Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: ZZ plant

  • Why I’m Convinced My Plant Is Secretly Judging Me

    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.

  • 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 Meets its Green Match: Introducing Percy the ZZ Plant

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing nature. In fact, my thumbs are practically the opposite of green. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant – a supposedly “easy to care for” ZZ plant – I accepted it with the grace of a gazelle accepting a ride from a lion. I knew the odds were stacked against us.

    And, predictably, our relationship got off to a rocky start. I overwatered it, then underwatered it, then forgot about it entirely for a solid two weeks. My poor ZZ plant, christened Percy (because why not give a plant a personality?), began to resemble something you’d find on the sad, discounted shelf at the garden center.

    Percy in the compost bin (don’t judge, we’ve all been there), I decided to give him one last shot. I researched proper ZZ plant care, repotted him with fresh soil, and found him a sunny spot by the window. And guess what? Percy, the resilient little guy, bounced back. He sprouted new growth, his leaves perked up, and he even seemed to develop a sort of… swagger?

  • 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 Turns Green (Sort Of)

    Let’s be honest, my thumbs have historically resembled more of a barren wasteland than a lush garden. I’m that person who could kill a cactus with a single, well-intentioned glance. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant – a supposedly “unkillable” ZZ plant – I accepted with a healthy dose of skepticism and a silent prayer for the poor thing.

    Little did I know, this plant, which I creatively christened “Zephyr,” would become my unlikely life coach, teaching me valuable lessons through its silent, leafy existence. Who knew such wisdom could sprout from a terracotta pot?

    Lesson #1: Patience is More Than a Virtue, It’s a Watering Schedule

    My first blunder? Overwatering. I showered Zephyr with affection (and probably enough water to last a month) on a daily basis. I mean, water equals life, right? Wrong! Turns out, even low-maintenance plants have their limits. Zephyr started to droop, its once-vibrant leaves turning a sickly shade of yellow.

    Zephyr with love (and H2O) every five minutes.

    Lesson #2: Even in Dark Corners, Growth is Possible

    Life got busy. I moved apartments, started a new job, and Zephyr, well, let’s just say he wasn’t exactly top of mind. I relegated him to a dark corner, my guilt growing with every passing week. When I finally remembered my neglected friend, I was sure I’d find a withered husk.

    To my utter astonishment, Zephyr was thriving! Not only had he survived my neglect, he’d sprouted new growth, reaching towards the sliver of sunlight peeking through the blinds.

  • Why I’m Convinced My Houseplant is Judging My Life Choices

    Why I’m Convinced My Houseplant is Judging My Life Choices

    We’ve all been there. You know, staring forlornly into the fridge at 2 a.m., wondering where it all went wrong. But lately, I’ve started to feel a distinct judgment radiating from a different corner of my apartment. It’s not my roommate, nor is it the stack of unread books on my nightstand (though, they probably have opinions too). No, the judgmental stare I’m talking about comes from none other than… my houseplant, Ferdinand.

    The Day Ferdinand Raised an Eyebrow (Figuratively, of Course)

    It all started innocently enough. I was repotting Ferdinand, a majestic ZZ plant I might add, when I accidentally ripped one of his healthy, green stems. Mortified, I apologized profusely, like the crazy plant lady I’m slowly becoming. But as I looked at Ferdinand, I swear I saw a flicker of something in his… leaves? Was that… judgment?

    Since then, I can’t shake the feeling that Ferdinand is silently critiquing my every move. Left the dishes piled up again? Ferdinand seems to droop a little lower. Scrolling aimlessly through social media instead of pursuing my dreams? I swear I hear a rustle of disapproval from his corner.

    Exhibit A: The Great ZZ Plant Watering Debacle

    Ferdinand, like most ZZ plants, enjoys a good, thorough watering – but only when the soil is dry. Me? I’m more of a “Whoops, forgot to water you for two weeks, let me drown you in compensation” kind of plant parent.

    One particularly egregious overwatering incident led to Ferdinand’s leaves turning an alarming shade of yellow. As I frantically googled “How to save overwatered plant,” I could practically feel Ferdinand’s judgmental gaze burning into my soul. He seemed to be saying, “Seriously, Susan? It’s literally one job.”

