Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: indoor jungle

  • 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: My Story

    Let’s be honest, I wasn’t always a green thumb. In fact, I was infamous for accidentally murdering even the hardiest of succulents. My friends gifted me plastic plants out of pity (which, ironically, I managed to knock over and break). But then, something magical happened: I adopted a scraggly little basil plant from the clearance aisle.

    This little basil, against all odds and my complete lack of horticultural knowledge, thrived. It sprouted new leaves, it smelled divine, and it even survived a near-death experience involving an overturned watering can (oops!). That’s when I realized: plants weren’t just green decorations, they were tiny, resilient lifeforms I could actually keep alive! And dare I say, I was starting to enjoy their company.

    The Little Plant Victories That Feel Like Major Wins

    Being a plant parent is an emotional rollercoaster, but the highs are surprisingly high. Here are a few moments that’ll have you fist-pumping the air like you just won the plant lottery:

    • Witnessing new growth: That first tiny leaf unfurling? It’s basically a miracle.
      A stylishly decorated living room with several healthy plants
  • 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)



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

    My Brown Thumb Redemption Story

    Let’s be honest, my thumbs used to be the color of dirt, but not because I was a gardening guru. Oh no, I was the grim reaper of greenery, turning vibrant houseplants into wilted wallflowers. Cacti, succulents, you name it, I managed to find their kryptonite.

    Then, something magical happened. My well-meaning friend, probably tired of sending me condolence flowers for my deceased ferns, gifted me a resilient snake plant. And guess what? It survived! Not only did it survive, it thrived. That’s when I realized, maybe, just maybe, I could do this whole plant parent thing after all.

    plants could be so therapeutic?

    There’s something incredibly grounding about tending to your little green buddies. The gentle act of watering, the meticulous pruning, even just observing their growth—it’s like meditation with a side of chlorophyll. Plus, it’s way cheaper than therapy (and you can’t accidentally overshare your deepest secrets with a peace lily).

    Here’s a bonus: studies have shown that having plants around can actually boost your mood, reduce stress, and even improve air quality. So, basically, you’re not just a plant parent, you’re a health guru in the making!

    The Quirks of Plant Parenthood (Yes, You’ll Talk to Your Plants)

    Let’s address the elephant (ear plant) in the room—yes, I talk to my plants. And before you judge, let me tell you, they seem to like it. Okay, maybe they don’t understand my detailed recaps of the latest Netflix series, but hey, a plant parent can dream, right?

    But in all seriousness, becoming a plant parent comes with its own set of quirks, and honestly, that’s part of the fun!

    • You’ll develop a sixth sense for when your plants are thirsty (and no, it’s not just them dramatically drooping over the edge of the pot).
    • You’ll find yourself striking up conversations with strangers at the garden center, bonding over the best fertilizer and pest control strategies.
    • You’ll celebrate every new leaf like it’s a personal victory (because let’s be real, it kind of is).
  • 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)




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


    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent: My Story

    Let’s be honest, before I became a plant parent, I thought succulents were made of plastic. I mean, they barely need water, right? My track record with houseplants was abysmal, a graveyard of drooping ferns and crispy, brown-edged peace lilies. I was the epitome of a black thumb, convinced I was genetically predisposed to kill anything green and leafy.

    Then, during one particularly uneventful trip to the grocery store (remember those?), I spotted a sad-looking little cactus tucked away on a bottom shelf. It was practically giving me puppy dog eyes, begging me to take it home. Against my better judgment, and with a heavy dose of skepticism, I did.

    And that, my friends, is how I, the notorious plant assassin, became a card-carrying member of the plant parenthood club. That little cactus, which I affectionately named Spike, thrived under my care (or benign neglect, depending on how you look at it).

    The Unexpected Perks of Plant Parenthood

    Turns out, there’s a reason why so many people are obsessed with their houseplants. It’s not just about aesthetics (although a well-placed monstera can really tie a room together). Here are a few unexpected joys I discovered on my journey as a plant parent:

    1. Plants Are the Chillest Roommates Ever

    • They don’t care if you forget to take out the trash.
    • They’re perfectly content with your taste in music (or lack thereof).
    • They won’t judge you for wearing the same sweatpants three days in a row.

    Seriously, plants provide the ultimate judgment-free companionship. They’re always there to greet you with a gentle sway and a vibrant splash of color, no matter what kind of day you’ve had.

