From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent
Let’s be honest, I wasn’t always a “plant person.” In fact, I used to think I had a black thumb. My previous attempts at nurturing greenery usually ended with sad, wilting stems and a silent vow to stick with plastic plants. But something changed last year. Maybe it was the pandemic, maybe it was a newfound appreciation for nature, or maybe it was just a really good sale at the local nursery – whatever it was, I brought home a little succulent, named him Steve, and thus began my journey into the unexpected joys of plant parenthood.
Remember that feeling when you aced a test you thought you bombed? That’s kind of what it feels like when your plant sprouts a new leaf. Okay, maybe not exactly, but it’s pretty darn close! One day, I was watering my peace lily, Florence (yes, I name my plants, don’t judge), and I noticed a tiny green nub peeking out from the soil. It was a new leaf! I swear, I did a little happy dance. Who knew a plant could bring so much joy?
The best part is, these tiny victories happen all the time. A new vine on your pothos, a blooming flower on your orchid – each one is a little reminder that you’re doing something right, that you’re keeping another living thing alive and thriving. And for someone who previously considered keeping a cactus alive a major accomplishment, that’s a pretty big deal.
Plant Parenthood: The Ultimate Stress Reliever (Sometimes)
We all have our ways of coping with stress. Some people meditate, some people bake, and some people (me) fuss over their plants. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about digging in the soil, misting leaves, and just generally tending to your little green babies. It’s a chance to disconnect from the digital world, to slow down, and to reconnect with nature, even if it’s just a tiny jungle in your living room.
Of course, plant parenthood isn’t always sunshine and new growth. There are challenges too. Like that time I almost killed my fiddle-leaf fig, Ferdinand, because I forgot to water him for two weeks (oops!). But even the occasional near-death experience (for the plants, not me) has been a learning experience.