Enter the Enchanting Houseplant World of Shaun: Experience the Beauty of Her Exquisitely Styled In-Home Conservatory"
All photography owned and copyrighted by: Lindsey Gregory, of Nashville Plant People & Lucid Linds Photography
We’re back! Welcome to our June, 2023 edition of Nashville Plant People’s Featured Plant Person.
Big thanks to 615 Nursery & Garden Center for sponsoring this month’s feature!
615 is giving everyone a 10% discount on your purchase when you mention "Nashville Plant People" at the checkout. Hurry, this offer is only valid until July 2nd, 2023.
615 Nursery & Garden Center is located at 144 McGavock Pike Nashville, TN 37214 in Donelson.
Happy Plant Shopping y’all!
Now let’s jump in and meet Shaun and all her houseplants!
Let me introduce you to Shaun, a remarkable individual who has found immense joy and fulfillment in her life. For nearly 27 years, she has been happily married, sharing her days with her loving husband, two beautiful daughters, and two adorable four-legged companions. But there's something else that brings an unmistakable sparkle to Shaun's eyes and adds an extra touch of magic to her home—her flourishing collection of houseplants.
Shaun's houseplant journey is a testament to her deep passion for greenery and her unwavering dedication to creating an enchanting space. Step into her world, and you'll find a remarkable room, carefully designed and constructed in 2020, with the sole purpose of showcasing and celebrating her beloved houseplants. It's a sanctuary of serenity, a place where she can immerse herself in the beauty of nature and revel in the countless wonders that her houseplants bring.
But Shaun's journey extends beyond the mere act of collecting plants. It's full of creativity and style as she curates her indoor jungle, carefully arranging each plant to create a symphony of colors, textures, and forms. Her space is a living masterpiece, a testament to her impeccable eye for aesthetics and her ability to transform a room into a living art gallery.
Shaun would like to also express her heartfelt gratitude to her ever-supportive husband. She playfully acknowledged him as the ultimate sponsor of her indoor jungle. His support and encouragement have not only allowed Shaun to pursue her passion wholeheartedly but have also added an extra layer of love and warmth to their shared space.
So, join us as we delve into the captivating world of Shaun's houseplant journey. Discover the tales behind many of her plants, witness the stunning arrangements she has created, and let her infectious passion for greenery inspire you. And to Shaun's loving husband, we extend a heartfelt thank you for nurturing and sponsoring her indoor oasis too—truly a testament to the power of love and the beauty that flourishes when dreams are embraced.
I asked Shaun to tell me who or what inspired her to start collecting houseplants?
“My very first plant was a dumb cane [Dieffenbachia], after my grandmother (who we affectionately called Mother Dear) died in 2001, my mom ( who also collects and cares for plants) divided up Mother Dear’s plants amongst her kids. The grandkids received cuttings of her dumb cane. I still have that original plant today and have propagated and shared with others. When I visit family member’s homes I always check in on their plants especially their dumb cane.
Growing and nurturing that plant had sparked a love of plants in me.”
As a community, let’s talk about the Dieffenbachia plant for a moment. First, this plant is perfect for both beginner and seasoned plant enthusiasts. It will thrive in medium to bright indirect light and prefers well-draining soil.
However, it is important to note, (but please don’t freak out here) that Dieffenbachia contains a toxic sap that can be harmful if ingested. This plant got the name dumb cane due to its sap's numbing properties. Apparently, if ingested, the sap can cause temporary loss of speech. It can also irritate your eyes. Just be sure to wash your hands throughly after working with this plant. It is also advisable to keep Dieffenbachia out of reach of curious little hands and paws, or opt for non-toxic alternatives if safety is a concern. All of that being said, lots of us have pets and kiddos and these types of plants, so just be smart about where you put your plant in your home.
Hello Handsome
Not only did we get to meet Shaun and check out all of her lovely plants, but we got to meet Sebastian, her adorable pup too. Shaun said her plant room is his favorite place to be and he loves to watch TV out there as well. I can’t remember what his favorite show was, maybe something on animal planet. HA!
How many houseplants do you own and how long have you been collecting them?
“Since 2001, and I currently have 113 house plants, plus multiple rose bushes.”
