What We Canadians Know as Houseplants
The plants that we Canadians are trying to keep alive and thrive in our cold northern climate, are the same plants that grow here by abandon in Puerto Morelos Mexico. Po Mo is a tropical plant lovers paradise! Not only will you see brightly coloured flowers everywhere you look, but the foliage is what you may be most familiar with.
In Canada we love our houseplants. From monstera to ficus to dracaena, we are trying to grow them all. Those of us lucky enough to have some southern exposure in our homes, have more success at this endeavour than others. When you have the opportunity to come and visit a place like Puerto Morelos, you realize why that light is so necessary.
Here in Mexico these plants are in their natural habitat. The bright sun is shining on them for 12 hours a day, and it is direct intense light. They have the warmth of 30 degree days year round and humidity too. And these plants absolutely thrive here! Not only do they grow in gardens, they are filling ditches, inching out of cracks in the sidewalk, creeping up utility poles and absolutely smothering each other in the fight to get the most sun.
It is clearly apparent why we struggle, or at least I struggled to keep such plants alive in Canada.
Just look at these beauties.
Walking Around
I often think I must look like a lunatic when I’m on my walk-a-bout towns. I’m peering into nooks and crannies, trying to get under a large palm leaf to photograph something I’ve seen deeper in the bush. I am a plant lover at heart. Years ago, I was an avid gardener. I am constantly amazed by the flora and fauna that surrounds me. I think this earth we live on is miraculous. Plants provide so much benefit to the planet. From providing us oxygen to breath, to housing an insects eggs. Look at what I saw yesterday.
Those who know me will know that I detest bugs. I cannot tolerate insects near or on me, but in their natural habitat they are fascinating! Look at those eggs laid in the leaf. It was only that one single leaf on the whole plant. It gives me the creeps to look at it but wow, that is incredible.
The foliage surrounding me here in Po Mo is phenomenal. It is incredibly dense, lush and healthy. A beautiful ecosystem before my eyes. Remember, I haven’t gone into the botanical garden to see these plants, they are absolutely everywhere. If you are interested in seeing the botanical gardens, there is one here in Puerto Morelos called Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin Jardin Botanico.
I have so many photograph’s of plants and flowers, its difficult to choose which ones to showcase.
I hope that when you decide to visit a smaller town in Mexico, that you will have enough time to wander the streets outside of the tourist districts and really enjoy all of the natural splendour surrounding you.
Much love, C.
