I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to have someone just be honest and real about the influencer stuff. Watching these influencers usually feels sooo sterile and cold because they’ve lost touch with their followers. They are so focused on making money. I love your content so much because you feel like a real person and it fosters a sense of connection with people rather than more disconnection. Thank you!!
I appreciate your comment so much 🫶 I can't even log into my instagram or other socials without seeing the push of constant ads and promotions. It's so out of touch 😬 I would love to make more money right now doing this job but I'm not going to risk losing my followers over it. I wouldn't be here right now if I didn't have this supportive community 🥹
@mallorydemotte2329 - Very well said. I agree. And in addition, I often wonder if folks realize these sponsorships deals are essentially cheap commercials for these companies. And I loathe commercials. I come to YT to watch the content folks create. I'm not here to watch folks peddle wares. There are even channels that I sometimes watch but refuse to subscribe to simply because of the sponsorships they do. @plantsbymelissa - I appreciate your stance on that matter. Stay strong. Stay honest. Stay real. I eagerly await your shop!
To be honest Melissa, you are one of the very few channels I really respect, you only talk to your community about products you really like without being affiliated or sponsored by the brand, you are your own brand like you said and this makes me truly look up to you and your advise for my planty needs, thank you for being so genuine!
Thank you so much 😊 I've grown a lot this past year and I quickly realized that working with brands is not for me and not what I want to put my energy into 🫶
The way you approach sponsors is the most respectful and genuinely honest way I've ever seen; the consideration you have is so rare and inspiring it restores a lot of hope I've lost and it could inspire businesses to go about sponsoring differently. I've lost trust in many content creators over wasting money on horrible products they've recommended from random sponsorships. Your content has given me a better perspective on my plants and given me extraordinary results over the last couple years; my collection has never looked better and I just really want to thank you for making my part of the world a little better 🙏😌💚
I am a couple years older than you, no kids (but we tried for many years) and been with my hubby for 21 years. The question about kids can be such a sensitive subject but you handle it so well!! Its great to have another friend out there who is living their best life with their hubby, furbabies and plants! ❤
Thank you! 🥹🫶 I've had my share of struggles talking about this subject and it still is hard some days if I think about it for too long but I am more at peace now about it than I was even several years ago. I like this little life we have with it just being us and the fur babies and plants 🤗
@@plantsbymelissa I totally understand. 😢 I left working in a clinical setting because it felt like every patient wanted to know if/when I would have kids and share their opinions about it. I had coworkers having babies left and right and I was SO happy for them but I left work crying so many days because it wasnt happening for us. I have learned after all these years that you truly can build yourself a happy, fulfilling life without having (human) children! I just wish more people understood that!
Thank you for everything you do for us. We know it's a lot of work and we appreciate it. Keep being yourself and the honest person you are. That's why I'm here. Thank you 🤗.
You are the only plant person I watch from start to finish because you come across and are authentic and honest. I only plant semi hydro (which you only started doing a while ago) and still made sure I watched every one of your posts. I love that you are passionate about this topic and love that you stand by your principles. 🌻
I appreciate that so much and thank you for watching the videos all the way 🥹 that really helps my channel out 🫶 I'm glad I decided to try out semi hydro I seriously love it!
I am new to your channel and I respect your integrity, I follow a Handful of “influencers” and I can tell they just want to sell you things just because they get something out of it and not really because they really like the product. Thank you for being real and honest.
OMFGOODNESS This is the first time I've seen Star. What a doll, her little kisses were so precious. I also think it's awesome that you don't let sponsors try to bully you! They need you, you don't need them! I love your channel!
I love so so much your honesty about sponsors and how you respect yourself and your time as a UA-cam creater. That i feel is so rare and really respected when it comes around. One day if you do choose to do a sponsorship ill know for sure its not fake and you truly love the product! i truly appreciate your honesty!
I've been watching you for a few years and I never comment 😅. But your plant care is next level. You deserve an award for how well you take care of them. I love your integrity and your obvious true love of the hobby. #goals
A few years?! Thank you for supporting as long as you have and thank you for your comment! I’m a silent viewer as well 🫶🏻 I love taking time to reply back as much as I can. I appreciate your kind words 🥹
I enjoy the way you respond to comments. You've always answered my planty questions and I truly appreciate you for that! Not all influencers do this, and I know as your channel grows, and with your new shop opening up... this might not continue, and I completely understand if that happens. I always appreciate your plant tshirts so much that I just purchased three from Etsy. I've never owned a plant shirt so I'm excited to get them.
hehe I ordered this and one other from from Etsy recently. I needed some new t-shirts! I appreciate it Dora and thank you for commenting and engaging with my videos. I love responding back and being active in the comments. I try to answer as many as I can! 🤗
Thank you so much Mélissa for your honest opinion and to explain to me how the sponsor works. I am so greatfull for your honesty and transparancy. I respect you a lot for standing for yourself. Love from Québec, Canada
Your videos are NEVER too long. You’re such an authentic human being and your sweetness and honesty is so incredibly rare. Thank You for all you do for us that love plants so much and thus love you in the process ❤❤🪴🪴
Hi, I’m so glad I found your channel.I’m a burnt (21yrs) icu/pacu rn. I agree nursing has definitely changed tremendously and no one wants to address the toll it takes on one’s mental health. I’m currently not working. I have always loved plants.However, all of my plants were outdoors(mostly potted)when I lived in Florida for 41 yrs, I now live in Kansas City, Kansas. All of my plants are now indoors( I could only bring a few with me). Also, I have purchased a lot. Lighting, humidity,soil,watering,fertilizer..ect is a whole different ballgame..I love my plants but I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. Growing tropical plants outdoors in Florida is so much easier than indoors in KC. Thank you for your content.
Hi there! Thank you so much for being here! 21 years is amazing! Yes, nursing has changed so much and bedside is hard 😔 - it definitely takes a toll on your mental health and ultimately why I left the field. The burnout I felt towards the end of my time there was nothing like I had ever felt with any job before. Florida to KC is definitely a big change. I'm sure there's a lot more to learn growing in a completely different environment. I still go through periods of time feeling overwhelmed with them and I am still always learning. It'll get better though! Growing plants should be a fun hobby 🤗
Thank you for your honesty, integrity, hard work, and dedication. Your channel is one of my favorite. You have helped me so much with my own plants but also the long videos feel like “hanging out.” I appreciate you and your content so much. I can’t wait to support your new website. ❤
Hi Melissa, good for you to stand up for yourself and be your own person and not give these sponsors your time. I really love your channel and watching you.. you are so kind and honest. Your channel is the best I ve come across.❤
I love your honest and informative channel. I think you grow the best plants of all the people I watch and companies should want you to try and use the product honestly and with very little obligation.
22:37 I feel like when it comes to these programs, you gotta remember that the ball is ALWAYS in your court. You can choose to negotiate, or just say no. Whatever works for you. ❤
I like how matter of fact you are to your viewers that you respect your time, your hard work, and your personal brand too much to be taken advantage of by greedy, exploitative companies. We're in a period right now where companies have little to no shame wringing as much cheap or even free labor out of smaller businesses and content creators while they reap all the profits. I wish more people could stand up against these kind of practices. I know some are just trying to pay the bills and I hate that bigger companies know this full well and exploit it. Your honesty is refreshing and needed.
