Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, I’m pretty sure my old roommate’s cactus still shudders when I come to mind. So, when my well-intentioned friend gifted me a peace lily for my birthday, I accepted it with a smile and a silent prayer for its survival.
Operation: Don’t Kill the Peace Lily
The first few weeks were a crash course in Plant Parenthood 101. I googled “how much water does a peace lily need?” more times than I care to admit. I learned about drainage, sunlight, and the horrifying existence of fungus gnats (seriously, those things are the WORST).
Why This Peace Lily Taught Me About Growth
Here’s the thing about plants: they grow on their own schedule. You can provide all the right conditions, but ultimately, they decide when and how to flourish. And sometimes, that growth isn’t always pretty.
My peace lily, for example, decided to sprout a new leaf in the most awkward, horizontal direction. It looked like it was trying to escape its pot. I was tempted to “help” it grow “correctly,” but I resisted the urge.
And you know what? That wonky leaf eventually straightened itself out. It reminded me that growth isn’t always linear or aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes, it’s messy, awkward, and takes unexpected turns. But that doesn’t make it any less beautiful or meaningful.
Finding Resilience Through a Houseplant
I’m not going to lie, there were times when I thought my peace lily was a goner. Like the time I accidentally left it outside during a freak hailstorm (don’t ask). Or the time I forgot to water it for, ahem, an extended period (oops!).