Jessica Rubenacker collects plants. Lots of plants. 

In this episode, we learn about how Jessica’s passion for plant collecting developed. Currently, there are more than 365 specimens in her collection; her plant babies even have their own Instagram account. 

The night-blooming cereus, aka tan hua, which is also known by its more poetic moniker - the queen of the night - entered Jessica’s life as a gift. The nocturnal cactus smells like gardenia and only blooms for a single night before fading.  

A tale of rooting and uprooting, Jessica also speaks about her Filipina immigrant grandmother and visiting the motherland to seek out the family's ancestral roots. 

Do you have a special object that you hold close? Share it with us on Instagram. Tag @KUOW and use the hashtag: #bluesuitpod.

Your feedback matters to us. Submit your comments and questions to www.kuow.org/feedback 

 Related links:

The Blue Suit

Jessica’s plants on Instagram

Video of the Night-blooming Cereus