Melissa I adore your videos and appreciate your sincerity! I do pet influencer content with my sweet dog so appreciated the discussion about sponsors and affiliates! With regard to sponsors, the numbers should definitely be in the thousands, like multiple thousands, to work with you. When you said $200 I was floored!! Mad disrespectful on them to offer you that. I’ve had really good experience with having an influencer manager to pitch, negotiate, and do contract red lines for me bc I hate all that part of it. Thanks for always sharing these videos with us, you’re my comfort UA-camr 💕
Thank you so much 🥹 I've never gotten close to anything like that at all. I'll send my rate card out (which is way below probably what I should be asking) and they come back with it's not in their budget. I was even willing do go way down in price and do a full sponsored video for a brand that I really loved and wanted to work with and it went back and for for weeks and they just kept throwing more things they wanted me to do for the same price. Most brands actually ask me to do it just for the free product 🥴 Maybe one day I can get an influencer manager to handle all of that because I really dislike the emails. The plant niche is not it for making $$
Still fairly new on my plant journey, like just diving in to fertilizing info kind of new. I appreciate these chatting/chore videos just as much as your specific subject videos as well. I’ve learned so much from you! Your knowledge is so impressive, thank you so much for sharing and just being so authentic 💕 Have a wonderful week!
Thank you for the longer video. It was nice to hear your answers. It was really enjoyable and you inspire me to take care of my plants after being in a slump. Thank you and I really enjoyed the video.
I also very much appreciate your honesty. I am very drawn to your videos for several reasons and that is one of them. It doesn’t feel like an ad. I also would 1000% watch you doing mundane things in a vlog. Some of my favorite UA-camrs are ones that just share regular everyday things. It feels more authentic. Lastly, I have a 19 year old but struggled with secondary infertility. For years I had this awful happiness/devastation when I found out someone close to me was pregnant. Now that I am at this point in my life, I know that I was only meant to have one child. I have made such peace with not being able to have more. Thank you for sharing yourself with us! I am a recent follower and have binged so many videos!
Thank you Rebekah! So happy to have you here! I am so sorry to hear that 🥹 it's hard to explain unless you've been there so I totally understand that happiness/devastation feeling. I've been wanting to film more casual vlogs but wasn't sure if anyone would be interested since I feel like I don't do much lol. I'll be making some shop/packing content though once my little store is open for anyone that is interested in it.
I’m glad that you are honest about products and don’t advertise them just for a small profit. That is one of the reasons I love your channel because I know it’s your honest feedback on products. Money is tight for me so it’s so much easier to trust your opinion over the people that are getting profit from advertising products. I do use Mollys aroid mix and I actually love it and repotted all my plants in the mix so I was hoping one day you would do a video on it to give your honest opinion but I understand why your were turned off by the way they approached you. Thank you for being one of the realest and honest UA-camr out there ❤
thank you! I was curious about their mix at one point but I just prefer to make my own now. I had plants in sols for about 7-8 months before they all started rotting. I don't want to risk my plants anymore trying a new product :(
I love your morals on doing sponsored ads! You seem so genuine and I love it! So many people with take any sponsors and I get an icky feeling about this they promote. Thank you for your openness and I hope your channel gets even bigger 😊
I know myself and many others really appreciate how you handle sponsorships. I feel like so much content nowadays is only made to promote something, and you can’t tell who to trust. You’re one of the only influencers I know who truly likes and tries all of the products they recommend. It’s also very refreshing that everything you post isn’t secretly an ad or riddled with product placement. It’s so nice to be able to watch your content and not feel like I’m being taken advantage of by a hungry salesperson 😅
Thank you! It's a lot of product push and promotion everywhere 🫣 I appreciate when it's actually disclosed as an ad but as a creator I see through all the fluff lol. As a consumer I don't want to be sold to so I don't want to do that to my audience. There can be times where a sponsor fits and it works out well for all parties but I have to truly want to use and buy the product to work with someone. I just turned down soltech because I feel their products are too expensive. They offered free lights and affiliate commission but I'm not going to sell their products for them when every other creator does 😅 oh but "we think our products would be a good fit for your audience" I just can't with the emails anymore.
Hi Melissa! We need another Q&A I would to know if they’re any dream collab/sponsors you would want to have. Also how cool would it be if you did a plant drop, maybe that’ll alleviate some of the pressure of have to have a BIG inventory. A plant drop just seems more intimate/special. You can do like an IG or UA-cam live to showcase the plants and sell on a first come first serve basis! Just a suggestion🥹😉
haha honestly working with brands is not really a goal for me right now. I've been rubbed the wrong way so many times that I put a guard up now. I mean if a big sponsor came along like ikea or target then I would consider lol. These brands in the plant community are disappointing. I'm not sure where the shop will lead or if I will be any good at it but I'll probably do weekly restocks or so once I have plants ready. I haven't thought about how to showcase plants yet but a live makes me anxious lol 🫶
@@plantsbymelissa omg that would be awesome maybe you have to reach out to them for that sponsorship!😉 And I’m sure you’d be fine on live. You’d be surprised how supportive your subscribers are and how fun live is. it’s just another way to connect, but whenever you’re ready!☺️🫶🏽
So my husband and I live in an area where the chemicals in the water are only removable through RO. I’m poor lol so I stay very cost effective with my plants. We buy 5 gallon jugs of water, and refill them with RO water at Walmart for .49/G. We have several for house use, and I have one for plant use that I premix allllll my stuff in. Now your collection is different, but I wonder if buying some, using them for different types of water mixes, and keeping them on standby would make your life easier. Also there’s really cute water dispensers you can use on top!
I appreciate it! I probably go through 15+ gallons a week to water everyone so maybe a bigger vessel would help for sure but I also don't like to let anything sit for too long. So once I add my silica and fertilizer and I adjust the PH - I use it right away or within a couple hours. I don't like to let anything sit overnight either 🙈
I actually highly agree with everything you stated about sponsorships and product reviews as I have also been through that with my content it the beauty community! It’s almost like the brands believe they are entitled to the content you make….which is how I ended up being on an Amazon “how to clips video” for a certain magnetic eyelash company for literally a $10 pack of lashes! 🙄🤦🏻♀️ I no longer do PR or anything due to the push to lie about their products and actions of “you owe them something” and literally pushing things on you that you aren’t even interested in trying in the first place! Thank you for all your honesty Melissa this is just one of the manyyyyyy reasons we love you and value your content!!!!! 🫶🏼🥹☺️
Love your channel and you plants. ❤ 🌿 You are by far my favorite plant influencer, I reference your videos all the time. Enjoyable and informative. Wishing you all the best. Can't wait for your plant store ❣
Hi Melissa 💫 As always it’s a pleasure to watch your videos. You have such a calming demeanor that, no matter how stressed I’ve been you just have a way to calm everything ~ so for that I thank you 🙏🏻. Just like everyone here has mentioned, I too appreciate your stand on sponsors and affiliates. It gets so overwhelming hearing the other UA-camrs constantly having to plug their “affiliate or sponsor “ and honestly it’s a turn off to me. I appreciate if you want to try a product and buy it for yourself and then share because we get the real honest review because you don’t have to censor. I suppose I’ve rambled enough. Just thank you again for being you! Enjoy the rest of your week. 🙏🏻💫
Hi JC and thank you! 🙏 I would much rather buy a product than receive it for free especially if they expect something in return. I'm more willing to share products/small businesses that way and I prefer to give non-sponsored feedback. I don't have to get paid for everything but when asked to promote a product and they expect me to work and do it for minimal compensation then it's a huge red flag. I get some businesses don't have much of a marketing budget but also have respect a creator's time and effort. I'm not going to be a good return on their investment if I constantly promote and ruin that trust I have built with my following 🫶
Love love love your personality and transparency, you are a trustworthy person to me and one I look up to when it comes to plants! Thank you for your chanel. It was nice to listen to this episode as I care and repot my plants, I feel like we did it together:) ♥️🪴 👩🏻🌾
Hell yeah Melissa! ❤ I feel like we'd totally get along if we were to meet, you're not just nice, you're also so confident and smart! Love to see it!!!!