Shaun’s plant room, or in-home conservatory if you will, is truly exquisite. This room is perfectly styled by Shaun herself with plants, pots and plant stands from many of our local plant shops, one of them being this month’s sponsor, 615 Nursery and Garden Center in Donelson. She has tons of natural light from her many windows to help her houseplants thrive too. Shaun does, however, have some grow lights in certain spots for a few of her plants that may not get enough bright light from her windows. For example, in her beautiful antique hutch that holds many of her succulents, cacti, air plants and her adorable Marimo Moss Ball.
Curious about adding grow lights for some of your plants in a piece of furniture? I have used these panel grow lights in two different pieces of furniture that I turned into “plant cabinets” in my own home. I especially like the panel light design because they are lightweight and have a built-in timer. The timer can be set on 6 hrs, 8 hrs or 12 hrs, I always use the 12 hour setting. They work great, are easy to install and they are affordable. My favorite flip, is a redesigned sideboard I found at a yard sale to hold lots of cacti for the winter using these particular grow lights. I’m kinda obsessed with it, you can see it here if you missed it in our group.
*This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to make a purchase using my link.*
Are there any plant-related products or tools that you would recommend to our community?
“I highly recommend all things miracle grow, my grandmother used that brand as well as my mother, so if it worked for them, it works for me.
- Get a moisture meter, most people kill plants due to over/under watering.
- Grow lights to help our plants friends get a boost of extra warmth and sunshine [the light they need to photosynthesize]
- Plant pulleys for plants you want to display from your ceiling”
Houseplant Labels
Shaun has her houseplants labeled so she can leave instructions for each particular plant for her daughters who care for her plants when she is away. Brilliant!
Have you ever helped create a "Plant Person"?
“I help style plants in other’s homes and give plant tips to family and friends. My 2 daughters also love plants and I love that we get to bond even more discussing new plants.”
Ric Rac Cactus
Currently Shaun’s favorite plant is her Ric Rac or also known as a fishbone cactus. This plant can handle periods of time without water, but it will grow better with a drink when the first top inch or so of the soil dries out.
String of Hearts
I asked Shaun why her String of Hearts was in a cup of water. She said a local plant shop told her that this is the best way to keep the soil moist by keeping the water line right at the bottom of the pot the plant is in. This must work, her String of Hearts was almost 6’ long!
What's your best houseplant tip or trick? Something you would tell a new plant parent or a plant friend?
“Have fun growing plants! It’s a marathon not a sprint.
Start with a small plant if you can keep that alive then add to your collection.
Plants will die, thats ok, research, make adjustments and try again.”
“Plants remind us to trust in our creator “
Golden Pothos
Shaun shared that this is one of her favorite plants because her husband got it for her. This is a super easy beginner plant so, go get ya one if you don’t have one yet. ;)
Bird of Paradise
Shaun has two massive Bird of Paradise plants in her plant room. One in each corner near her bright light windows. They must be super happy, because they are huge!
What do you love about our Nashville Plant People community?
“I first heard about N.P.P. via Instagram. I wanted to be a part of the community because I was excited to see other people with plants and their plant care journey.”
Here are 6 essential tips for keeping a large collection of houseplants happy and thriving:
Understand the Needs of Each Plant: With a diverse collection of houseplants, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific care requirements of each species. Take the time to research and understand factors such as light intensity, water frequency, humidity preferences, and temperature ranges. Some plants may thrive in bright, indirect light, while others prefer lower light conditions. Knowing these details will help you tailor your care routine to meet the unique needs of each plant, ensuring their overall health and vitality. Don’t forget our private Facebook group is a great place to ask questions and learn from others too.
It's also important to consider the native environment of each plant. Tropical plants, for example, may require higher humidity levels, while desert plants may prefer drier conditions. By providing the ideal conditions for each plant, you'll maximize their growth potential and overall well-being.
Establish a Consistent Watering Routine: Consistency is key when it comes to watering multiple houseplants. Develop a watering schedule that takes into account the moisture requirements of each plant. Check the soil regularly and water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain away. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other moisture-related issues, as well as under-watering, which can cause stress and wilting.
Be mindful of the variations in water needs among different plants. Some plants may prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, while others require more frequent watering. It's always better to underwater than overwater, as most houseplants are more tolerant of slight drought conditions than excessive moisture. Adjust your watering routine based on the specific needs of each plant and the environmental conditions in your home.
Provide Adequate Drainage and Potting Mix: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogged soil and promote healthy root development. Ensure that each plant has a well-draining container with drainage holes at the bottom. This allows excess water to escape, reducing the risk of overwatering and root-related issues. More seasoned plant people might opt for pots without drainage when they know what their plants needs are. I definitely do, some are just fine, and some struggle a bit because of the pot I have the plant in.
