The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant




The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant


My Thumb Went from Brown to Slightly Less Brown

Let’s be honest, my history with plants is less than stellar. I’m practically a walking, talking plant Grim Reaper. I once managed to kill a cactus, a CACTUS, for crying out loud! So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a cheerful little ZZ plant, I accepted it with a grimace disguised as gratitude. “Easy to care for,” she’d said. “Practically thrives on neglect.” Famous last words.

But something unexpected happened. I didn’t kill it. In fact, this resilient little dude thrived, even under my less-than-ideal care. And as I watched it grow, I realized it was teaching me a thing or two about life, too.

plant, oh, it taught me the art of slow, steady progress. I wouldn’t see growth for weeks, sometimes months. Then, BAM! A new shoot would appear, unfurling like a tiny green fist bump, celebrating its victory over my neglect.

It was a constant reminder that good things take time. Whether it’s a personal goal, a creative project, or even just waiting for the kettle to boil (the struggle is real), sometimes you just have to chill out and let things happen at their own pace.

Lesson #2: Finding Light in Unexpected Places

I live in an apartment that’s about as bright and sunny as a vampire’s basement. Seriously, my electric bill is basically a love letter to the local power company. So, I relegated my little ZZ plant to a dimly lit corner, figuring it was better than nothing.

And you know what? It didn’t just survive, it flourished. This plant taught me about resilience, about finding a way to thrive even when you’re not in the ideal environment. It reminded me that even when life throws shade (literally), there’s always a way to find your own light, to adapt and grow.