You would be a wonderful nurse that community really lost a loving individual who I am sure treated her patients as she does her plants. ❤ Thanks for sharing your time in this Q&A it was enlightening!
Thank you for the long video! I appreciate your selectivity on brand deals; I'm definitely one of those persons who is sick of being sold something. If you're enjoying the work making this channel, I’m sure a lifestyle/home channel by you would gain popularity. It would be a good way to grow your community and brand outside of plants! I think a lot of people subscribe to you not only because your skills with plants, but also because of how kind and hardworking you are. On another note, I think you’d love Hawaii! There are so many beautiful plants there! It became one of my favorite travel destinations ever since visiting
Thank you so much 🙏 I've been thinking about starting a second channel at some point that isn't focused around plants. Several had mentioned I would be good at ASMR. I think I could manage a few videos in addition to what I am doing now once the shop is up and I can get a routine going. I never thought about doing a lifestyle or home dedicated channel but definitely worth thinking about. I think some people are really good at selling and it can be authentic and other times you can tell it's just being promoted for a paycheck. There can be a good balance with doing sponsors though and to not annoy your audience. I tend to see the creator side now and I have a different outlook compared to when I first started as a fan/viewer. You really get to see how some of these brands act once they start emailing you and that excitement in potentially partnering with them is no longer there. Going to Hawaii will happen one day here! 🥰
I love the honesty in this video! It really shows who you are. 🌞 I had joined an MLM to sell stuff and I remember I was on a FB live showing the stuff and someone had asked about a product I didn’t show and wasn’t going to. And I told them it didn’t work for me. After the video the consultant I signed up under messaged me telling me not to bad mouth any of the products as you won’t make any money that way. I ended up quitting because I wasn’t going to stand behind a company like that.
I've been working on it for months and months now lol but I've gotten a lot accomplished in this past week or so since I've had more time to focus on it. I'll definitely reach out if I need help with something and thank you! 🥹
I'm definitely interested to hear about conclusions you make with your pon experience. The timing seems like it could work out pretty well for me. 😁 If you do a lighting video, I'd be interested in light readings from various locations. Bottom/top of moss poles, window plants, cabinet plants, etc. Time of year/day along with current weather can definitely affect readings, especially closer to a window. Different light measuring tools/devices can also have varying levels of accuracy. Even so, I'd find readings pretty interesting. My understanding of the different types of readings are: lumens - light intensity at the source foot candles - light intensity at the receiving location (over an area) PPFD - usable light for plants at the receiving location (over an area) For plants, I don't know that lumens are all that useful. PPFD might be a bit tricky (expensive) to accurately measure, but it's what matters. I think foot candles can still be useful for a rough approximation. Foot candles may gain more value for someone using similar products as you, as the PPFD to foot candles relationship should be more consistent. With Barrina being pretty popular, I'd say that's pretty likely for a lot of viewers.
Much respect for you and your channel. Keep up the good work, please. You are definitely an outstanding educator and you seem like a very nice person. Plantologist Extraordinaire for sure.
Hi Melissa! So excited to find your channel! I have been experimenting with Pon and have tried sorting through the various information out there. Originally, I tried soil to pon and lost my Alocasias. After watching your videos, I am water rooting first and am hoping that will be more successful. QUESTION: One of my plants I restarted in Perlite and it seems ready to re-pot. Do you think I could transfer straight from Perlite to Pon or would you water root it first? Appreciate any thoughts!
Also, I have a Thai Con in soil that I am getting ready to re-pot. I'd like to move it to Pon as well. Did you water root your Monstera before moving it?
i just ordered some supplies on amazon to make my first proper moss pole for my adansonii 🤗 thank you for all your advice! i did have one question, how often do you have to replace the moss in your moss poles, if ever?
aw yay! I love that 🥰 Once the plant because rooted into the pole - you can't really change the moss out that easily. By the time the plant reaches the top of an extension and I go to chop it - the top of the old pole moves to the bottom so you're adding a new pole with fresh moss to the top. So if you keep doing that you're sorta already replacing it if that makes sense. I do have moss poles that have had moss in them for a while but it gets sorta compacted more overtime I feel. As long as you can keep it watered though you should be able to leave the moss like that for some time.
I watched your video with the thrips. I had recently purchased a Monstera Deliciosa and as I was looking at the plant, a couple of the leaves had bubble like formations on them. Googled it and it suggested thrips. I took a cheap lint roller to the front and back sides and I did see a couple. I immediately put the plant in my spare bathroom along with my adansonii’s as they were near each other. I researched and systemic was the best option for me, I work 60 hours a week and I simply don’t have time to do treatments, etc. I also bought blue sticky traps, I guess thrips are attracted to the color blue 🤷🏻♀and I have nothing on them. I’ve used the lint roller on the plants since and nothing.
Thank you so much for being honest with all of us! Your channel is so refreshing because you are real with your opinion on products. I have toyed with the idea of starting my own UA-cam channel but I don't think I can get over my shyness and being extremely introverted. You talked a little bit about that in this video, how did you get past that?
Thank you so much! I am soo shy and introverted lol. I laugh at my older videos sometimes haha - I could tell I was nervous. Don't let that stop you though! I talked myself out of starting a channel about 10+ years ago now (I wanted to do a beauty channel). You just have to sit down and film a quick little repot video and just post it. Once you do your first video it will give you more confidence. I post a lot on my instagram stories - so that helped me feel more comfortable on camera. I still get anxious filming and mess up all the time but with the magic of editing no one can tell when I cut unwanted clips out 😁 I heard someone say once that you probably won't like your first 50 videos you do but once you keep doing them it gets better and easier!
I love and appreciate this is 2 hours long. I know it takes a lot of work in the editing end so I thank you. Your aroid mix looks amazing. Can you share what you put in? Also Chai walking 🐈⬛ behind you🖤🌸
Thank you so much! Some videos are easier to edit than others and if I have more content I filmed there's more to go through so I like to keep a good mix of short content and longer videos 🫶 I enjoy editing though but sometimes I get tired of hearing myself talk haha. The mix I don't have any set ratios - I just made it so kinda played around with the components until it looked good. It has orchid bark, pumice (instead of perlite this time), lava rock for weight, charcoal (no more than 10%), vermiculite, choco chips (instead of coco coir) and tree fern fiber. I probably would have added some worm castings but I was out lol.
