The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and How I Killed My First Cactus)
Confessions of a Former Plant Killer
Let’s be honest, I never thought I’d be the kind of person who’d be caught dead…talking to plants. Yet, here I am, a reformed plant killer, whispering sweet nothings to my leafy companions. But it wasn’t always this way. Oh no, my journey to plant parenthood began with a crime, a tragedy really, involving a perfectly innocent cactus.
You see, I believed the hype. Cacti are supposed to be indestructible, right? Wrong. Apparently, even neglecting to water them for three months straight (whoops!) is enough to send them to plant heaven. RIP, Spike. You taught me a valuable lesson that day: even low-maintenance plants need some love.
This time, I did my research. I learned about light requirements, watering schedules, and even the importance of talking to your plants (apparently, it’s a thing!). To my surprise, the peace lily thrived. It sprouted new leaves, bloomed regularly, and even seemed to perk up when I’d tell it about my day.
The Unexpected Benefits of Plant Parenthood
That peace lily, aptly named Lazarus, opened my eyes to the unexpected joys of being a plant parent. Here are just a few things I’ve discovered on my leafy adventures:
- Plants are surprisingly therapeutic. There’s something incredibly calming about tending to another living thing, even if it can’t tell you about its problems (though, I swear Lazarus listens intently).
- They teach you patience. Plants grow on their own time, and sometimes all you can do is provide the right environment and wait. This has been a valuable lesson for someone who expects instant gratification (guilty!).
- They connect you to nature. In our increasingly digital world, having a bit of nature indoors is a welcome reminder of the beauty and resilience of the natural world.
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