Choose a high-quality potting mix that provides adequate aeration and moisture retention. Avoid compacted soil or heavy clay mixes that can impede drainage and lead to root suffocation. Consider adding perlite or vermiculite to the potting mix to improve drainage and airflow. Well-draining soil and pots create a healthier root environment, which is essential for the overall health and growth of your plants.
Monitor and Adjust Lighting Conditions: Light is an essential factor for plant growth and well-being. Evaluate the lighting conditions in your home and place your plants accordingly. Some plants thrive in bright, indirect light, while others prefer moderate or low light levels. Observe how your plants respond to their current location and make adjustments as needed.
Rotate your plants periodically to ensure even exposure to light and prevent excessive leaning or uneven growth. For areas with limited natural light, consider supplementing with artificial lighting. LED grow lights are an excellent option as they provide a full spectrum of light that supports photosynthesis. Position the lights at an appropriate distance from the plants to prevent burning or light stress. Timers can be used to ensure consistent lighting schedules, particularly if natural light is insufficient.
Regularly Inspect for Pests and Diseases: A large collection of houseplants can attract pests and diseases, which can spread rapidly if left unchecked. Implement a routine inspection of your plants, examining both the foliage and the soil. Look for signs of common pests such as aphids, spider mites, or scale insects. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate organic or chemical methods, depending on your preferences and the severity of the infestation.
Additionally, be vigilant for signs of disease, such as leaf spots, wilting, or discoloration. Isolate affected plants if necessary to prevent the spread of diseases to healthy ones. Good air circulation is recommended too.
My last question for Shaun was, “Did you enjoy your Nashville Plant Person photo shoot? What appealed to you about becoming a Featured Plant Person?”
“Lindsey [photographer, Nashville Plant People Founder] was so fun and easy to connect with. Bella, [video, Gumball Media] was so nice and was very polite.
I loved this photo session, I wanted to do this because I thought it was a fun way to tell my story of my plant journey and how this passion had been passed down from generations.”
We talked about plants for two hours and it was a blast, if you are a plant person you get it. The whole reason this community exists and why you are probably reading this blog is because we all share an interest in houseplants. Whether we are learning about different types of plants, how to care for our plants, or even new ways to style them in our homes, it’s really cool that we have such a tight-knit community of people to share our interests with. So BIG THANKS TO YOU, reader, for being here!
One of the things that really lights me up about this project is listening to the fascinating stories behind how people came to possess their beloved plants. It's incredible to hear about the various journeys that led them to acquire these leafy companions. Some stories revolve around discovering a favorite local plant shop, where the vibrant greenery and welcoming atmosphere keeps them coming back. Others involve exciting road trips, where plant enthusiasts embarked on botanical adventures, searching far and wide for unique and rare specimens to add to their collections.
Then there are the stories of plant exchanges, where friendships blossomed through the mutual love of plants. Picture this: Shaun, beaming with delight, showing us one of her stunning orchids that was gifted to her by a dear friend. She shared the story of this particular orchid, a thoughtful gesture following a minor fender bender, the orchid was a get-well-soon present that reminded her of the caring bonds we share with our loved ones. That orchid not only graces Shaun's houseplant space with its exquisite beauty but also serves as a constant reminder of the love and well-wishes that surrounded her during her recovery.
These stories resonate deeply because they remind us of the incredible connections we have with our friends and family. They demonstrate how plants can be more than just decorative elements in our lives. They symbolize the love, support, and desire for our happiness and well-being that our loved ones hold for us. In those moments when we admire our plants, we can't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the meaningful relationships we have cultivated. Houseplants are simply more than just houseplants.
You can follow Shaun’s on-going story of caring for and styling her houseplants here. THANK YOU Shaun for welcoming all of us into your home and sharing your story.
Keep an eye out on all of our socials and in our email newsletters for more upcoming Featured Plant People. Let's continue to support each other within our Nashville Plant People community and keep spreading the love for all things green.
Happy planting my plant friends,
-Lindsey, Nashville Plant People
P.S. We have our first Nashville Plant People community plant swap coming up in July. Capacity will be limited for the swap and we are working on getting that planned as I type this. We also have so many more exclusive community events coming up too, be sure to sign up for our emails to make sure you don’t miss anything. Believe me, you won’t see everything on social media, unfortunately that’s just how that works these days on all the social media platforms.
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