Great video, loved learning about you more. We are also home bodies. Only reason we travel once a year is for our boys (more out of obligation). I hate being gone for longer than 5 days, I miss my fury babies too much.
ace hardware! It's a green coated hardware cloth. I can't find the 3' in length on amazon so I order online from Ace. They may have it in store if you have a local one near you. It's 3' x 5' dimension.
Also! Regarding anthurium warocqueanum- sometimes it’s a cal-mag deficiency!! My anthuriums seem way more happy with cal-mag added to their fertilizer routine
I don't have any social media other than Pintrest and UA-cam, make sure you announce when your shop opens on here as well! I would absolutely support you and buy your plants!
The reason why I LOVE you & your channel is because your content is about your plants. My favorites are like you that don’t create with products that you keep pushing for the next 20 videos. It’s really annoying to watch over and over again 😩😩😩 I feel some creators ( No name but she’s AMAZING 🌱 like you) be very picky with their sponsorships and handle it in a very professional way and others just don’t know when to stop pushing and pushing.
Hi KC 🫶 I just wanted to say thank you so much for sticking up for me 🥹 I saw what another creator wrote on her page before she deleted her post and it meant so much that you commented what you did. I just wanted you to know that. It was clearly about me and this individual unfollowed me on instagram a while ago after the sol soils drama. She definitely didn't have to agree with me but she did twist things. Some creators only care about brand deals and sponsors which is unfortunate. Thank you again so much 🥹
You can tell a transparent, honest plant person if they aren't sponsored by a product. From mushroom tea to body wash...lol Also, this is going to sound bad, and I do not wish you get a thrip on plant mail...but your best content was getting a thrip on the plant and your reaction 😅😂 I spent 2 weeks looking at all my plants under a microscope lol. Keep up the good content, Melissa! ❤❤❤
Love your content and for not bowing down to the marketing gimmicks from companies out to use you. Selling plants online is difficult but some people in my area do very well as they've built up a good base of locals and sell more unusual plants and cuttings. Have you thought about cat visits/sitting for people on holiday? That seems totally up your street especially with your experience
Thank you and I appreciate that! I'm not sure where it will lead but I am hopeful I can do this on the side with UA-cam and be a source for someone to get happy plants from and know that they aren't getting taken advantage of 🫶 I would not pet sit for anyone unless I was doing them a favor which I do sometimes for my neighbors. As much as I love animals - it's not something I see myself doing as a job though.
Hello Melissa, did you know that otaku on etsy is using the part of your video where you are mentioning how nice their aroid mix is? Not sure if I spelled the nursery name correctly. I believe they gifted you a plant. Just an FYI.
Thanks for letting me know Joann! I remember her asking me about using part of the video showing her mix but I thought she meant using the close up view of her soil and not using my image and what I said to sell product. I think it was a misunderstanding is all. I messaged her to remove it 🙏🏼
This was a nice Q&A video. Good information but not even close to using (lol). Star is so cute what a personality she has. Would still like to know what plants grow corms?. take care dear. Will you sell corms in shop?
thank you! I won't be selling corms unfortunately. I prefer to grow the alocasia out especially if it's variegated to see what the variegation will be like. I only want to sell rooted plants that are happily growing.
Oh man my thai has been a disappointment too got it rotted now it sits shunned with all my other dashed hopes plants in my office where it gets just enough care to live
Until I found plant people on UA-cam, I thought I was the only crazy plant person. Now I know there are other people who love plants like I do. 😊 I do have plants all over the house but I try to keep them in groupings and on my shelves so my kids won't feel like they are in a jungle. 😂 but I think they might feel that way 😅
lol I love that we can all connect this way through plants! I would definitely have them all over the house but I know my husband wouldn't want that so I'll stick to my plant room and window groupings 😂
I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to have someone just be honest and real about the influencer stuff. Watching these influencers usually feels sooo sterile and cold because they’ve lost touch with their followers. They are so focused on making money. I love your content so much because you feel like a real person and it fosters a sense of connection with people rather than more disconnection. Thank you!!
I appreciate your comment so much 🫶 I can't even log into my instagram or other socials without seeing the push of constant ads and promotions. It's so out of touch 😬 I would love to make more money right now doing this job but I'm not going to risk losing my followers over it. I wouldn't be here right now if I didn't have this supportive community 🥹
I agree
I enjoyed reading this comment. It's so true
@mallorydemotte2329 - Very well said. I agree. And in addition, I often wonder if folks realize these sponsorships deals are essentially cheap commercials for these companies. And I loathe commercials. I come to YT to watch the content folks create. I'm not here to watch folks peddle wares. There are even channels that I sometimes watch but refuse to subscribe to simply because of the sponsorships they do.
@plantsbymelissa - I appreciate your stance on that matter. Stay strong. Stay honest. Stay real. I eagerly await your shop!
I agree ❤
To be honest Melissa, you are one of the very few channels I really respect, you only talk to your community about products you really like without being affiliated or sponsored by the brand, you are your own brand like you said and this makes me truly look up to you and your advise for my planty needs, thank you for being so genuine!
Thank you so much 😊 I've grown a lot this past year and I quickly realized that working with brands is not for me and not what I want to put my energy into 🫶
I concur 😀
I admire your integrity about sponsors .
Me too
The way you approach sponsors is the most respectful and genuinely honest way I've ever seen;
the consideration you have is so rare and inspiring it restores a lot of hope I've lost and it could inspire businesses to go about sponsoring differently. I've lost trust in many content creators over wasting money on horrible products they've recommended from random sponsorships. Your content has given me a better perspective on my plants and given me extraordinary results over the last couple years; my collection has never looked better and I just really want to thank you for making my part of the world a little better 🙏😌💚
Respect, it’s nice to see somebody on UA-cam with integrity and not selling out.
I am a couple years older than you, no kids (but we tried for many years) and been with my hubby for 21 years. The question about kids can be such a sensitive subject but you handle it so well!! Its great to have another friend out there who is living their best life with their hubby, furbabies and plants! ❤
Thank you! 🥹🫶 I've had my share of struggles talking about this subject and it still is hard some days if I think about it for too long but I am more at peace now about it than I was even several years ago. I like this little life we have with it just being us and the fur babies and plants 🤗
@@plantsbymelissa I totally understand. 😢 I left working in a clinical setting because it felt like every patient wanted to know if/when I would have kids and share their opinions about it. I had coworkers having babies left and right and I was SO happy for them but I left work crying so many days because it wasnt happening for us. I have learned after all these years that you truly can build yourself a happy, fulfilling life without having (human) children! I just wish more people understood that!
Awww Star is so cuuuuuute. I love seeing her up there with you. 😊❤
You are a rare kind of soul ❤ love your videos, calm demeanor, honesty and loyalty to your followers ❤️
Thank you so much! 🥹🫶🏻
Thank you for everything you do for us. We know it's a lot of work and we appreciate it. Keep being yourself and the honest person you are. That's why I'm here. Thank you 🤗.
