Are you considered a trendsetter in your friendship circle? Or perhaps you’re known to pinch pennies at every opportunity. No matter your traits, there’s a perfect plant out there waiting for you.
Looking to add a touch of greenery to your abode? Josh O’Meara and Linda Vydra, co-founders of The Jungle Collective, are here to make sure you leave the nursery with the ideal plant for you.
Match your personality with the characteristics they’ve outlined below to discover your perfect plant pair.
The black thumb
“We’ve all got a friend who could kill a cactus – maybe it’s even you. Their carelessness has them precariously close to throwing the towel in and turning to the dark side of plastic plants…
But there’s still hope! There are certain fronds that will not only forgive you for neglect but will love you for it all the same.
For the black thumbs, we recommend the Zanzibar gem. Chuck it in a dark corner, forget to water it for months, and this guy will hum along just fine!”
The crazy plant lady
“Like a cat lady, but with plants. This person’s home resembles somewhat of a jungle, and if they could do away with the mattress and sleep on a bed of ivy, they would.
You’ll struggle to find a spare glass in their house (all will be used for propagating), and their walls have started to resemble a lab with designer test tubes, making the most of every spare inch.
A plant that propagates easily is key for this type of personality. Monsteras tend to be a fave thanks to their robust aerial roots, and it’s hard to go past vines like Devil’s ivy.”
The health-conscious
“They’re the people who leave us feeling inferior: Motivated, up before sunrise, hitting the gym on the daily and sipping on green juices, all before you’ve even had your morning coffee.
The health-conscious wouldn’t just pick a plant for its aesthetic appeal. Their greenery would have to contribute to their healthy lifestyle, too.
Air-purifying plants are undoubtedly the best choice for this rare breed, and at the top of this list is the mother-in-law’s tongue. They’re a great choice for the bedroom because unlike a lot of plants, these guys can produce oxygen at night, which allows you to breathe easy.”
Read more: Indoor plants that can remove toxins
The trend spotter
“Instagram is really just Plantstagram for these guys. The trend spotter not only needs the coolest plant right now, but they also want to push new boundaries and may even have set some trends themselves.
By now they’ve probably got their hands on some of the coolest fronds around like the begonia maculata, variegated monstera, and pilea, and are looking for something to really provide some Insta-cred.
For the trend spotter, we would recommend something from a faraway shore, like the Stephania erecta or Christia vespertilionis.”
Read more: How to grow succulents in 3 simple steps
The high achiever
“How much are you willing to spend on a plant? For the high achiever, there are no limits.
By now they’ve probably sold a kidney to get their hands on a variegated monstera deliciosa and now have their eyes and wallet squarely directed towards a rare aglaonema pictum tricolour.
One kidney down, all this will take is selling their first-born child!”
The wallflower
“We all know a quiet achiever, the one who goes about their business, sensitive and conscientious, never keen to take the spotlight but always loving and caring.
What plant might they pick? We’re thinking something cute that could go into a terrarium like a nerve plant.
They’ll almost certainly delight in the fragile and elegant oxalis triangularis, whose leaves look like purple butterflies, chase the sun, and close up to sleep at night.”
The penny pincher
“There’s a bit of a penny pincher in all of us. Choosing fast-growing varieties, plants that easily propagate, and trawling the streets for abandoned plants as people move house are all commendable tactics with merit.
But there are certain species that due to their fast-growing natures and high quantities will always be good value. For the penny pincher, it’s hard to go past a palm. They’re big, they grow quick and they create an instant jungle feel.”
The eccentric
“The plant mad are often creative types. And those who love to eschew the norm may gravitate towards plants that look like they’ve fallen out of ET’s bicycle basket.
Cacti and succulents are popular choices, but have you seen lithops or living stones? Most people are divided as to whether they look like little bums or brains, maybe a combo of both.
Another sore thumb of the plant world is the juncus effusus spiralis. These guys like lots of water and can even be submerged in water.”
The old soul
“You know the type: Calm and collected, logical and consistent. This person has probably been into plants for a while, and maybe even cares for their grandparents’ old blooms.
For the old soul, plants are timeless, not trend-based. The peace lily is high on their list for their elegance and beauty.
Another timeless option is the Boston fern. Their lush greenery creates a soothing boost in wellbeing, and they’re another air-purifying machine, too!”
This article was originally published as The perfect plant for your personality by www.realestate.com.au and is written by Katie Skelly.