I’ve never been particularly gifted in the “green thumb” department. In fact, I’m pretty sure I could kill a cactus in a desert during a monsoon season. So, when my well-intentioned friend gifted me a houseplant – a supposedly “unkillable” ZZ plant – I accepted with a mixture of trepidation and morbid curiosity.
To my surprise, the ZZ plant thrived. Not just survived, but thrived. It sprouted new shoots, unfurled glossy leaves, and generally seemed happy to grace my living room with its presence. This, in turn, surprised me even more. Here I was, notorious plant-assassin, fostering life! Who knew?
Lesson #1: Sometimes, Less is More
My first lesson came in the form of almost killing the plant with kindness. You see, I’m a bit of an overachiever. If a little water is good, then a lot must be better, right? Wrong. After a few weeks of my enthusiastic watering schedule, my poor ZZ plant started to droop. A frantic Google search later, I realized I’d committed the cardinal sin of overwatering.
Turns out, ZZ plants are like the camels of the plant world – they like their drinks spaced out. Who knew? This experience taught me a valuable lesson that extends far beyond the realm of horticulture: sometimes, less is more. Whether it’s overthinking a situation, micromanaging a project, or yes, even watering a plant, sometimes the best approach is to simply back off and let things be.
