saying goodbye to my favourite philodendron + feeling down about my collection 🌧️

[@wildfern]

anyone else feeling womp womp lately? :') ps sorry I forgot the music at the end 🤦‍♀

[@lalama637]

Yes! All day! Thought it was just me….ugh! Looking forward to watching your videos!!

[@wildfern]

@@lalama637 💚💚💚

[@SoberBangBangVeteran]

Must be in the air. Just did a huge repot day and fresh potting mix. On the plus side I was out of potting mix. An guess what?! Better Homes & Gardens Organic Potting Mix, 1 cu. ft. $0.50 with Florida tax $0.53 cents! Never tried this brand but for that price why not. Hope they have it at your local Walmart.

[@lleo9703]

Hi Fern, sorry for the loss of your lovely plant. Thanks for filming your experience for us. True, it is sad when we lose a plant but we learn from every failure (in this case, damn thrips causing it), they are so hard to fight! I sacrificed several plants last year due to the little buggers. You did more to save your plant than you realise right now, but ultimately the bugs won. Next round will be to you! Hang in there 😊

[@rosewagner4018]

Hey Fern! First of all, you have an amazing collection. Second of all, and I think everyone will agree… we follow you because you are real and love you! Keep on going on! Omg, that’s a 60’s motto 😂

[@lalama637]

Girl your collection is why I’m here salivating every time I watch your videos. Your collection is amazing. I do watch about 4 other YTbers and they too get thrips, mealies and spidermites. I don’t think anyone has a perfect collection unless they cut off dead leaves or withhold the bug issues from the viewers, which is not what we’re here for.

[@warp871]

being in this hobby is accepting the fact that - depending on collection size - you will live with pests. it's about adjusting views really, plants are not perfect in nature either.

[@Maryz0lSunny]

Same!

[@melissamonroe561]

I 2 suffer with depression & anxiety & winter sees an increase with it. I worry constantly about everything, children, grandchildren, loved ones who rn't living close enuff 4 my liking, bills, my husband's health, did I do something wrong, etc... I could loose what's left of my mind with worry. But something that helps me is; 'Will it really matter 10, 20, 50 years?' If the answer is no then I try 2 look 4 the brighter side of it. It IS there, sometimes I just have 2 look really hard. I'm not ancient but life has taught me many lessons & this is one. I smile, tell people 'I'm peachy' & if I say it long enuff & smile often enuff, I find that most times I will start 2 believe it & soon things r looking brighter & more managable. I hope this rambling is making sense!? Sweetheart, ur collection is amazing, I wish I had some of the plants u have & that the ones I do have looked so fabulous. Stop the comparison phase of ur life. Life is full of imperfection & I really think that if we look, REALLY LOOK, we can find the beauty in those flaws. I mean, variegation is originally an imperfection in an all green plant, right? My point is; beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so look 4 it. Life is just 2 random & short 2 sweat the small stuff. With ur move 2 ur new home, there r things that must take priority & sometimes other things like plants, suffer a bit. And while it is disheartening 2 c them take a hit, the great thing about life, people, animals, plants, etc..., is that life can come back more beautiful & stronger than ever. Enjoy what u have becuz it is urs. I love ur channel & u always make me smile when ur face lights up as u feature ur collection. That's the real gift u share with ur audience, (in my opinion anyway), so Thank you 4 that🤎❣

[@OMM-kl1zu]

Every plant owner has a pest issue story. My Calathea - Leopardina was covered in thrips/aphids. Remedy, regular hosing of leaves and a pot upsize with fresh soil. I left the leaves on that looked like they have been through a war. It's now so bushy. I love it warts and all. "Perfection is finding the imperfect plant, perfect"!!! Comparing is dangerous as others may live in warmer climates or have green houses. I love your collection and plant struggles. Wouldn't it be boring if everything was perfect. We wouldn't learn anything!! Thanks for keeping it real!!!

[@wandashaw3551]

Not depressing, it's part of being a plant parent so please don't be down on yourself. I personally think your collection is beautiful. Sending plant positivity to you and your props!!

[@diediedice]

This is so important. It's sadly incredibly easy to get down when your plants don't aren't doing good anymore -no matter the cause-. But we were the ones who made it grow and thrive, admiring its beauty. Sometimes you just have to let go...

[@AshleyGrows]

I feel this so bad 😭 my depression is killing my plants. Honestly, I love that you show the failures/ things to fix next time. It honestly makes me feel so much better when mine don’t look perfect

[@diediedice]

Hey internet stranger! I just wanted to tell you that I'm proud of you and you just keep doing those small tasks that sometimes feel like big challenges. You got this :)! The alocasia that's standing almost next to my bad keeps dying off its new forming leaves, I feel like my bed rotting is the cause of it haha...

