How to manage a living gallery of over 500 indoor plants
In short: For Fesi Djojo, plants are not mere decorations; they are the architecture of her home. Managing a collection of 558 specimens requires more than just passion. It demands a disciplined approach to humidity, a keen eye for soil moisture, and a strategic method for expanding a rare botanical library.
Fesi Djron, an indoor plant enthusiast, has transformed her living spaces into a lush, integrated environment where foliage replaces traditional art. As of February this year, her indoor collection reached a staggering 558 plants. This includes trailing species like Dichondra, Hoya, and Epipremnum, which drape from ceilings and shelves, alongside dedicated bookcases filled with carefully selected specimens. The challenge of such a large collection lies in maintaining the delicate balance between a natural aesthetic and the overwhelming clutter that a massive botanical density can often create.
The collection is notably defined by rare and variegated varieties that require specific environmental conditions. For instance, a variegated fiddle leaf fig is kept in an outdoor glasshouse because the indoor humidity levels were too low for it to thrive. Other notable specimens include the shingle-leaved Monstera dubia, Philodendron iselmanii, and the highly sought-after variegated Monstera ‘Albo’ and Monstera adansonii. Because many of these rare plants are difficult to source, Djojo relies on specialist growers and utilizes propagation to grow and share her collection over time.
Maintenance is a daily commitment. To prevent common issues like root rot or the arrival of fungus gnats, Djojo avoids using water meters, preferring to rely on tactile checks of the soil. She follows a strict rule of only watering when the soil is dry, a process that takes approximately one hour every day. Beyond watering, larger plants require monthly foliage cleaning with water, while smaller plants are regularly washed in a sink or shower to remove dust and refresh the leaves, ensuring the entire collection remains vibrant and healthy.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Huge 500+ indoor plant collection tour and plant care tips | Indoor plants | Gardening Australia
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