Well said! Me too😊
You have an ideal Nurses disposition which goes along with your plant hobby.❤
Yesssss, ma'am!! I got my drink and popcorn ready to watch Melissa's plants movie!! 😆 Thank you!
You are the only plant person I watch from start to finish because you come across and are authentic and honest. I only plant semi hydro (which you only started doing a while ago) and still made sure I watched every one of your posts. I love that you are passionate about this topic and love that you stand by your principles. 🌻
I appreciate that so much and thank you for watching the videos all the way 🥹 that really helps my channel out 🫶 I'm glad I decided to try out semi hydro I seriously love it!
@@plantsbymelissa 🧡
I am new to your channel and I respect your integrity, I follow a Handful of “influencers” and I can tell they just want to sell you things just because they get something out of it and not really because they really like the product. Thank you for being real and honest.
OMFGOODNESS This is the first time I've seen Star. What a doll, her little kisses were so precious. I also think it's awesome that you don't let sponsors try to bully you! They need you, you don't need them! I love your channel!
Thank you! Appreciate that :) Star is such a sweet kitty 🥹
One of my favorite plant creators. I have learned so much information from you and look forward to your videos. Thanks for all you do
You are so welcome! 🤗
I love so so much your honesty about sponsors and how you respect yourself and your time as a UA-cam creater. That i feel is so rare and really respected when it comes around. One day if you do choose to do a sponsorship ill know for sure its not fake and you truly love the product! i truly appreciate your honesty!
I've been watching you for a few years and I never comment 😅. But your plant care is next level. You deserve an award for how well you take care of them. I love your integrity and your obvious true love of the hobby. #goals
A few years?! Thank you for supporting as long as you have and thank you for your comment! I’m a silent viewer as well 🫶🏻 I love taking time to reply back as much as I can. I appreciate your kind words 🥹
You’re the cutest cat mom, btw.. I love how happy they make you! 🥰🤗
I love them all so much 🥹
I always appreciate your honesty and transparency about the influencer side of things. So excited for your shop to open up!! Keep doing you 🩷🩷
Thank you so much! 🥹🫶🏻
I love how open and honest you are. ❤❤
thank you! 🤗
@@plantsbymelissa❤
Thanks!
thank you! 🥹💖
Melissa you’ve earned my respect.
I enjoy the way you respond to comments. You've always answered my planty questions and I truly appreciate you for that! Not all influencers do this, and I know as your channel grows, and with your new shop opening up... this might not continue, and I completely understand if that happens.
I always appreciate your plant tshirts so much that I just purchased three from Etsy. I've never owned a plant shirt so I'm excited to get them.
hehe I ordered this and one other from from Etsy recently. I needed some new t-shirts! I appreciate it Dora and thank you for commenting and engaging with my videos. I love responding back and being active in the comments. I try to answer as many as I can! 🤗
Thank you so much Mélissa for your honest opinion and to explain to me how the sponsor works. I am so greatfull for your honesty and transparancy. I respect you a lot for standing for yourself.
Love from Québec, Canada
Your videos are NEVER too long.
You’re such an authentic human being and your sweetness and honesty is so incredibly rare.
Thank You for all you do for us that love plants so much and thus love you in the process ❤❤🪴🪴
That means so much! 🥲 I appreciate you for supporting like you have! Here and IG and being a patreon, just a big thank you! 🥹🙏🏼
2 hours! Thank the lordy! Love the long videos, thank you!!
Glad you like them! I knew once I started answering questions it was going to be long haha. This is actually my longest video!
Yay! There you are! I have a lot of work to do in my house today..so a two hour video is perfect!❤️🪴
aw thank you for hanging out with me today 🥹🫶
Long viiideo, my faaav (podcast mode: on)
I appreciate the long movie style vlog too... I'm definitely here for it. 🎉
Thank you! 💖
Thank you Tiffany! 🙏🥹
Your background looks like a painting. I love it ❤.
Hi, I’m so glad I found your channel.I’m a burnt (21yrs) icu/pacu rn. I agree nursing has definitely changed tremendously and no one wants to address the toll it takes on one’s mental health. I’m currently not working. I have always loved plants.However, all of my plants were outdoors(mostly potted)when I lived in Florida for 41 yrs, I now live in Kansas City, Kansas. All of my plants are now indoors( I could only bring a few with me). Also, I have purchased a lot. Lighting, humidity,soil,watering,fertilizer..ect is a whole different ballgame..I love my plants but I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. Growing tropical plants outdoors in Florida is so much easier than indoors in KC. Thank you for your content.
Hi there! Thank you so much for being here! 21 years is amazing! Yes, nursing has changed so much and bedside is hard 😔 - it definitely takes a toll on your mental health and ultimately why I left the field. The burnout I felt towards the end of my time there was nothing like I had ever felt with any job before. Florida to KC is definitely a big change. I'm sure there's a lot more to learn growing in a completely different environment. I still go through periods of time feeling overwhelmed with them and I am still always learning. It'll get better though! Growing plants should be a fun hobby 🤗
Thank you for your honesty, integrity, hard work, and dedication. Your channel is one of my favorite. You have helped me so much with my own plants but also the long videos feel like “hanging out.” I appreciate you and your content so much. I can’t wait to support your new website. ❤
Thank you Tara for the support 🥹 it means so much!
Hi Melissa, good for you to stand up for yourself and be your own person and not give these sponsors your time. I really love your channel and watching you.. you are so kind and honest. Your channel is the best I ve come across.❤
Thank you so much! That means a lot 🤗
I love your honest and informative channel. I think you grow the best plants of all the people I watch and companies should want you to try and use the product honestly and with very little obligation.
52:25 kitty eating your plants at the bottom right! lol
😂😂 sneaky!
22:37 I feel like when it comes to these programs, you gotta remember that the ball is ALWAYS in your court. You can choose to negotiate, or just say no. Whatever works for you. ❤
I like how matter of fact you are to your viewers that you respect your time, your hard work, and your personal brand too much to be taken advantage of by greedy, exploitative companies. We're in a period right now where companies have little to no shame wringing as much cheap or even free labor out of smaller businesses and content creators while they reap all the profits. I wish more people could stand up against these kind of practices. I know some are just trying to pay the bills and I hate that bigger companies know this full well and exploit it. Your honesty is refreshing and needed.
Melissa I adore your videos and appreciate your sincerity!
I do pet influencer content with my sweet dog so appreciated the discussion about sponsors and affiliates! With regard to sponsors, the numbers should definitely be in the thousands, like multiple thousands, to work with you. When you said $200 I was floored!! Mad disrespectful on them to offer you that. I’ve had really good experience with having an influencer manager to pitch, negotiate, and do contract red lines for me bc I hate all that part of it.
Thanks for always sharing these videos with us, you’re my comfort UA-camr 💕
Thank you so much 🥹 I've never gotten close to anything like that at all. I'll send my rate card out (which is way below probably what I should be asking) and they come back with it's not in their budget. I was even willing do go way down in price and do a full sponsored video for a brand that I really loved and wanted to work with and it went back and for for weeks and they just kept throwing more things they wanted me to do for the same price. Most brands actually ask me to do it just for the free product 🥴
Maybe one day I can get an influencer manager to handle all of that because I really dislike the emails. The plant niche is not it for making $$
You made me buy my first plant
Appreciate it!! 🫶
Love these long videos! Thank you for all you do Melissa!
