Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: plant parenthood

Confessions of a Recovering Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)

Confessions of a Recovering Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood

From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent: My Journey Begins

Let’s be honest, I wasn’t always a friend to foliage. In fact, I was notorious for accidentally offing any greenery that dared to cross my threshold. Cacti, succulents—you name it, I unintentionally sent them to the great greenhouse in the sky.

plant parent bug bit me, and there was no turning back.

Stress Relief? Interior Design Guru? The Unexpected Perks of Plant Parenthood

Who knew that nurturing something green could be so therapeutic? These days, I swear by the calming ritual of watering, misting, and just generally hanging out with my plant babies. Forget meditation apps—give me a watering can and a fussy fern any day! Here’s the deal: plants are like leafy, low-maintenance companions that actually improve your air quality. What’s not to love?

And speaking of love, let’s talk about how plants can transform your living space. Remember that dark, drab corner that’s been cramping your style? Enter: a majestic Monstera or a vibrant prayer plant. Suddenly, you’re not just a plant parent; you’re an interior design genius!

March 13, 2025
The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)

Plant Parent: My Story
Let’s be honest, I used to be a plant killer. I’m talking serial succulent assassin, notorious cactus crusher. If a plant had the misfortune of entering my home, its life expectancy plummeted faster than my patience during rush hour traffic. But something changed last year. Maybe it was the pandemic-induced need for some living, breathing company that wasn’t on a screen. Maybe it was a desperate attempt to bring some life into my apartment, which, let’s face it, resembled a very organized storage unit. Whatever it was, I decided to give plant parenthood another shot.

And guess what? I didn’t kill them! In fact, they thrived. And so did I. Turns out, being a plant parent comes with a whole host of unexpected joys.

Stress Relief: Finding Zen One Leaf at a Time

Remember that feeling of accomplishment you got from finishing a puzzle? Or the pure joy of finally conquering that impossible level on your favorite video game? That’s the feeling I get every time I see a new leaf unfurl on my monstera. It’s a small victory, sure, but it’s a victory nonetheless.

There’s something incredibly therapeutic about caring for plants. The act of watering, pruning, and even just observing them can melt away stress like sunshine on a snowdrift. And the best part? They don’t judge your messy bun or your questionable dance moves while you’re repotting them (unlike certain furry companions).

March 13, 2025
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 Instagram, you stumble upon a picture-perfect apartment boasting a jungle of thriving houseplants. Suddenly, your own humble abode feels severely lacking in the greenery department. That’s how I ended up, one impulsive shopping trip later, with a majestic (or so I thought) fern gracing my windowsill. Little did I know, this fern would teach me more than just how to keep a plant alive.

Lesson #1: Patience is a Virtue (and so is Google)

My first attempt at plant parenthood can only be described as “overenthusiastic.” I watered my fern religiously, convinced that more H2O equaled more happiness. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. In fact, my poor fern started to droop, its once-vibrant fronds turning a sickly shade of yellow. Panic set in. Was I a plant murderer already?

Cue frantic Googling. Turns out, ferns are a bit dramatic. They like their soil moist but not soggy, and overwatering is a one-way ticket to Root Rot City (population: my dying fern). I learned, through trial and error (mostly error), the delicate dance of watering, drainage, and the importance of proper plant care research. Who knew there was so much to know about keeping a fern alive?

fern, I eagerly awaited its triumphant return to its former glory. Days turned into weeks, and while it was no longer on the verge of collapse, it wasn’t exactly thriving either. It seemed stuck, frozen in a state of mediocre greenness.

A quick internet search revealed another plant-parenting pro tip: sometimes, you need to prune away the dead weight to make way for new growth. Armed with a pair of kitchen scissors (don’t judge), I hesitantly snipped away the brown, crispy fronds. It felt brutal, like giving the plant a bad haircut. But guess what? New growth sprouted, healthier and more vibrant than before. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, letting go of the past is essential for future flourishing.

