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James S. Mastaler, PhD

@root.leaf.and.petal

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James | Pistils & Pollen®
Building a people-first plant care community
For plant parents, gardeners + creators
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I had so much fun making this kokedama moss ball for this baby asparagus fern!

Making kokedama is a Japanese technique for wrapping the root ball of plants in mud and moss.

And the kit I used here from @pistilsnursery had all the supplies I needed to wrap this plant—including the fern!

Now, some folks will artfully hang their kokedama plants with string but I’ve chosen to rest this one in a terra cotta saucer that I’ll fill with water from time to time to keep it hydrated.

And for that I’m really excited about the ceramic watering jug I found on a visit to @alapash in Three Oaks, Michigan—I think it’s so lovely that I leave it out on my credenza in the lounge next to my plants.

Have you tried making kokedama? I’d love to hear which plants have worked best for you with this technique 🪴

#kokedama #asparagusfern #houseplants by @root.leaf.and.petal

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4 years ago

Hey Plant Friends! 🌿 I’m James, and I figured it’s time for a re-introduction. 🌸

For those who don’t know me, my plant journey began as a way to deepen my connection with the Earth, my community, and my own purpose. My background blends faith, ecology, and social justice—exploring how caring for the planet and uplifting the marginalized are intricately linked. This passion inspired me to write Woven Together: Faith and Justice for the Earth and the Poor, where I dive into the powerful connection between spiritual well-being and caring for the Earth and one another.

But here’s where things shifted: over the years, I’ve traded academia for hands-on work—digging into gardens, urban spaces, and even our parkway plots. 🌻 My mission is simple: to inspire and empower you to fill your life with plants and the joy they bring.

I don’t have it all figured out—like you, I’ve faced challenges in keeping my garden thriving, and felt the incredible reward of seeing a single bloom after months of care. Plants have a way of grounding us, connecting us, and making life more vibrant.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I’m grateful to grow alongside you and excited to keep learning and sharing together. Let’s fill our lives with green, one leaf at a time! 💚

With gratitude,
James 🌿

#PistilsAndPollen #PlantParenthood #IndoorJungle #PlantCoach #PlantLoversCommunity #GrowWithMe #Houseplants by @root.leaf.and.petal

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2 years ago

What do you think about the leaves on this silver pothos?

I’ll admit I fell hard for this plant (Scindapsus pictus ‘exotica’) when I found it in my local nursery.

It is typically grown from a hanging basket, which allows those big, beautiful, silvery leaves to drape gracefully over its container’s edges.

But, since this plant’s internal disposition is to ramble along the forest floor in the wild until it finds a tree to climb—I decided to offer mine a moss pole.

The moss pole I made for it here uses coco coir chips instead of the more customary sphagnum moss.

I love the bark-like look and feel of the coir chips and find that it works just as well for my climbers as sphagnum.

And, since coir is easier for many of us to get our hands on these days, it makes a great all-around alternative.

As my silver pothos climbs its new pole, I look forward to seeing those leaves get even larger with each inch it rises!

#silverpothos #scindapsus #foliage #foliageplant #plantcare #planttips #plantdad #mosspole #proudplantparent #houseplantlove #houseplantclub by @root.leaf.and.petal

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5 years ago

The goal isn’t to never have another struggling plant.
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The goal is to get better at noticing what’s changing, understanding what might be causing it, and knowing what to try next.
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That’s the kind of confidence we’re building together inside PlantPals VIP. I’d love to have you join us. by @root.leaf.and.petal

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a day ago

If you’ve been bouncing from video to video trying to figure out why your plant is struggling, at some point more information isn’t always the answer.
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Sometimes you need someone to actually look at your situation with you.
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That’s what we do inside PlantPals VIP. Bring the plant, bring the questions, and let’s figure out what’s going on together. by @root.leaf.and.petal

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3 days ago

There’s something different about learning plants around people who actually understand why you’re excited about a new leaf—or worried about one yellow one.
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That’s the kind of community we’re building inside PlantPals VIP.
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If you’ve been looking for your plant people, I’d love to welcome you in. by @root.leaf.and.petal

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8 days ago

I love bringing home a new plant! 💚
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We're talking palms & palm care inside our plant care community and you're welcome to join the conversation > easiest way in is through the app linked in bio 📲
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#ParlorPalm Close-up of a green leafy plant indoors with blurred background. by @root.leaf.and.petal

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9 days ago

The next time one of your plants starts doing something weird, imagine being able to bring it to a LIVE conversation instead of trying to diagnose it alone.
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That’s part of what PlantPals VIP gives you access to.
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Bring the plant. Bring the questions. Let’s work through it together. by @root.leaf.and.petal

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10 days ago

The "fingers" on this plant are absolutely incredible! 💚
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We're talking plants and soil mix recipes inside our plant care community and you're welcome to join the conversation > easiest way in is through the app linked in bio 📲
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#anthurium Close-up of a green leaf with human fingers beside it. by @root.leaf.and.petal

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11 days ago

If you’ve ever looked at a struggling plant and thought, “I have no idea what this thing wants from me,” you’re definitely not alone.
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That’s one of the reasons I created PlantPals VIP. You can bring your questions, share what you’re seeing, and get help thinking through what may actually be happening.
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If you’re ready to spend a little less time guessing, come join us. by @root.leaf.and.petal

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15 days ago

It's a highlight of my week when a new leaf unfurls, especially on variegated plants because each new leaf is a surprise! 💚
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We're talking moss poles inside our plant care community and you're welcome to join the conversation > easiest way in is through the app linked in bio 📲
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#pothos Close-up of a variegated Monstera leaf with a hand touching it. by @root.leaf.and.petal

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16 days ago

My goal isn’t for you to memorize every plant care rule.
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I want you to become more confident noticing what your plants are telling you and knowing what questions to ask when something changes.
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That’s a big part of what we practice together inside PlantPals VIP. If you want to grow that kind of confidence, I’d love to have you with us. by @root.leaf.and.petal

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17 days ago