Thank you so much! I appreciate you for watching! 💖
Still fairly new on my plant journey, like just diving in to fertilizing info kind of new. I appreciate these chatting/chore videos just as much as your specific subject videos as well. I’ve learned so much from you! Your knowledge is so impressive, thank you so much for sharing and just being so authentic 💕 Have a wonderful week!
Thank you so much Sherry! I hope you have a wonderful week as well! 🫶🥰
Thank you for the longer video. It was nice to hear your answers. It was really enjoyable and you inspire me to take care of my plants after being in a slump. Thank you and I really enjoyed the video.
aw thank you so much! I appreciate you for watching and glad I could inspire you! 🫶
Best of luck!! It’s refreshing to watch someone who isn’t constantly promoting products! Can’t wait to support you in future endeavors.
Thank you Lisa 🤗
I also very much appreciate your honesty. I am very drawn to your videos for several reasons and that is one of them. It doesn’t feel like an ad. I also would 1000% watch you doing mundane things in a vlog. Some of my favorite UA-camrs are ones that just share regular everyday things. It feels more authentic. Lastly, I have a 19 year old but struggled with secondary infertility. For years I had this awful happiness/devastation when I found out someone close to me was pregnant. Now that I am at this point in my life, I know that I was only meant to have one child. I have made such peace with not being able to have more. Thank you for sharing yourself with us! I am a recent follower and have binged so many videos!
Thank you Rebekah! So happy to have you here! I am so sorry to hear that 🥹 it's hard to explain unless you've been there so I totally understand that happiness/devastation feeling. I've been wanting to film more casual vlogs but wasn't sure if anyone would be interested since I feel like I don't do much lol. I'll be making some shop/packing content though once my little store is open for anyone that is interested in it.
I’m glad that you are honest about products and don’t advertise them just for a small profit. That is one of the reasons I love your channel because I know it’s your honest feedback on products. Money is tight for me so it’s so much easier to trust your opinion over the people that are getting profit from advertising products. I do use Mollys aroid mix and I actually love it and repotted all my plants in the mix so I was hoping one day you would do a video on it to give your honest opinion but I understand why your were turned off by the way they approached you. Thank you for being one of the realest and honest UA-camr out there ❤
thank you! I was curious about their mix at one point but I just prefer to make my own now. I had plants in sols for about 7-8 months before they all started rotting. I don't want to risk my plants anymore trying a new product :(
Omg yay love these longer vids!!
Yay, thank you! ☺️💖
I love your morals on doing sponsored ads! You seem so genuine and I love it! So many people with take any sponsors and I get an icky feeling about this they promote. Thank you for your openness and I hope your channel gets even bigger 😊
I know myself and many others really appreciate how you handle sponsorships. I feel like so much content nowadays is only made to promote something, and you can’t tell who to trust. You’re one of the only influencers I know who truly likes and tries all of the products they recommend. It’s also very refreshing that everything you post isn’t secretly an ad or riddled with product placement. It’s so nice to be able to watch your content and not feel like I’m being taken advantage of by a hungry salesperson 😅
Thank you! It's a lot of product push and promotion everywhere 🫣 I appreciate when it's actually disclosed as an ad but as a creator I see through all the fluff lol. As a consumer I don't want to be sold to so I don't want to do that to my audience. There can be times where a sponsor fits and it works out well for all parties but I have to truly want to use and buy the product to work with someone. I just turned down soltech because I feel their products are too expensive. They offered free lights and affiliate commission but I'm not going to sell their products for them when every other creator does 😅 oh but "we think our products would be a good fit for your audience" I just can't with the emails anymore.
Hi Melissa!
We need another Q&A I would to know if they’re any dream collab/sponsors you would want to have.
Also how cool would it be if you did a plant drop, maybe that’ll alleviate some of the pressure of have to have a BIG inventory. A plant drop just seems more intimate/special. You can do like an IG or UA-cam live to showcase the plants and sell on a first come first serve basis! Just a suggestion🥹😉
haha honestly working with brands is not really a goal for me right now. I've been rubbed the wrong way so many times that I put a guard up now. I mean if a big sponsor came along like ikea or target then I would consider lol. These brands in the plant community are disappointing.
I'm not sure where the shop will lead or if I will be any good at it but I'll probably do weekly restocks or so once I have plants ready. I haven't thought about how to showcase plants yet but a live makes me anxious lol 🫶
@@plantsbymelissa omg that would be awesome maybe you have to reach out to them for that sponsorship!😉
And I’m sure you’d be fine on live. You’d be surprised how supportive your subscribers are and how fun live is. it’s just another way to connect, but whenever you’re ready!☺️🫶🏽
You answered my questions!! Yayyy! Thank you! This video was so fun 🌱
I have alot of respect for you for not selling out x
Appreciate that! 🫶🏻
Wow you are so different, honest, smart and well spoken love to watch your video good job please don't change. Have a beautiful day Melissa
Thank you so much! 🤗
So my husband and I live in an area where the chemicals in the water are only removable through RO. I’m poor lol so I stay very cost effective with my plants. We buy 5 gallon jugs of water, and refill them with RO water at Walmart for .49/G. We have several for house use, and I have one for plant use that I premix allllll my stuff in. Now your collection is different, but I wonder if buying some, using them for different types of water mixes, and keeping them on standby would make your life easier. Also there’s really cute water dispensers you can use on top!
I appreciate it! I probably go through 15+ gallons a week to water everyone so maybe a bigger vessel would help for sure but I also don't like to let anything sit for too long. So once I add my silica and fertilizer and I adjust the PH - I use it right away or within a couple hours. I don't like to let anything sit overnight either 🙈
I actually highly agree with everything you stated about sponsorships and product reviews as I have also been through that with my content it the beauty community! It’s almost like the brands believe they are entitled to the content you make….which is how I ended up being on an Amazon “how to clips video” for a certain magnetic eyelash company for literally a $10 pack of lashes! 🙄🤦🏻♀️ I no longer do PR or anything due to the push to lie about their products and actions of “you owe them something” and literally pushing things on you that you aren’t even interested in trying in the first place! Thank you for all your honesty Melissa this is just one of the manyyyyyy reasons we love you and value your content!!!!! 🫶🏼🥹☺️
That you! That means so much 🫶
Love your channel and you plants. ❤ 🌿 You are by far my favorite plant influencer, I reference your videos all the time. Enjoyable and informative. Wishing you all the best. Can't wait for your plant store ❣
Thank you so much 🥹🫶
Perfect thing to wake up to!! ❤❤
Good morning! Thank you for watching! 🤗🥰
Hi Melissa 💫 As always it’s a pleasure to watch your videos. You have such a calming demeanor that, no matter how stressed I’ve been you just have a way to calm everything ~ so for that I thank you 🙏🏻.
Just like everyone here has mentioned, I too appreciate your stand on sponsors and affiliates. It gets so overwhelming hearing the other UA-camrs constantly having to plug their “affiliate or sponsor “ and honestly it’s a turn off to me. I appreciate if you want to try a product and buy it for yourself and then share because we get the real honest review because you don’t have to censor.
