This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
Published on September 21, 2019, by Bett Kinyatti, this article shares a personal account of the author's experience with sisal baskets and houseplants.
As a social media enthusiast, the author was drawn to the aesthetic appeal of sisal baskets and decided to purchase one from a vendor at Kariokor Market in Nairobi. The vendor, Mama Mbete, claimed to weave the baskets herself using locally grown sisal and traditional techniques.
However, the author soon discovered that the basket was not as durable as they thought. After placing a fern in the basket, the author realized that they had been watering the plant too much, causing the basket to become damp and weak. The author's inexperience with houseplants and lack of knowledge about proper care led to the demise of the fern.
The author's experience highlights the importance of proper care and attention to detail when it comes to sisal baskets and houseplants. Sisal is a hardy material, but it can fade if exposed to lengthy periods of sunlight. Watering the basket too much can also cause the sisal to weaken and the basket to mold.
According to Mama Mbete, the vendor, sisal baskets require careful handling and maintenance. She advises that a little water won't ruin the basket, but if it remains wet or damp for too long, the sisal will weaken and the basket will mold.
The article also touches on the different materials used to make sisal baskets, including iringa, a type of grass grown in Tanzania, and recycled plastic. The author notes that baskets made from iringa feel stiffer than those made from sisal and appear artificial, while baskets made from recycled plastic seem immortal to the elements of nature.
