Why I’m Convinced My Plant is Secretly Judging Me



We’ve all been there. You walk into your living room, glance at your leafy companion basking in the sun, and swear you see a flicker of…disdain? Okay, maybe not outright disdain, but definitely something. A subtle shift of its leaves, a droop in its posture – something that screams, “Seriously? You again?”

The Case of the Crooked Watering Can

My suspicions began innocently enough. I was watering Philodendron Phil (yes, I name my plants, don’t judge), humming along to some questionable 90s pop, when I caught Phil’s…eye? I guess you could call it an eye. Anyway, he was definitely giving me the side-eye. I paused my off-key rendition of “Barbie Girl” and tilted my head.

“What’s up, Phil?” I asked, because clearly, I talk to my plants. No judgment, please.

Phil, with his impeccable posture and graceful leaves, would never be so clumsy.

The Great Fertilizer Fiasco

Then there was the Great Fertilizer Fiasco of 2023. Look, I was tired, okay? And I may have mistaken the fish emulsion for my morning protein shake. (Don’t ask). Anyway, the point is, I accidentally gave Phil a double dose of the good stuff.

The next morning, I found him positively flourishing. Leaves bigger, greener, practically vibrating with life. But as I leaned in to admire my handiwork, I noticed it. That subtle, knowing tilt of his…leaf? Stem? Whatever. He was smug, I tell you. Smug! Like he knew he’d played me and come out smelling like roses (or, well, fish).