[@judithmilagro]

Same here friend! I’m starting to get back on track and let me tell you I’ve lost quite a bit of them from going through it. And I’m slowly going through them and assessing the damage. Some of them I’m going to have to propagate and start all over. And the ones that were propagated I lost due to not watering 😢 but I’m trying to stay positive and not beat myself up because honestly it’s been rough 😔 haven’t felt like myself in a looooong time. But I’m hoping to get there soon! I hope the same for you 😊

[@dora9368]

@ashleyandjudith - you guys are loved and worth it. Hang in there, life is tough, but you can get through it all! I too suffer from depression and other mental illnesses so I know exactly how you feel! The best advice I can give you, and what worked for me is: pouring my heart ❤️ out to God in prayer and asking for his help. Reading the Bible too has helped because it tells us how to live a happy life and helps us come to know God, and much more..prayers and love to you both❤😊

[@lacroix3931]

Even though it doesn’t always work out in the end, the fact that you can raise a plant from the rainforest, from one tiny leaf into basically a tree, in a in a tiny bowl of dirt, for years and years and if it finally succumbs to the ~harsh indoor elements~, you can cut it up and watch it grow again, is AMAZING!! you have done EVERYTHING right Fern! For as long as you love this plant, it will keep loving you ❤ you have all of the knowledge and patience you need.

[@kevin.]

My lovely fern 💚 your collection is beautiful and I think we all go through these phases where we are stuck comparing our plants with others. Just know that WE LOVE AND ADORE your plant collection. Also, I chopped my giant McDowell into chonks around a year ago and look at it now! Your sp silver will be big in no time 🌱🤩 sending all the positive vibes your way. Thank you for existing in this community, we all love you 😊

[@dora9368]

I like this positive and encouraging comment...very nice and comforting 🌼💜🌼

[@daveo544]

Beautiful comment and I really couldn’t agree more. I personally love your channel and collection and bubbly personality AND spending an hour + going through your experiences, challenges and triumphs. You constantly inspire me, so thank you 🙏 🙏🙏 OMG, it’s 12am here in Sydney. That means Ive been watching your videos for a couple of hours😂 Very easily done!!Good night 💤

[@PurpleMonkeyWaffle]

Your collection is beautiful!!! Don't forget these plant youtubers don't show and tell their dying plants or plants they have killed, and they turn background plants to hide damaged leaves. I've been watching your vids for a little while now and I put your collection right up there with the greats. Keep your head up!

[@alisonhammond4662]

Its not about the *collection*..its the planty goodness we watch for..your *realness*..life's up n downs..I'm in for the long haul ❤❤❤

[@dora9368]

Well said and I agree👍💯

[@DebraJohnson-p4m]

I appreciate the youtubers that doesn't sugar coat their plant journeys highs AND lows. Helps the rest of us with what we will undoubtedly go through sooner or later. I had a Thrips instance last month - watching closely for re-infestations. I caught it early I think - but I treated all of my plants - unfortunately I found the problem at the end of watering all of my plants and I am struggling with some of the plants now having root rot. Please provide an update video on the propagation for this plant. I have a McColley's Finale that I need to do some cleanup/propagating on (he is so unruly) and have never been able to get any roots with stick propagating. Nodes with leaves, I get a 80-90% success rate so far. Good luck. I know how devastating this can be and feel for you.

[@carmenlana9258]

I'm sorry you are in pain, Fern. I think everyone in charge of living things knows how it hurts when they don't do well. Hopefully your plants give you a few extra surprises soon to lift up your spirits:)

[@kathywereszczynski7106]

Totally can relate. Last weekend I did a good clean on my plants, 4 just got the boot because I didn’t want to deal with the infested plants anymore. I had been dealing with thrips since may and I’m really hoping with the aloe I just kicked out that I’m officially done with them. I’ll obviously keep a close eye on my plants but I’ll be keeping up with wiping leaves down and I spray with the mild dish soap with distilled water to maintain a pest free home. You were the person I found that helped me conquer my fear of pests and that I can just cut and prop. Starting over is ok. ❤

[@perkyplants]

10:28 you’re totally right Fern! Thrips lay their eggs inside the leaf tissue and then the first juvenile stage often falls off into the soil and chills there before returning to the plant to chow down and grow into an adult, then the process starts again! They suck. Using beneficials has really helped me, but before I used them I would use diatomaceous earth on top of the soil and that helped stop the life cycle at that point. Really feeling all the emotions alongside you whilst watching this, it does really suck. But you’re a fantastic grower and will have an amazing big bushy babe once again ❤

[@hexaitine]

Did you put the DE as a thin layer beneath the soil or just on the very top? I've heard of people putting a layer to fight fungus gnats but if the thrips don't burrow at all I would guess you can't bury it, and that spooks me a little since it's not good to inhale DE. I'm too clumsy to not knock the plant and cause a puff of dust every time.