Lesson #3: Celebrate Small Victories (Like New Fronds)

Here’s the funny thing about plants: they don’t care about your grand plans or your need for instant gratification. They grow at their own pace, in their own time. But when they do finally flourish, it’s pure magic. Witnessing a new frond unfurl, a tiny bud bloom, it fills you with a sense of quiet accomplishment. It’s a reminder to appreciate the small victories, the subtle signs of progress, in both the plant world and in life.

March 13, 2025
Why I’m Convinced My Plant Is Secretly Judging Me

Is My Plant Judging Me? A Hilarious Take on Plant Parenthood

We all have our quirks. Maybe you leave your socks on the floor (no judgment, sometimes laundry day feels a million miles away) or perhaps you’ve perfected the art of singing off-key in the shower. But have you ever felt like you were being judged…by your houseplant?

The Side-Eye: My Plant‘s Silent Judgment Begins

It all started innocently enough. I, like many during the dark days of 2020, decided to become a Plant Parent™. I envisioned a lush jungle oasis, a symphony of green to brighten my home. I brought home a majestic (or so I thought) ZZ plant. I named him Zanzibar, because why not?

plant light, convinced he just needed a bit more sunshine in his life.

One particularly rough day, after a grueling workout (read: ten minutes of stretching and scrolling through Instagram), I collapsed onto the couch, panting dramatically. As I reached for my third cookie (don’t judge, you haven’t seen my workout routine), I swear I saw it: Zanzibar, in all his leafy glory, was giving me the side-eye.

The Crooked Watering Can: Is My Plant Judging My Plant Care Skills?

From that day forward, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Zanzibar was judging my every move. Left the dishes in the sink a little too long? Zanzibar seemed to wilt in disapproval. Wore the same sweatpants three days in a row? His leaves practically curled in on themselves in horror.

One morning, as I was watering him (with perfectly measured, room-temperature water, I might add!), the watering can slipped, sending a cascade of water onto the floor. As I scrambled for a towel, I could have sworn I heard a heavy sigh. Okay, maybe not a sigh exactly, but there was definitely some rustling of leaves that sounded suspiciously like judgment.

March 13, 2025
Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)
Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)

From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

Let’s be honest, I used to be a plant serial killer. I’d walk into the garden center with the best intentions, promising myself (and the poor, unsuspecting fern) that this time would be different. But alas, my track record spoke for itself: a graveyard of neglected succulents and overwatered peace lilies.

Then something changed. Maybe it was the pandemic, maybe it was a quarter-life crisis, or maybe it was the realization that my apartment looked remarkably like a beige box. Whatever it was, I decided to give plant parenthood another shot. And you know what? It’s been one of the most rewarding (and hilarious) experiences of my life.
Plant Therapy!
Who knew that watching a leaf unfurl could be so darn therapeutic? Seriously, there’s something incredibly calming about tending to your plants. The act of watering, pruning, and even just talking to them (don’t judge!) can melt away the day’s stresses. Plus, unlike my goldfish growing up, they don’t stare back with judgment when I inevitably forget to feed them for a week (sorry, Finny).

Here are a few ways my plant babies have become my own personal therapists:
- Mindful moments: Caring for plants forces me to slow down and be present. No more scrolling through social media while simultaneously burning dinner!
- Sense of accomplishment: Every new leaf, bloom, or even just a plant that doesn’t die on me feels like a major victory. Take that, self-doubt!
- Connection to nature: Living in a concrete jungle, it’s easy to forget the beauty of the natural world. My plants bring a little bit of the outdoors in, even if it’s just a rogue spider plant hanging from the ceiling.
From Drab to Fab: Plants as Interior Design Hacks

Remember that beige box I mentioned earlier? Well, let’s just say my plants have done wonders for my apartment’s aesthetic. A pop of green here, a trailing vine there, and suddenly my place looks like it belongs in an interior design magazine (or at least a slightly cooler version of my grandma’s house).

And the best part? Plants are like living art! They add texture, color, and life to a room in a way that no mass-produced print ever could. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter. Just be prepared for questions like, “Is that a real plant?” or “How do you keep it alive?!”

