There's a quiet kind of gratitude that doesn't come from big, obvious gestures — it comes from a new leaf unfurling on a windowsill, a plant leaning toward the morning light, or the steady presence of something green that's stuck with you through hard seasons.
Krystal Duran knows this well. As the creative force behind Plants with Krystal, she's built a devoted following of over 1 million followers on each of three platforms — Instagram, TikTok and Facebook — by sharing her love of houseplants and the lessons they teach us.
Now, in her new book, "More Than Just a Plant: How to Care for Your Plants as They Care for You," Krystal explores just how much these green companions give back — teaching us patience, celebrating our small wins and even helping to heal through personal loss. In the excerpt below, taken from her book, Krystal reminds us that this November, as we count our blessings, some of the most meaningful ones are quietly growing in our midst.
“Why buy houseplants when they don't do anything for us?”
“You can't eat them and it's time consuming to have to take care of them when they give us nothing in return.”
“You should grow food instead.”
I've read comments like these time and time again and if you're not a houseplant lover, you might ask this same question. I can assure you though that if you are a houseplant lover, and most likely that's why you are here reading this now, it's not a one-sided relationship. Sure, they can't audibly communicate with us, but plants have a way of speaking to us anyway. It's not in the ways we expect though. When we watch closely, they speak in gestures: the leaves reaching toward the light, plant tendrils forming to show us that they're looking for support. yellowing leaves falling to make space for more, and the new growth validating our patience and understanding of their silent cues.
I know you're not going to tell me that an unfurling new leaf on your houseplant didn't make you squeal and jump for joy when you saw it, because no one has ever been unhappy seeing a new leaf unfurl ... just saying. That part of plant collecting will always be just as exciting as the first time and it offers quite the boost of serotonin, no matter how many houseplants you grow. And don't get me started on new blooms on a plant! That will give you bragging rights for the rest of your life.
As plant lovers, we understand that even the smallest growth is something worth celebrating. Our plants are our own little individual teachers and companions. Plants connect us to people in our community and our loved ones. They keep us on our toes and can frustrate us to heck when we can't figure out what they want from us. But even then, we love them so.
I didn't quite understand the power of plants when I first started collecting. I knew I enjoyed them, I wanted more of them, and it was a hobby that quieted my brain during the hustle and bustle of the day.
Over the years, though, and through my own loss, I realized these green babies are not only taking up every single empty space on my shelves, but they are also helping me heal. For that I will forever be grateful. So sure, houseplants may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if there's one thing I know about plants, it's that the relationship we have with them is very special. They are always more than just a plant.
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About the Author
Krystal Duran is the creator behind Plants with Krystal. She is a dedicated plant educator, content creator and entrepreneur with a mission to make plant care accessible, engaging and rewarding. With over ten years of hands-on experience, she has built a trusted brand that blends expert knowledge with a personal, relatable approach. Through her content, she has empowered plant enthusiasts to cultivate thriving green spaces, whether in their homes or through larger botanical projects.
Follow along with Krystal's adventures on:
Instagram: @_plantswithkrystal_
TikTok: @plantswithkrystal
Facebook: facebook.com/plantswithkrystal
YouTube: @plantswithkrystal
On the web: www.plants-with-krystal.com