Blurring the Lines Between Jungle and Home with Wilde Foli

We have a very exciting feature here on the GPL blog today! We interviewed Erika Hale from Wilde Foli (@wilde.foli on Instagram) and asked her some questions about her in-home jungle, what plants mean to her, and her favorite tips and tricks! Keep reading, you wont want to miss this one —

q: why did you begin your wilde foli page? what is your vision?

A: There is something so calming and peaceful about greenery. It is the feeling of tranquility that has motivated me to surround myself with [foli]age for the past few years and also the reason why I started Wilde Foli. It’s a space where I combine my creativity and passion to inspire and motivate other plant owners! Wilde Foli mostly started to be a space to share growth, tips and create community. But I enjoy it so much, there is a part of me that hopes it becomes something more…maybe a plant shop of my own? We shall see ;-)

Q: How do you think plants enhance your life and home?

A: Bringing greenery into your home has so many positive benefits. First let’s talk about the air you breathe. Plants help clean the air by absorbing toxins, increasing humidity and producing oxygen. And if you live anywhere near a big city like I do… you know pollution is at an all-time high. Oh, and did you know there is such thing as “indoor” air pollution? Crazy, I know. So, what can we do to naturally help our air quality? Get some house plants! Okay, now let’s talk about the health benefits. Studies have shown that indoors plants help boost mood, productivity, concentration, creativity and reduces stress. There really is something so therapeutic about getting in touch with nature. Especially, during a time like this, where many of us are working from home and hardly get a chance to go outside. Why not design a space where we could bring the outside in? Not only are you creating a space that can artfully blur the lines between interior and exterior, but also one that has great depth - depth that is warm and inviting.

q: how many plants do you have right now? What’s your favorite and why?

A: Right now, I have a total of 35 plants! (not including the one’s I’m propagating) And gosh my favorite?? That’s the hardest question, mostly because it changes so often. But I would have to say my top two favorites are the Monstera Deliciosa and Fiddle Leaf Fig. They both have such beautiful foliage and they bring all the tropical jungles vibes. They also grow quite large and fast and I mean that’s all a plant owner could ever want!

q: what’s in your propagation station right now?

A: I am currently propagating: a Golden Pothos, Marble Queen (Pothos), String of Hearts, String of Pearls, Rubber Plant (Burgundy), and a Monstera Deliciosa.

*Pictured below.

q: what are your top five plant caring tips?

Don’t over water!! This is always so hard because it’s just so fun to water them! But trust me, be patient and only water when needed. Your plants will love you for it! Also, when watering…water thoroughly. Take time to allow the water to make its way slowly through potting mix and then through the drainage hole.
Don’t beat yourself up if you lose a few leaves, or even a whole plant! Remember, you win some, you lose some.
Don’t forget to prune! I feel like this isn’t talked about much in the plant world, but I’ve learned that cutting damaged leaves only helps your plant grow more! I know we can get protective over our plant babies and we want to keep all the leaves we can. But pruning just allows more room for growth *this applies to humans as well ;-)*
Remember, all plants are unique and require different types of care. Take time to research and learn your plant(s) to ensure you are giving them the best care possible!
When buying a plant, they usually come in your typical thin, plastic pot, and majority of the time is too small for your plant. Which means it can be root bound and has no room to grow. I always suggest leaving it in the plastic pot for only a week or two as it adjusts to its new home, and then repotting it into something at least 2” bigger!

q: what are your favorite bay area nurseries?

A: Oooh another tough question. At the moment I’d have to say The Sill in San Francisco, Ca. [ @thesill ] and Flora Arte in Berkeley, Ca. [ @flora_arte ]