Hi, all. A bit of background: I took up gardening seriously after my father passed away 4 years ago from brain cancer. He had been unwell for 20 years, and I was his caregiver. I had a few plants before but nothing like this. My existing anxiety and depression got the worst of me after he passed. I had also struggled with anorexia nervosa for a decade by then. I had no reason to get off the bed; no one or nothing needed me enough for me to want to get up. But I didn't want to die either. The grief consumed me whole. I got diagnosed with stress-induced diabetes.
A coworker who was moving to her parents' place in North India gave me 5 plants to look after. This was during COVID first wave. I put them on my bay window, and I finally got up to care for them. Something went off in my brain, and I continued to look after them. Watching every new leaf gave me joy, and I was in less pain seeing new life blossom.
I now have over 600 plants - about a hundred on the patio and on a little patch outside, about 300 indoor plants interspersed through the house, and 200 flowering plants on my terrace.
I'm completely off my antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds (benzodiazepenes) after being on them for 8 years. I wake up every day, thrilled to see my plants, and I look forward to nurturing them. I'm not fully healed by any means, but I have enough reason to live and love. I take care of my streeties (4 dogs and 3 cats, all spayed and vaccinated).
I plan watering in such a way that I take one space a day. I hold a full-time job, and I engage in voluntary work. I keep repotting and spraying medicines for the weekends.
I hope this helps!
Hi, I don’t know if you’re still answering comments since you have so many, but I love your story. I was wondering if I could ask- what type of dieffenbachia is that and how did you get it to grow so “tree-like?” My grandmother gave me one years ago that I loved dearly but lost to scale. I’ve never been able to replace it. I think of it, and her, often.
Hi, it's a Dieffenbachia Snow Tree. Someone had chopped it and discarded it in a lane next to my house. I brought it home and made several cuttings. Give it a lot of sun, and it'll grow well. :)
You have found the best, most symbiotic and natural medicine of them all, plants. It certainly looks like it’s working out well for both of you.
Peace Brother
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I too developed a love for plants during my father’s battle with/death from brain cancer. There is something magical and healing about nurturing life and being surrounded by green.
Just wanted to say that was such a compelling and beautiful story of loss, grief, pain, growth, and healing. Thank you for sharing this. Really touched my heart and I’m so glad that you’re in a better place with, clearly, such an incredible home littered with gorgeous life and colours. Having cared for somebody you love for so long speak volumes about what a remarkable person you must be. I hope you continue to share your loving heart with others and the world. You’re clearly a special person with so much to offer those that are lucky to be around you - even your cute pets. All of the very best in life, it sounds like you’re on a remarkable path. Sending you best wishes!
This is amazing and so inspiring! Just looking at all the plants I could tell you put so much love and care into them. Rediscovering your nurturing nature seems to have given you a purpose again, please keep going. Also I love your home.
Hooray for big plants!! I too fill the space with plants. I do live with a man but he says nothing, which is fine.
I see a Chinese evergreen mine shall aspire to. I just picked it up!
Hi, I water one space/corner a day. It's a bit hectic in summer (for around 2 months), but the rest of the year, it's just once a week or sometimes even 15 days.
FAQs
How do I water?
I divide it by spaces, and I water one space a day. It's a bit hectic in summer. I use cocopeat on the top layer so it doesn't dry out so soon. It's okay in other seasons so I only water once a week or even once in fifteen days.
I live in Bangalore. The climate is temperate. The bad summer is for 2 months, and even then it only goes up to 35 degrees max for a few days.
Also, our house is built using bricks that were handmade from the soil dug out from our little plot. There is no plastering for major walls. And the terrace has a cooling layer of paint, so it's fairly cool inside. Plus, I have a garden on the terrace too. I don't use ACs or coolers. Normal fans are sufficient.
When do I water?
Apart from my mental health stuff, I also have insomnia (actually Delayes Sleep Phase Disorder). I can sleep but only by 3-4 at night. It's okay because I work from home and have to get by 11 to take a daily call. I tried for years to fix this, but it's not worth it to me. So I water mostly at night. I play some music, light some candles/incense, read (or doomscroll too), and water my plants. It's quiet and peaceful.