[@humbaka4073]

It was really sed. But I hope the new plant will grow healthy. Thank you for showing this. I love this channal

[@lari_mfreire]

On the same boat here! I couldn't take good care of my plants last month and now they are struggling so much! But life got busy and i need to work. 💁🏽‍♀️ It's good to know that i am not the only one 😅

[@lacroix3931]

I would love to see a video of plants that you feel like you have fallen out of love with/ problem plants. There’s no shame in it, we all have these things.

[@vlong7112]

Oh no!! I definitely had a couple womps lately too.. so sorry for your loss 😞 And thank you for normalizing casualties in plant care 🫰🏽❤️

[@wildfern]

Thank you so much 🥺 you win some you lose some 🌿

[@Lillianv7]

One of the reasons we all love you so much is because you’re real! Having a “perfect” collection isn’t real…and it sets people up for failure in the end. I love watching you, we all do. And we all learn more from mistakes than we do successes. I have a chronic illness that sometimes keeps me from being a perfect plant parent or even a perfect person in general. But it’s okay In the end because we all still just do our best. Best of wishes to your mental health and your plants. Chin up darling

[@claudineplantas6475]

Fern thank you for sharing and being real 💚 You are a great plant parents. Sending you kind vibes 🙌🙌🙌

[@malumstella]

left a bad marriage and my plants are all dying in my house states away. so mine is… definitely unwell. thanks for letting me live vicariously through your collection and know that your warmth and lovely presence is a parasocial friendship that has brought me so much comfort over the years! ❤

[@lesliehughes9382]

Be gentle with yourself. It's a tough season for our plants AND for us! You're doing great. ❤

[@amirul_afif]

Hi Fern, just a reminder. Do be hard on yourself. Despite everything that happen she will grow beautifully. Your collection is stunning ❤. Sending love 😊

[@jeidina]

This is the danger of social media. Comparing yourself to others who portray their lives as perfect. It's not. You're collection is beautiful

[@wildfern]

Yes, exactly 😔 thank you so much x

[@IslandTropical]

My heart breaks for you 🥺 Plants are such a special piece of our lives - we dedicate so much time, money, and effort into growing them big, beautiful , and healthy. So it’s so hard to say goodbye (especially because of FRICKEN thrips) 💔 I also struggle with my collection’s imperfections, and found that my plant care really took a dive after I moved to a new city on the island - so I can very much relate! Sending lots of love & reminders to ensure you’re making time for self-care right now too 🥰

[@yourstruly826]

This was my first video of yours I have seen, and I loved the content, not depressing because I was able to relate so much. I wasn't staying on top of caring for my plants and my collection sacrificed. So it was so nice to hear I'm not the only one low key jealous of others collectors and their huge lush collection and greenhouses. This video made me feel so much better! So thank you ❤

[@Eri-m8b7o]

I look at your collection and think “I’ll never have an amazing collection like ferns”. You are my FAV planty creator and I love what you do. It’s so easy to compare and get down on yourself but just know that all of your followers admire you!

[@Livinglifetruthfully]

Thank you for posting this. It’s so nice to know that we are not alone. Sometimes its awesome collecting plants and sometimes its just hard and it really helps to know others feel the same way. THANK YOU, THANK YOU

[@harehhearas7054]

Hi Fern! The thing with thrips is that they spread fast. If one plant has a confirmed case of visible thrips they have already spread to your other plants. Treating that one plant is not going to do anything, you need to treat every single plant in your household, or this is going to be an out of control infestation. With a collection of your size, you need to treat with systemic pesticides or you will not win the fight.

[@diediedice]

This!! They're so persistent it's unreal. I know that she had bought mites that took care of them, but sadly they probably also can't catch every single one of those little monsters. My aunt received a lovely bonsai as a parting gift from her job and we had to take care of it since she wasn't home for a while. Guess what? It was full of adult thrips... my mom and I fought them off with pesticides like 4 times in a span of 2 months. Saw some larves(?) a few weeks ago again, but I could get rid of them by just wiping them away before they spread again. It was a nightmare haha

[@SunnyG4853]

To me..... your collection IS immaculate and I often wonder how you keep your plants so beautiful ALL the time! This hiccup (even how emotional it is) demonstrates how you aim to continuously upkeep your collection to a high standard at any cost. You are Rockin.

