The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and How it Saved Me From Myself)



From Black Thumb to Blooming Miracle Worker

Let’s be real, folks. Before I became a “plant parent,” I was more of a plant grim reaper. Seriously, I could kill a cactus in a desert during a monsoon. My apartment looked like a graveyard of neglected succulents and wilting ferns.

plant thing another go. And let me tell you, it’s been a wild, hilarious, and surprisingly therapeutic ride.

Lesson 1: Plant Parenting and the Joy of Responsibility

I’m not gonna lie, the first few weeks were rough. I overwatered. I underwatered. I even managed to give my poor monstera a sunburn. (Who knew plants could get sunburns?!)

But slowly, I started to get the hang of it. I learned to read the subtle signs of my plant children: the droop of a thirsty leaf, the yellowing edge of overwatering despair. And you know what? It felt good. For the first time in my life, I was responsible for something other than keeping myself alive (debatable, I know) and accidentally killing my houseplants.

The best part? Seeing a new leaf unfurl, a tiny bud blossom, or a once-struggling plant perk up after a good watering. It’s like a tiny, green high-five from Mother Nature herself.

Lesson 2: Plants: The Unexpected Therapy You Never Knew You Needed

Who knew that talking to plants wasn’t just for crazy cat ladies? Turns out, there’s something incredibly calming and grounding about tending to something green and alive.

Did I whisper words of encouragement to my peace lily when I was stressed? Maybe. Did I vent about my day to my spider plant while watering it? Absolutely. Did they judge me? Probably not, but if they did, they did it silently and with grace.