Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: indoor gardening

  • Confessions of a Recovering Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join My Green Cult)

    Confessions of a Recovering Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join My Green Cult)




    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Okay, let’s be real – I used to be the grim reaper of greenery. Seriously, I could kill a cactus in a desert during a monsoon. Give me a bouquet of flowers, and I’d somehow manage to turn them into a science experiment gone wrong within 24 hours. It was a sad state of affairs.

    But then, something magical happened. My well-meaning friend (who clearly hadn’t witnessed my plant-slaying abilities) gifted me a succulent. A succulent. You know, those practically indestructible desert dwellers? I was terrified.

    To my absolute shock (and my family’s utter disbelief), that little succulent thrived. And so began my journey from plant assassin to, dare I say it, a plant parent.

    plant parent comes with some pretty awesome perks:

    • Instant Zen Master: Forget expensive meditation apps – repotting a plant is my therapy. There’s something incredibly grounding about getting your hands dirty (literally) and nurturing something green and glorious.
    • Air So Fresh, You’ll Ditch the Air Freshener: Plants are basically nature’s air purifiers. They suck in all the bad stuff and release lovely, fresh oxygen. It’s like having a tiny rainforest in your living room (minus the monkeys… usually).
    • Interior Design on a Budget: Forget expensive art prints – a few strategically placed plants can instantly transform your space from “blah” to “botanical chic.” Plus, they’re way cheaper than that abstract painting you’ve been eyeing.

    Confessions of a Plant Parent (My Hilarious Plant-tastrophes)

    Okay, okay, I’ll admit it – my plant parenting journey hasn’t been without its hiccups. There have been moments of overwatering, underwatering, and let’s not forget the time I nearly gave my peace lily a sunburn (who knew they liked indirect sunlight?). But hey, that’s all part of the adventure, right?

    My biggest piece of advice? Don’t be afraid to fail! Plants are surprisingly resilient (except maybe my first fern – RIP, Ferdinand). Embrace the learning curve, laugh at your mistakes, and celebrate the little victories. Like the time my monstera finally unfurled a new leaf, and I swear, I heard angels singing.

  • Is My Houseplant Silently Judging My Life Choices? (The Evidence is Compelling)

    Is My Houseplant Silently Judging My Life Choices? (The Evidence is Compelling)




    Do Houseplants Judge Your Life Choices? (The Evidence)


    When My Fiddle Leaf Fig Nearly Gave Me a Panic Attack

    I swear, it was like something out of a sitcom. There I was, sprawled on the kitchen floor, sobbing over a dating app fail (don’t judge!), when I noticed it. Beatrice, my normally placid fiddle leaf fig, was… drooping. Not just a little thirsty droop, but a full-on, “I’m so disappointed in you, I might just drop all my leaves” kind of droop.

    Now, I know what you’re thinking: “It’s a plant! It doesn’t judge!” But hear me out. This wasn’t just a one-time thing. Beatrice and I, we’ve got history. A long, leafy, slightly passive-aggressive history.

    Beatrice remembers. How do I know? Let’s just say the new leaf she sprouted that week was a particularly sickly shade of yellow. Coincidence? I think not.

    Look, I’m not saying she’s got a direct line to my conscience (though I wouldn’t put it past her), but the timing is always impeccable. Big deadline at work? Beatrice starts shedding leaves like they’re going out of style. Successfully navigated a tricky social situation? Boom! New growth everywhere, practically glowing with pride.

    Can a Peace Lily Sense a Clean Apartment?

    And it’s not just Beatrice. Oh no, my friend, the judgment is strong with all my plant children. Take Percy, my peace lily. For months, he was this sad, droopy mess. I’m talking barely clinging to life, giving me serious “Weekend at Bernie’s” vibes.

    Then, what can only be described as a miracle occurred. I finally cleaned my apartment. Like, really cleaned it. And Percy? Well, let’s just say he’s never looked more alive. He’s practically throwing new blooms at me, like, “See Susan, this is what happens when you’re not a complete disaster!”

  • 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)

    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Let’s be real, folks. A few years ago, if you told me I’d be the proud parent of a thriving jungle of indoor plants, I would’ve laughed (and then probably accidentally killed a cactus with too much love). I was the queen of the black thumb, notorious for turning even the most resilient succulents into mushy, brown messes.