[@EvieN-n3u]

Fern I know what it’s like to be in a funk but for what it’s worth I admire your free spirit with how you do your plant keeping. You keep things so real ….it’s inspiring. I love your collection and style. 💚

[@ycistaro]

I woke up this morning to see my P. Verrucosum with yet another yellow leaf. My issue is figuring out “watering”. Every time I fail at plant care or a plant dies in my watch, I truly get so sad and stay sad all day long. I’ve accepted it’s just part of having plants and learning about them. What I love about your channel is your genuineness! You show the good and the bad about your plants and yourself. You help me feel that it’s okay if all my plants are not perfectly healthy. That’s why we’re here, right, to learn from each other. I don’t appreciate other channels where growers display their perfect collection. Not one yellow leaf or bug. So not real!! I don’t often see “perfect” plants in nature either. With every leaf in perfect perfection. Thank you for your honesty. Keep being true to yourself and thank you for sharing the good and the bad. I’ll keep watching ♥️

[@ninapit]

A necessary cure for the down-downs that is often overlooked is enough sleep. ❤

[@dora9368]

I dont have as big of a collection as you do as I've only been collecting plants for a year or so, but I recently discovered a lot of my plants had root rot. I spend over 12 hours yesterday treating them and repotting and propagating them in soil and water. I thought of you because you inspired me to start some of them in perlite, moss, and pumice. I have no idea if they'll make it, but it's intriguing to see what happens.🌵💞 I'm an underwaterer so that caused a lot of dry rot, and tbh I believe my ZZ plant is a goner😢 but it's okay. These things happen and we learn by our mistakes💛💜💙❤️🧡💚

[@jillsimpson8527]

In a couple years, when your plant has made a full return to its former glory, you'll have this video to look back on and see how far it's come.

[@beakylovesalice965]

I've been fighting cancer most the year so my collection has its ups an downs mostly my climbing plants have suffered the most. I have probably lost about 20 plants this year. Which is not ideal but there was no way to know I had going to get lymphoma. An I to do alot of comparison but I tell myself they only are posting the best of 5he best. No one posts a half dead plant I tell myself. So don't get down on yourself you accomplish a lot this year like buying a home which congregation on that amazing accomplishment. Love you fern an thanks for keeping it real ❤

[@burntcrumpets5616]

I hope you get better soon.

[@angelrocs]

I distinctly remember this feeling. In response, I semi-retired from indoor plants (much harder) and turned my attention towards outdoor gardening (SO much easier). I can't tell how satisfying it is to "put my garden to bed" when I'm done for the season. I let the cold and winter rains re-set and anxiously wait for spring.

[@maddiejenkins3233]

Oh, Fern-how I just want to give you a hug. I love how incredibly truthful you are with your plant journey. Your videos are not overly-edited or sugarcoated, and you include us all in your struggles. It makes me feel less alone with the womp womps of my own collection. Keep your head up through these changing seasons ❤️

[@wildfern]

Oh thank you so much for this 🥺

[@albawaterhouse]

Oh Fern I'm so sorry 😔 I like that you can see the positive side of it, like you said, eventually you'll have a very full plant with multiple vines!

[@wildfern]

yesss exactly, time and patience will give me another beautiful plant 🌱

[@fermypoo]

systemic granules are the best thing in the world for an indoor collection! highly recommend ❤️ if you catch them early it’s so easy to get rid of thrips and save the plant 🥰

[@surgeinc1]

I love your not “imperfect” videos because they’re relatable to us common folk😊❤ Please keep being you!

[@dora9368]

Please don't be so hard on yourself Fern. I'm really new to your channel, but I love watching, and all your plants 🌿🌱 are amazing. I like how you show us the good and bad, and your always trying new things. 😮🤪 plus you admit you don't know it all and your still learning. Besides the beautiful foliage, watching them grow, the different colors and species of all plants etc...we can also enjoy their imperfections. You're doing your best and that's really all you can do. 😉 It's tough being a plant mom with a big collection, but you've been doing it, and I have faith in you... your collection is chef's kiss 💋 much love, support, and encouragement from Seattle 🤟

[@sbbushwacker773]

Oh my gosh Fern, I watch your videos because of your beautiful collection and what you are teaching me. Don’t be hard on yourself. You are doing your best and we love you.

[@CultivatingAbby]

your collection is so beautiful and inspiring❤ & you take such great care of your plants. We are all so thankful to be a small part of your planty life!

[@leajohnson8441]

Girl quit putting yourself down you have a gorgeous collection one off the best of any of the plant parents that I watch.

