From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent
Let’s be honest, before I became a “plant parent,” I thought succulents were just trendy desk decor for people with way more patience than me. I mean, I once managed to kill a cactus. A CACTUS! You know, the plant that thrives in the desert with minimal water? Yeah, that was me. Queen of the plant graveyard.
But something shifted during the pandemic. Maybe it was the endless hours staring at my computer screen, or maybe it was the sudden desire to nurture something other than my sourdough starter (RIP, Stanley). Whatever it was, I found myself inexplicably drawn to the lush greenery at my local nursery.
Fast forward a few months, and my apartment was starting to resemble a jungle. I had plants of all shapes and sizes, from towering monsteras to delicate air plants. And that’s when things got interesting. You see, I swear my plants started talking to me. Not literally, of course (although wouldn’t that be something?). But I began to notice their subtle cues—a drooping leaf here, a new shoot there.
It started with my peace lily, Phil. He’s a dramatic fellow, prone to fainting at the slightest hint of thirst. One day, I noticed his leaves were looking a bit droopy. “Alright, alright, Phil,” I muttered, grabbing my watering can. “Don’t have a cow.” And you know what? He perked right up! It was like we had this unspoken language, a silent understanding. From that moment on, I was hooked.
Benefits of Being a Plant Parent
Turns out, being a plant parent comes with some pretty awesome perks, aside from the hilarious conversations (mostly one-sided, I’ll admit). Here are just a few:
- Stress relief: There’s something incredibly therapeutic about digging your hands in soil and tending to your plants. It’s like meditation, but with more dirt under your fingernails.
- Improved air quality: Plants are nature’s air purifiers, filtering out toxins and releasing fresh oxygen. Who needs an expensive air purifier when you have a leafy friend or two?
- Boosted creativity: Studies have shown that being around plants can actually boost creativity and productivity. So, if you’re feeling stuck, try moving your workstation next to your favorite fern.
- Bragging rights: Okay, this one might be a bit shallow, but there’s no denying the sense of accomplishment that comes with keeping a plant alive and thriving. Plus, those Instagram-worthy plant pics? Pure gold.