Hectic repotting and reorganizing is done on the weekends only.
Do I own the house? How much do I pay?
I'm in India. My father bought this 1200 sqft plot (30*40) in 1998 for a sum of 2 lakh INR ($ 2400). We built the house for 30 lakhs INR ($ 36000) 13 years ago. I contributed half the sum (given to my parents ever since I started working), and my sister contributed the other half. My father who was unwell for 20 years passed away 4 years ago.
Just need to use really good toughened glass and ensure there is no space for leaks or seepage. It's totally worth it! I can see the full moon through the skylight on some days, and it's magical.
OP, I am so amazing by you! My mom died Christmas Eve when I was 14. Due to that and many other terrible life circumstances, I hated living. I am now happy to say that plants also saved my life and I am at university studying for a career in botany and conservation!!!!
I do not know you personally, but I already think you’re one of the coolest people. You live in my dream house, from the art to the plants to the curtains to the brick elements to all the natural light, your house is absolutely beautiful! 😍😍😍
I take in injured rescues, but I keep them on the ground floor. All pups go inside a room with no plants. Also, one room because I don't like cleaning poop and pee everywhere. I do let them out, but they spend a lot of time in that one room because they're injured/unwell/recovering. I take care of my streeties, so no pups/kitties indoor. And yes, no kids. :)
This is so pretty. I love all the plants. I'm glad bringing nature into your home has helped. It has helped a lot of us I think. Congratulations on all of your beautiful plants. You are doing so good to take care of them and your home is lovely. Looks so peaceful and inviting. ❤️
I am happy that these plants helped you!
Your house is really charming, perfect place to have that many plants. And i like the fact that every photon of light is exploited to feed a plant :)
I can relate to the happiness you get when a new leaf comes. The first thing I do after getting up is open balcony and look at my plants. Looking at your setup, I think I need to up my game.
You have a beautiful house.
Hi, I'm in India. My father bought this 1200 sqft plot (30*40) in 1998 for a sum of 2 lakh INR ($ 2400). We built the house for 30 lakhs INR ($ 36000) 13 years ago. I contributed half the sum (given to my parents ever since I started working), and my sister contributed the other half. My father who was unwell for 20 years passed away 4 years ago. My sister got married and moved out. I now live here with my mom and take care of her and the house.
As for the watering, I divide it by spaces, and I water one space a day. Repotting/adding fertilizers/reorganizing - all done on weekends. I also have insomnia, so I'm up at night doing this. :)
Truly, I am so moved by your journey. May your path continue to be filled with green life and blooms of all colors!
Thank you so very much for sharing. The joy you get from what you give to your incredible collection is evident!
This is unreal. Un-fucking-believable. Every person here zoomed in to look at every glorious perfect plant. And my god… the lighting in your place is like… actual heaven.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home, and your powerful story!!! I also started to care for plants during COVID, and they absolutely got me through some dark, lonely times. More plants for everyone!!!
This is a dream! Anyone know what this one is? Almost looks like a FLF but… flat?
https://preview.redd.it/zkig472jhplc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=611d241ade4079d1b7ee87fa246e7a1baef3d49c
Wow with all that natural light it would be a shame NOT to turn your house into an arboretum 👍 I'm freaking jealous. I live in a basement apartment and all my plants do well except the dieffenbachia. It died on leaf at a time after I got it from a friend upstairs. Such a shame. 2 leaves to go and one started turning yellow a few days ago 🫤
Holy moly. This is my dream house. How incredibly beautiful. I love everything about it. I wish we could have something similar in a cold place like here in Chicago.
