Have you ever stood under a neem tree in the summer when it is sprouting new leaves and tiny fruits and taken in the scent? The big benevolent neem tree with all its goodness despite the bitterness. For me that is what summer in India smells like, my happy place. I thrive when I am amidst nature. This affinity towards nature goes long back, subconsciously I have always been attracted to greens. Whenever I wanted to take a break from my crazy work life in the city, I would either run to the mountains or the jungles. This is because, growing up I was surrounded with beautiful gardens, a kitchen garden in the backyard with fresh flower arrangements every day, made out of the bounty collected from the garden. Hence the itch to bring the entire forest inside.

We need more plants in our lives, now more than ever. The last 2 years have demonstrated the need for us to bring back a balance in nature. It wants us to be more kind, to foster growth and more importantly it is telling us not to mess with the course of nature. I started building my oasis about 2.5 years ago. It started with a handful of plants and today my tribe stands at over 100 plants. I do not have enough words to describe the positivity and fresh vibe these bunch radiate plus they are so versatile when it comes to interior styling. They kept me sane in the last 1.5 years and my love for them grew even stronger. It is during this time; with all my little experiments I came to a realisation that there is no such thing as “I do not have a green thumb”

Everyone can grow plants. All you need is some soil, sunlight, water and a few minutes of your time and attention. Here’s my guide to help you take your first steps towards plant parenting.

First Time Plant Parents – You can get these home they are not high maintenance.

1. Money Plant/Pothos - This is one of the most popular indoor plants. Super easy to maintain. It is forgiving of neglect, tolerant to low light and does not attract pests. Get a plant with good foliage and keep it in a corner that receives bright indirect sunlight. Water it sparsely, once in 10 days or check when the top inch of the soil is dry.  

2. Snake Plant – Is a resilient dramatic looking succulent known for its air purifying characteristics. It can survive in bright indirect to low light conditions. Water once every 2-3 weeks.

3. Arrow Head Plant (Syngonium) – Fast growing and lush, this plant is always sprouting fresh leaves and come in different varieties and hues. They thrive in medium to bright indirect light and is not suited for direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist by watering the plant 2-3 times a week or when the soil begins to dry out. To keep it happy spritz it with water once in a while.

4. Aloe Vera – Another succulent, popular for its skin healing properties. Easy to maintain it can thrive in both direct and indirect sunlight. Unlike other succulents it needs regular watering. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.

5. Bougainvillea – If your home gets direct sunlight in abundance and you have some extra space in your balcony, go ahead and get this plant. Give it lots of sunlight and and you can enjoy a year round colour fiesta. The plant does not bloom if it does not get direct sunlight. Contrary to the popular belief that bougainvillea does not need much water, if you want your plant to thrive then water it adequately allowing the soil to dry between watering. Also don’t worry when your plant starts shedding leaves and flowers, it goes through a dormant cycle and then grows back. Keep sprucing it if vines start sprawling.

Where you can get them from

Best place to buy your plants is a local nursery. Pick up a healthy plant, choose one that does not have drooping leaves or leaves with drying edges. You can also buy plants online, there are abundant options available. I personally like to get mine from Ugaoo, Root Bridges or Plant Mojo. I had ordered a few from Amazon but my experience was not great. I either got a wrong plant delivered or they were not in great shape. When you are just starting out you do not need to spend on many tools or fertilizers. Use tools from your kitchen and homemade fertilizers for plant growth.

Homemade Fertilizers

• Banana Peel - Instead of discarding the banana peel you can cut it up and bury it in the soil. A great source of potassium.

• Tea Leaves or Coffee Grounds - Dry the tea-leaves/coffee grounds and put it in the soil

• Egg-shells – Crush them, powder them and sprinkle them in the soil.

• Hair - You’ll be surprised to know that both human and pet hair is a great fertilizer for plants. It is good source of nitrogen. Next time you brush your hair take the fallen locks and bury them in soil.

Here’s a list of my go to blogs/You Tube channels/ Websites for plant care tips

• Garden up

• The Sill

• Ugaoo

• Urban Gardening

• Gardening Upbeat

There is abundant information available on the internet today for you to learn from. So go ahead and explore and see what resonates with you.

Plant Books

These books are an easy guide to plant parenting with great tips and styling ideas.

• Urban Jungle

• Plant Tribe

• House Plants – Emma Sibley

• The New Plant Parent – Darryl Cheng

• How Not to Kill Your House Plants – Trisha Bora

This journey is not as daunting as it seems to be. It is fairly simple and highly fulfilling. It is just not about how plants look, it’s just as much about how they make you feel. They have powerful healing and restorative properties. Imagine an oasis bringing in the much needed sense of calm and inspiration, the fresh supply of oxygen just an added bonus. You can write to me if you have any more questions on how to begin. I would love to discuss plants and help you kick start this journey.