How My Thumb Turned Slightly Greener (With a Few Brown Spots Along the Way)
Let’s be honest, my idea of a green thumb involved liking the color green and occasionally remembering to water the fake plant on my desk. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a real, living, breathing (probably) houseplant, I panicked. “Don’t worry,” she chirped, “it’s practically unkillable!” Famous last words.
What followed was a hilarious, and surprisingly insightful, journey of me and my plant, which I affectionately named Percy (after the only green thing I could think of – the Percy Jackson books). Here are a few life lessons I learned along the way:
Lesson 1: Neglect vs. Nurturing: Finding the Balance
My initial approach to Percy was rooted in fear. I overwatered him, I repotted him in a panic when he dropped a leaf (turns out that’s normal!), and I even bought him plant food that I’m pretty sure was meant for cacti. Percy, bless his leafy heart, started to wilt.
Now, I’m not going to lie, I’m not about to win any “Plant Parent of the Year” awards. But there were small victories. Like the time Percy sprouted a new leaf, a tiny, vibrant green beacon of hope. I may or may not have done a victory dance around my living room.