  • 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: My Story

    Let’s be honest, before I became a plant parent, my thumbs were about as brown as my neglected cactus (RIP, Spike). I thought I was destined for a life devoid of greenery, except for the occasional wilting supermarket bouquet. But then, something miraculous happened. I was gifted a resilient little snake plant, and against all odds (and my complete lack of skills), it thrived!

    That’s when I realized that maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t doomed to be a plant murderer after all. Fast forward to today, and my apartment looks like a scene out of Jumanji, but in the best way possible. I’ve discovered the unexpected joys of being a plant parent, and trust me, it’s more than just watering and hoping for the best.

    The Joys of Plant Parenthood: Talking to Your Leafy Companions

    Look, I know what you’re thinking – talking to your plants is a one-way ticket to Crazy Town. But hear me out! There’s something incredibly therapeutic about whispering words of encouragement to your fiddle-leaf fig or celebrating a new leaf with your monstera.

  • 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)


    Plant Killer

    Let’s be honest, my thumbs used to be about as green as a flamingo. I was the grim reaper of succulents, the bane of basil’s existence. If a plant even dared to wilt dramatically in my presence, I’d apologize profusely before escorting it to the compost bin. “It’s not you, it’s me,” I’d whisper, riddled with plant-parent guilt.

    But something changed. Maybe it was the pandemic, maybe it was a desperate attempt to bring some life into my apartment (besides my goldfish, Bubbles, who, let’s be honest, isn’t the most stimulating conversationalist). Whatever it was, I decided to give this whole plant thing another go. And let me tell you, I’ve never looked back.

    Plant Parent‘s Victory

    Friends, there is nothing quite like the triumphant feeling of witnessing new growth on a plant you’re responsible for keeping alive. It’s like winning a tiny, green lottery. That first little sprout, that unfurling leaf – it’s a testament to your nurturing abilities (or at least your ability to follow instructions on a care label).

    Suddenly, you understand why people talk to their plants. You find yourself cooing at your ferns, whispering encouragements to your cacti, and maybe even shedding a tear or two when your peace lily blooms (okay, maybe that last one is just me).

    Zen and the Art of Plant Care: Finding Peace in Nature

    Life can be hectic. Between work, social commitments, and the never-ending quest for the perfect avocado toast, finding a moment of peace can feel impossible. Enter: plant care.

    There’s something incredibly therapeutic about tending to your leafy companions. Misting their leaves, checking for pests, repotting when they’ve outgrown their pots – it’s a meditative practice that forces you to slow down, be present, and appreciate the simple things in life.

  • My Life as a Recovering Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Become a Plant Parent Too)

    My Life as a Recovering Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Become a Plant Parent Too)




    My Life as a Recovering Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Become a Plant Parent Too)


    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Let’s be honest, my history with plants was more of a graveyard than a thriving jungle. I’m talking crispy leaves, droopy stems, the whole shebang. I was basically the grim reaper of the plant world. But then, something magical happened. I brought home a little succulent named Steve (yes, I name my plants, don’t judge!), and against all odds, he survived! Not only did he survive, but he thrived under my care. That’s when I realized that maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t a lost cause after all. And thus began my journey into the wonderful, weird, and surprisingly hilarious world of plant parenthood.

    Stress Relief, One Leaf at a Time

    You know those days when you feel like you’re drowning in to-do lists and deadlines? Yeah, we all have them. But let me tell you, there’s something incredibly therapeutic about digging your hands in some soil, giving your plants a little water, and watching them soak it all up. It’s like meditation, but with more chlorophyll. And the best part? Plants don’t talk back, judge your messy bun, or steal the covers at night. They’re the perfect listeners, even if they do occasionally shed a leaf or two on the carpet. (Just me? Okay, moving on…)

    Plants as Decor: From Bare Walls to Urban Jungle Oasis

    Okay, confession time: I’m a sucker for a good home decor makeover show. But let’s be real, who has the budget for a complete overhaul every season? Not this plant lady! That’s where my leafy friends come in. Plants are like nature’s own little pieces of art. They add life, color, and texture to any room, and the best part is, they come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of sass. (Looking at you, dramatic Fiddle Leaf Fig in the corner.)

