New York City is home to a vibrant drag queen community, but few are quite as unique as Rose Pedals. As a performer, Rose stands out with her stunning costumes and over-the-top productions. But offstage, she has an unexpected passion – tending to her massive plant collection.

From Rural Farm Life to Big City Drag

Rose grew up on a small family farm in rural Iowa. Surrounded by lush cornfields and flower gardens, she developed a love of plants at an early age. However, she felt out of place living in such a conservative town and longed for the excitement of city life.

After high school, Rose moved to New York City to attend design school. She soon became enamored with the diverse, open-minded culture of the big city. It was there that Rose started experimenting with drag performance, captivated by the chance to embrace her creativity and feminine side.

When she took the stage for the first time in a wig, heels, and showgirl costume, Rose knew she had found her calling. She began performing regularly at clubs and bars across the city. With her talent for sewing and design, Rose created showstopping ensembles covered in feathers, rhinestones, and sequins.

But even as her drag persona took off, Rose never lost her connection to plants and nature. Her small apartment is filled with pots of ferns, ivy, orchids, and succulents. Friends joke that you can barely turn around without bumping into one of Rose’s many green companions.

Building an Urban Jungle

Last I counted, Rose had over 200 plants filling every corner of her apartment. It’s become a tranquil urban jungle that seems far removed from the hustle and bustle of New York. She cares meticulously for each plant like they are her children, keeping detailed notes on watering schedules and lighting needs.

Her plant obsession started with just a few small potted ferns. But as Rose learned more about different plant species, she became determined to expand her collection. Now her home is a living botany exhibit, with rare tropicals like anthuriums and bird of paradise flowers.

Rose makes use of every nook and cranny to display her plants. Shelves line the walls to hold pots of all sizes. Plants hang from the ceilings in macrame holders. Even her bathtub and kitchen sink provide prime real estate for some of the overflow.

The collection is worth thousands of dollars, but Rose sees the plants as priceless treasures. Each one has its own unique personality and brings her joy.

A Peaceful Escape from City Life

For Rose, tending to her plants has become a form of meditation. The routine of watering, pruning, and caring for each leafy friend relaxes and centers her. It’s an escape from the harshness of big city living.

The tranquil atmosphere of the plant sanctuary has also become a backstage haven for Rose before drag performances. The familiar surroundings and photosynthesis going on around her helps to calm pre-show nerves.

No matter how hectic her performance schedule gets, Rose carves out time every day to appreciate her plants. She says that simply sitting surrounded by all the different shades of green has a profound effect on her mood and mental wellbeing.

It’s rare for a city dwelling drag queen to have such a huge and healthy plant collection. But Rose puts immense dedication into helping her plants thrive.

Turning a Passion into a Profession

In recent years, Rose has started sharing her plant care knowledge with others in the form of YouTube videos and blog posts. From tutorials on water propagation to wise words on lighting for houseplants, her urban jungle expertise has built quite the following online.

Rose has also launched her own plant supply shop, selling homemade potting mixes and plant food recipes. She offers one-on-one consulting for aspiring plant parents, helping customize care routines.

Her services have become quite popular in the houseplant community, known for being judgment-free zones where people can freely ask “stupid” questions about fiddle leaf figs and pothos vines. It brings Rose great joy to spread her plant obsession to others.

On top of running her online gardening business, Rose still works tirelessly on her drag career. She now performs weekly shows at a popular midtown venue. With elaborate tropical-inspired costumes, Rose has found a way to blend her two passions.

A Leader in the NYC Drag Community

Within New York’s drag scene, Rose has become a prominent figure and role model. Her infectious energy and creativity motivate other performers. She fosters a spirit of collaboration, often lending embellished costumes and headdresses to drag sisters in need.

Rose offers guidance to new drag queens just starting out, teaching them makeup techniques and encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness. She understands the value of lifting others up.

