A love letter to my favourite plants, as told through illustrations
In a world in flux, gardening provides a sense of stability and calm
Isabella Tan
In a world of flux, one might feel a sense of rootless existence. For a busy city-living human like myself, I know to expect the unexpected, that the unchanged will always change. In a world in flux, gardening provides a sense of stability and calm.
At the same time, plants are also experiencing constant change — as subtle as it seems — each day. There is growth in the fruits and flowers, but there is also death in the fallen leaves. Each plant comes with its own temperament and personality.
1
African Spear Dracaena angolensis
True to its name, the leaves of an African Spear are proudly tall, spiky, and sturdy. In the wind, it never wavers. It is one of the few plant species that has crassulacean acid metabolism, a carbon fixation system that makes the plant resistant to drought.
2
Pencil Cactus Euphorbia tirucalli
Velvety and succulent, the Pencil Cactus is full of surprises. It excretes a milky sap that could cause blindness if it comes in contact with the eyes, and that could be fatal if ingested. It is a euphorbia — and not actually a cactus — and it photosynthesises through its stems. It can turn into vivid shades of orange, pink, or yellow during cool months.
3
Satin Pothos Scindapsus pictus
Heart shaped with splashes of silver and moss green, the satin pothos adapts to its environment through its size and vines. The patterns on its leaves are never constant.
4
Stephania erecta
Like a potato, Stephania erecta begins with no roots and no leaves. However, with tender loving care, it sprouts multiple tubers, which can intertwine with any shape of wire. The leaves thrive in spring but fall in winter.