is never talked about
Down sizing is very responsible and admirable! I feel people should collect plants 🪴 because they make they happy/smile not just to collect. When it becomes an over whelming act that has stopped the feeling of excitement/joy than it’s not healthy. You did the right thing by downsizing and I very much respect that 👏🏼👍👏🏼.
Just went thru it and just finally started loving plant care again and watching my plants grow! All summer I blew them off, didn't care about them. And I had so many I didn't love or care about in my collection, so now I've gotten rid of those and repotted and chopped and propped, I am finally loving plant care again! Summer was just so busy and I didn't even care to take care of my plants, but now, I am back into it! Didn't lose a single one, they r hardy plants I own haha! Thrips battle a few weeks ago got me back to loving my babies and worrying about their health and promising to never let them hurt like that again! But I definitely know what u were feeling! I only have 80-85 plants, and haven't gotten a new one in months! And now I am also propping just to fill my pots in more. But I am back in love with my plants, and just want to watch them grow, and repot them, feed them, and love them again! Definitely back in the swing of plant love again! ☘️ 🌵 🌴 🌿 🍀 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Omgggg fern this is literally my life talking about why you had to downsize. Like when I tell you I’m living out this whole thing right now, I am literally in it. I bought a 325$ strawberry shake on my maxed out credit card today and it’s literally just the thrill of buying it. I keep telling myself it’s an investment but I’m doing it like an addiction. Instant gratification! I’m really struggling with it. And feeling like I need to have a plant shop or something. Idk but thank you so much for sharing this. I pray I can find the peace you’ve dedicated yourself to in this video.