Trending 10-Day Flex Your Plant Challenge: Are You In Or Out?

In the last week of September, when the world was slowly transitioning from the warmth of summer to the crispness of fall, a challenge unlike any other took hold of me. It was a challenge to celebrate the beauty of plants and nature through the lens of my camera. The challenge called for me to capture a new photo of my beloved plants every day for ten consecutive days.

For someone who cherishes their plants like they are children, this challenge was a chance to showcase the beauty and grace of each green darling in my collection. It was an opportunity to tell the stories of each plant, to share their quirks and idiosyncrasies with the world, and to connect with others who share my love for horticulture.

As I took on the challenge, I found myself swept up in the magic of it all. Each day, I eagerly awaited the chance to snap a photo of my plants, to capture the light and shadows that danced across their leaves, and to immortalize their beauty in a still frame.

And as I shared these photos with my friends and family on Facebook, I discovered a whole world of people who shared my passion for plants. I found kindred spirits who were just as enamored with the intricacies of nature as I was. We exchanged tips and tricks, shared stories of our favorite plants, and reveled in the beauty of the world around us.

It all started with a photo of my most beloved plant, a Korean succulent called Pachyphytum Frevel. Its rough-hewn beauty and delicate details captured my heart, and I knew that this challenge would be the perfect opportunity to share it with the world.

And so, my journey began, and I have continued to share my plant journey through every social media outlet available to me. Through each snapshot, I have woven a tapestry of stories, a love letter to the plants that have brought so much beauty and joy into my life.

Day 1: Pachyphytum Frevel

On the second day of the challenge, I decided to shift gears from my usual flex of cute and petite succulents to showcasing a larger and more exotic plant—the majestic Anahaw plant (Livistona rotundifolia). This particular plant was a prized possession in my collection, not just for its striking beauty but also for its significance to the culture and heritage of the Philippines.

Repotting this giant plant proved to be a challenging and daunting task. The thorny protrusions that lay just beneath its leaves made it quite tricky to maneuver, and I had to exercise the utmost care and precision to avoid getting pricked. But it was worth it. As I stood back and admired my handiwork, I was reminded of the resilience and strength that this plant embodies.

In the Philippines, the Anahaw plant holds a special place in the hearts of the people. Its orbicular, fan-shaped leaves or fronds and pleated leaf blades make it a versatile resource for people, serving as roofing and fan-making materials. The trunk of the plant is also a preferred choice for constructing low-cost houses, particularly in rural areas.

As I gazed upon this beautiful plant, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in its cultural significance. It was not just a plant but a symbol of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of people who have learned to work with the resources that nature has provided them. In showcasing this plant, I hoped to honor its legacy and remind others of the beauty and importance of preserving our natural resources.

Day 2: The Anahaw plant

On the third day of the challenge, I decided to showcase the breathtaking beauty and unmatched versatility of the Giant Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum). This plant is truly one of the best indoor plants you can own, if not the very best.

As I stood in front of my prized Giant Golden Pothos, I couldn't help but marvel at the way it had adapted so effortlessly to its surroundings. This plant was a true survivor, capable of thriving in even the harshest and most unforgiving conditions.

The versatility of this plant is truly remarkable. It can be trained to climb and cascade down from high shelves or allowed to sprawl across the ground in a wild tangle of greenery. Its leaves are a vibrant shade of green with splotches of gold that shimmer and gleam in the light.

The Giant Golden Pothos is also incredibly easy to care for, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. It is resistant to pests and can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, from bright, indirect sunlight to low light conditions.

In many ways, the Giant Golden Pothos is a plant that embodies the resilience and adaptability of nature itself. It is a reminder of the beauty and power that can be found in even the simplest and most unassuming things and a testament to the wonders that can be unlocked when we take the time to appreciate and care for the world around us.

Day 3: Giant Golden Pothos

As the fourth day of the challenge rolled around, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I had already showcased some of my favorite plants, but I knew that there were still so many other treasures in my collection that were waiting to be shared with the world.

One such treasure was the breathtakingly beautiful variegated money tree. This plant was truly a sight to behold, with its striking green and white leaves that sparkled and glimmered in the sunlight.

As I gazed upon this plant, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe. It was as if the very act of looking at this plant had the power to transport me to another world, one where worries and stresses simply melted away in the face of such natural beauty.

