The indoor jungle
Like most houseplant obsessives, Jenna Gray’s collection began with one or two. Then things spiralled,
Jenna Gray is a former florist who traded blooms for leaves and cofounded The Plant Project, an online store for trendy and rare varieties of indoor plants. She rents in Green Bay, Auckland, with her 4-year-old daughter, Ruby.
Jenna Gray
This is the first time in my life I have ever rented. We found a cute little house for the two of us in September last year. Renters can’t put down permanent gardens, so they bring the outdoors in.
Like most houseplant obsessives, I started out with one or two and things spiralled.
My house is very much a jungle. I had my first house inspection recently and the landlord called me later that day and said, ‘‘Oh my God, how many are there?’’
I would say about 60.
Plant care should be enjoyable.
You don’t want watering plants to feel like another chore. Watering is something I do with Ruby, she has her own watering can. She goes around, and she knows which ones she can look after. Some of them really don’t like being drowned by a 4-year-old, so we put those up higher.
I tend to group varieties together that have similar watering habits. There are varieties that like to be watered little and often. There are varieties that like to be completely dried down between waterings. It helps to put those together, so I know that is my shelf I water every two weeks, or that is my shelf I need to water every five days.
The biggest problem with plants – nine times out of 10 – is you’ve overwatered it.
People are overly attentive. You can kill plants with kindness, watering all the time. A lot of plants in my house thrive on a level of neglect. They’re pretty resilient and bounce back quickly if they get left a little too long. Success with them really is just a balance of water and lighting.
One of the biggest terms that gets thrown around in the plant community is ‘‘bright filtered light’’. What that means practically is putting them in a well-lit space in the house, but not directly by the window. Or you might have a linen curtain or trees outside that soften the sun, so it doesn’t scorch the leaves.
Each plant has its own personality and habits.
I’ve learned by trial and error. There are some types of plants that you just won’t jibe with . . . Cut your losses with the type of plant that keeps dying – you’re just not meant to be together.
Right now, my favourite is a Thai constellation. They’re a rare, variegated monstera that is new to the market. We import the tissue culture. What I love about them is every new leaf that opens is different.
My decor has always been a bit eclectic.
I like the natural fibres complementing my plants. It’s probably only in the last year that I started collecting rattan. I got one piece and, sort of like my plants, I kept going until it became a look. Op shops on the Hibiscus Coast are great for it. Crisp whites and linen are definitely not me. We’ve got lots of colour in our home.
There is a scene from the film The Holiday that has always stuck with me, where the young girls have a fort with fairy lights. I wanted Ruby’s room to feel magical like that. She loves her dolls and her bejewelled and sparkly clothes . . . she has a big personality.
Jenna’s growing tips
If you find a spot in the house a plant likes, leave it there. People love fiddle leaf figs, and they’re super temperamental. If you find a space where it’s really happy, don’t move it. Plants will always grow towards the light so if you rotate them, you get a full, bushy plant rather than something lopsided. When you get a new plant, wait at least two to four weeks before repotting. The plant is already in shock from leaving the optimal conditions of a greenhouse for your home, and further shock could cause damage. Spring is the best time for an annual or bi-annual repot because that is when your plant is actively growing.