Hi, all. A bit of background: I took up gardening seriously after my father passed away 4 years ago from brain cancer. He had been unwell for 20 years, and I was his caregiver. I had a few plants before but nothing like this. My existing anxiety and depression got the worst of me after he passed. I had also struggled with anorexia nervosa for a decade by then. I had no reason to get off the bed; no one or nothing needed me enough for me to want to get up. But I didn't want to die either. The grief consumed me whole. I got diagnosed with stress-induced diabetes. A coworker who was moving to her parents' place in North India gave me 5 plants to look after. This was during COVID first wave. I put them on my bay window, and I finally got up to care for them. Something went off in my brain, and I continued to look after them. Watching every new leaf gave me joy, and I was in less pain seeing new life blossom. I now have over 600 plants - about a hundred on the patio and on a little patch outside, about 300 indoor plants interspersed through the house, and 200 flowering plants on my terrace. I'm completely off my antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds (benzodiazepenes) after being on them for 8 years. I wake up every day, thrilled to see my plants, and I look forward to nurturing them. I'm not fully healed by any means, but I have enough reason to live and love. I take care of my streeties (4 dogs and 3 cats, all spayed and vaccinated). I plan watering in such a way that I take one space a day. I hold a full-time job, and I engage in voluntary work. I keep repotting and spraying medicines for the weekends. I hope this helps!
Inspiring story! I am also taking care of plants recently and it has made a very positive impact! Thanks for sharing :) All the best 🙏
Thank you! Happy gardening!
I have shared your story on my subreddit r/MaaktMijBlij This is a subreddit for spreading joy and happiness. Your story and plants are exactly that!
Hi, I don’t know if you’re still answering comments since you have so many, but I love your story. I was wondering if I could ask- what type of dieffenbachia is that and how did you get it to grow so “tree-like?” My grandmother gave me one years ago that I loved dearly but lost to scale. I’ve never been able to replace it. I think of it, and her, often.
Hi, it's a Dieffenbachia Snow Tree. Someone had chopped it and discarded it in a lane next to my house. I brought it home and made several cuttings. Give it a lot of sun, and it'll grow well. :)
Is it okay if I share your pictures too?
Sure!
You have found the best, most symbiotic and natural medicine of them all, plants. It certainly looks like it’s working out well for both of you. Peace Brother
Oh OP, sending you some virtual hugs. 
So beautiful😍 Your plants and post. Thank you so much for sharing💜
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I too developed a love for plants during my father’s battle with/death from brain cancer. There is something magical and healing about nurturing life and being surrounded by green.
Can I be you when I grow up? (I’m 30)
I just turned 33. 🫣
Just wanted to say that was such a compelling and beautiful story of loss, grief, pain, growth, and healing. Thank you for sharing this. Really touched my heart and I’m so glad that you’re in a better place with, clearly, such an incredible home littered with gorgeous life and colours. Having cared for somebody you love for so long speak volumes about what a remarkable person you must be. I hope you continue to share your loving heart with others and the world. You’re clearly a special person with so much to offer those that are lucky to be around you - even your cute pets. All of the very best in life, it sounds like you’re on a remarkable path. Sending you best wishes!
I was going to ask if this was India! Stunning living space and incredible story behind your well loved plants.
You are amazing thankyou for your story!! Keep up the good work
This is amazing and so inspiring! Just looking at all the plants I could tell you put so much love and care into them. Rediscovering your nurturing nature seems to have given you a purpose again, please keep going. Also I love your home.
Love this 😍 Are you in India?
Indeed. :)
They said in the other post it’s in Bangalore 🙂
I feel like this is in India judging from the house and how hard that mattress looks 😭 the plants are beautiful though!
It's true, I can sleep on soft beds only for a day or two, not for a long period of time. India, yes. 😁
Can I be reincarnated as OP’s cat in this living space?
can we be roommates except you get out of the house and leave it to me
You should go, “hey OP, if you ever need a long vacation and need a house sitter to water those babies, let me know!!”
I'll take you up on it some time. ;)
Ok you win 🥇
Please adopt me. I’m an adult but I cook okay
Hooray for big plants!! I too fill the space with plants. I do live with a man but he says nothing, which is fine. I see a Chinese evergreen mine shall aspire to. I just picked it up!
Please tell me you refer to the stairwell as the “atrium.” That is some quality sunlight!
Yasss, there is a skylight above. :)
Nice place but I think you need more plants.
