Terry Richardson: @theblkthumb

Terry Richardson’s plant journey didn’t start out early like many people’s. He started out with some succulents that were easy to take care of, before attempting to move up to orchids. 

While the first few ended up dying, Terry (@theblkthumb) found one orchid in a dumpster and managed to nurse it back to bloom after over a year of care. Penelope (the orchid) was the catalyst that launched Terry into finding his passion for plants.  

“…things like patience, consistency, perseverance, being okay with things not being perfect, being okay with failure. Like all of those things I've learned pretty extensively through my plant care.”

Like many proud plant parents, Terry names all of his houseplants - but not until he’s seen them in full bloom.

“I don't name them until they've bloomed under my care because I feel like every orchid has its own personality.”

Nurturing houseplants has been healing for Terry. He feels reassurance in the fact that he has the ability to contribute to a living being and help it blossom.

“Plant care has been absolutely life changing in the fact that it's helped me with my anxiety, bouts of depression or being or feeling depressed. It's allowed me to recharge. It's allowed me to reconnect with myself…”

A film by Bettina Hanna.