Designer Creates Urban Jungle With 65 Plants in Small Tel Aviv Loft

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 filled with 65 plants. Over six years, what began as five plants has grown into a diverse collection including pothos, monstera, sansevieria, and Thai ficus, all carefully arranged at varying heights to divide the living space into distinct zones. Tzoran personally built a large wooden bookshelf to hold dozens of cuttings and maintains the plants with daily care, including watering, fertilizing, and washing.

Despite concerns raised by some online commenters about sleeping among so many plants, Tzoran reports feeling healthy and enjoys the greenery as his main interior design element. He explains that while plants emit carbon dioxide at night, they release oxygen during the day, balancing the air quality. His loft’s air conditioning and closed windows prevent insect problems, and he treats occasional pests like mealybugs with washing or chemical treatments.

Tzoran’s plant collection has attracted significant attention on social media, with a Facebook post about his jungle receiving over 6,000 likes and more than 1,000 comments. He admits the upkeep is demanding, likening it to caring for pets, but finds the visual impact rewarding. If he moves, he plans to bring his plants with him, as he does not envision living in a standard apartment. The article also highlights the pothos plant as an easy-to-care-for option that can transform any home with minimal effort.

Tzoran’s story illustrates the growing trend of urban plant enthusiasts turning small living spaces into green sanctuaries, balancing aesthetics with daily maintenance to create a unique lifestyle environment.