From Brown Thumb to Budding Botanist: My Houseplant Journey
Let’s be honest, I’m about as far from a “plant person” as you can get. My idea of plant care used to be frantically Googling “Is my plant dramatic or dying?” every other week. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a Calathea Orbifolia – a notoriously finicky plant – I knew I was in over my head. I named him Ferdinand, because why not, and braced myself for the inevitable plant funeral.
But here’s the thing: Ferdinand didn’t die. In fact, he thrived. And in the process of keeping him alive (mostly), he ended up teaching me a thing or two about life, patience, and the importance of a good soak (for both of us).
Ferdinand started drooping about a month in. I was devastated. I’d diligently followed all the care instructions: watering on schedule, whispering sweet nothings, even playing him Mozart (because, you know, plants love classical music, right?).
Then, in a moment of desperation, I moved him. I’d read somewhere that Calatheas are drama queens about light, so I shifted him a few feet to the left, away from the direct sunlight. And guess what? He perked right up! Turns out, a change of perspective can do wonders, even for a houseplant.
It got me thinking about my own life. How often do we stay stuck in situations that no longer serve us, clinging to routines that drain our energy? Ferdinand reminded me that sometimes, a little shift in perspective, a willingness to try something new, can make all the difference.
Lesson 2: Embracing the Ups and Downs of Growth, Just Like My Houseplant
Now, I’d be lying if I said Ferdinand’s progress was smooth sailing from there. There were weeks when he’d sprout new leaves like it was going out of style, and others where he just…sat there. Looking dramatic. Like a sulking teenager who wasn’t allowed to go to that concert.
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