[@cherieholmquist7259]

You have a beautiful collection! they've brought you a lot of joy! Just move forward, do what you have to do to protect all your other plants and continue to love your plant babies and enjoy your collection!! ❤😢🌿🌱🍃

[@battlestarsonatica]

I hope you feel better (and better about your incredible plant collection) soon! FWIW, I was distracted for most of the video admiring your Philodendron Tortum. I have a smaller Tortum and seeing yours gets me excited about how mine might grow 🪴❤

[@thegoddessandthegeekhomest2880]

You are amazing! Please don’t ever doubt that although I know how easy it can be to forget all the good we do when something happens to throw us off. You e had SO MUCH going on this past year darling…I’m in awe of all the stuff you’ve done and you’ve CRUSHED it! Like all of the moving and decorating and setting up plants and books and furniture and…plus working and getting TONS of videos out for us….like I said amazing..you are a powerhouse and a warrior goddess! Just know that we all look up to you….we love you no matter what so feel that love and go easy on yourself dear….I know it can be disheartening but things happen and at least you can grow another plant from the chonks…might even get BIGGER !! Anyway I can sing your praises all day but I’ll stop now and just say…thank you for all you do and we love you!!! 💜 Tamara

[@lisaanglim9588]

Fern, your collection is like other peoples. It’s unique and amazing. You do take care of your plants. Everyone has the same problem. I’m fighting mealies on one plant. Just noticed a few white spots on it so I’ll treat it today. The plant is far away from all the other plants. What I’m saying is you’re a loving plant parent with a lot of plants. You’re not a bad plant parent.

[@evrythngiseverything]

I’ve also been neglecting my plants these past month. But just did a tidy/plant care day yesterday and things are looking up! Thanks for posting the reality of plant parenthood! There are definitely ups & downs to it! Keep it up! ❤

[@LindaAronowitz]

Fern you have a beautiful collection! You are a knowledgeable young woman and as a new collector I have learned from you. Thank you for sharing the good and the bad as that is reality. I hope you feel better about your collection soon and we continue to see your happy face!

[@ashleygonzalez5886]

Oh Fern I’m so sorry you had to cut up your huge plant. And I’m sorry you’re feeling so down about your collection. You’re not alone ❤️ I have 3 kids. One being a 3 year old and he doesn’t let me do much of anything. I try to let him help and he does great for 5-10 min and then it’s HULK time. My collection has gone so down. I’m not at all happy with mine either. Your my #1 fave planttuber and I’m a Patreon. I love that you show your real life and not fake. It’s hard not to compare to others on the internet. I know. But forgive yourself for any neglect that has come along the way. Life gets busy. Our minds get overwhelmed. It will be ok. ❤️ love you Fern!

[@arielroots]

Queen...thank you for the inspiration to finally deal with my own thrip plants. I had to cut up my Magnificum, Splendid, and 3 kings syngonium. I am probably going to cut up my Campo too. I also cut up my Melanochrysum for good measure since it was in close proximity to those other ones. I tried beneficial mites and released like 400 lady bugs in my house but I still have those dang thrips hanging around. But at the end of the day, I still have my plants (even if they are just wet sticks) so like you said, there is joy in getting to watch them come back from nothing. I totally get being burnt out on plant chores especially when you see your hard work get destroyed by pests so you shouldn't feel down on yourself for feeling down. Its healthy to feel the feelings, we just can't stay in that head space forever. You are amazing and I am so thankful that you are always here keeping it real because it helps me to stay grounded in reality in my plant parenthood. ILY!

[@Maryz0lSunny]

I hope your feeling better Fern! Don't beat yourself up too much! We got this,, and thank you fpr sharing your honest journey with your plants ❤

[@elmerhernandez5810]

I've been watching your videos for years and I remember how small some of your current plants were back then! They've grown so much. so sad to see this one have a setback, but it'll bounce back.

[@karenpatching7364]

Your honesty is great to hear in such a young person. Don't compare to anyone...for anything. I don't watch many plant people, but I truly enjoy your videos; partly because you have a great collection and I learn, but more importantly, you seem real.

[@littleheaven70]

Huge hugs! I’ve just been through it myself and it sucks, but now you get the satisfaction of watching your plant grow back beautiful again. I strongly recommend you chuck the growth tip as thrips will crawl down inside unfurling leaves. Or at least put it in its own separate container for safety. I’m so sorry!

[@katemontgomery1736]

Your collection is the collection I see on the internet and admire! With the amount of plants you have and moving this year they look amazing! Give yourself a break! I'm so sorry you had to chop that beauty but will be worth it in the long run. Keep your chin up your doing amazing!

