Plant Whisperers: Mac & Cheeseplant

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

This month we met Maciej from @macandcheeseplant. He's a designer and a plant lover who currently lives surrounded by over 80 plants in Brighton and Hove, UK.

Hello Maciej!

How did you become a plant lover?

When I lived in London, after moving to a new place in Shepherd's Bush, I decided to make it look more personal. That was the moment when I got into plants.

It was a lovely room, a converted attic at the top of a Victorian house with a lot of natural light. Getting plants was my immediate decision, but I didn't know much about them at the time. It didn't take long until I ended up with over 20 plants. It was a great learning experience.

Then I moved to Brighton over a year ago, and that's when it became a serious thing. Now I have around 80 plants in the flat, but it never seems enough!

What's the best thing about living with plants?

As a person who suffers from anxiety, plants have had a very positive effect on me. Apart from obvious benefits, like clearing the air and producing oxygen, plants also help to relax and improve the mood. They also decrease stress and boost creativity and productivity, which is quite remarkable. There's plenty of scientific studies about it.

Also, living in the city can disconnect us from nature. Having a little urban jungle can create an illusion of bringing the outside inside, which I've experienced quite significantly during the lockdown. I live in an apartment on the 7th floor, so I don't have the privilege of having a garden.

How can you manage to have so many plants?

All plants have their individual needs, so it's a big learning curve. I must say, it takes a while to understand your plants, as there are many factors that contribute to your plants' well being. But it's a very rewarding and enjoyable process.

It's good to read a lot about a specific plant before getting it. There's so much information nowadays - from beautifully designed books to blogs and YouTube videos. We are quite lucky to have such easy access to almost endless resources.

I'd suggest - be curious and read as much as you can. And I'm always happy to share my knowledge on Instagram as well if people want to message me!

What's your experience with Pilea Peperomioides?

I find Pilea to be relatively easy-going: it's a very enjoyable plant. I've had mine for a few months now, and I'm propagating a baby plant.

My tip is to share the babies with friends, as there's nothing better than passing it on to people you love!

What kind of relationship you have with your plants? Do you ever talk or sing to them?

I don't really talk to my plants; I prefer to keep quiet and be present around them.

I have my meditation spot in the living room, which is literally drowning with plants. But if there are any issues - then I do beg them to stay alive!

Any plants on your wish list right now?

The list is always neverending, but at the top, there are Bird of Paradise and Banana Leaf. I have a lovely sunny place, which would be just perfect for them. It probably won't take long to make it happen, as buying plants can be quite addictive! There's always that one more plant...