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@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 1Y
Your plants as Art I came to houseplants, in part, is an offshoot of art therapy for the treatment of PTSD. I noticed that having pictures of the Dutch golden age floral still life prints elevated my mood. So I thought why not try real plants. I didn’t know it at the time, but there is a lot of science and evidence linking plants and nature with treating various health conditions including mental health. For those of you interested in this aspect of having house plants might, I suggest combining it with artistic expression. I have some progress with respect to this in the photos, I posted where I have vines undulating about the art across my wall. Have you ever heard of this expression art imitating life imitating art? Have you ever considered how cultivation of plants can be an art form? "Art imitating life imitating art" captures the cyclic relationship between artistic expression mirroring reality, and life drawing inspiration from art. The term's origins trace back to the Greek philosopher Aristotle's concept of "mimesis," emphasizing imitation and representation in art. Consider Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night." This masterpiece exemplifies art imitating life through van Gogh's interpretation of the night sky. Life imitates art as this iconic painting has influenced and inspired various forms of expression, from fashion to home decor. The swirling patterns and vivid colors have become synonymous with the romanticized depiction of the night sky, showcasing how classical art can permeate and shape our cultural consciousness in tangible ways. The most iconic example of plants as art form comes from Louis XIV of France. The Gardens of Versailles stand as a pinnacle of artistic expression, where the cultivation of plants is elevated to a classical art form. Crafted in the 17th century, these gardens seamlessly merge geometric precision with the organic beauty of nature. Through meticulously designed parterres, water features, and sculpted greenery, Versailles achieves an aesthetic synthesis of classical principles and horticultural mastery, establishing the cultivation of plants as a grand classical artistry. In my more modest surroundings, I have my monstera weaving its way across my art from art therapy. I like to think the greenery adds a dynamic and organic dimension to the artworks, creating a symbiotic relationship where the natural world reflects and enhances the artistic expressions, completing a captivating loop of influence and inspiration. Are any of you using plants as your pallet ? If you find plants as an art form interesting, take a look at this article about Piet Ouldolf. He is a renowned Dutch garden designer, and has been a transformative figure in the realm of garden design, elevating the use of plants to an art form. His approach, often referred to as "New Perennial" or "Oudolfian" style, emphasizes the careful selection and placement of plants to create dynamic, naturalistic compositions that evolve with the seasons. REVISED I FORGOT LINK https:// . #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad #plantsareart

@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 1Y
Anthropomorphism and thinking of your plant as a high maintenance friend. Anthropomorphism (ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmÈŻr-ˌfi-zəm) Merriam-Webster Dictionary refers to the attribution of human traits,emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. It's a common human tendency, seen throughout history in mythology and storytelling, where animals and even objects are depicted with human characteristics. But how does this relate to our houseplants? The urge to talk to our plants, give them names, or imagine them feeling happy or sad is a form of anthropomorphism.While seemingly whimsical, it can unlock a powerful tool for plant care: mindfulness. The Link Between Anthropomorphism and Mindfulness: The decision to see our plants as living beings with needs motivates us to be more attentive. Instead of simply watering on Wednesdays, we become plant detectives. We observe subtle changes in leaf color, drooping stems, or signs of pests with a heightened sense of awareness. This is mindfulness in action – a present-moment focus on observing our plants without judgment. From Observation to Breakthrough: Mindfulness goes beyond just noticing changes. It encourages us to analyze these cues critically. A drooping plant isn't just "sad," it might be thirsty, lacking light, or battling root rot. By actively connecting these observations to potential causes – like recent changes in watering or light exposure – we can identify the underlying problem. Unlocking Mysteries: Consider the quintessential Karen of the plant world, the Fiddle Leaf Fig. (well IMHO, a tie with calathea). For weeks, a given fig can have drooping leaves. Increased watering doesn’t resolve the issue. Different light source, still no improvement. However an approach using mindfulness would consider the greater context such as a recent repotting. Bingo! The roots were crammed, restricting water flow. A thoughtful repotting, and the plant perks up. The Takeaway: Talking to your plants might seem silly, but the underlying concept – anthropomorphic mindfulness – can be a game-changer for plant care. By viewing our plants as living things with needs and actively analyzing the cues they offer, we can cultivate a thriving indoor jungle, filled with happy and healthy plants, even the "fussy" ones. Who knows, you might just have a breakthrough with a plant that has been struggling for a long time, all thanks to the power of mindful observation. But then there is always the other side to consider
 Take my philodendron dark lord. What a menacing posture it exhibits. It makes me wonder whether its namesake is “the Dark Lord” and that body language and expession? Already a megalomaniac. I had this plant in my bedroom one night and just cloud not shake this feeling it was already plotting my demise. And that countenance. Could it be any clearer: when I am grown up I wills be your overload. I knew I shouldn’t have given it a vantage point so high above 
 #PhilodendronDarkLord #MyPlantWantsToBeInternetFamous #PlantCare #GreenThumb #IndoorGardening #UrbanJungle #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad


