Something about Jen
Plant mom. Perpetual learner. Maker of things.
Hi, I'm Jen
I'm a self-taught baker, accidental plant collector, educator, and someone who genuinely believes that learning something new every week is one of the best ways to live. This site is where all of those obsessions collide.
The plants I started with are a snake plant and two calathea's because they were pretty! The calathea's died in 3 weeks! That was several years and many, many pots ago. Now I have a full-on indoor jungle and zero regrets.
When I'm not elbow-deep in soil or flour, I'm probably reading about fermentation, watching some really good reality tv, or trying to figure out why my peace lily is being dramatic again.
The Plant Obsession
It started innocently. It did not stay that way. Here's what's currently thriving (and occasionally struggling) in Jen's indoor jungle.
Monstera deliciosa
"The Queen"
Let the soil dry out between waterings. She'll tell you when she's thirsty — the leaves will start to droop slightly.
Calathea ornata
"The Diva"
Calatheas are dramatic. They hate tap water, dry air, and direct sun. Use filtered or distilled water and keep humidity high.
Pothos (Golden)
"The OG"
The plant that started it all. Nearly impossible to kill, trails beautifully, and propagates like a dream. Perfect starter plant.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
"The Commitment"
Find a spot with good light and don't move it. Fiddle leafs hate change. Once they're happy, they'll reward you with gorgeous big leaves.
String of Pearls
"The Showstopper"
Treat it like a succulent — it wants to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the number one killer.
ZZ Plant
"The Reliable One"
The ZZ is basically indestructible. It stores water in its rhizomes, so neglect is actually fine. Great for forgetful plant parents.
Plant Care 101
A few things Jen wishes she'd known before killing her first three plants.
Overwatering is the #1 killer
More plants die from too much water than too little. When in doubt, wait another few days. Check the soil — if it's still moist an inch down, it doesn't need water yet.
Light matters more than you think
"Indirect light" doesn't mean a dark corner. Most houseplants want to be near a window. If you can't comfortably read a book by the light in a spot, it's probably too dark for most plants.
Drainage is non-negotiable
Always use pots with drainage holes. Sitting water at the bottom of a pot leads to root rot, which is usually fatal. If you love a decorative pot without holes, use it as a cachepot with a nursery pot inside.
Humidity is your friend
Most tropical houseplants come from humid environments. A pebble tray with water, grouping plants together, or a small humidifier can make a huge difference — especially in winter when heating dries out the air.
Currently Learning
One of Jen's favorite things is picking up a new skill or rabbit hole and going deep. Here's what's on the workbench right now.
Sourdough from scratch
BakingMaintaining a starter named Gerald. He's been alive for three months and we've had our ups and downs.
Plant propagation
PlantsCurrently propagating pothos, monstera nodes, and a string of hearts. The water propagation station is getting out of hand.
Food photography
CreativeTrying to get better at capturing the food I make. Natural light, composition, and not eating the subject before the shot.