    Here are a few ways plants can level up your home decor game:

    • Create a statement: A large potted plant can instantly become the focal point of a room, adding drama and intrigue.
    • Fill empty spaces: Got an awkward corner or a sad, empty shelf? Plants to the rescue!
    • Bring the outdoors in: Even if you live in a concrete jungle, plants can help create a sense of peace and tranquility, reminding you of the beauty of nature.

    Ready to Become a Plant Parent?

    So, there you have it. My journey from plant killer to proud plant parent. It’s been a wild, leafy ride, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world (except maybe for a rare variegated Monstera, but that’s a story for another time). Trust me, if I can keep a plant alive, anyone can!

  • 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 is Apparently Not So Green

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing nature. I’m more of a “forget to water myself” kind of guy. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant—a supposedly “easy to care for” ZZ plant, no less—I accepted it with a healthy dose of skepticism.

    “Don’t worry,” my friend chirped, “Even you can’t kill this one!”

    Challenge accepted, plant friend. Challenge accepted.

    Plant Parents)

    My first mistake? Expecting instant gratification. I’m used to the instant results of the digital world—send a text, get a response; order takeout, food arrives in 30 minutes; post a selfie, receive immediate validation (or at least, likes). Plants, I quickly learned, don’t operate on my schedule.

    I’d stare at my ZZ plant, willing it to sprout new growth, convinced I was doing something wrong. Where were the lush, vibrant leaves? The Instagram-worthy foliage? I even downloaded a plant-identifying app, convinced they’d given me the wrong species at the store (“Sir, this is clearly a plastic fern.”).

    But then, something magical happened. After weeks of what felt like zero progress, a single, tiny, green shoot emerged. It was a slow, almost imperceptible change, but it was there—a testament to patience and consistency (and maybe a little bit of luck).

    Lesson #2: Sometimes Less is More (Especially When Watering Your ZZ Plant)

    Confession: I am a chronic over-waterer. I see a dry patch of soil and my instinct is to drown it in a deluge of H2O. This, I discovered (the hard way), is not what plants want.

    My poor ZZ plant endured weeks of my well-intentioned but misguided watering habits. Its leaves started to yellow, then brown, and I’m pretty sure it let out an audible sigh of despair. Just when I was about to add it to the plant graveyard in the sky (aka, my compost bin), I stumbled upon a life-saving article about overwatering.

    Turns out, my plant wasn’t thirsty, it was drowning! I learned to check the soil moisture before reaching for the watering can, and to my surprise, my ZZ plant perked right up. Who knew that sometimes, the best thing you can do is just back off and let things be?

  • Confessions of a Recovering Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Get Your Green Thumb On)

    Confessions of a Recovering Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Get Your Green Thumb On)

    From Plant Grim Reaper to Proud Plant Parent: My Indoor Jungle Journey

    Let’s be real, folks. Before I became a “plant parent,” I was more of a plant grim reaper. My thumbs weren’t black; they were coated in a thick layer of horticultural homicide. I’m talking wilting ferns, crispy succulents, and peace lilies that looked anything but peaceful. Basically, if it was green and required photosynthesis, it stood no chance in my care.

    But then, something magical happened. Or maybe it was just sheer desperation for a splash of life in my apartment. Whatever the reason, I adopted a little pothos plant. And guess what? I kept it alive! Not just alive, but thriving! Turns out, behind that facade of a serial plant killer was a budding plant enthusiast just waiting to blossom. (See what I did there? Okay, I’ll stop with the plant puns… for now.)

    The Unexpected Joys of Watching Something Grow (Besides Your To-Do List)

    Once I tasted success (or should I say, “leafed” success?), I was hooked. Suddenly, I understood the allure of nurturing something and watching it flourish. Who knew that a little green friend could bring so much joy? Here’s the thing about plants – they don’t judge your messy bun or your questionable karaoke skills. They just chill, photosynthesize, and make your space look infinitely cooler. Win-win-win!

    Plus, there are some serious perks to being a plant parent that they don’t put on the care tags:

    • Stress relief: Caring for plants is surprisingly therapeutic. There’s something incredibly grounding about digging in the soil, watering your leafy companions, and watching them soak up the sunshine.
    • Improved air quality: Okay, maybe this one’s on the care tag, but it’s still awesome! Plants are like little air purifiers, working tirelessly to remove toxins and boost oxygen levels in your home. Talk about a breath of fresh air!
    • Boosted creativity: Studies have shown that being surrounded by nature (even the indoor kind) can spark creativity and improve focus. So, if you’re feeling stuck in a rut, maybe all you need is a new fiddle-leaf fig friend!