@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 1Y
Public Service Announcement: Ubiquitous among credible resources and hobbyist blog posts alike is the advice that using a pebble tray can address those crispy leaves on your calathea or help your queen anthurium thrive. I myself have several humidity trays and pebbles of all sorts, including those made from jade. Save your money. Upon reflection it occurred to me that it’s scientifically impossible given the limited amount of water involved. Use a humidifier, instead. Here is how the myth unravels, using a 10 x 10 room and a six” square humidity tray as example. 1. Limited Water Volume, Quantifying the Insufficiency: Our 6" x 6" pebble tray, holding a mere 0.15 gallons (approximately 567 milliliters) of water, is overshadowed by the expansive 10x10 room. To be precise, achieving a substantial increase in humidity requires several gallons of water – a quantifiable amount well beyond the tray's capacity. 2. Hygrometer Measures the Negligible Impact: Even under the hypothetical scenario where the entire 0.15 gallons evaporates instantly, the impact on a common hygrometer would be quantifiably negligible. The tray's water volume categorically falls short of creating a measurable change in room humidity. 3. Quantifying the Short-Lived Impact: For those aiming to sustain a 1% increase in humidity for one hour in a 10x10 room, we're talking about needing several gallons (specifically, more than 2 gallons) of water to meet this goal. This quantifiable requirement surpasses the pebble tray's meager capacity. 4. HVAC as the Quantifiable Final Blow: To bolster our case with precision, the pebble tray's effectiveness is quantifiably hampered by HVAC systems. The forced air from these systems rapidly disperses any moisture, quantifiably diminishing the tray's impact in an ephemeral manner. In conclusion, let's be unequivocal – the quantities matter. Humidity trays, exemplified by our 6" x 6" pebble tray in a 10x10 room, are not just less effective than they seem; they are quantifiably ineffective for significantly and sustainably increasing humidity levels. For those of you wondering if the area around the plant would achieve sufficient increases in humidity as compared to the rest of the room, the answer is no. Not enough to register on a hygrometer considering rate of evaporation and impact of air circulation within the room. However A 1-gallon humidifier can modestly increase humidity around a houseplant, but HVAC systems may disperse moisture rapidly, limiting its impact. Moreover, the effect is temporary, contingent on regular refilling after the water is vaporized. #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad

@TexanExpat avatar @TexanExpat · 1Y
Is tap water killing your plants ? I used to use tap water my plants. That was before I understood that tap water can be toxic to houseplants. Over time I started seeing leaf burn on my plants and was surprised to learn it was from the tap water. I have a water distiller that is a pain to use and I otherwise fill up water from my parents reverse osmosis. But this can be a hassle. I saw this filter on Amazon. I’m going to buy and I think it will be a big improvement. Tap water may be okay for some plants but the additives can be problematic. Houseplants in native habitats often evolved with rainwater or naturally filtered water, free from additives like fluoride and chlorine. Municipal tap water, on the other hand, often contains these chemicals due to water treatment processes. Fluoride and chlorine toxicity can impact plant health, causing leaf burn and growth issues, particularly in sensitive plants like orchids, carnivorous plants, ferns, bromeliads, and some aroids. The garden hose filter pictured, with KDF and Coconut GAC filters, efficiently reduces chlorine, odors, heavy metals, and sediment, making tap water more suitable for sensitive plants. While it may not remove all fluoride, the filter helps create a healthier water environment, mitigating potential toxicity issues and promoting optimal growth for a variety of houseplants. Attached are some pictures of plants damaged by tap water. Here is a link for the aqua crest water filter for plants https:// #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad