Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: green thumb

  • Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Join the Green Side)

    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Join the Green Side)



    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Let’s be honest, I used to be the person who could kill a cactus by looking at it wrong. My thumbs were decidedly not green, they were more of a mournful shade of brown. But then, something magical happened: I adopted a scraggly little succulent from the discount shelf at the grocery store. I figured, “What’s the worst that could happen?”.

    plant parenthood.

    The Zen of Watering (and Other Surprising Delights of Plant Parenthood)

    I never thought I’d find watering plants anything other than a chore, but it turns out there’s something incredibly therapeutic about gently showering your leafy companions. It’s a moment of mindfulness in a hectic day, a chance to observe their subtle growth and appreciate their quiet beauty.

    And then there’s the sheer pride of witnessing new life unfold. That tiny sprout pushing through the soil? It’s basically a standing ovation for your plant parenting skills. And don’t even get me started on the excitement of repotting – it’s like a tiny house makeover, but for plants (and way less messy!).

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant



    My Brown Thumb Turns Green

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing instincts. I once killed a cactus. A CACTUS. So when my well-meaning friend gifted me a leafy, vibrant peace lily for my birthday, I accepted it with a grimace disguised as a grateful smile. “Don’t worry,” I told her, “I have a black thumb. This poor thing won’t stand a chance.” Little did I know, this unassuming houseplant was about to teach me more about life than I ever expected.

    peace lily religiously, convinced that I’d wake up to a jungle in my living room overnight. But nothing happened. Days turned into weeks, and my plant remained stubbornly unchanged. Frustration mounted. Was I overwatering? Underwatering? Had I somehow managed to crush its spirit with my negative energy?

    Just when I was about to toss the whole pot (plant included) out the window, I noticed a tiny, green shoot unfurling from the soil. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was there. That’s when it hit me: growth takes time. Real, lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. Just like my peace lily, we need patience and persistence to bloom.

    Lesson #2: Finding Your Sunshine, Literally and Figuratively

    As the weeks passed, my peace lily and I settled into a routine. I watered it, dusted its leaves (yes, apparently that’s a thing), and even started talking to it (don’t judge). But something still wasn’t quite right. Its leaves, once a vibrant green, had started to droop. It looked…sad.

    After some frantic Googling (thank you, plant forums!), I realized my error: I’d placed my poor peace lily in a dark corner. It was starved for sunlight! I quickly moved it to a sunnier spot, and within days, the transformation was remarkable. Its leaves perked up, regaining their vibrant hue. It was like watching a tiny, green miracle unfold.

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant



    From Black Thumb to Budding Hope

    Let’s be honest, my thumbs have a history of being less than green. More like a sickly shade of “oops, I forgot to water you for three weeks” brown. So, naturally, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant – a supposedly “unkillable” ZZ plant – I accepted it with the enthusiasm of someone handed a ticking time bomb.

    Little did I know, this leafy roommate would teach me more than just how to keep something alive (a major win, by the way). It would become an unexpected guru, guiding me towards valuable life lessons I hadn’t even realized I needed.

    Lesson 1: Cultivating Patience With My Houseplant

    Now, I’m a notorious instant-gratification kind of gal. Want results? I want them yesterday! But this ZZ plant, oh, it taught me the art of slow and steady. I’m talking glacial pace, folks.

    At first, I’d stare at it daily, expecting some grand display of growth. “Come on, sprout a new leaf! Do something spectacular!” I’d urge it, as if it were a contestant on a reality show. But the plant remained stoic, unfazed by my impatience. It taught me that real growth, the kind that matters, takes time. It’s about consistency, small efforts over a long period, and accepting that sometimes, you just gotta chill and let things unfold.

  • The Unspoken Rules of Being a Plant Parent

    The Unspoken Rules of Being a Plant Parent




    The Unspoken Rules of Being a Plant Parent


    Confessions of a Budding Plant Parent

    Let’s be honest, folks. I became a plant parent for the aesthetic. That lush, verdant Instagram feed? Totally fell for it. Little did I know, my journey into the leafy world would be less “tranquil oasis” and more “daily emotional rollercoaster.”

    It all started with Herbert, my peace lily. I brought him home, placed him by a sunny window, and waited for my home to transform into a tropical paradise. Instead, Herbert just… wilted. Turns out, being a plant parent is less about posing for pictures and more about understanding the silent language of your leafy roommates. So, after a few (dozen) mishaps, I’ve compiled a list of the unspoken rules of plant parenthood. Trust me, your green babies will thank you.

    1. The Thrill of New Growth (and the Agony of Yellow Leaves)

    Rule number one: every new leaf deserves a celebratory dance. Seriously, that tiny sprout signifies growth, resilience, and your undeniable plant whispering skills. Post it on Instagram! Text your mom! You’ve earned those bragging rights.

