Hi there! It feels like forever since my last post, and honestly, life has been a whirlwind of emotions. Losing my mom turned my world upside down, and for a while, I was scared to write—afraid that putting my feelings into words might open a Pandora’s box of grief I wasn’t ready to face.

But here I am, stepping back into this space. And here’s a little life update: I’ve been keeping myself busy—grappling with grief, denial, and everything in between—and somehow, I ended up creating a garden in my backyard. Not because it’s trendy or because gardening is known to be therapeutic (though it really is!), but because it felt like a way to hold onto my mom’s memory. It’s become a space to honor her and find a bit of peace, and from now on, expect a lot more plantita updates from me. 🌱

Let me kick things off by sharing my Monstera Collection—a true labor of love.

When I first started my plantita journey, my ultimate dream was to own a Monstera Deliciosa. But they seemed to evade me at every turn! For a while, I thought I’d just settle with my Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Peru—and trust me, they’re stunning in their own right. Still, the Deliciosa remains that elusive plant on my wish list, keeping me inspired and hopeful.

Here’s to growth—both in life and in the garden. 🌿💚

One of the plant sellers once jokingly dubbed me the “Alocasia Queen,” and while I do adore my Alocasias, my heart truly belongs to Monstera. There’s just something about them—their striking foliage, their unique imperfections, or maybe how effortlessly they stand out among all other plants. There’s an impalpable beauty in their quirks, their flaws, and even the challenges they bring that has me completely drawn to them.

Speaking of challenges, my journey with Monstera started with an Adansonii, and let me tell you, it was a love-hate relationship like no other. She was my first Monstera, and I was determined to keep her—but oh, how she tested me! She was fussy, finicky, and unpredictable, to the point where I started doubting myself. I felt incompetent, weak, and incapable of keeping her alive. Crazy as it sounds, I even prayed to every god I could think of for the last surviving cutting to make it through. Sure, I could’ve bought another pot, but I told myself, “No. If this one doesn’t make it, my dream dies with it.”

But giving up isn’t in my nature. I’m a fighter, plain and simple. I fight hard. I love harder. No half-measures here. Once I set my sights on something, my whole heart follows. So, I poured all my energy and love into that last cutting, through countless repottings and adjustments. And guess what? Someone up there must’ve been listening because she pulled through. From that moment, I knew—this wasn’t just about a plant. It was about the dream, the effort, and the determination to see it through.

Since then, my Monstera journey has blossomed. I welcomed my first Deliciosa, then my second, and third. My collection grew to include a Borsigiana, Tetrasperma, a local Monstera, and even the more coveted Variegata and Dubia. The dream has come full circle, not because it was easy, but because I didn’t give up when things got tough.

There’s something magical about not letting go, even when the odds aren’t in your favor. Monstera taught me that beauty lies in imperfection and persistence, and sometimes, the hardest journeys lead to the most rewarding destinations. 💚

Some say I have a crazy plant collection—and honestly, they’re not wrong! Alongside my beloved Monsteras, I’ve got Alocasias, Anthuriums, and Calatheas. Yes, I’m that crazy. And determined. But it’s not just about the plants—it’s about something deeper. I’ve always had this innate drive, maybe even an obsession, to fix things, to care for them, to hold them close no matter how challenging they might be. That’s just who I am.

Looking back, I’m so glad I didn’t give up the first time things got tough. If I had, I wouldn’t have this beautiful collection today, and I wouldn’t be able to look at it and say, “Hey, you did it!” Sure, it’s a small win—but who cares? It’s a win that matters to me. This journey has changed how I see planting, loving, giving, and even surviving. 🌿

At first, I thought it was all about feeling a sense of triumph—about getting love back after pouring so much of myself into something. I thought I was planting to receive, to make it a two-way street, because I was done with giving so much of myself and losing in return. I believed one-sided effort only leads to exhaustion, like running in circles trying to find a way out.

But here’s what I’ve come to realize: the true victory lies in overcoming my own shortcomings and weaknesses. That’s what gives life meaning. Every challenge, every battle I’ve faced in this journey has made me stronger and more resilient. I now understand that I was planting love not to get something back, but to grow perseverance, strength, and self-worth.

I’ve learned that loving, whether it’s for plants, people, or passions, isn’t about validation. It’s about living your purpose to the fullest. Loving is scary, sure—because we fear giving without receiving the same in return. But love, like planting, is inherently transformative. It helps us grow, not just in what we nurture, but in ourselves. Each seed of affection we plant is a step toward becoming a better version of ourselves, fulfilling our purpose and discovering our why.

As I like to say: “Love is like a Monster(a)—sometimes fearsome, but always too Delicious(a) to resist.”

And if you’re wondering where I get my Monsteras, well, that’s a secret only a true PlantMomma can reveal. 😉🌱

Manila Jungle by Ms K (IG: @manilajungle)

Monstera Manila (FB: https://fb.me/Monstera.Manila | IG: @monstera.manila)