I’ve been a plant enthusiast for a couple of years now, but during quarantine, my interest spiraled into a bit of an obsession, as it did for many others. Many a day stuck at home was spent fussing over withered leaves, checking for new roots on cuttings, and shopping for new additions to the plant family online. And for a while, I didn’t bother to consider my houseplant habit from an environmental perspective. Plants are living things -- how could they not be sustainable? But recently, I’ve been looking into the environmental issues that can plague the plant industry. My research has not made me feel that I need to kick my plant addiction -- they bring me joy, they look great, and they make the air in my apartment extra crisp. I have, however, learned ways to make my houseplant gardening more sustainable. Read on if you want to do the same!
Avoid soil mixes that contain peat
One of the biggest issues with the plant industry is its widespread use of peat in soil mixes. Peat, which is made up of decomposed organic matter, is commonly used in potting mix because of its ability to absorb moisture and nutrients, which it then releases to plants’ roots. Peat forms in wetlands and bogs over millions of years -- because of the amount of time it takes to form, it is considered a nonrenewable resource. Additionally, harvesting peat involves disturbing or even destroying the ecosystems it is found in. As the issues associated with peat gain more publicity, alternatives to peat have become more widespread. Coconut husks, rice hulls, and wood fibre pulp are all gaining popularity, so next time you’re purchasing potting mix, opt for a peat-free variety.
For more information on peat, check out episode 103 of On the Ledge podcast.
Use a natural insecticide to deal with pests
Another environmental issue that stems (pun intended) from gardening practices is the use of harmful pesticides. Apart from the dangers they pose to human health, chemical pesticides contaminate soil, groundwater, and vegetation, and are harmful to pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as other animals. If you have a pest problem, opt for a natural method of extermination. My personal favorite is neem oil. Neem oil is obtained from the seeds of the neem tree, and is a non-toxic, natural pesticide. When sprayed on a plant, it is only harmful to bugs that chew on the leaves, so it is not harmful to pollinators or other animals (or people, though I wouldn’t recommend drinking it).
Don’t buy plastic pots
Most houseplants come in plastic pots, which is unfortunate, but pretty much unavoidable. Hopefully in the future houseplants will be sold in more sustainable containers, but for now, there are still certain things we can do to limit the amount of plastic we consume. I certainly understand the desire to repot a plant as soon as you buy it for aesthetic reasons. But, if you do repot, don’t throw away the plastic pot you bought the plant in. One option is to simply nest the plastic pot in a more attractive cachepot, which is a decorative plant holder without a hole in the bottom. If you replant in an entirely new pot, save the plastic pot -- you can plant another plant inside it and nest it in a cachepot later. If you’re looking to buy a new pot, don’t buy a plastic one. Stick to terra cotta, metal, or some other more sustainable material. You can even check out a thrift store or an online marketplace, as many pots are available secondhand.
Propagate instead of buying new plants
The most sustainable way to obtain a whole new plant is to propagate a cutting of a plant you (or a friend) already have. Propagating methods can vary from plant to plant, but it typically just involves cutting off a piece of your plant near a node (the spot from which new branches and roots originate; usually identifiable as a small bump in the stem) and then putting it in water so new roots can grow. For a more detailed explanation of how to propagate, click here.
Propagating is super sustainable and very rewarding, but I definitely understand the appeal of a new variety of plant. If you’re in the mood for a new species of plant, you can purchase cuttings online. Etsy has lots of shops selling diverse cuttings for cheap, and you can also check out online plant forums and marketplaces.
You don’t have to give up gardening
Once you learn about the environmental impacts of a certain activity, it sometimes feels like you should stop enjoying it. I’ve certainly been there. But it is important to remember that voting with your dollar by making more environmentally friendly choices when it comes to your houseplants sends a message to the plant industry that consumers want more sustainable options. You don’t have to give up your hobby -- just make adjustments. Plants all across the Earth will thank you for it!
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