    On the flip side, a single yellow leaf? Cue the existential dread. Is it overwatering? Underwatering? A rare fungal disease only documented in the Amazon rainforest? Google becomes your best friend (and worst enemy) as you spiral into a research frenzy, convinced you’re one brown spot away from plant homicide.

  • The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)

    The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)





    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Let’s be honest, I wasn’t always a natural nurturer. In fact, my thumbs were practically stained black from a long history of accidental plant homicides. Cacti, succulents, even the supposedly “unkillable” snake plant – they all met their demise under my care. I was convinced I was missing the “plant whisperer” gene.

    Then, something changed. Maybe it was the pandemic, maybe it was a sudden urge to nurture something other than my caffeine addiction, but I decided to give plant parenthood another shot. I adopted a humble little ZZ plant, promising myself (and the poor plant) that this time would be different. And guess what? It was.

    Plant Parenthood: More Than Just a Green Thumb

    Now, before you roll your eyes and assume this is just another preachy blog about the zen of indoor jungles, let me tell you, being a plant parent is so much more than having a green thumb. It’s about the unexpected joys, the little quirks that make you smile, and the surprising life lessons you pick up along the way.

    1. Conversations with Your Chlorophyll Crew

    Yes, you read that right. I talk to my plants. And before you judge, I’m convinced they listen! Okay, maybe not in the conventional sense, but there’s something therapeutic about whispering words of encouragement to your leafy companions. “You’ve got this, Philodendron Phil!” or “I’m so proud of you, little succulent Steve!” It might sound crazy, but trust me, it’s oddly liberating.

    2. Witnessing Tiny Victories as a Plant Parent

    Remember that feeling of accomplishment when you successfully assembled IKEA furniture? Being a plant parent is like that, but with leaves and photosynthesis! Every new leaf unfurling, every bloom pushing through, it’s a tiny victory that brings an unexpected wave of joy. Who knew a tiny sprout could make you feel like you could conquer the world?

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant




    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant


    My Thumb Was More of a Cactus

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, I’m pretty sure my houseplants from college years ago are still having nightmares. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a peace lily for my birthday, I accepted it with a smile and a silent prayer. “Please don’t die, please don’t die,” I chanted internally, picturing yet another funeral for a leafy friend.

    Peace Lily

    To my surprise, the peace lily thrived. It even graced me with a beautiful white bloom! But then life happened. I forgot to water it for a week (or two…okay, maybe three). The leaves drooped, turning an alarming shade of yellow. “This is it,” I thought, “another plant bites the dust.” But then, remembering a random tip from the internet, I gave it a good soak and…it perked back up!

    It was like watching a botanical resurrection. My little peace lily taught me that even when we wilt under pressure, a little TLC can go a long way. We all have the strength to bounce back from setbacks, sometimes we just need a little help (and maybe a reminder to set a watering schedule).

    Lesson #2: Finding Patience in the Growth of a Peace Lily

    Now, I’m a bit of an instant gratification kind of gal. I like to see results, and I like to see them now. But my peace lily? It taught me the art of patience. It didn’t sprout new leaves overnight. It didn’t bloom on command (though I admit I tried talking to it…a lot). It grew at its own pace, in its own time.

  • Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join My Green Thumb Club)

    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join My Green Thumb Club)




    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join the Green Thumb Club)


    Let’s be real – before I became a “plant parent,” my thumbs were about as green as a flamingo in a tutu. I’m talking serial plant killer here. If it photosynthesized, I probably accidentally offed it with too much love (read: water). But then something changed. Maybe it was a global pandemic, maybe it was an early mid-life crisis, or maybe, just maybe, it was destiny. Whatever the reason, I went full-on crazy plant lady, and guess what? I’m obsessed.

    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent: My Origin Story

    It all started with a sad-looking succulent named Steve. He was a clearance aisle rescue, a last-ditch effort to prove I wasn’t a complete botanical assassin. To my surprise, Steve thrived. He plumped up, he grew new little succulent babies, he even seemed to… smile? Okay, I might be projecting, but the point is, I kept Steve alive!

    That’s when the floodgates opened. Suddenly, my apartment looked like a greenhouse exploded. Ferns, cacti, even a finicky fiddle-leaf fig (who I lovingly named Fiona and consult with daily) took up residence in my humble abode. And you know what? I kind of love it.

    Plant Parenthood

    Now, you might be thinking, “But I can barely keep a goldfish alive, let alone a plant!” Trust me, I get it. But here’s the thing – plant parenting is more than just keeping something green alive. It’s about so much more:

    1. Stress Relief and Mindfulness

    Remember those adult coloring books everyone was obsessed with? Think of plants as the ultimate coloring book, but instead of markers, you use water and sunshine. Caring for plants is surprisingly therapeutic. The act of watering, repotting, and even just observing their growth is incredibly grounding. It’s like meditation, but with more chlorophyll.

