Service Description

Hi, my name is Neel, and I am a massive lover of plants in all shapes and forms. I work at a plant/home decor shop and have extensive experience caring for my own houseplants, as well as the many plants brought to us by our customers. I have also been an avid volunteer at the UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden over the past year and a half, learning to care for a diversity of non-native and native plants. My own passion is cultivating and caring for cacti and succulents, but I also have experience working with aroids, orchids, and garden plants. Beyond my plant experience, I am fascinated with all forms of life and their interactions, from microbes to plants to humans. I study the behavior and interactions between bacteria and their predators—bacteriophages—hoping to uncover the genetic tools each organism uses to survive. With my science background, I take a similar approach to plant care, identifying the right microenvironment and soil amendments that will enable a plant to thrive. At the same time, I stress imbuing humanity into your plant care, not just treating your plants as laboratory subjects. The plants can feel your love and will thrive with an emotional connection! I am available for drop-in visits, extended in-home sitting M/F, or just some plant advice.