The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)



From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

Let’s be honest, I wasn’t always a natural nurturer. In fact, my thumbs were practically charcoal black. I’d managed to kill even the most resilient succulents, leaving a trail of crispy leaves and wilted dreams in my wake. But then, something magical happened. I adopted a scraggly little peace lily from the clearance rack, figuring if it could survive my neglect, it deserved a fighting chance.

To my utter astonishment, not only did the peace lily survive, it thrived! Seeing those new emerald leaves unfurl filled me with an absurd amount of pride. It was like I’d single-handedly performed a botanical miracle. That’s when I realized: being a plant parent came with a whole host of unexpected joys.

1. Instant Mood Booster: Plants Make You Happy

Remember that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when a puppy wags its tail at you? Turns out, plants can evoke a similar sense of joy, albeit in a subtler, leafy way. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about tending to your green companions – misting their leaves, checking for new growth, maybe even whispering words of encouragement (don’t judge!).

A sunny windowsill filled with a variety of thriving houseplants