    2. Insta-Worthy Décor (That Cleans Your Air!)

    Let’s be honest, plants are basically living, breathing home décor. They add life, texture, and a pop of color to any space. Plus, they’re like the ultimate air purifiers! Talk about form and function. Now, if only they could do laundry…

  • Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join the Club)

    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join the Club)

    Let’s be honest, I used to be a plant assassin. Seriously, I could kill a cactus in a desert. I’d overwater, underwater, forget to water entirely – you name it, my poor plants suffered through it. So, naturally, when everyone and their sourdough starter became obsessed with houseplants during that time, I remained skeptical. “Plants are just decorative dust collectors,” I’d declare, secretly mourning the ghosts of ferns past.

    But then, something magical happened. My partner, bless their heart, gifted me a resilient little ZZ plant for my birthday. Figuring I had nothing to lose (except another plant, potentially), I decided to give it a go. And guess what? Not only did it survive, it thrived. That’s when I realized: maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t doomed to a life of plant homicide after all. Maybe, with a little effort, even *I* could experience the joys of plant parenthood.

    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Fast forward to today, and my once barren apartment is now a veritable jungle. (Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but I do have more plants than shoes now, which is saying something). And you know what? It’s amazing!

    The Unexpected Benefits of Being a Plant Parent

    Here’s why you should join the plant parent club:

    1. Plants Make the Best Roommates

    Seriously, have you ever met a plant that complains about the dishes or hogs the bathroom? They’re quiet, they don’t steal your food, and they’re always down to listen (or at least, they look like they are). Plants provide a sense of calm and tranquility that even the most zen meditation app can’t replicate. Plus, they’re way less demanding than pets. No early morning walks or litter boxes to deal with, just the occasional watering and a bit of sunshine.

    2. Plants are Natural Stress Relievers

    Okay, maybe not actually therapists (though wouldn’t that be cool?). But tending to plants has this incredible way of melting away stress. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about digging in the soil, pruning leaves, and watching something you nurtured flourish. It’s a tangible reminder that growth and progress take time, and that even small acts of care can make a big difference. Plus, that fresh, earthy smell? Instant mood booster.

    More Than Just Pretty Faces: The Hidden Talents of Houseplants

    As if being low-maintenance roommates and stress-busters wasn’t enough, plants also come with a whole host of hidden talents:

    • Natural Air Purifiers: Say goodbye to stale air and hello to a breath of fresh oxygen. Plants are natural air purifiers, filtering out toxins and releasing fresh oxygen into your home.
    • Humidity Heroes: Dry air got you feeling like a dried-up houseplant yourself? Certain plants, like peace lilies and spider plants, release moisture into the air, acting as natural humidifiers.
    • Productivity Boosters: Studies have shown that being around plants can actually boost concentration and creativity. So, if you’re looking for a way to liven up your workspace, a plant might be just the ticket.

    Ready to Become a Plant Parent?

    So, there you have it – the unexpected joys of being a plant parent. From stress relief to air purification, plants offer a world of benefits, even for those of us who thought we were destined for horticultural failure. So, tell me, what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a leafy friend and join the club – your mental health (and your home décor) will thank you!

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    My Brown Thumb and the Fern That Changed Everything

    Let’s be honest, my thumbs have never been particularly gifted in the plant department. In fact, I’m pretty sure I could kill a cactus in a desert. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a cheerful little potted fern, I accepted it with a mixture of delight and trepidation. Delight, because who doesn’t love a splash of green in their home? Trepidation, because, well… my track record.

    Plant Whispering (and Less is More)

    My first instinct was to shower my new leafy friend with attention. I watered it religiously, rotated it for optimal sunlight, and even serenaded it with my questionable rendition of “Here Comes the Sun” (don’t judge, the plant seemed to enjoy it… at first). However, my overzealous care resulted in a soggy, wilting mess. It turns out, even plants need their space.

    Just when I was about to accept defeat and invest in some high-quality plastic foliage, a seasoned plant parent (read: my neighbor with the magical green thumb) intervened. “You’re drowning the poor thing!” she exclaimed, gently taking the pot from my grasp. “Sometimes, less is more.” She proceeded to teach me the delicate art of plant whispering: observing, listening (metaphorically, of course), and responding to its needs rather than projecting my own insecurities onto it. Who knew?

    Lesson 2: Embracing the Pauses and Growth Spurts of Life

    With my newfound wisdom and a slightly less heavy hand, I nursed my fern back to health. It wasn’t always smooth sailing. There were periods of stagnation, where it seemed like my plant was frozen in time. Then, out of nowhere, a new frond would unfurl, reaching towards the sunlight with an almost comical enthusiasm.