With National Houseplant Appreciation Day on January 10, Detroit plant entrepreneur Jocelyn Ho brought a burst of greenery to Live in the D, sharing why indoor plants can lift moods and how beginners can keep them alive through winter.
“We live in an increasingly virtual world, and having plants just reconnects us with nature,” said Ho, founder and owner of Rare Plant Family. “Just touching the leaves, touching the soil — it helps ground us and de-stresses.”
Ho showcased several exotic varieties grown in the city, including an Alocasia ‘Frydek’ with striking white variegation. She said her team grows plants in a lab in Detroit and then nurtures them in a local nursery until they’re ready for homes.
For those intimidated by houseplants, Ho recommended starting with stalwarts such as snake plants and pothos. “They’re more tolerant to drought situations or if you tend to overwater. They’re very forgiving,” she said.
Winter care doesn’t have to be complicated, Ho added. “My top tip for any plant mama or plant daddy is consistency and patience,” she said. Establish a routine, watch for cold drafts near windows, pull plants back from chilly sills and consider supplemental lighting on darker days.
Ho, a former speech language pathologist, started selling plants from her personal collection during the pandemic and turned that side hustle into Rare Plant Family. “Plants are the new pets,” she joked on the show, noting the joy and calm they can bring to a room.
Rare Plant Family is open Friday through Sunday at 1111 Bellevue St. in Detroit’s Islandview neighborhood. Ho said the shop also offers a rotating selection of rare and beginner-friendly plants for shoppers looking to green up their spaces — and their spirits.
To watch the segment, click on the video above.