The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant




The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant


My Journey From Plant Killer to…Slightly Less of a Plant Killer

Okay, confession time: I am not what one might call a “plant person.” In fact, I have a history with houseplants that can only be described as…tragic. Let’s just say I’ve witnessed more plant funerals than a florist at a mafia wedding.

plant, I accepted with the cautious optimism of a zookeeper approaching a tiger cub. “Don’t worry,” my friend chirped, “ZZ plants are basically immortal. You practically have to try to kill them.”

Challenge accepted, I thought.

Lesson 1: Even the Strongest Need a Little Sunshine

Turns out, my friend was right. This ZZ plant was a champ. I overwatered it, underwatered it, and even managed to spill coffee on it once (don’t ask). Through it all, the ZZ plant stood strong, a verdant testament to resilience.

Then, one day, I noticed something was off. The once-vibrant leaves were drooping, their usual deep green fading to a sickly yellow. Had I finally met my match in the plant world? Was this the end of our tumultuous, mostly one-sided relationship?

A quick Google search revealed the shocking truth: even the mighty ZZ plant needs a little sunshine. I had relegated my plant to a dark corner, assuming its hardiness meant it could survive on vibes alone. I quickly moved it to a sunnier spot, feeling a pang of guilt akin to forgetting to feed a pet goldfish (RIP, Bubbles).

To my immense relief, the ZZ plant bounced back. It was a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us need nourishment and support to thrive. Yes, even houseplants.

Lesson 2: Growth Isn’t Always Obvious (But It’s Always Happening)

Life got busy, as it tends to do, and I settled into a routine with my ZZ plant. I watered it on schedule, gave it the occasional pep talk (don’t judge), and generally avoided spilling anything else on it.

One day, while dusting (yes, I clean occasionally), I realized something astonishing. The plant…was bigger. Not just a little bigger, but significantly larger. New growth, a vibrant emerald green, sprouted from the base, reaching towards the sun like a tiny, leafy beacon of hope.

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