The variegated money tree was more than just a plant - it was a source of inspiration and tranquility, a reminder of the simple pleasures in life that can bring us so much joy.

And so, as I snapped a photo of this magnificent plant and shared it with the world, I knew that I was doing more than just completing a challenge - I was spreading a message of hope and positivity to all those who needed it.

For in a world where chaos and uncertainty seemed to reign supreme, the variegated money tree was a symbol of resilience and strength, a shining beacon of hope that reminded us all of the beauty and wonder that can be found in even the most ordinary of things.

Day 4: Variegated Money Tree

As the fifth day of the challenge dawned upon me, I found myself in a predicament. I was spoilt for choice, as I had an abundance of exquisite plants that deserved to be showcased to the world. However, as a person who pays great attention to detail, I couldn't just settle for any mundane or mediocre post.

The weight of the challenge was starting to bear down on me, and I found myself feeling a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. I knew that I had to choose wisely, as each plant in my collection held a special place in my heart.

After much deliberation, I finally stumbled upon a plant that was just right for the occasion. It was a very common, yet amazing plant that was right around the corner from where I was.

This plant may not have been the most exotic or eye-catching plant in my collection, but it had a simple, understated beauty that was truly captivating. Its leaves were a rich, deep shade of green, and they shimmered and glistened in the sunlight like diamonds.

As I photographed this plant and shared it with the world, I felt a sense of relief and accomplishment wash over me. Despite the weight of the challenge, I managed to rise to the occasion and deliver a post that was both beautiful and meaningful.

And so, as the days of the challenge continued to pass, I knew that I would continue to be challenged and tested. But with each passing day, I also knew that I would grow stronger and more confident, as I continued to discover the beauty and wonder that can be found in even the most simple and unassuming plants.

Day 5: Zanzibar Gem a.k.a ZZ Plant

As the next day of the photo challenge approached, I found myself spending the entire morning pondering about what to post next. I knew that I couldn't just take a photo without adding a little bit of presentation to it. However, exhaustion had gotten the better of me, and I was feeling drained after a long day of repotting numerous plants on a lazy Sunday.

Just when I thought that I had hit a roadblock, the peperomias came to my rescue. This genus of plants has always held a special place in my heart, as their unique and vibrant foliage never fails to bring a smile to my face.

As I looked at these beautiful plants, I couldn't help but feel grateful for their presence in my life. Despite being known as one of the more difficult plants to care for, they have always been a source of joy and inspiration for me.

The peperomias may not be the most flashy or show-stopping plants in my collection, but they have a charm and elegance that is unmatched. Their intricate leaves, which come in a wide array of shapes and colors, always manage to capture my attention and leave me in awe.

As I posted my photo and shared it with the world, I knew that I had once again managed to rise to the challenge. The peperomias had saved the day, and I couldn't be more grateful for their presence in my life.

In the end, the debate over whether or not peperomias are difficult plants to care for seemed insignificant. For me, what mattered most was the wonder and beauty that these plants brought to my life and the joy that they brought to others through my posts.

Day 6: Watermelon Peperomias

Halfway through the challenge, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment for making it this far. However, as the days went by, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pressure creeping in. The desire to take captivating photos that would showcase the beauty of my beloved plants while keeping up with the challenge's theme weighed heavily on my mind.

In an attempt to spread the joy of plant appreciation, I started tagging and nominating friends and colleagues to join in on the fun. To my delight, my friend Hallie Santos-Dayo took up the challenge with fervor, sharing stunning photos of her own cacti and succulent collection. Her skill in propagating some of them without any difficulty left me in awe.

As I contemplated my next photo, I couldn't shake off the anxiety that was slowly building up inside of me. I wanted to showcase my collection of Calatheas, but choosing which ones to feature was proving to be a daunting task. It wasn't until my newly ordered set of wooden plant racks from Wood Space Studio arrived that I found the inspiration I needed. With the perfect backdrop for my plants, I was finally able to capture their vibrant colors and intricate patterns in all their glory.

Credit: Vernon Plant Rack Set in Dark Wood Finish by Wood Space Studio

The arrival of the wooden plant racks from Wood Space Studio had me overjoyed. The craftsmanship and design of the racks were impeccable, and they added a new level of elegance to my already-beautiful plant collection.