[@taledmunds]

I wish I could give you a hug. I can feel your pain through this video. Know that we are all wishing we had a collection as wonderful as yours. I'm sure those people you're comparing yourself too also have lots of ugly bits to their collection too. 💜 you're doing great. This is such a crappy situation, it's okay to feel down about it. Be kind to yourself, grieve if you need to 💜💜💜

[@dora9368]

I love ❤ that hair color on you 👌

[@susanfelicissimo7028]

Don't be sorry..for anything ever!!!!! .....thank you for the reality check.....I needed that.. Stuff happens to everyone!!

[@AziHejazi]

It’s always refreshing when people online are honest. Thank you for sharing this. It must have been tough. You are doing amazingly. 💜💜💜

[@EpiphyticCacti]

After watching this I’ve been bothered for a few days. I like your channel a lot, for many reasons, one being that it’s honest. You show the reality and struggles of having a big collection. It’s super hard to take care of plants inside, especially a big collection. Watering, fertilizing, pests. Plus, you live in Canada where winters are a real thing adding an extra layer of difficulty. I do understand getting down about this, I can’t grow a plant the same way as someone with an ideal climate and that is just the reality. I just chug along doing my best. I hate that social media distorts our perception of reality 😂, it’s like an indefinite first date! I‘ve had a terrible year with sunburn, spider mites, and depression. Some of your videos have helped inspire me to pause, reset, and remember why I love plants and to start pushing through and taking care of them properly. Without any social media I would still grow all the things. I bet you would too 🤗☕️💚🌱.

[@SparkleInMoonlight]

Don´t be sad - it´s not your fault, you take better care of plants than most other people ever would, you have done enough. It´s a part of life but not end of life. You have a wonderful collection and imperfection is a part of life. I felt the same at some point and what helped me was seeing plant tours of other people - that´s was more real and reminded what is realistic (and that´s not perfect leaves). It helped me not to watch social media perfect plants (it´s easy to manipulate it anyway). I battled thrips (combined with spidermites) for months and months (over a year) using systemic neonicotinoids and pyrethroids... (given their 30 day lifecycle). After that I used neem oil and then later on benefical insects. I saved plants that I gave up on and thought I might throw them away. It was a horrible process but seeing the plants recovered was worth it (for me at least). Don´t give up hope

[@ThatGirlShelbyy]

You’re not alone!! ❤️😭 I’m so sorry that you’re having a rough time too 😢

[@zandrawostel5868]

My first pest outbreak was a little over a year ago. I had thrips and didn't know it. I found spider mites in my cabinet, and flat mites on my hoyas. I was also preparing for a trip to visit my daughter, SIL, and grandchildren. I didn't know what to do so I just put all my plants outside in the Florida heat. I lost almost all of my plants but I was so freaked out about the pests. Now I know to just chop them up and start prop boxes. The one plant I lost and was upset about was my verrucosum. I still haven't replaced it because it was a traumatic experience to me. Now I try to not introduce new plants for a couple of months. Thank you for the video. It was encouraging and inspired me not to give up on my plants

[@nofields9904]

I don’t worry about what my stuff looks like compared to others. I watch you and few others to learn. Thanks. Remember, we all get on the struggle bus sometimes. My Jungle Boogie makes me so happy.

[@ConnieP92]

Totally get the down side but on the bright side it's sooooooo rewarding when you chop and prop them and watch them grow and thrive and come back bigger and better than before!!! So hang in there and remember....it's normal to feel that way but it's not cool to compare yourself with others. You've done great things along your plant journey so focus on that.... you DO have an immaculate collection. This is just a bump on the road that you'll bounce back from. Chin up Fern! 💪🥰

[@chloerzzx3]

i’m battling thrips for the first time ever, right now too ): thank you for posting this, it’s helping me cope with losing some of mine. nobody is perfect & it’s not our fault! i opted to treat every single plant by trashing all my current potting mix, washing the roots & whole plant with captain jacks & then repotting and treating with a systemic! hopefully that works! good luck to you!!!

[@gaabbbbyy]

Systemic granules!

[@mollyroberts7257]

thank you for this plant realness 💚 when I moved I lost a lot of plants from the transition and I felt so down and hard on myself about being a plant parent. over the past couple months I’ve regrown my collection and am starting to get my passion back. but thank you for keeping it real and showing that it’s not always aesthetic being a plant parent 💚

[@lisaanglim9588]

Wishing you well too. You are the light on this channel.

[@kelseyparker324]

I have been feeling similarly. My plants have suffered. Just chopped a couple today to start fresh.