    It’s Not Just About the Plants, It’s About the Community (and the Cute Pots)

    One of the best parts of my plant parenting journey has been connecting with other plant lovers. There’s a whole community out there, from seasoned green thumbs to fellow beginners, who share tips, swap cuttings, and geek out over the latest rare species.

    And let’s not forget about the amazing world of plant accessories! From quirky planters to macrame hangers, there’s a whole universe of stylish ways to showcase your plant babies and add personality to your space.

    Ready to Grow With Us?

    Trust me, I get it. Plant parenthood can seem daunting at first, especially if you’ve got a history of accidental plant-icides like yours truly. But I’m here to tell you that anyone can do it! With a little patience, a dash of research, and maybe a helpful app or two, you’ll be surprised at what you can grow. So why not give it a try? You never know, you might just discover your inner plant whisperer!

  • 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, I had a long and storied history of accidentally assassinating any houseplant unfortunate enough to cross my path. My thumbs weren’t just black, they were shrouded in a mysterious, plant-killing aura. But then, something magical happened. I adopted a scraggly little succulent named Steve (don’t judge my naming skills), and against all odds, he thrived! Turns out, even I, notorious plant murderer, could keep something alive. And with that, my journey into the unexpected joys of plant parenthood began.

    plant just brightens up a room? It’s like instant mood-boosting decor!

    Benefits of Plant Parenthood: More Than Just Pretty Faces

    Don’t get me wrong, I love how my plants transform my living space into an urban jungle oasis. But the benefits go beyond aesthetics. Here’s what I’ve discovered:

    • Improved Air Quality: Plants are like little natural air purifiers, filtering out toxins and releasing fresh oxygen. Who needs fancy air filters when you have a leafy friend or two?
    • Boosted Creativity and Focus: Studies have shown that being around plants can actually increase concentration and spark creativity. Maybe that’s why I get my best ideas while watering my ferns!
    • A Sense of Accomplishment: Let’s face it, keeping a plant alive and thriving feels like a major win, especially for those of us who aren’t exactly blessed with green thumbs. Each new leaf feels like a personal victory, a testament to my newfound nurturing abilities.
  • 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 Brown Thumb Gets a Green Roommate

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing nature. My thumbs are decidedly not green. In fact, I’m pretty sure they emit an invisible plant-killing aura. So, when my well-intentioned friend gifted me a cheerful little ZZ plant, I accepted it with the quiet resignation of a condemned prisoner.

    “He’s practically indestructible!” my friend chirped, oblivious to the impending doom in my care.

    Plant Resilience – More Than Just a Buzzword

    The first few weeks were a predictable disaster. I overwatered, I underwatered, I even managed to spill coffee grounds on the poor thing (don’t ask). My ZZ plant, which I’d christened “Percy” (don’t judge, I was feeling optimistic), began to wither. Its leaves, once vibrant and glossy, drooped like sad, green tears.

    Just when I was about to deliver the eulogy and toss Percy into the compost bin, something miraculous happened. I noticed a tiny, new shoot emerging from the soil. It was pale and fragile, but it was there, a defiant little fist raised against my neglect. Percy, it seemed, was not ready to give up.

    And neither, I realized, was I. Inspired by Percy’s tenacity, I actually bothered to Google “ZZ plant care” (who knew?). I learned that these plants are practically succulents, thriving on neglect rather than drowning in affection (my kind of plant!).

    With a newfound respect for Percy and his resilient spirit, I adjusted my approach. I gave him less water, more sunlight, and even the occasional pep talk (don’t judge, it worked!). Slowly but surely, Percy bounced back. He sprouted new growth, his leaves regained their shine, and he even seemed to stand a little taller.

    Lesson #2: Embracing the Pace of Growth

    As Percy thrived, I found myself applying his quiet wisdom to other areas of my life. Just like I couldn’t force Percy to grow faster, I realized I couldn’t rush my own personal or professional development. There would be periods of dormancy, times when it felt like I was stuck in the same pot, with the same old problems. But just like Percy taught me, sometimes you just need to be patient, trust the process, and know that growth happens in its own time.