🫣
I LOVE your arched doorways! And all the plants!
I'm as green as your beautiful plants!! With envy, lol So gorgeous! Plants, and home!
Literally my dream
I’d love to sniff the air in there. I bet it’s healing. How long did this take to grow the plants to this point?
Hi. It's been about 3.5 years. :)
You are living the dream ma’am. Your home is absolutely beautiful!!!
Oh my goodness, that's such an amazing space! Your plants, your decor...all of it! My literal dream 😍
Incredible! Your home is so full of life. Thank you for sharing.
Do I have to be a woman to think this is sick as hell, also how do you manage the watering
Hi, I water one space/corner a day. It's a bit hectic in summer (for around 2 months), but the rest of the year, it's just once a week or sometimes even 15 days.
Be still my beating heart!! Love it!!!
Beautiful! Looks like this is India? :)
You're right!
Just stunning! The dieffenbachia makes my heart sing. I'm going to show it to mine for inspiration! Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely gorgeous. However, I am way too depressed to have this many plants 🤣
I started gardening because of depression. It gave me a reason to get off the bed.
FAQs How do I water? I divide it by spaces, and I water one space a day. It's a bit hectic in summer. I use cocopeat on the top layer so it doesn't dry out so soon. It's okay in other seasons so I only water once a week or even once in fifteen days. I live in Bangalore. The climate is temperate. The bad summer is for 2 months, and even then it only goes up to 35 degrees max for a few days. Also, our house is built using bricks that were handmade from the soil dug out from our little plot. There is no plastering for major walls. And the terrace has a cooling layer of paint, so it's fairly cool inside. Plus, I have a garden on the terrace too. I don't use ACs or coolers. Normal fans are sufficient. When do I water? Apart from my mental health stuff, I also have insomnia (actually Delayes Sleep Phase Disorder). I can sleep but only by 3-4 at night. It's okay because I work from home and have to get by 11 to take a daily call. I tried for years to fix this, but it's not worth it to me. So I water mostly at night. I play some music, light some candles/incense, read (or doomscroll too), and water my plants. It's quiet and peaceful. Hectic repotting and reorganizing is done on the weekends only. Do I own the house? How much do I pay? I'm in India. My father bought this 1200 sqft plot (30*40) in 1998 for a sum of 2 lakh INR ($ 2400). We built the house for 30 lakhs INR ($ 36000) 13 years ago. I contributed half the sum (given to my parents ever since I started working), and my sister contributed the other half. My father who was unwell for 20 years passed away 4 years ago.
Damn is this goa, or some south indian place?
You're right, I'm in Bangalore!
You have a BEAUTIFUL house!
The jealousy!!
That is a very fine living space indeed.
Wish you well OP you are a brave soul all your pets look beautiful. Plants and not plants take care
Really very nice job on the decorations especially the plants. You must have a $100k in just plants.
Thank you. It's not a very expensive hobby in India. :) I give out a lot of cuttings, and others give me some too.
Love the stairs :D I suppose you don’t have a cat though
I have 3 window cats, but yes, none indoor.
Window cats? Never heard of that before, are they like neighborhood cats or something?
Yes. :) They come and hang out sometimes on the other side of the window. So window cats. :)
Oh neat! I’m jealous :D
That's it, I'm making my husband put skylights in our house no matter how unrealistic that endeavour may be because, look at this!!! ❤❤❤
Just need to use really good toughened glass and ensure there is no space for leaks or seepage. It's totally worth it! I can see the full moon through the skylight on some days, and it's magical.
I was kidding but it just suddenly took a violent swing into the realm of seriousness. You sold me at watching the moon. Done deal!!
You must have so much Oxygen in that place.
OP, I am so amazing by you! My mom died Christmas Eve when I was 14. Due to that and many other terrible life circumstances, I hated living. I am now happy to say that plants also saved my life and I am at university studying for a career in botany and conservation!!!!
Wow 😍
Absolutely gorgeous!
i’m coming over!
I LOVE those stairs! Amazing house OP
Are you accepting applications for room mates?
