Tropical plants collection

Ann-Laure grew up surrounded by her mother's geraniums. At home, she prefers exotic plants. Today, she shares her 60 m² home with more than 80 plants. From the hardy mother-in-law's tongue to the very demanding alocasias, she looks back with us on her journey as a plant addict.

How did you first become interested in plants?

I started getting interested in plants in 2019, when I moved to Lyon. I went to a plant sale and told myself I'd keep it simple to start with. I set my sights on mother-in-law's tongue because I knew it wasn't likely to die right away. For a long time, I didn't get any more because I didn't have enough space. But since I moved, I have them everywhere.

The mother-in-law's tongue—the one that started it all

How many plants do you have?

I stopped counting after 75! I only have houseplants. Almost all of them are tropical species. Yet my apartment isn't particularly suited for growing them: it's cool in the winter and too hot in the summer! I choose them somewhat at random. I spot a variety that I think is cute or fun.

Unlike alocasias, marantas thrive in Ann-Laure's apartment

I have three or four marantas, some Monstera, lots of alocasias, chain of Hearts, and quite a few Pothos. I've set up my collection on two shelves in my living room. It's also taken over my entryway, which has become my plant room. That's where I care for them and repot them. Finally, I have four or five plants in my office, which is nice when you're working from home.

I try to stick to small plants: they take up less space, so I can have more of them! I also take cuttings to propagate them. That lets me give some away or expand my collection.

Choosing smaller varieties—Ann-Laure's tip for bringing more plants into your home

Which ones are your favorites?

I recently bought a Monstera acuminata that's really beautiful. It's doing pretty well in my home. I've already taken a cutting to propagate it. So far, it's holding up and slowly taking root.

The newest addition, the Monstera acuminata, which has already settled in

I have a few silver pothos, including a Pothos exotica (Scindapsus pictus Exotica) and a silver pothos (Scindapsus pictus Argyraeus), which I think are really pretty. I love pothos because, even though they aren't the most striking plants, you can do things for them—you can watch them grow, take cuttings… You can actually take care of them. I can tell myself, “I'm doing it—it's holding up.” It's pretty rewarding.

Are there any plants you're thinking of getting rid of?

My Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar,' which has more brown than pink on it? It got too hot and had a mite infestation while I was on vacation. I'm trying to save it. I think it can still recover. I had exactly the same experience with a Maranta, which is doing better now.

What are the next varieties you'd like to add to your collection?

Alocasias! But I really need to stop with the alocasias—they don't really like me that much after all. In fact, I'm losing some right now.

My dream would be to treat myself to a Monstera Variegata—it's just way too pretty. It would be a real showstopper in my living room!

What's your biggest success?

Monstera deliciosa is one of the plants I'm most proud of.

The Monstera deliciosa keeps growing

And then, I really love a tiny little orchid that I found at a big furniture store. It's produced two gorgeous flower spikes for me. And now, it's producing offshoots. I'm happy. Maybe I won't kill it after all.

And your biggest failure?

Pothos 'Neon (Epipremnum neon). I think I've bought it four or five times. It's the only Pothos of mine that refused to survive. Yet I cared for it exactly the same way as the others. But the roots just wouldn't take. I tried giving it more light, better drainage—but nothing worked. I've got just one little shoot left, a remnant of my last attempt… I watch it from a distance, hoping that this time, it'll work out.

This time it'll work. Fifth attempt with the neon pothos

The worst part is that I have one at work. It gets watered once a month, and it's doing extremely well.

How does the Monstera app help you care for your collection?

I've cataloged almost my entire collection. I use the Monstera app mainly for watering and misting. I was getting overwhelmed with so many plants. Now, at least, I'm sure everyone's been watered!

What advice would you give?

My first piece of advice would be not to start with small plants. They're much more fragile! I speak from experience.

Also, do your research beforehand on the varieties and how to care for them. I had trouble with certain Alocasia species that were really exotic. They only lasted two or three days in my home. Transporting them was complicated, and when they arrived, the potting soil was soggy. There wasn't much I could do.

It's best to start with simple plants, like pothos. And then, once you've got the hang of it, you can move on to rarer and more complicated ones.