March 13, 2025
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, before I discovered the wonderful world of plants, my thumbs were about as green as a charcoal briquette. I’d managed to kill a cactus, for crying out loud! But something changed last year. Maybe it was the pandemic-induced need for a connection to nature, or maybe it was just pure boredom, but I decided to give this whole plant thing another go. And boy, am I glad I did!

Turns out, being a plant parent comes with a whole host of unexpected joys, benefits I never saw coming. So, if you’re on the fence about joining the club, let me share some reasons why you absolutely should.

Stress Relief: Watch Your Worries Evaporate with Plants

Remember that feeling you get when you finally clock out after a long day? Now imagine that feeling, but instead of collapsing on the couch, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, the air filled with the subtle scent of fresh soil. That’s the magic of plants, my friends.

Studies have shown that being around plants can actually reduce stress hormones. Something about nurturing another living thing, even if it only communicates through subtle growth spurts, just melts away the tension. Plus, caring for plants provides a welcome distraction from the daily grind. It’s like meditation, but with more leaves.

March 13, 2025
Why I’m Convinced My Houseplant is Secretly Judging Me (and Other Weird Habits I’ve Developed)

Why I’m Convinced My Houseplant is Secretly Judging Me (and Other Weird Habits I’ve Developed)

From Plant Killer to Paranoid Plant Parent

Remember that time I accidentally killed a cactus? Yeah, I know, rookie mistake. You’d think succulents were hard to kill, but somehow I managed it. Fast forward to today, and I’m now the proud (and slightly neurotic) parent of fifteen thriving houseplants. And let me tell you, the transformation has been…weird.

It all started subtly. I’d find myself talking to my peace lily, Phil. Just casual things, like, “Morning, Phil, looking perky today!” or “Don’t worry, buddy, I’ll water you soon.” Harmless, right? But then things escalated…

The Side-Eye from Fernie: My Houseplant’s Silent Judgment

It’s Fernie, my majestic Boston fern, who I suspect is the mastermind behind my descent into plant-induced madness. He sits there on his pedestal (okay, it’s a plant stand, but still), fronds cascading down like a green waterfall, and I swear he watches my every move.

Like, the other day, I was stress-eating leftover pizza at 2 AM. As I shamelessly shoved the last cold slice into my mouth, I caught Fernie’s reflection in the window. And you know what? I swear he rolled his eyes. Okay, maybe it was just the breeze, but the judgment was palpable.

March 13, 2025
Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join My Club)

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

From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

Let’s be honest, folks. I used to be the grim reaper of greenery. I’m talking succulents shrivelling faster than my patience during rush hour traffic. My apartment resembled a graveyard of good intentions, littered with empty terracotta pots and drooping leaves.

Then, something magical happened. Call it a quarantine whim, a desperate plea for something living in my apartment that wasn’t judging my snack choices, or maybe just a touch of plant-envy from scrolling through Instagram (you know those perfectly curated plant corners we’re talking about). Whatever the reason, I decided to give plant parenthood another shot.

And guess what? It’s been amazing! Not only have I managed to keep a few leafy friends alive (some are even thriving, dare I say!), but the whole experience has brought a surprising amount of joy and calm into my life. Who knew?

The Unexpected Perks of Plant Parenthood

Here’s the thing about plants: they’re not as high-maintenance as you might think. Plus, they come with a whole host of unexpected perks:

1. They’re the Chillest Roommates Ever

No more passive-aggressive sticky notes about whose turn it is to do the dishes. Plants are silent, non-judgmental roommates who are content with a little water and sunlight. They won’t steal your food from the fridge, blast loud music at 3 am, or complain about your shoe collection (unless you count the occasional wilting leaf as a passive-aggressive protest, which I totally do).

March 13, 2025
The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

My Brown Thumb Gets a Green Roommate

Let’s be honest, my thumbs have always leaned more towards “brown” than “green.” I’m the person who can kill a cactus with kindness (or, more accurately, forgetfulness). So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a fern for my birthday, I accepted with a grimace disguised as gratitude. Little did I know, this leafy green roommate would teach me more than just how to keep something alive.