I suppose I’ve rambled enough. Just thank you again for being you! Enjoy the rest of your week.
🙏🏻💫
Hi JC and thank you! 🙏 I would much rather buy a product than receive it for free especially if they expect something in return. I'm more willing to share products/small businesses that way and I prefer to give non-sponsored feedback. I don't have to get paid for everything but when asked to promote a product and they expect me to work and do it for minimal compensation then it's a huge red flag. I get some businesses don't have much of a marketing budget but also have respect a creator's time and effort. I'm not going to be a good return on their investment if I constantly promote and ruin that trust I have built with my following 🫶
I got a variegated maranta from The Green Escape and it is growing so well and the variegation is beautiful!
Great to hear! ☺️
Love love love your personality and transparency, you are a trustworthy person to me and one I look up to when it comes to plants! Thank you for your chanel. It was nice to listen to this episode as I care and repot my plants, I feel like we did it together:) ♥️🪴 👩🏻🌾
what a TREAT to have such a long video! And Star's appearance was simply heart melting
Thank. you Laura 🥹 Star is such a sweetheart!
Hell yeah Melissa! ❤ I feel like we'd totally get along if we were to meet, you're not just nice, you're also so confident and smart! Love to see it!!!!
Thank you 🥹🙏🏼
You would be a wonderful nurse that community really lost a loving individual who I am sure treated her patients as she does her plants. ❤ Thanks for sharing your time in this Q&A it was enlightening!
Thank you! I think about nursing a lot still it was a big part of my life. I miss taking care of patients and really enjoyed that part of my job 🥹
💚Yippee! My favorite of your videos. Chat and pot!
I didn't know you were starting a plant shop. All the best to you. 🐈⬛🐈🌾🌿🪴
Thank you so much! 😊
Thank you for the long video! I appreciate your selectivity on brand deals; I'm definitely one of those persons who is sick of being sold something. If you're enjoying the work making this channel, I’m sure a lifestyle/home channel by you would gain popularity. It would be a good way to grow your community and brand outside of plants! I think a lot of people subscribe to you not only because your skills with plants, but also because of how kind and hardworking you are.
On another note, I think you’d love Hawaii! There are so many beautiful plants there! It became one of my favorite travel destinations ever since visiting
Thank you so much 🙏 I've been thinking about starting a second channel at some point that isn't focused around plants. Several had mentioned I would be good at ASMR. I think I could manage a few videos in addition to what I am doing now once the shop is up and I can get a routine going. I never thought about doing a lifestyle or home dedicated channel but definitely worth thinking about.
I think some people are really good at selling and it can be authentic and other times you can tell it's just being promoted for a paycheck. There can be a good balance with doing sponsors though and to not annoy your audience. I tend to see the creator side now and I have a different outlook compared to when I first started as a fan/viewer. You really get to see how some of these brands act once they start emailing you and that excitement in potentially partnering with them is no longer there.
Going to Hawaii will happen one day here! 🥰
Ohhoo my favorite content creator posted a long video ❤❤ super excited! still watching... its amazing thank you for posting.
I know it was a long one lol, I appreciate you for watching! 💖
She's my favorite too😊
I love the honesty in this video! It really shows who you are. 🌞
I had joined an MLM to sell stuff and I remember I was on a FB live showing the stuff and someone had asked about a product I didn’t show and wasn’t going to. And I told them it didn’t work for me. After the video the consultant I signed up under messaged me telling me not to bad mouth any of the products as you won’t make any money that way. I ended up quitting because I wasn’t going to stand behind a company like that.
Also, I build websites if you need some help on the plant shop. 😊
Thank you! 🙏 Yes, you did the right thing and I'm sorry that happened 😔 Definitely not someone I would stand behind either!
I've been working on it for months and months now lol but I've gotten a lot accomplished in this past week or so since I've had more time to focus on it. I'll definitely reach out if I need help with something and thank you! 🥹
I'm definitely interested to hear about conclusions you make with your pon experience. The timing seems like it could work out pretty well for me. 😁
If you do a lighting video, I'd be interested in light readings from various locations. Bottom/top of moss poles, window plants, cabinet plants, etc. Time of year/day along with current weather can definitely affect readings, especially closer to a window. Different light measuring tools/devices can also have varying levels of accuracy. Even so, I'd find readings pretty interesting.
My understanding of the different types of readings are:
lumens - light intensity at the source
foot candles - light intensity at the receiving location (over an area)
PPFD - usable light for plants at the receiving location (over an area)
For plants, I don't know that lumens are all that useful. PPFD might be a bit tricky (expensive) to accurately measure, but it's what matters. I think foot candles can still be useful for a rough approximation. Foot candles may gain more value for someone using similar products as you, as the PPFD to foot candles relationship should be more consistent. With Barrina being pretty popular, I'd say that's pretty likely for a lot of viewers.
Star is such a sweet kitty! He loves his momma too!
Much respect for you and your channel. Keep up the good work, please. You are definitely an outstanding educator and you seem like a very nice person. Plantologist Extraordinaire for sure.
Definitely 💯😁 plant extrodanaire
A lady who has standards and knows her worth is a force to be reckoned with!
CHEERS TO THE NON SELLOUTS!!!
Hi Melissa! So excited to find your channel! I have been experimenting with Pon and have tried sorting through the various information out there. Originally, I tried soil to pon and lost my Alocasias. After watching your videos, I am water rooting first and am hoping that will be more successful. QUESTION: One of my plants I restarted in Perlite and it seems ready to re-pot. Do you think I could transfer straight from Perlite to Pon or would you water root it first? Appreciate any thoughts!
Also, I have a Thai Con in soil that I am getting ready to re-pot. I'd like to move it to Pon as well. Did you water root your Monstera before moving it?
i just ordered some supplies on amazon to make my first proper moss pole for my adansonii 🤗 thank you for all your advice! i did have one question, how often do you have to replace the moss in your moss poles, if ever?
aw yay! I love that 🥰 Once the plant because rooted into the pole - you can't really change the moss out that easily. By the time the plant reaches the top of an extension and I go to chop it - the top of the old pole moves to the bottom so you're adding a new pole with fresh moss to the top. So if you keep doing that you're sorta already replacing it if that makes sense.
I do have moss poles that have had moss in them for a while but it gets sorta compacted more overtime I feel. As long as you can keep it watered though you should be able to leave the moss like that for some time.
Canadian here! Love your content. Great video to see the insight overall
I watched your video with the thrips. I had recently purchased a Monstera Deliciosa and as I was looking at the plant, a couple of the leaves had bubble like formations on them. Googled it and it suggested thrips. I took a cheap lint roller to the front and back sides and I did see a couple. I immediately put the plant in my spare bathroom along with my adansonii’s as they were near each other. I researched and systemic was the best option for me, I work 60 hours a week and I simply don’t have time to do treatments, etc. I also bought blue sticky traps, I guess thrips are attracted to the color blue 🤷🏻♀and I have nothing on them. I’ve used the lint roller on the plants since and nothing.
Great video. Lots of information
It’s very smart to investigate the brands you can potentially work for 👍
Thank you so much for being honest with all of us! Your channel is so refreshing because you are real with your opinion on products. I have toyed with the idea of starting my own UA-cam channel but I don't think I can get over my shyness and being extremely introverted. You talked a little bit about that in this video, how did you get past that?
