plant parent,” I thought succulents were indestructible. Spoiler alert: they’re not (RIP, Steve, you will be missed). My journey began like many others – a feeble attempt to add a touch of life to my apartment, armed with nothing but good intentions and a watering can. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a crash course in patience, responsibility, and the unexpected joys of nurturing something other than myself.
These days, I find myself celebrating the small stuff: a new leaf, a successful repotting, the fact that I haven’t overwatered anything in a month (knock on wood!). It’s amazing how much joy these little green beings can bring into your life, even if they can’t offer you a cup of coffee in the morning (though, if anyone knows a coffee-making plant, hit me up).
Life Lessons from the Potted Path
Beyond the personal satisfaction, being a plant parent has taught me some valuable life lessons. For starters, patience is truly a virtue. Unlike instant gratification apps, plants operate on their own sweet time. You can’t rush a bloom, just like you can’t rush a good thing (or a decent loaf of sourdough bread, for that matter).
Then there’s the whole observation thing. Plants communicate, but not in the way we humans do. You have to learn to read their subtle cues—a drooping leaf, a thirsty soil—to understand their needs. It’s like deciphering a secret language, except the dictionary is Google, and the only reward is a healthy, happy plant (which, honestly, is reward enough).