Cyril Sontillano, 30, prefers living with plants to people, which is pretty understandable. This Californian self-described "plant addict" became known as "Plant Daddy" after spending $5,000 to get over 200 pieces of houseplants.

Cyril's home is now a tropical paradise, and though it started as a hobby, it turned into a full-blown obsession. It even feels "overwhelming" at times.

Overall, he has over 300 plants indoors and around 70 outside. Sontillano buys at least one new plant each week.

Plant Daddy did not become obsessed with plants overnight. He comes from a long line of farmers and plant lovers and believes it is "something I've acquired genetically and through the upbringing and the environment I grew up in."

Cyril also revealed he enjoys gardening and caring for his plants and "all the creative pursuits I do which relate to it."

So far, it sounds too good to be true. That's because plants require time and money, so Cyril spends 30 minutes to an hour just "randomly spot-checking my plants and admiring new growth and flowers."

During weekends, he spends up to three hours with his plants. From re-potting them, creating moss poles, to taking photographs and videos for his social media accounts, it is a full-time job.

With all that time invested, as well as money, to Cyril, the experience is still "priceless."

As he explained:

"If other people have so much decor, random items, or whatever they want to collect, then why shouldn't I fill my home with plants."

"I consider my plants my collection, my decor, and my vices. Having plants around me is just relaxing, they allow me to be creative and encourage me to be patient and resilient."

His friends and family understand his passion for plants, which started in childhood. Those who know this young man have been "very supportive and appreciative."

"They always knew me as the boy who lived in the house with a lot of plants, my mother is the neighborhood plant lady, and my grandmothers were orchid enthusiasts."

Though it sounds somewhat derogatory, the nickname Plant Daddy came from Cyril's constant need to share photos of his plants with his loved ones, as many do with their children.

We already have pet parents, so moving towards plant parenting does not come as a surprise.

But that's not the only thing that turned this 30-year old into a proper Plant Daddy. He avoids being away from his plants, and if he has to travel, he does not go for longer than a week.

These plants enjoy their best lives, as Cyril explained:

"Everything is on a timer, including my grow lights and humidifiers, and everything inside the home is monitored by a camera I control using my phone."

"If needed, when required, I have friends who can plant sit my plant babies for me. It gets overwhelming at times. Just like any hobby, you encounter challenges such as pests, price inflation because of demand."

Being a plant parent comes with a price, though Cyril believes that "plants are generally the best to be addicted to," adding that "the positives definitely outweigh the negatives."

"My platform has given me an audience that appreciates what I do. It provides me with opportunities through collaborations and it also is an avenue for people who appreciate and support my craft."

"Whatever money I make though is still spent on my plants."

One of his Instagram followers called Cyril a "Plant God" believes the future of his collection is bright, as he does not think his enthusiasm is going anywhere:

"I sincerely hope to continue with my passion.That my aspirations will come into fruition and create a larger positive impact among the people around me."

Cyril wants to be "a genuine persona that is fortunate to share his love for the arts and nature." In the process, he wishes to "improve himself to become the best version of me and maximize my potential as a creator and as an artist."

If you know a thing or two about plants, you must have strong opinions on Cyril's way of life. But, if you cannot even keep a cactus alive, there is a big chance that you are impressed and overwhelmed just by looking at these stunning images.