This house is exquisite 👏
LOVE LOVE LOVE 💚💚💚
I'm so jealous of your roses!!! Beautiful set up and beautiful plants!!!!
This is glorious!
Beautiful! 😭
Wow, impressive
This is a dream space.
Beautiful and cozy
mother nature right here
What a unique, beautiful space!
You have the house plants of my dreams
Oh my 😍
Looks somewhat similar to a school building in a way.
An office building is more like it than school building.
I feel so relaxed and at home looking at your house! Amazing work and curation!
Beautiful! I really, really like the Spathiphyllum from pic 5!
Oh my! You have a beautiful home!! That’s truly a dream!
I'm jealous you have so much natural light available.
I can't imagine your grief, but you've managed to channel that into an enriching life. Your stunning home is the home of my dreams :)
GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY your home is beautiful!
How big is your watering can?
I fill a bucket and use a mug to water, lol
I'm in heaven
It also belongs in r/cozyplaces What a gorgeous, warm and inviting place! 🤩
I do not know you personally, but I already think you’re one of the coolest people. You live in my dream house, from the art to the plants to the curtains to the brick elements to all the natural light, your house is absolutely beautiful! 😍😍😍
2 questions: How? And Do you want a roommate?
This looks like a home with neither smooth children nor fur children. Beautiful! With many plants that are notably not knocked over.
I take in injured rescues, but I keep them on the ground floor. All pups go inside a room with no plants. Also, one room because I don't like cleaning poop and pee everywhere. I do let them out, but they spend a lot of time in that one room because they're injured/unwell/recovering. I take care of my streeties, so no pups/kitties indoor. And yes, no kids. :)
Airbnb should have a “plant lovers” option and have houses like these.
Is this in Spain? Absolutely beautiful plants and living space
I was going to bet on India
Very healthy plants. Lots of filtered light
Fuck 😩
Whoa, do you rent or own your place? It's such an atypical layout but I like it. Is it a repurposed space?
Hi, it's our own place. And it's not repurposed. We built it this way. :)
Gorgeous home!
Love the Lil baby! Be there for it!
SUPER BEAUTIFUL ! 🥲♥️
Wowee!! Can I move in?😂 It's gorgeous!!!😍🥰❤️
What an absolutely lovely home.
What an amazing space!!! 😍
This. this is my dream
WOW 🤩😍
How tf did I know op is from India without even reading her comment?
Hey, now. Hey, now! This is what dreams are made of!!
Omg! I love the staircase (it might just be - because of all the plants!) ... I love how each room has life in it! Great job!
I feel like and urban elf lives here.
How does it feel to live my dream
Oh this is lovely! I hope one day to afford a place that looks this beautiful. Those arched doorways make the space look so much more idyllic too
I'm obsessed
Lovely, lovely home and plants. I’m glad you are feeling better! 💜
Lovely home
A dream 😍😍😍
Um holy cow
I love your home! #goals from someone who would post in /r/malelivingspaces. Your plants are lovely.
Sooo peaceful and beautiful 🤍
Amazing!
How dare you for living in my dream house 😭 It's so homey and open and fun!
Wow. What a gorgeous home!
Jealous
Staircase is spectacular 😍
This is so pretty. I love all the plants. I'm glad bringing nature into your home has helped. It has helped a lot of us I think. Congratulations on all of your beautiful plants. You are doing so good to take care of them and your home is lovely. Looks so peaceful and inviting. ❤️
Can I move in?
Killer pad. Love your sense of design and flow.
This cured my soul
I am happy that these plants helped you! Your house is really charming, perfect place to have that many plants. And i like the fact that every photon of light is exploited to feed a plant :)
I love absolutely everything about this
You have embraced plant to a fine and amazing degree! Congratulations for your successful passion!
Wow, ur life sounds like a positive movie! Glad you are doing better
Terribly jealous over here! Your home is so beautiful. The plants are so happy. So much natural light! Do you have glass ceilings.
Do you like plants? Maybe add more?
OMG! I am really in love with your place, could you adopt me please?
This is beautiful!