    But then, something magical happened. It started innocently enough, with a humble little snake plant named Steve. To my utter shock, Steve not only survived my care but actually seemed to thrive. That’s when I realized: maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t destined for a life of plant homicide.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Building a Thriving Indoor Herb Garden

    The Ultimate Guide to Building a Thriving Indoor Herb Garden





    Introduction

    Imagine snipping fresh basil for your pasta sauce or adding fragrant mint to your evening tea, all from the comfort of your own home! Growing an indoor herb garden is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh, flavorful herbs year-round, no matter the season or your living space. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge and tools you need to create and nurture your own thriving indoor herb oasis.

    Choosing the Right Herbs and Setting Up Your Garden

    Selecting the right herbs is the first step towards a successful indoor garden. Some herbs are naturally better suited for indoor growing than others. Here are some popular and easy-to-grow options:

    • Basil: A staple for Italian cuisine, basil thrives in warm, sunny spots.
    • Mint: Refreshing and versatile, mint prefers partial shade and moist soil.
    • Chives: These mild onion-flavored herbs are low-maintenance and grow well indoors.
    • Parsley: Rich in vitamins, parsley prefers bright, indirect light and well-drained soil.
    • Oregano: This pungent herb is drought-tolerant and enjoys plenty of sunlight.

    Essential Supplies

    1. Containers: Choose pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Terracotta, plastic, or ceramic pots all work well.
    2. Potting Mix: Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix specifically designed for herbs.
    3. Grow Lights (optional): Supplement natural light with grow lights, especially during winter or if you lack sunny windows.
    4. Watering Can: A watering can with a narrow spout helps deliver water directly to the soil without wetting the leaves.
    5. Small Gardening Tools: A hand trowel and pruning shears will come in handy for planting and harvesting.

    Providing Optimal Growing Conditions for Your Indoor Herb Garden

    Creating the right environment is crucial for your herbs to flourish indoors. Consider these key factors:

    Light Requirements for Indoor Herbs

    Most herbs thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place your garden near a south-facing window for optimal light exposure. If natural light is limited, supplement with grow lights for 6-8 hours daily.

    Watering Your Indoor Herb Garden

    Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot. Water your herbs when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. The frequency will depend on the herb type, pot size, and environmental conditions.

    Temperature and Humidity

    Most herbs prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Maintain moderate humidity levels, especially during dry winter months. You can increase humidity by grouping plants together or using a humidifier.

    Fertilizing Your Indoor Herbs

    Herbs grown in containers benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Reduce fertilization during winter when growth slows down.

    Close-up of a person's hands harvesting fresh basil leaves
  • 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

    From Brown Thumb to Budding Botanist: My Houseplant Journey

    Let’s be honest, I’m about as far from a “plant person” as you can get. My idea of plant care used to be frantically Googling “Is my plant dramatic or dying?” every other week. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a Calathea Orbifolia – a notoriously finicky plant – I knew I was in over my head. I named him Ferdinand, because why not, and braced myself for the inevitable plant funeral.

    But here’s the thing: Ferdinand didn’t die. In fact, he thrived. And in the process of keeping him alive (mostly), he ended up teaching me a thing or two about life, patience, and the importance of a good soak (for both of us).

    Life (or at Least Your Plant’s)

    Ferdinand started drooping about a month in. I was devastated. I’d diligently followed all the care instructions: watering on schedule, whispering sweet nothings, even playing him Mozart (because, you know, plants love classical music, right?).

    Then, in a moment of desperation, I moved him. I’d read somewhere that Calatheas are drama queens about light, so I shifted him a few feet to the left, away from the direct sunlight. And guess what? He perked right up! Turns out, a change of perspective can do wonders, even for a houseplant.

    It got me thinking about my own life. How often do we stay stuck in situations that no longer serve us, clinging to routines that drain our energy? Ferdinand reminded me that sometimes, a little shift in perspective, a willingness to try something new, can make all the difference.

    Lesson 2: Embracing the Ups and Downs of Growth, Just Like My Houseplant

    Now, I’d be lying if I said Ferdinand’s progress was smooth sailing from there. There were weeks when he’d sprout new leaves like it was going out of style, and others where he just…sat there. Looking dramatic. Like a sulking teenager who wasn’t allowed to go to that concert.