[@paigesofmakeup8573]

I promise, everything will be ok. I had one plant come in this summer with thrips on it. Thankfully I caught it before too many adults hatched and threw the whole plant out and haven’t had issues since. Now I’m struggling with spider mites and aphids. It’ll be ok. I promise. Much love to you. You’re doing great! Not only are your plants beautiful but so are you ❤

[@samanthataylor9877]

hi fern! clicked on this video without reading the title while i sat down to repot my sp silver and finish treating my plants for thrips (again) feeling v much the same about my collection right now. moved this summer and they were thriving but i took a vacation in august during a heat wave and and for thrips last month so i’ve been in rehab mode for months and months. chopped back one of my biggest and proudest plants last weekend. just wanted to say thank you for posting the realities of plant care all the time and that i think we will both get through this rough patch :) good luck and i’m sending all my good vibes

[@bethb7973]

Sorry 🥲 don’t be hard on yourself. Sometimes you need to let a plant go. And perfection is not reality.

[@kimberlyferreira8522]

girl, your videos have been the highlights (plural bc i binge every single day) of my days for the longest time, you have an AMAZING collection, and i can’t explain how much better i feel when i have thrips or other issues with my plants because i remember how transparent you are when you have those issues too. i’m sure your fave philodendron will be just fine. your collection is freaking awesome! i’ll be satisfied when i have a similar collection to yours 🤣 stay strong 💚

[@saramarie9455]

Fern’s content is totally the highlight of my days too girl!!! So much love for her 🫶🏼

[@mrscurtis0801]

Awe honey I'm so sorry! You still have a magical plant collection ❤❤❤

[@oliviabrown3030]

Hi, I think your collection is beautiful it’s because of you that I built my own milsbo greenhouse cabinet. Thanks for all your tips and advice. I’m excited to see how these cuttings do. Thanks for also keeping it real and sharing the woes of plant parent life, it’s hard I’ve had some failures of my own. Hang in there you’re doing great 🪴💖

[@summeralp8198]

I’ve had thrips AND spider mites on my big monstera deliciosa. I’m not quite at chopping it up. Two rounds of beneficials and a humidifier right next to it 🤞🏻

[@megshush]

I always compare my collection to yours and it gets me down at times too. It seems natural. Just have to adjust expectations. I think your collection is immaculate and I know you put in so much effort to grow your plants big and healthy. I would have never thought you could feel anything negative about your collection!

[@msladyjune3285]

The best way to treat thrips… in the summer is place the plant outdoors in the shade. Let Mother Nature do her thing. I like to that you video this event👍🏾. Life with plant. Hope for success with the nodes. Happy Growing🪴

[@Lara-ov8et]

Oh no so sad :'( I hope it's going to recover to become even more beautiful! Your plant collection is amazing! You are my favorite plant-fluencer (and KZbinr in general) and I really love your collection. No collection is perfect, everybody is struggling with pests every now and then and plants die, unfortunately, but that's just the way it is. I think most accounts simply don't show that. It's still social media where everything can be edited to look perfect... As to winter depression: I've been feeling the same lately :( let's all cuddle up together with our cozy tea and books and make the best of it we can! Hope you're going to feel better soon

[@chleda15]

Wanted to let you know your video came up as recommended for me today. I find it very fitting because in the last couple of days I have been very stressed and defeated in my plant collection (a lot of water propagations and garbage dumps). Although my stuff isn't rare your video made me realize sh*t happens even to the best in the hobby and just have to move forward and try not to take it so hard 🥲 Thank you for showing a reality in the plant parent world

[@julianablancomatamoros9458]

As how I see it, you’ve always done the best you can for your plants. The thing is life happens and it varies how the “best” plant care you can do looks like. You deserve more credit ❤ I agree with some other comments I’ve seen: your collection to me looks gorgeous and real and, you know, goals. I’ve also had a hard relationship with my plants lately: they have overgrown they’re spaces, they’ve been home for spider mites, scale and what looked like a thrip… it’s been overwhelming. My plan is starting a new planty project to motivate me. IKEA just opened a store in Bogota and it is my time to set up my own greenhouse cabinet! I’m super excited about that, and your videos have been super helpful 🙌🏻 Sending you much love and good energy for your days to be better and for your guapo to grow back big and beautiful ✨

[@jessicaelliott8556]

I’m having such a bad plant week, literally crying because I don’t know what I’m doing wrong or what to do next. Almost every plant of mine is having its own little problem. Just hoping they survive the winter! Sending lots of love and support your way, we will get through this.

[@sydtheplantdoc]

Thank you for sharing this! It is always refreshing when we can be transparent about our struggles with plants. My collection overall is doing fine but I lost several plants last week due to neglect and it felt like both a setback and a motivator. Plants are beautiful because they can almost always bounce back, and humans are even more capable of such. Keep your head up girly!

