«I liked my green balcony garden so much, that we decided to add greenery to our kitchen, and let the plants stay there»

«I liked my green balcony garden so much, that we decided to add greenery to our kitchen, and let the plants stay there». An interview with Emma Miers about choosing plants, their role in the home and the joy of planting.

Emma, there is a wide variety of flower pots and planters on the market. What criteria was the most important when you chose the LECHUZA self-watering planter and preferred it to any other?

Emma Miers: I really like the style and functionality of LECHUZA planters, and the self-watering features make them even more preferable to the competition.

What plants do you grow at home?

E.M.: I grow many types of plants, for example Chlorophytum, Dieffenbachia, Spathiphyllum, Sansevieria, Ficus, Kalanchoe, Begonia, Viola, Aloe, Calathea, Fern, Rhoicissus, Orchid, Anthurium and some other plants, whose names I don’t know.

How long have you been planting? Do you have any favourite plant species?

E.M.: I’ve been decorating my house with plants for at least fifteen years. I like unpretentious big green leaves and flowering plants.

Have you been confronted with any difficulties while tending your plants? How do you overcome these difficulties?

E.M.: Not so long ago I had spider mites on my plants, which caused damage to my Calathea, Begonia and Ficus. I treated the surface of all the leaves with a soap solution, and thankfully, I got through it and my plants were okay!

What helps you with handling plants?

E.M.: I’ve had problems with watering plants while being away from home on family holidays. I don’t have these issues any more, thanks to the LECHUZA self-watering planters. I’m not afraid to pour too much water in either since the excess is stored by the planter until the plants need it, so there’s no risk of overwatering either! 

Do you notice a difference in plant growth between LECHUZA and other pots?

E.M.: This year’s potting was into the LECHUZA planters I purchased in the spring, and I’ve noticed that all of my plants are growing very well in their new flowerpots.

Modern-day flowerpots should be both functional and stylish at the same time, so they and their plants take an active part in creating interior design. What is more important to you – functionality or how the planter matches the design?

E.M.: I personally view the planter’s design as the most important aspect. But functionality is also really important, so I’m very happy that I found LECHUZA planters, which have both of these factors combined beautifully.

You said that you have been planting for over fifteen years. What area of planting is the most enjoyment in planting for you?

E.M.: The joy of planting for me is to see how a small cutting, planted and trended by me, can become a big healthy plant which nurtures my soul. Or when a flower starts blossoming for the first time, it means that it feels comfortable and that I did everything right.

Do you think that plants and flowers should be in every house? What is the role of greens in your home?

E.M.: Should plants be in the home? You should decide that for yourself. I agree with the view that plants are part of the ecosystem though and I also think that they enhance interior design.

Do you place plants outside during the spring-autumn period?

E.M.: Yes, and I really enjoy it. Last spring, I put most of my plants out on the balcony. And I liked my green balcony garden so much, that we decided to add greenery to our kitchen, and let the plants stay there. From that moment on we have had a beautiful garden room, a natural paradise, even in the winter!

Do you use tips and recommendations from florists or the internet or just go with your gut and trust your own feelings?

E.M.: All of the above, actually. I sometimes read the advice of gardening experts, use tips from the internet, and I make use of my own experience and personal observations as well!

Where do you prefer to buy new plants?

E.M.: I don’t really like to buy plants, as purchased items survive poorly. I prefer to take cuttings and leaf cuttings given to me by friends, and then plant these instead.

What suggestions can you give to our readers if they want to grow their own plants at home?

E.M.: I would advise planting Chlorophytum at first. It has a wide variety of different types, it is good looking, fuss-free and, just as importantly, it purifies the air excellently as well!

What advice can you give to readers thinking of buying a LECHUZA self-watering planter?

E.M.: Don’t have any doubts about buying one! They’re absolutely the right choice!