My Journey From Plant Killer to (Slightly) Less Brown Thumb
Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing abilities. I’m the queen of accidentally killing succulents and forgetting to water anything that doesn’t send me a passive-aggressive text message. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant for my birthday, I accepted it with the same enthusiasm one might have for a ticking time bomb.
“Don’t worry,” my friend chirped, completely misinterpreting my grimace of terror. “It’s super low-maintenance!”
Famous last words. This so-called “low-maintenance” plant, which I affectionately named Steve, became my horticultural nemesis. I overwatered, underwatered, and subjected poor Steve to every temperature extreme my drafty apartment could offer. Yet, somehow, Steve persisted.
Steve, despite my best (or worst?) efforts, refused to give up. He went through phases of drooping despair, his leaves practically dragging on the floor. But then, just when I thought all hope was lost, he’d perk right back up. I swear, that plant had nine lives and then some.
Watching Steve bounce back time and again was strangely inspiring. It made me realize that even when life throws its worst (like an owner who forgets it exists for weeks on end), there’s always a chance for recovery. It might take some time, a little TLC, and maybe a desperate plea to the plant gods, but resilience is within everyone’s reach.
Life Lesson #2: Growth Happens on Its Own Time
Now, I’m a bit of an impatient person. I like instant gratification, quick results, and seeing progress at the speed of a thousand downloads. So, naturally, I spent weeks hovering over Steve, willing him to sprout new leaves and reach for the sky.
But Steve, in his infinite plant wisdom, didn’t care about my need for speed. He grew at his own pace, which, for a while, seemed like the pace of a particularly slow sloth. Just when I was about to give up hope and buy a plastic plant (they require zero attention, just saying), I noticed something incredible.