[@KelseyCathleen]

Thanks for sharing this - I’m in the midst of my own thrip battle and helps to know I’m not alone! It’s so depressing to lose plants you’ve grown for years 😢

[@bethadamik8014]

Sweet Fern you have a beautiful collection of plants. We all battle pests from time to time. I spray my entire collection with straight rubbing alcohol every two weeks to prevent pests. And that works very well for me with over 650 plants. Most of my collection is Hoya but I have a few other things. The alcohol drys so fast it never harms my plants at all. And the only pest I have seen was aphids but spraying them ends them. I have ray things turn around for you! But never doubt your plant care. You are a great plant mom!!!

[@lindacornett8944]

10:18 I think we all go through this. I love my plants but when I lose one I feel like throwing them all out but since I have probably 75 I wouldn’t dare. Just have to grin and bear it. Hang in there. I love that you are honest and show your successes and failures. Love all your videos.

[@celestialynx]

I think you don't need to worry about how your plants and arrangements look and definitely don't compare yourself to other people on social media. Think how many of us who watch you are inspired by you (me for example!) and you always inspire me to look after my little collection. The fact that you are also fighting an attack of trips - the same applies to me and I listened to you, repotting and washing my 2 year old peperomia, which fortunately wasn't attacked, but a lot of my plants went in the bin because I had nothing left to save. And also my morale went down because of it, as well as my mood, and I didn't take care of my plants as I should. That's what I like about you, that you don't try to show everything perfectly, you fight against pests, sometimes you have to get rid of some beloved plant... like me and I think many people here. We all try to keep our plants healthy and beautiful, but it's a lot of work and time to do it, and social media doesn't always show it. And yes, I would love to see all your plants! Even if they're not at their best and there's a dried leaf sticking out somewhere :)

[@mallorythornton1637]

Appreciate the realness so much! This is honestly my favorite video that you’ve done. I struggle so much with my plants and I spend so much time with them and I’m such an OCD perfectionist, it’s nice to know that we all share the same struggles.

[@tumblina7876]

Totally feeling the seasonal Blues! I have a few plants struggling and it’s defiantly makes me feel off. I also tossed a plant because it has thrips…. Just didn’t want to go through the journey of clearing them but paranoid that they spread!

[@clairelaffan7670]

I've only been in the hobby for a year, so I delt with pests for the first time recently. My brand new little verrucosum got spider mites a few weeks ago, but I managed to clear them up and she's fine. But a few days ago, I found a SINGLE mealy bug in my milsbo. I searched high and low for a few days and couldn't find a single other mealybug. But there can't possibly be just ONE? I think of you as a plant wizard, so it's very comforting that even you deal with the annoying parts of plant care too. Your collection is gorgeous and you should feel so proud of it and the career you've made sharing your passion for them :)

[@plantypittsburgh]

Also feeling a... way... about my plants. I'm worried about an import of mostly hoya. I'm so worried that I'll kill them, and I'll be so sad if that happens.

[@diediedice]

So we're all just kind of down about our plants lately? Don't stress yourself too much about your new plants. Instead, try to focus on the exciting parts! :)

[@nikkihines3652]

We here for you Fern. So appreciate your vids. I recently lose one Hoya to mealies. Other wise the rest of my 100+ greenies are doing well so far. I am repotting my plants with fresh soil and observation this fall to prepare this for the cold Portland weather. Keep up your good plant care dear. 🤓

[@rhodealexandre6583]

Hi Fern, I am so sorry you are going through this. Hope you get better. Thank you for keeping it real. I watched you cutting the vine of the moss pole thinking you could’ve release the vine from the pole saving the roots growing in the moss.

[@Grellu_]

What I love about your collection and channel overall is that it's very realistic! We all can relate to that and that's why it feels so special to watch. Plants are not perfect in nature and it's their charm to be honest, each has theirs own story to tell. Perfectionism is the curse of plant community for sure and I wish more people would stop stressing about imperfect plants, they should bring us joy regardless 😊Sending you lots of hugs, hope you feel a little better soon!!! 💖

[@JanaRhoden]

Girl! I feel you! I’ve had a womp womp month! And my plants only feel ok. Like why do we go from being so proud then just like, “I’m the worst!!!” I will be interested in how this grows out for you!!!!

[@GardenWitchStudio]

My collection felt like it was at its worst about a month ago but now that I'm in a place I can focus on them and repot/prop anything that needs to be, plus putting up new displays, I feel that I'm a lot more satisfied with my collection.

[@dana8208]

I am sure that your collection is someone else's dream beautiful collection Fern! I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with feeling inadequate as a plant mom. I agree with you though, it's just a natural part of owning plants that they eventually decline and toufh decisions have to be made. I remember you transplanting this plant into that beautiful pot! Lookong forward to seeing it grow again.