Plant Whisperers: Lindsay Wallstrum

Updated: Oct 19, 2019

Plant Whisperers is our blog section where, each month, we interview true Pilea lovers and plant enthusiasts all around the world!

This month we met Lindsay from @leafandlolo.

She lives in a bright and gorgeous indoor jungle of more than 120 plants, and she's the creator of leafandlolo.com!

Hello Lindsay!

When and how did you fall in love with plants?

My love story began about 5 years ago when I moved back to the Bay Area from San Diego.

One of my friends gifted me a Pothos as a housewarming present. I still have that Pothos, and it's thriving!

One year later, I bought a new home and moved into a much larger space. So I bought a Monstera and began to fawn over it daily. The joy it brought me was incredible!

As I was designing the space, I realized that I was much more drawn to filling the house with plants rather than art.

Seeing a plant flourishing brings me joy like no other. I also enjoy the challenge plants can bring to understand their individual needs. It allows me to be in the present moment.

How many plants do you have at the moment?

How can you manage to have many?

I haven't counted recently, but the last time we were over 125... And that was months ago!

The best way to take care of many plants is by understanding the needs of each one of them, individually.

Light and water needs differ for each plant, so take your time getting to know your plant before placing them in a space just because it's aesthetically pleasing.

You have two dogs.

How's living with pets and plants in the same place?

Lolo and Zeus have lived harmoniously together with my plants for years!

They were older (about 4 and 8 years old) when we started adding more plants into our home, so their age might have had something to do with their disinterest in getting into the dirt.

Some plants are poisonous to dogs, so I am very thankful my pets never took a liking into nibbling on them!

What's your experience with Pilea Peperomioides?

I got my first Pilea in July 2018, during a visit to San Diego.

It was so hard at that time to find one where I live.

I ended up taking it on the plane with me as my "personal item," and it sat on my lap the whole ride home. I was just so happy to have a Pilea!

Bright indirect light seems to be what my Pileas like. In addition, I make sure to rotate every week or so.

Do you ever talk to your plants or listen to music for them?

Oh yes! I usually speak to my plants in the same baby voice that I talk to my dogs!

Also, my plants love Classic Rock (just like me!): The Beatles and Jackson Browne are their favorites!

On your website leafandlolo.com, you sell cute planters and pots. Tell us more about your project!

As more and more plants entered our home, I noticed I was having a hard time finding planters that fit our home aesthetic.

I wanted something neutral, yet not too simple, that would allow the plant to shine but still add some texture and fun.

After searching for a while and finding some gems out there, I wanted to create a place where people could visit to find a beautiful selection of planters easily.

In addition to selling planters. I also offer plant design services. I've had a lot of fun helping others add more green to their space. It's one of my favorite parts of this venture!