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Green-thumbed Press Herald readers showed us how their indoor gardens grow.
“I got this African violet from my mother-in-law. She had a real green thumb and I think of
her every time I look at it. African violets love to have their leaves dusted with a soft brush to make them shine. They like damp soil, not soggy, and indirect light. I call her Sophia after my grandmother who grew African violets. I call them 'old lady' plants, which I am, but have been growing them since my 20s. Thanks for the opportunity to introduce Sophia.” - Mary O., Kittery Point
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“I got this African violet from my mother-in-law. She had a real green thumb and I think of
her every time I look at it. African violets love to have their leaves dusted with a soft brush to make them shine. They like damp soil, not soggy, and indirect light. I call her Sophia after my grandmother who grew African violets. I call them 'old lady' plants, which I am, but have been growing them since my 20s. Thanks for the opportunity to introduce Sophia.” - Mary O., Kittery Point
“Here is my prized polka dot begonia, my absolute favorite houseplant that lights up the room! She was a cutting about a year and a half ago and she has grown so quickly. I highly recommend this variety for anyone getting into houseplants that wants a full and unique piece.“ - Michelle R., Portland
“I got this ponytail palm, or elephant palm, from a greenhouse in Massachusetts about 45 years ago and it’s now about 2.5 feet tall. It was just a wee one with many others in the pot. As they grew, I gave the others away and repotted this one many times. 'Itt' gets watered weekly along with several shots of liquid fertilizer in the spring and summer. I talk to Itt and fluff its fronds regularly.” - Polly P., Portland
“There are a lot! My favorite is the red Abyssinian banana in the center of the photo. I got it from someone who was moving and it’s constantly putting out new leaves. It loves water. You cannot over water this. And it needs full sun, south or western windows only. I’ll put it outside in the summer months.”
- Mike R., Bangor
“One year ago, I started adopting plants. Prior to that I had zero. I believe I have 84 plants total now, these are just some of them. I keep cacti around to keep the cat from eating them, which seems to work. I love my plants. I spend so much time every day looking at each one to see if there are new leaves, buds or, god forbid, bugs! I am forever grateful for the joy they bring me each morning as I walk past them saying hello on my way to make my cup of coffee.” - Renee S., Augusta
“Most of my houseplants are from friends’ cuttings. I rarely buy indoor plants because I’ve run out of room.” - Dara J., South Portland
“I bought this variegated monstera from East Pine Plant shop as a single rooted cutting and I’ve had it
for about 1.5 years now. It is my favorite plant in my collection.” - Mike M., South Portland
“I got this Norfolk pine with ferns in a huge bowl at a YMCA Adaptive Services auction in 2009, or so. It had several small pines in it and a few years ago I had to cut the tallest one off when it got about this big and this one grew up. It is now about five feet tall. When they get above the wall and get into the sun they really take off. I water it generously and mist it weekly.” - Patricia D., Portland
“These guys, philodendron and monstera, I have acquired over the last year. Each one has a story and they seem to find themselves together through my story. They are happy and thriving together.” - Lisa G., Scarborough
“This is my schefflera plant, also known as an umbrella plant. They are great plants for beginners as they can tolerate longer periods of time in between waterings. To properly care for a Schefflera, place it four to six feet away from a window with bright light. Water this plant about every two weeks and allow soil to completely dry out in between waterings to avoid root rot. Scheffleras do best in a chunky soil mix (potting soil + perlite or bark). For more “planty” tips, check out my Instagram page @justplantythangs.” - Erica N,. Saco
“I’m not sure that most succulents thrive in a pot without drainage, but this one does. I water a bit once a week. She keeps dropping babies, which I repot and give away as gifts. Her name is Poppy.”
- Autumn S., Windham
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
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