  • 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


    From Black Thumb to Budding Botanist: My Houseplant Journey

    Let’s be honest, my history with plants was more akin to a crime scene than a flourishing garden. I’d pick up a perfectly healthy fern, only to have it wither faster than my hopes of ever understanding cryptocurrency. But then, something changed. Maybe it was a moment of temporary insanity, or perhaps a desperate plea to add some life (literally) to my apartment, but I adopted a little ZZ plant I affectionately named Ferdinand.

    Ferdinand, I assumed, would be just like the rest – destined for that big plant shop in the sky. Yet, to my utter shock, he thrived. In fact, he did more than thrive, he flourished! Under my, shall we say, “unconventional” care, he grew like a weed (a very aesthetically pleasing weed, I might add). That’s when I realized Ferdinand was trying to tell me something. This wasn’t just about keeping a plant alive; this was about life lessons, whispered through rustling leaves and stubborn roots.

    Plant

    Ferdinand, you see, is the king of bouncing back. I’m talking forgot-to-water-him-for-three-weeks kind of bouncing back. I’d sheepishly poke at his soil, convinced I’d return to find a pile of wilted sadness. But nope, there he’d be, as perky as ever, silently judging my forgetfulness (I swear he gives me side-eye).

    Turns out, ZZ plants are notoriously low-maintenance. They can handle neglect, low light, and even the occasional accidental drop (don’t judge, I’m clumsy). And that’s when it hit me: resilience isn’t about never facing challenges, it’s about how you handle them. Just like Ferdinand, we all have the inner strength to weather the storms and come out stronger on the other side.

    Lesson #2: Patience, Young Padawan – Embracing the Growth Process

    Now, I’m a bit of an instant gratification kind of gal. I want results, and I want them now. But Ferdinand, in his infinite wisdom, taught me the value of patience. I’d eagerly inspect him every day, convinced I’d missed a growth spurt.

    “Come on, little buddy, grow!” I’d whisper, as if that would magically speed up the process.

    But growth, like most good things in life, takes time. And then, one day, when I least expected it, there it was: a brand new shoot, unfurling towards the light. Ferdinand reminded me that growth isn’t always linear or immediate. Sometimes, the most significant changes happen beneath the surface, slowly but surely, until one day, you wake up and realize how far you’ve come.

  • 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


    We’ve all been there – scrolling through Pinterest, suddenly envious of those people who seem to live in botanical gardens disguised as homes. Lush greenery spills over shelves, vibrant flowers brighten every corner…and then there’s the rest of us, battling to keep even a cactus alive.

    From Brown Thumb to…Slightly Greener Thumb?

    I fall somewhere in between. I’m not exactly known for my green thumb, but I’m also not about to let a little thing like keeping a plant alive defeat me. So, imagine my triumph when I managed to keep a peace lily alive for more than a month. Not just alive, mind you, but thriving! This thing was practically begging me to buy it a bigger pot (which I totally did, because, you know, #proudplantparent).

    But here’s the thing about plants – they’re not just pretty faces. They’re like tiny, silent gurus, whispering wisdom while they soak up the sun. And let me tell you, this little peace lily had a lot to say.

    Lesson #1: Learning to Chill Out – Sometimes Less is More

    I’m a bit of an overachiever. Okay, that’s an understatement. I’m the queen of overwatering, overthinking, and overdoing it in general. So, imagine my surprise when I discovered the secret to a happy peace lily is actually benign neglect. A little water here, some indirect sunlight there, and boom – growth!

    Turns out, constantly fussing over it was actually doing more harm than good. Who knew? This little plant taught me the power of stepping back, letting go of the need to control everything, and trusting the process.

    [IMAGE_DESCRIPTION: A photo of a person gently touching the leaf of their peace lily.]
  • Is My Houseplant Secretly Judging Me? (The Evidence is Suspiciously Strong)

    Is My Houseplant Secretly Judging Me? (The Evidence is Suspiciously Strong)

    Is My Houseplant Secretly Judging Me? (The Evidence is Strong)

    The Side-Eye Heard ‘Round the Living Room

    The other day, I was shamelessly devouring a bag of chips—okay, fine, it was my third that week—when I caught my peace lily, Beatrice, giving me this look. You know the one: a subtle tilt of the leaves, a slight droop, as if to say, “Seriously, Sharon? Again?”

