From Black Thumb to… Slightly Less Black?
Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, my husband jokingly refers to me as the “plant Grim Reaper.” It’s true, I’ve sent more innocent succulents to the great beyond than I care to admit. But something shifted in me during the pandemic. Maybe it was the longing for a connection to nature while stuck inside, or maybe it was just the sheer boredom, but I decided to give this whole plant parent thing another shot.
My first victory came in the form of a surprisingly resilient snake plant, whom I affectionately named Steve. Steve, it turned out, was the perfect plant for a chronic over-waterer like myself. He thrived on neglect, much like my childhood Tamagotchi (RIP, Gizmo). Emboldened by my success, I decided to level up and adopt a peace lily. Let’s just say the peace lily and I had… differing opinions on what constituted a proper watering schedule.
Here’s a helpful tip for all my fellow plant killers: When a plant’s leaves start to droop dramatically, it doesn’t necessarily mean it needs more water. It could just be engaging in some dramatic flair, or maybe it’s trying to tell you, “Please, for the love of all that is green and leafy, put down the watering can!”
Finding the Perfect Sunbeam: Plant Parent Struggles
My apartment, it turns out, is not exactly optimized for plant life. My living room, which gets the most sunlight, is also home to two very curious cats who view any new greenery as an invitation to play “destroy the foliage.” This has resulted in some creative solutions, including but not limited to:
- Hanging plants from the ceiling with macrame hangers that look suspiciously like cat toys.
- Relocating plants to the bathroom, which, despite my best efforts, still smells faintly of teenage angst (thanks, teenage son!).
- Engaging in a constant game of “sunbeam roulette,” moving plants around the apartment to chase the elusive rays of sunlight.