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You are more capable than you think!
How often do you hear people say they can’t do something? Maybe it’s keeping houseplants alive, tackling a creative project, or figuring out a computer issue.
Well, here’s the truth: you absolutely can!
Anyone can.
It’s truly possible if you give it a try.
As the old saying goes, “If you don’t try, you won’t know.”
Just look at me. I’m certainly not a computer whiz; IT wasn’t in our curriculum in my school day. Yet, I’ve managed to figure things out and now sell items online through The Hive, and my own website. I write blogs, send out newsletters, maintain my own social media channels as well as help admin a few Facebook groups.
It’s been a journey of chipping away at new things until they’re sorted, and honestly, if I can do it, anyone can!
Learning new things isn’t just about achieving a goal; it helps keep your brain healthy and offers a fantastic personal challenge. When I encounter something, I don’t know, I just keep at it until I’ve got it sorted. No one helps me, except for the wonders of Mr Google and the internet. It’s all about persistence and a bit of digital detective work.
You can find my pages or channels on: Facebook, Instagram, Google, YouTube and Threads – just search for Kats Flora.
Facebook does have my biggest collection of my plants. If you want to view some weird and hard-to-find plants then go here https://www.facebook.com/KatsFlora.NZ
Green Thumbs (Yes, You Have One!)
As for houseplants, trust me, you’ve got a green thumb waiting to be discovered!
The trick is to start with some easy-care varieties, and you’ll be well on your way to success.
Watering: This is often where people get tripped up. Water your plants only when the soil feels dry. When you do water, be generous – pour it on until it drains out the bottom. Then, pop it back where it lives.
For new plant owners, it’s best to use pots with drainage holes, and ideally, no decorative cover pots that can trap excess water. Once you’re more confident, then you can experiment with trays and cover pots.
In my tunnel house, where most of my plants live, I simply use a hose – it’s my no-fuss, no-fluff approach to watering lots of plants!
Light: Most plants thrive with some degree of light. A windowsill or an area with filtered light is usually spot on. Observe your plants; if you notice them stretching (growing longer segments and pointing towards the light), it means they’re not getting enough.
Pests: Pesky bugs can sometimes invade, it’s true! Isolating them won’t do much good, as bugs can simply fly in. Instead, make it a habit to check your plants often. Pick them up look them over and also feel how heavy they are – this observation will also help you learn when they need a drink. Early detection is key!
Potting mixes: A good general, all-purpose potting mix is ideal. Most plants don’t need water granules added, so double-check your mix is free of that additive.
I always add extra pumice to my mix to ensure it’s well-draining, which helps prevent root rot.
Some fantastic simple plants to start with include spider plants, begonias, rhipsalis, peperomia, philodendron, pothos, and hoyas.
I generally don’t recommend cacti as indoor plants, as they often don’t get enough light in a typical house.
Choose basic varieties to begin with, as even some of these plants have harder-to-manage variations.
Don’t overwhelm yourself – just get a few at a time and see how you go. Move them around your space to find where they fit best, then leave them for a few months to see if they’re happy in that spot.
Grouping your plants with others of similar requirements is also a fantastic way to keep them happy and create a lovely little microclimate.
And remember, even seasoned plant enthusiasts have a plant disaster now and then, so don’t beat yourself up if one doesn’t make it.
I’m always keen to share what I’ve learned, so if you have any questions, please ask!
Also, feel free to check out the plants I have listed on The Hive and see if any take your fancy.
Unleash Your Inner Creative!
Creativity – I truly believe we all possess it in some way.
Perhaps you can craft a compelling story, brilliantly colour-coordinate your lounge, or meticulously map out and design your garden.
If so, then yes, you are creative! Creativity isn’t just about a paintbrush and oil paint; it’s evident in so many everyday situations.
I have dabbled in many different creative media over the years. I’ve tried mosaics, paper crafts, knitting, sewing, painting, pressed flowers, photography, and screen printing, to name a few.
Pottery, though, is one I keep coming back to. The whole process can be incredibly frustrating. You create something, and then, if it doesn’t crack or warp while drying, you apply some colour and fire it. Applying the wrong glaze or colour combination can result in something you either absolutely love or truly hate! Pottery involves many stages, each with the potential to ruin the outcome.
Yet, it’s that challenge that keeps me hooked and coming back for more.
So, embrace what you’re good at, practice, and challenge yourself to grow. And most importantly, keep learning new ways, new skills, and new ideas.
What creative sparks are waiting to be ignited within you?
Below are some of my products that I have listed on The Hive.
