The Weekly Sap – Succulents, Stands & Stripey Leaves

Because growth isn’t just vertical—it’s creative, colorful, and sometimes a little weird (in the best way).

Author

John Harrison
July 21, 2025

This Week at PlantmyPlants

Hey there, houseplant heroes!

This week, we’re celebrating the quirky, the crafty, and the wildly decorative sides of plant parenthood. From sculptural succulents that thrive on neglect (bless them) to plant stands you can build in an afternoon, to the wildly patterned Calatheas that look like botanical stained glass—this week is about giving your plants personality.

It’s low water, high style, and a little bit of leaf envy.

Let’s dig in:

Tuesday Tips: Growing Succulents Indoors Without the Drama

Let’s face it: succulents have a reputation for being easy.
But indoors? That’s a whole different pot of soil.

They’re sun-loving, desert-born divas—and when they’re not getting what they need, they’ll stretch, sulk, and rot without warning. So how do you keep them cute and compact inside?

This Tuesday, we’re spilling the (gritty, well-draining) dirt on:

  • The #1 mistake people make with indoor succulents (spoiler: too much love)

  • How to choose the best windowsill or grow light setup

  • Why pots with drainage holes aren’t optional—they’re non-negotiable

  • A foolproof watering trick: when in doubt, don’t

Succulents are like that friend who needs space but still wants to be near the sun.
Give them room, give them light, and give them time.
They’ll glow back at you in shades of jade, lavender, and coral pink.

Wednesday Works: Build a DIY Plant Stand (Even If You Don’t Own a Saw)

Plants like a pedestal—and this Wednesday, we’re helping you build one.

Whether you’re team minimalist, mid-century, or modern rustic, a plant stand elevates more than your greenery—it changes the entire vibe of a room. And no, you don’t need a full tool shed to make one.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • 3 beginner-friendly stand designs (hello, no-saw solutions!)

  • Materials you probably already have: crates, stools, copper pipe, IKEA hacks

  • How to stabilize, seal, and style it to match your plant’s personality

  • Bonus: tiered stands for that lush, layered jungle look

Think of this as vertical gardening—but make it interior design.

Because every great plant deserves a throne.

Feature Friday: The Wonderful, Wild World of Calatheas

Dramatic? Absolutely.
Stunning? No question.
Worth the slightly fussy care? One hundred percent.

This Friday, we’re heading into the lush, moody world of Calatheas—a.k.a. the living art prints of the plant world. With stripes, swirls, and vibrant undersides, they’re like the couture models of your plant collection.

Some favorites we’re swooning over:

  • Calathea Orbifolia – Wide, silver-striped leaves that make a statement

  • Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant) – Feathered foliage that struts its stuff

  • Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake) – Long, wavy leaves with polka dots

  • Calathea Roseopicta – Deep green with pink and purple patterning that feels downright regal

But don’t let their beauty fool you—these plants know what they want.

We’ll walk you through:

  • Creating the perfect humidity-rich microclimate

  • Keeping their soil just right: moist, never soggy

  • Why filtered light is their happy place

  • And how to decode their famous leaf movements (yes, they really dance)

It’s not just about caring for a Calathea.
It’s about curating an experience.

This Week in the Garden:

Welcome to your weekly walk through the leafy side of life. These are the moments where plant care meets self-care—and we take a step back to appreciate the art, the effort, and the quiet magic of it all.

Succulent Snapshot:
Your aloe, echeveria, and jade don’t want your constant attention—they want that desert-chic minimalism. So skip the misting and let them sunbathe. You’re not ignoring them. You’re empowering them.

Stand & Deliver:
That wooden crate or metal stool in your garage? Plant stand potential. Build it, style it, and watch your plants rise—literally and figuratively.

Patterned Leaf Love:
Calatheas are your weekly reminder that plants can be both moody and magnificent. Respect the drama. Mist them like they’re royalty.

What’s Next at PlantmyPlants

You’re growing more than greenery—you’re growing creativity, care, and confidence.
And we’re right there with you.

Have a succulent that looks like modern art? A DIY stand you’re ready to show off? A Calathea that made your jaw drop this morning?

Tag us @PlantMyPlants and use #TheWeeklySap.
Let’s make plant envy a thing… in a good way.

Your pic might just be our next Friday feature.

Before You Go...

Every dry leaf, sunbeam, and spotted pot tells a story.
A succulent standing tall in winter light.
A Calathea unfolding like a fan dancer at dawn.
A handmade plant stand that says, “Yeah, I built that.”

This week, let your plants be art, your space be sanctuary, and your care be intentional.

Because at PlantmyPlants, we don’t just root in soil.
We root in passion.

Let’s Grow Together

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Until next time—
Keep your light bright, your soil balanced, and your leaves loud.

– The PlantmyPlants Team

- The PlantmyPlants Team

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