Designer Gonen Tzoran Cultivates 65 Plants in Small Tel Aviv Loft, Creating Urban Jungle

Gonen Tzoran, a 36-year-old costume and interior designer, has transformed his under-60-square-meter industrial loft in South Tel Aviv into a lush urban jungle with 65 plants. Over the past six years, what began as a modest collection of five plants has grown into an extensive assortment including pothos, monstera, sansevieria, and Thai ficus, filling every corner and hanging from the ceiling. Tzoran personally built a large wooden bookshelf to hold dozens of cuttings and carefully arranges each plant at different heights to divide his living space into distinct areas.

Despite concerns from others about sleeping among so many plants, Tzoran reports feeling healthy and enjoys the greenery's aesthetic impact. He explains that while plants emit carbon dioxide at night, they release oxygen during the day, balancing the air quality. He also addresses common questions about pests and watering, noting that his air-conditioned, closed windows prevent mosquitoes and that he regularly waters and fertilizes the plants, sometimes moving them to optimize light exposure.

Maintaining the collection is a daily commitment akin to caring for pets, involving watering, washing, and occasional pest treatments. Tzoran admits the upkeep can be demanding but finds joy in the visual effect and plans to bring his plants with him if he ever moves. His social media post about the jungle-like apartment received over 6,000 likes and more than 1,000 comments, with many expressing amazement and curiosity about living surrounded by so much greenery.

Tzoran’s story highlights the appeal of indoor plants like pothos, known for their low maintenance and ability to transform spaces. While not everyone may want or be able to maintain such a large collection, even a single pothos can significantly enhance a home’s atmosphere. For Tzoran, the plants are not just decoration but a lifestyle that defines his living environment.