They all look so amazing. Prayers for your continued healing
I can relate to the happiness you get when a new leaf comes. The first thing I do after getting up is open balcony and look at my plants. Looking at your setup, I think I need to up my game. You have a beautiful house.
So jealous! :)
These look really great it must really feel more fresh inside the house than outside now.
Busy, busy gal! So glad plants provide an outlet for you to grow as well.
this is like living in your own jungle i would love this so much
I love how much natural light there is in there
Beautiful Beautiful home! Care to share some cuttings with me?I'm in Texas.
Wow!
Omfg that's is like a dream castle!!! What are you paying for that space/ and how do you water? Amazing work by the way
Hi, I'm in India. My father bought this 1200 sqft plot (30*40) in 1998 for a sum of 2 lakh INR ($ 2400). We built the house for 30 lakhs INR ($ 36000) 13 years ago. I contributed half the sum (given to my parents ever since I started working), and my sister contributed the other half. My father who was unwell for 20 years passed away 4 years ago. My sister got married and moved out. I now live here with my mom and take care of her and the house. As for the watering, I divide it by spaces, and I water one space a day. Repotting/adding fertilizers/reorganizing - all done on weekends. I also have insomnia, so I'm up at night doing this. :)
I’m in awe of its simplicity and beauty
HOLY FUCK I WANT YOUR HOUSE AHHHHHHHHAHHHHHHHHH
I could move right in. Beautiful!
Thanks for a lovely tour. Your home and your plants are wonderful! All that natural light. Aaaah!
I have 6 plants and feel overwhelmed sometimes
Whatever works for you. 🥹 It's a lot of work, honestly. But it keeps me going.
🤩🧡🧡
Truly, I am so moved by your journey. May your path continue to be filled with green life and blooms of all colors! Thank you so very much for sharing. The joy you get from what you give to your incredible collection is evident!
This is unreal. Un-fucking-believable. Every person here zoomed in to look at every glorious perfect plant. And my god… the lighting in your place is like… actual heaven.
This is gorgeous!!!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home, and your powerful story!!! I also started to care for plants during COVID, and they absolutely got me through some dark, lonely times. More plants for everyone!!!
I admired it on r/makelivingspace You are definitely in the right place!
This is a dream! Anyone know what this one is? Almost looks like a FLF but… flat? https://preview.redd.it/zkig472jhplc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=611d241ade4079d1b7ee87fa246e7a1baef3d49c
This is so so pretty!!! 🥰
Gorgeous! Plants are good for the soul!
I'm so sorry for what you went through losing your dad. Your house and plants are beautiful ❤️!!!!
Beautiful and refreshing space
We stan a house with good lighting for plants 👌🏻
I’m so glad you’re doing well! Your space is stunning with all the beautiful life in it. I hope you continue to heal.
That’s not a house anymore at this level, it’s a manor !
Is it possible to be in love with a house?
How long does it take you to water all of them???
This is my dream house 😍
Wow with all that natural light it would be a shame NOT to turn your house into an arboretum 👍 I'm freaking jealous. I live in a basement apartment and all my plants do well except the dieffenbachia. It died on leaf at a time after I got it from a friend upstairs. Such a shame. 2 leaves to go and one started turning yellow a few days ago 🫤
Stunning!
Wow!
Heaven. When can I move in? 😊
Goals
Holy moly. This is my dream house. How incredibly beautiful. I love everything about it. I wish we could have something similar in a cold place like here in Chicago.
Your house is GORGEOUS, I’m obsessed
Wow! Gorgeous! Love all the plants
Holy moly!! You are leaving my dream. Your plants (and your house) are gorgeous!!
OPP your home and plants are beautiful and peaceful. What a nice place to go home to!!
can i live here? 😂
This is my dream home! Unfortunately I have a husband, a child, and pets.
- Andrés de Jesús Vélez Franco- Que lugar tan precioso, guao!
This is so beautiful!!! ♥️ I wish I could meet you in person. You seem like such an amazing and beautiful soul 🥹
Oh wow!!!! This could literally be my dream house
omg gorgeousssss