Plant Parenthood
My first attempt at plant parenthood was a masterclass in overcompensation. I watered that poor fern like I was trying to drown it, convinced that more was always better. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. The leaves drooped, turned yellow, and I’m pretty sure the fern sighed dramatically every time I walked by.

Eventually, after a frantic Google search and a pep talk from the aforementioned well-meaning friend (who also happens to be a plant whisperer), I learned the art of patience. I discovered the delicate balance of sunlight, water, and just letting the darn thing be. And you know what? The fern perked up. It even sprouted new fronds, which I considered a standing ovation for finally figuring things out.

Lesson #2: Embracing the Messy Nature of Growth

Just when I thought I’d mastered the whole plant parenting thing, my fern decided to throw me a curveball. It sprouted new growth in the most awkward, gangly directions. Some fronds grew long and leggy, others seemed determined to touch the ceiling. It was like watching a teenager go through a growth spurt, all awkward limbs and questionable life choices (except, you know, with leaves).

At first, I tried to control the chaos. I trimmed and pruned, trying to force my fern into some idealized version of itself. But eventually, I realized that growth, whether it’s a plant or a person, is rarely linear. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes a little weird. And the best thing I could do was provide support and let it figure things out, even if it meant embracing a little bit of botanical anarchy.

March 13, 2025
My Jungle of Joy: The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Consider It)

My Jungle of Joy: The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Consider It)

Discover the unexpected joys of becoming a plant parent! From stress relief to home decor, this humorous blog post explores the benefits of nurturing plants and why you should give it a try.

From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

Let’s be honest, my thumbs have never been particularly green. In fact, I’m pretty sure they used to emit a faint black glow whenever I went near a delicate flower. My previous attempts at plant parenthood resulted in more casualties than a Shakespearean tragedy. But then, something changed. Maybe it was a global pandemic, maybe it was a quarter-life crisis, or maybe (just maybe) it was the adorable little succulent staring at me from the grocery store checkout line. Whatever the reason, I took the plunge, adopted the succulent (his name is Steve, by the way), and thus began my unexpected journey into the wonderful world of plant parenthood.

Stress Relief, One Leaf at a Time

Remember that black thumb I mentioned? Turns out, caring for plants has actually turned it a vibrant shade of green (figuratively, of course… I still haven’t figured out that chlorophyll thing). Who knew that nurturing something other than my caffeine addiction could be so therapeutic? There’s something incredibly calming about digging in the soil, watering thirsty leaves, and watching new growth unfurl. It’s like meditation, but with more dirt and fewer existential questions. Plus, unlike my tendency to overthink every text message, plants are refreshingly straightforward. Too much water? Droopy leaves. Not enough sunlight? Leggy stems. They speak their needs clearly, and all it takes is a little attention to keep them thriving. And trust me, the feeling of successfully nursing a droopy plant back to health is way more satisfying than any “like” on social media.

More Than Just a Pretty Face (But Oh, What a Face!)

Let’s not forget the aesthetic benefits of being a plant parent. My once sparsely decorated apartment is now a veritable jungle of leafy goodness, and I’m not mad about it. Plants add life, color, and texture to any space, turning a boring beige box into a vibrant oasis. Need to fill an empty corner? Monstera deliciosa. Want to add some trailing elegance to a shelf? Hello, pothos! Craving a pop of color? Say no more, African violet. With so many shapes, sizes, and varieties to choose from, the possibilities for transforming your home into a verdant paradise are endless.

Are You Ready to Grow With the Flow?

So, dear reader, are you ready to experience the unexpected joys of plant parenthood? It’s more than just remembering to water something every now and then. It’s about cultivating life, reducing stress, and creating a beautiful space that reflects your nurturing spirit. Even if you’re a self-proclaimed black thumb like I was, I encourage you to give it a try. You might be surprised at the joy a little green friend can bring.

What are you waiting for? Go adopt a plant (and maybe even a watering can while you’re at it)!

March 13, 2025