With the perfect backdrop in place, I eagerly chose three of my most stunning Calatheas to feature in my next post. The Calathea Orbifolia, with its large, round leaves and intricate patterns, was a clear choice. Its distinctive silver-green foliage with deep green veins never failed to impress. Next, I decided to showcase the Calathea Medallion, with its striking, deep green leaves and a burst of pink in the center. Finally, I chose the Calathea Lancifolia, with its long, slender leaves featuring a stunning pattern of dark green stripes and light green spots.

As I took the photos, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of these plants. The way they gracefully arched and swayed in the light breeze was mesmerizing. With the wooden plant racks providing the perfect contrast to their colorful foliage, the result was truly stunning.

Day 7: Calathea Varieties

As the sun's golden rays kissed the tips of the Echeveria Black Prince's dark leaves, I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement for the day's photo challenge. Sitting comfortably on my balcony with a steaming cup of coffee in my hand, I watched as the succulent basked in the warm sunlight, its clusters of rosettes standing out against the backdrop of lush greens.

There was no doubt in my mind that the Echeveria Black Prince was going to be the star of the day's post. Its unique blend of dark purple and black leaves, offset by a hint of green, was simply mesmerizing. As I snapped away, capturing its intricate details from every angle, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over me.

Unlike the previous days, when I struggled with indecision, day eight felt effortless. The Echeveria Black Prince had captured my heart and imagination, and I knew that this post was going to be one of my best yet.

Day 8: Echeveria Black Prince (cluster)

I'm feeling so anxious on Day 9 of this photo challenge. I still have a lot of plants that I want to showcase, but with only two days left, the pressure is mounting. However, I have a plan to end the challenge with a bang—by featuring trees!

When I think of trees, the first thing that comes to mind is the rubber tree. But then I had to decide which rubber tree to feature, and that was another source of stress. Ultimately, I settled on the Burgundy variety since the Black Prince variety still needs to be repotted.

The Burgundy Rubber Tree is an excellent choice because of its striking, deep red color. It's a real statement plant that adds a lot of personality to any room. It's also an easy plant to care for, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts.

I spent a lot of time setting up the perfect shot for this tree. I wanted to make sure that the photo captured its beauty and grandeur. I ended up taking the picture in my living room, where the tree gets plenty of natural light. I also used a simple white backdrop to make the plant stand out even more.

When I finally posted the picture, I was thrilled with the response I got from my friends and followers. Many of them commented on how impressive the tree looked and how much they admired my dedication to this challenge. It felt great to end the challenge on such a high note!

Day 9: Burgundy Rubber Trees

On the final day of the challenge, I felt a mix of relief and sadness that it was coming to an end. Unlike the last few days, when I struggled to choose what to post, I have already decided what plant to feature today. As a way to go full circle, I want to bookend the challenge with another succulent.

But I also want to make it grand and memorable, so I decided to showcase the Giant Echeveria Marilyn. This particular succulent is a showstopper, with large rosettes of fleshy leaves in shades of green and pink. It's a statement plant that demands attention and is definitely a great way to end the challenge on a high note.

Day 10: Giant Echeveria Marilyn

As I look back on the past ten days, I feel grateful for the opportunity to share my love for plants with others. It's been a fun and challenging journey, but it's also made me appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world even more.

During the past ten days of this daily photo challenge, I've developed a new habit of constantly thinking about what plant to feature next. Even though I've been feeling a bit lazy lately, this challenge has been a great motivator for me. It not only helped me to push myself to post daily but also to overcome my anxiety and indecisiveness when faced with quick decisions. Looking back on this experience, I'm in awe of how much it has taught me.

One of the most valuable takeaways for me was learning to trust my instincts and make decisions more confidently. This challenge also helped me to improve my photography skills and discover new aspects of plant care. Overall, I feel like this experience was priceless, and it was definitely worth the effort.

Despite the challenges, I would definitely do this all over again. In fact, I'm already getting excited for the next challenge, the #PlantoberPhotoChallenge! I can't wait to see what new plants I'll discover and share with others through this challenge.

Please follow me on my instagram: @kirktonic if you haven't already. Cheers!