Her kindness has also extended to LGBTQ+ youth charities that Rose frequently organizes benefit shows for. Rare orchids from her collection are sometimes auctioned off as fundraiser prizes.

Though notoriously humble, Rose is considered drag royalty in NYC. She continues to push boundaries with gender-bending acts while also maintaining her down-to-earth, plant-loving spirit.

Imparting Gardening Wisdom

For those looking to care for their own houseplant collections, Rose has some words of wisdom to share:

• Start small – Just one or two easy care plants like a pothos or philodendron. Slowly expand from there as your skills improve. Don’t overwhelm yourself at first.
• Know your space – Consider factors like light, humidity, space, and temperature. Choose plants suited for the environment you can provide.
• Learn each plant’s needs – Do research to understand watering frequency, soil preferences, and where to place them. What works for one plant may not for another.
• Add visual interest – Mix plants of different heights, leaf shapes and textures. Add unique planters. Create stunning but simple displays.
• Don’t fret over imperfections – Some brown tips or spots on leaves are normal. Plants are resilient if cared for properly. Focus on the overall health.
• Patience is key – Plants grow on their schedule, not yours. Allow time for propagating and repotting. Slow improvements are still improvements.

Rose hopes to open a botanical shop someday combining houseplants, gardening supplies, and her drag merchandise. But for now, she continues to enjoy weaving her two creative outlets together. Nurturing her ever-growing plant collection keeps Rose feeling centered and able to spread her wings onstage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Pedals the Plant Loving Drag Queen

Rose’s urban jungle and passion for botanicals make her a rather unique drag queen. Here are some common questions people have about the nature-loving performer:

How did Rose first get into gardening and houseplants?

Rose developed plant care skills early on growing up on a farm in rural Iowa. She has fond memories as a child tending the vegetable garden and flower beds with her grandmother. That early exposure sparked a lifelong interest in botany.

What’s the most unusual plant in Rose’s collection?

One of her rarest specimens is a Cape sundew plant that traps and digests insects! This carnivorous plant needs very specific care compared to Rose’s more common houseplants. It’s a unique challenge.

Does Rose use her plants as costumes or props during shows?

Absolutely! Giant leafy headdresses, flower-adorned gowns, and vine-wrapped heels are just some of the botanical couture looks Rose has incorporated. She loves bringing the beauty of nature to the stage.

What advice does Rose have for aspiring plant parents?

Start small, do your research, and don’t be too hard on yourself! Rose says caring for plants takes patience and attentiveness. But the reward of seeing them thrive is worth the effort.

How does Rose properly water and fertilize such a huge plant collection?

It’s a routine task, but Rose developed a detailed schedule for when each plant needs to be watered based on factors like soil dryness. She lightly fertilizes every two weeks during growing seasons.

Does Rose grow her own vegetables and herbs along with houseplants?

She doesn’t have outdoor space for vegetables, but Rose does have pots of basil, thyme, oregano, and other herbs in her kitchen she uses for cooking. They help make the space even more green!

What are Rose’s tips for displaying a large plant collection in a small home?

Utilize vertical space on walls for shelves. Hang plants near windows. Use smaller pots and unusual planters. And don’t overlook unconventional spots like countertops or bathtubs!

While you may not have 200+ plants, hopefully Rose Pedals has inspired you to embrace your inner botanist. Surrounding yourself with lush greenery can be therapeutic and satisfying. Start small, do your research, and with proper care you’ll be amazed at how your plant collection flourishes!

Conclusion

Rose Pedals is proof that passion for plants can grow even in the most urban environments. Her oasis of over 200 beautifully tended botanicals is a testament to her commitment and diligence as a plant caretaker. For Rose, gardening provides a calming escape from the harshness of big city living and the pressures of performing. By sharing her plant wisdom with others, she hopes to spread the joy and sense of fulfillment that botanicals have brought her. Rose Pedals shows that city life and a love of nature need not be mutually exclusive. With the right balance of care and dedication, an urban jungle can flourish anywhere.