Thank you so much! I am soo shy and introverted lol. I laugh at my older videos sometimes haha - I could tell I was nervous. Don't let that stop you though! I talked myself out of starting a channel about 10+ years ago now (I wanted to do a beauty channel). You just have to sit down and film a quick little repot video and just post it. Once you do your first video it will give you more confidence. I post a lot on my instagram stories - so that helped me feel more comfortable on camera. I still get anxious filming and mess up all the time but with the magic of editing no one can tell when I cut unwanted clips out 😁 I heard someone say once that you probably won't like your first 50 videos you do but once you keep doing them it gets better and easier!
Do you take the extra steps to order food for your beneficials and spray moisture on your foliage to try to encourage them to reproduce?
I love and appreciate this is 2 hours long. I know it takes a lot of work in the editing end so I thank you. Your aroid mix looks amazing. Can you share what you put in? Also Chai walking 🐈⬛ behind you🖤🌸
Thank you so much! Some videos are easier to edit than others and if I have more content I filmed there's more to go through so I like to keep a good mix of short content and longer videos 🫶 I enjoy editing though but sometimes I get tired of hearing myself talk haha.
The mix I don't have any set ratios - I just made it so kinda played around with the components until it looked good. It has orchid bark, pumice (instead of perlite this time), lava rock for weight, charcoal (no more than 10%), vermiculite, choco chips (instead of coco coir) and tree fern fiber. I probably would have added some worm castings but I was out lol.
Your almost at 50k 🎉❤😊 good job, and great video 📸😁🌼🖤
thank you Dora 🥹🥰
Great video, loved learning about you more. We are also home bodies. Only reason we travel once a year is for our boys (more out of obligation). I hate being gone for longer than 5 days, I miss my fury babies too much.
Where do you buy the black mesh wire you use to make your moss poles. I'm in FL hope I can find it. Thanks
ace hardware! It's a green coated hardware cloth. I can't find the 3' in length on amazon so I order online from Ace. They may have it in store if you have a local one near you. It's 3' x 5' dimension.
How large is the hoke. Thanks for getting right back to me. Your the best
I meant the hole not hoke lol
No problem! It's 1/2 inch. Here's what I buy: www.acehardware.com/departments/hardware/window-and-screen-hardware/screen-cloth/5196613
Love your honesty ❤❤❤
Thank you 🤗
It was so nice spending a couple hours with you. Thanks for sharing Melissa!
Also! Regarding anthurium warocqueanum- sometimes it’s a cal-mag deficiency!! My anthuriums seem way more happy with cal-mag added to their fertilizer routine
Good point! Thank you 🙏 I need to add that to my routine soon! I bought a bottle several months ago but haven't used it yet 🫣
I don't have any social media other than Pintrest and UA-cam, make sure you announce when your shop opens on here as well! I would absolutely support you and buy your plants!
Thank you, UA-cam followers will definitely know :)
I'll support too. Have to she's my favorite and works so hard for us. I'm grateful for her.😊
I really enjoyed this video. Even though it was 2 hours long I was kind of sad when it was finished 💚
Glad you enjoyed it! I know it was a long one 🫣 I appreciate you for watching and it really does help me out so much 🫶
The reason why I LOVE you & your channel is because your content is about your plants. My favorites are like you that don’t create with products that you keep pushing for the next 20 videos. It’s really annoying to watch over and over again 😩😩😩 I feel some creators ( No name but she’s AMAZING 🌱 like you) be very picky with their sponsorships and handle it in a very professional way and others just don’t know when to stop pushing and pushing.
Thank you Mary 🙏
😊❤❤❤ love your channel Melissa !
Thank you for being here! 🥰
Hi KC 🫶 I just wanted to say thank you so much for sticking up for me 🥹 I saw what another creator wrote on her page before she deleted her post and it meant so much that you commented what you did. I just wanted you to know that. It was clearly about me and this individual unfollowed me on instagram a while ago after the sol soils drama. She definitely didn't have to agree with me but she did twist things. Some creators only care about brand deals and sponsors which is unfortunate. Thank you again so much 🥹
How long did you leave the bisma in water. Those roots were amazing.
maybe 3 weeks? I did the unboxing about a month ago and filmed this Q/A probably 10 days ago lol
btw I LOVE your channel. You are my favorite!!!
And thank you! I appreciate that 🥹🙏🏼
Ooo I've never seen Star before. 😍So sweet.
She is so cute! 🥹
I am commenting if only to help your utub numbers; as well as to say that I think you might be the sweetest utuber out there.
Thank you Kristie! I appreciate it 🥰
1:50:31 oh my goodness she is the sweetest 💗
You can tell a transparent, honest plant person if they aren't sponsored by a product. From mushroom tea to body wash...lol
Also, this is going to sound bad, and I do not wish you get a thrip on plant mail...but your best content was getting a thrip on the plant and your reaction 😅😂 I spent 2 weeks looking at all my plants under a microscope lol.
Keep up the good content, Melissa! ❤❤❤
I was so mad and upset 😂🫶🏻
Love your content and for not bowing down to the marketing gimmicks from companies out to use you. Selling plants online is difficult but some people in my area do very well as they've built up a good base of locals and sell more unusual plants and cuttings.
Have you thought about cat visits/sitting for people on holiday? That seems totally up your street especially with your experience
Thank you and I appreciate that! I'm not sure where it will lead but I am hopeful I can do this on the side with UA-cam and be a source for someone to get happy plants from and know that they aren't getting taken advantage of 🫶
I would not pet sit for anyone unless I was doing them a favor which I do sometimes for my neighbors. As much as I love animals - it's not something I see myself doing as a job though.
Hey Melissa! I hope life is treating you well 🌷💕
Thank you!! 🥰
Hello Melissa, did you know that otaku on etsy is using the part of your video where you are mentioning how nice their aroid mix is? Not sure if I spelled the nursery name correctly. I believe they gifted you a plant. Just an FYI.
Thanks for letting me know Joann! I remember her asking me about using part of the video showing her mix but I thought she meant using the close up view of her soil and not using my image and what I said to sell product. I think it was a misunderstanding is all. I messaged her to remove it 🙏🏼
This was a nice Q&A video. Good information but not even close to using (lol). Star is so cute what a personality she has. Would still like to know what plants grow corms?. take care dear.
Will you sell corms in shop?
thank you! I won't be selling corms unfortunately. I prefer to grow the alocasia out especially if it's variegated to see what the variegation will be like. I only want to sell rooted plants that are happily growing.
Oh man my thai has been a disappointment too got it rotted now it sits shunned with all my other dashed hopes plants in my office where it gets just enough care to live
Until I found plant people on UA-cam, I thought I was the only crazy plant person. Now I know there are other people who love plants like I do. 😊 I do have plants all over the house but I try to keep them in groupings and on my shelves so my kids won't feel like they are in a jungle. 😂 but I think they might feel that way 😅
lol I love that we can all connect this way through plants! I would definitely have them all over the house but I know my husband wouldn't want that so I'll stick to my plant room and window groupings 😂