How to be a better plant person
It’s easy when you talk to plant expert Ivan Woo of Soilboy, and see their selections
Not-so-fun/cool fact: I’m not good with plants.
Some have actually died under my care, and I can’t really figure out how or why.
It usually happens when I’m asked to take care of my mum’s plants whenever she goes away for a vacation. I follow her instructions to the letter, but the results are mixed at best.
You can guess that I sheepishly apologise to her often. I don’t know if it helps, but I’d like to say sorry again. (To who or what, I’m not exactly sure.) I feel like bowing as I write this, too, which is weird. (I’ve been watching too many Asian dramas lately, which probably explains it.)
These terrible events aside, I do acknowledge and appreciate the value of plants, and I’d still love to have them in my space – or at least see them in my space being cared for by someone with a green thumb so they can properly thrive. They do brighten up a room and make it feel alive.
And I’d still like to get tips about plants, especially when I came across Soilboy. Maybe they can help me turn things around (and make me feel less guilty or more proactive)?
A lifestyle plant design studio
This is what Soilboy is, and it’s an apt description. If there’s any place or expert in Singapore that can make me a better plant person, it would probably be them – and Ivan Woo, Soilboy’s creative director, too.
“We aim to inspire a sense of curiosity for the greener things in life through a curation of plants, handmade pottery and simplifying plant care,” he says.
“We have a retail store along Sin Ming Road in Singapore, and will soon move to a bigger outlet in New Bahru – a new lifestyle destination at 46 and 58 Kim Yam Road in River Valley – this May. We offer and deliver potted plants, ceramic planters, and plant care products from countries like Japan and South Korea.
“We also have new services such as designing and creating a plant installation for visual merchandising, as well as indoor and outdoor landscaping,” he adds.
I’ll consider myself a beginner
So I can start afresh. I’ll go with improving my mindset about plants first, because I think it will change my impressions (and even beliefs) about them.
How Ivan thinks of plants can help point me in the right direction.
“Plants evoke a sense of nature, and serve as a gentle reminder to embrace life’s simplicity and beauty,” he says.
“One thing we should never underestimate about plants is that they are living beings requiring care and attention. With proper nurturing, they not only enhance indoor spaces but also improve mood and mindfulness. Their ability to promote relaxation is truly remarkable.”
Another thing about plants that’s remarkable? “Plants have been shown to boost productivity and creativity, making them invaluable additions to any environment. So, while they seem silent and stationary, plants hold the power to positively influence our well-being in profound ways.”
I can believe that
So why-oh-why can’t I manage to keep it together and maintain some of them? I’m aware of their uses and purpose; but even if I wasn’t, I’d still appreciate their mere existence.
Ivan’s tips might give me (and you) a revelation or two (or more).
How to choose and curate plants for beginners
What should we put in our own spaces?
“For beginners venturing into plant care, it’s crucial to consider various factors before selecting the right plants for their spaces,” Ivan states.
“Similar to adopting a pet, individuals should assess their lifestyle and commitment level to caring for plants. Factors such as watering frequency, lighting conditions and aesthetic preferences should be taken into account. Whether it’s for a home or a workplace, understanding these factors ensures the successful cultivation of healthy and thriving indoor greenery.”
(Side note: I have pets and I love them to bits, so I should be aware of this.)
How to put plants in their “right” places
Ivan’s advice for placing plants in their optimal locations:
#1 Assess plant needs
“Understand the specific requirements of each plant in terms of sunlight, humidity and temperature. Some plants thrive in bright, indirect light, while others prefer low-light conditions. Researching individual plant needs is key.”
#2 Consider natural light
“Take note of the natural light sources in your space. Place plants that require bright, direct sunlight near windows where they can receive adequate light throughout the day. Conversely, low-light plants can be placed in areas with less natural light.”
#3 Think about temperature and humidity
“Be mindful of the temperature and humidity levels in different areas of your home or workplace. Certain plants, such as tropical varieties, thrive in highly humid environments, while others prefer drier conditions.”
#4 Space and air flow, too
“Consider the available space and air flow within your environment. When an environment has a lack of air flow, plants may stay moist for a long period of time.”
#5 Plus other aesthetic considerations
“Take into account the overall aesthetic and design of your space when placing plants. Plants with a nice silhouette make a great centrepiece, while lush and leafy plants help to fill up an empty space.”
Last but not the least, be attentive. “By being attentive to the needs of your plants, you can ensure they are in the ‘right’ places within your space, promoting their health and vitality.”
And in our case: “Introducing nature into indoor spaces can evoke feelings of softness and comfort. Many individuals discover that it fosters a sense of groundedness within them.”
How to let plants decide how we design and furnish our spaces
Because I genuinely think it’d be interesting to do – and would give us an alternative method that might actually yield better results for our homes and workspaces, too.
“Letting plants influence our design and furnishings can bring a natural, harmonious feel to our spaces whilst also providing practical benefits, like improved air quality and mood enhancement,” Ivan says. His suggestions:
#1 Natural light integration
“Arrange furniture and design layouts to maximise natural light for your plants. Consider positioning seating areas near windows to provide ample light for both humans and plants.”
#2 Functional planters
“Choose planters that not only enhance the aesthetics of your space, but also serve a functional purpose – such as incorporating built-in storage or seating around large planters.”
Get it?
If the above tips aren’t enough, Ivan gives us more of his green habits, insights and tools to help. (And it’s also a good way to end this post.)
#1 Ivan’s top essentials for plant care
They’re simple: “Sharp bonsai scissors and slow-release fertilisers,” he answers.
#2 His favourite plants
You guessed it. “Bonsai – they are sun-loving, so they need about four hours of direct sunlight a day and need to be watered daily, or twice a day when placed in a semi-outdoor area,” he advises.
“There are actually some bonsai species that can be grown under indirect sunlight, such as the Feroniella Bonsai and Polyscia Bonsai. These are great beginner-friendly plants.”
#3 The special benefits that working with plants have brought him
“Plant knowledge came with lots of research and experimenting, and it has helped us impart this knowledge and skills to our customers who wanted to try getting their first plants.”
#4 Activities to cultivate our love of and appreciation for plants
“Repotting a plant and growing plants from seeds can help to cultivate love and appreciation for plants, especially when the plants are thriving under our care!”
Now, how to make plants live – and live longer
Do you think I have more than enough information to go by? Armed with Ivan’s pointers, it’s up to me (and you, too) to finally put them into practice. Wish me luck!
Find Soilboy here and on Facebook and Instagram. Check them out at New Bahru.