Tag: rubber plant care

We’ve all heard the saying, “Stop and smell the roses.” But what about, “Stop and appreciate the… uh… Ficus Elastica?” Okay, maybe that doesn’t roll off the tongue as easily, but trust me on this one. My journey with a resilient rubber plant, which I affectionately named Percy (short for Perseverance, naturally), taught me more about life, growth, and resilience than I ever expected.

From Brown Thumb to Budding Botanist (Well, Almost)

Let’s be real, my thumbs are less green and more… beige. My history with plants involved a lot of wilting, browning, and unintentional plant homicide. So naturally, when my well-meaning friend gifted me Percy, a vibrant rubber plant with glossy leaves, I panicked. “Don’t worry,” my friend chirped, “Rubber plants are practically indestructible!” Famous last words.

The first few weeks were a comedy of errors. I overwatered, I underwatered, I even tried singing to Percy (don’t judge!). My once-thriving plant started to resemble something out of a horror movie—drooping, yellowing, and shedding leaves faster than I could say “photosynthesis.” Just when I was about to accept defeat (and maybe invest in a high-quality plastic plant), something amazing happened.

Lesson #1: Even When Life Gets Rough, Don’t Give Up on Yourself (or Your Plants)

In a last-ditch effort to save Percy, I did what any self-respecting millennial would do: I consulted Google. Armed with a plethora of plant care tips and a newfound determination, I repotted Percy, adjusted my watering schedule, and even started talking to him (hey, don’t knock it till you try it!).

March 11, 2025