    Now, I consider myself a rational person. I understand that plants don’t possess the cognitive capacity for judgment (at least, that’s what “they” want us to believe). But the evidence has been piling up, and frankly, Beatrice‘s passive-aggressive drooping is just the tip of the leafy iceberg.

    Leaves

    There’s a definite correlation between my life choices and Beatrice‘s overall well-being. The week I forgot to water her (twice!), she practically staged a dramatic fainting scene, leaves drooping lower than my spirits after a bad Tinder date. Coincidence? I think not.

    But here’s the kicker: the moment I finally remembered to give her a good soak, she perked right back up. And not just any perking up—it was like she was showing off, leaves glistening with newfound vigor, as if to say, “See, Sharon? This is how you care for a living organism.”

    Exhibit B: The Great Dust Debacle of 2023

    We all have our weaknesses, and mine, dear readers, is dusting. I’m not proud of it, but let’s just say my feather duster and I haven’t been on speaking terms for a while. Beatrice, of course, noticed. And did she let me have it!

    One morning, I awoke to find her normally vibrant leaves covered in a thick layer of dust. Now, I live alone. I own a very lazy cat who wouldn’t dream of exerting that kind of effort. The only logical explanation? Beatrice orchestrated the whole thing. A silent, leafy protest against my subpar housekeeping skills.

  • 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 Wasn’t Always Green: A Houseplant Journey

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing abilities. I once killed a cactus. A CACTUS, people! So, when my well-intentioned friend gifted me a leafy, vibrant peace lily, my immediate thought was, “Oh no, not another victim.” I imagined a tragic cycle of overwatering, underwatering, and ultimately, a slow, wilting demise. Turns out, I was in for a surprise.

    Peace Lily

    For weeks, I babied that plant like it was a newborn panda. I watered it religiously, sang it questionable lullabies, and even invested in a special plant light. Yet, it remained stubbornly droopy, its leaves slowly turning a sickly shade of yellow. One day, at the peak of my frustration, I declared, “That’s it! You’re on your own!” I banished the plant to a forgotten corner, vowing to let nature take its course.

    Imagine my surprise when, a few weeks later, I stumbled upon the “neglected” peace lily looking positively radiant. Its leaves were a vibrant green, and it even boasted a brand-new shoot! Apparently, my constant fussing had been suffocating the poor thing. Sometimes, a little tough love is all we need to thrive, both in the plant world and in life.

  • 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


    We all know the stereotype: plant parent, crazy cat lady, insert your preferred harmless eccentricity here. Well, I never thought I’d be the plant person. Give me a bouquet of flowers any day, but a living, breathing thing that relied on me for survival? No thanks, I kill succulents just by looking at them.

    How One Little Plant Changed Everything

    Then came Herbert. Yes, I named my plant. Don’t judge. He was a birthday gift from my best friend, a sprightly little peace lily in a charmingly chipped pot. My friend, an actual plant whisperer, swore Herbert was low-maintenance. “Just water him when the soil is dry,” she said. “He practically thrives on neglect!” Famous last words.

    Herbert seemed content, even perky. Then came the drooping. The yellowing leaves. The distinct feeling that I, a fully grown adult, was failing to keep a houseplant alive. Turns out, “neglect” is a relative term. Who knew plants needed sunlight, too? (Don’t judge me, I’m a work in progress.)

    Lesson #1: Faking It ‘Til You Make It With Plant Care

    Desperate to save Herbert (and my pride), I turned to the internet, that vast repository of both wisdom and questionable advice. I learned about drainage, fertilizer, and the importance of talking to your plants (don’t worry, I kept it brief). I even downloaded a plant care app, because apparently that’s a thing now.

    Slowly but surely, Herbert started to rally. His leaves perked up, regained their vibrant green, and even sprouted a new growth. Was I a natural? Absolutely not. Did I spend an embarrassing amount of time Googling things like “how to tell if my plant needs water” and “can plants get sunburned?” You bet. But I was learning, adapting, and most importantly, keeping Herbert alive.