    Can a Houseplant Inspire Us to Grow?

    Here’s the thing about plants: they thrive when you give them consistent care and attention. My writing, much like Ferdinand, also thrives when I nurture it. But life, as it tends to do, gets in the way. Deadlines, errands, that new season of [insert your latest binge-worthy show] – all conspire to steal my time and focus.

    One evening, after a particularly unproductive day spent scrolling through social media, I glanced at Ferdinand. He stood tall and proud, a testament to the power of consistent growth. And in that moment, I realized something profound: Ferdinand wasn’t judging me, he was inspiring me. He was a silent reminder that even small, consistent actions can lead to incredible results.

    So, Is My Plant Judging Me?

    Maybe, maybe not. But honestly, does it even matter? He’s a plant, after all. But his silent presence has made me more aware of my own habits – the good, the bad, and the downright neglectful. And if a little bit of plant-based judgment helps me become a better plant parent and a better human, then I’ll take it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a certain ZZ plant to go water… correctly this time.

    Do you think your houseplants are judging you too? Share your hilarious plant parenting stories in the comments below!

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant



    plant parenthood could be politely described as “noble failures.” So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a sprightly little ZZ plant, I accepted it with a mixture of hope and trepidation. “This one’s impossible to kill,” she assured me. Famous last words, I thought.

    But something unexpected happened. Not only did my ZZ plant thrive (despite my best efforts to accidentally drown it), but it also started teaching me some surprisingly profound life lessons. Yes, you read that right – life lessons from a houseplant! Who knew?

    Lesson #1: Patience is a Virtue (and a Watering Schedule)

    One of the first things I learned from my ZZ plant was the importance of patience. Unlike my impatient self, who craves instant gratification, this plant was perfectly content to grow at its own pace. It didn’t sprout new leaves every day, or even every week. But when it did finally unfurl a new shoot, the sense of satisfaction was immense.

    Plant)

    Remember when I mentioned my tendency to overwater? Well, let’s just say my ZZ plant has seen its fair share of soggy soil. But here’s the thing: it always bounced back. Even when I thought I’d drowned it for good, it would perk right back up after a little drying-out period.

    This resilience was incredibly inspiring. It reminded me that even when life throws curveballs (or overzealous watering cans), we have the inner strength to weather the storm. Just like my ZZ plant, we can adapt, recover, and come back stronger than ever.

  • 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 Little Green Guru

    Let’s be honest, I’m about as far from a “plant person” as you can get. My thumbs are decidedly not green – more like a pale, indecisive beige. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant, I accepted it with the same enthusiasm I’d reserve for a tax audit. “Don’t worry,” my friend chirped, “It’s practically unkillable!” Famous last words.

    Little did I know, this unassuming pot of greenery (a ZZ plant, I later learned – very dramatic name) would become my unlikely life coach. Sure, it didn’t offer sage advice or motivational quotes, but through its silent, leafy existence, it taught me more about life than I ever expected.

    Lesson #1: Plant Resilience – More Than Just a Buzzword

    I’m embarrassed to admit how quickly I almost killed the poor ZZ plant. I overwatered it, forgot about it in a dark corner, and generally treated it like a piece of furniture (that occasionally got a splash of water when I remembered). But here’s the thing about ZZ plants: they’re practically superheroes of the plant world.

    Despite my best (or worst?) efforts, the plant bounced back. It lost a few leaves, sure, but its core remained strong. It was a living, breathing testament to the power of resilience. It made me realize that even when life throws shade (pun intended!), we have the capacity to adapt, recover, and come back stronger.

  • 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


    I’ll admit, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, my gardening skills are best described as “optimistically challenged.” So, when my well-intentioned friend gifted me a houseplant – a supposedly “unkillable” ZZ plant – I accepted it with a healthy dose of skepticism (and maybe a silent prayer for the poor thing).

    My Thumb vs. Mother Nature: A Houseplant Comedy of Errors

    The first lesson arrived sooner than expected. I confidently placed my new roommate on the bookshelf, basking in the reflected glory of my newfound plant parenthood. A week later, it was drooping like it had just finished a marathon. Turns out, even “unkillable” plants need a bit of sunshine. Who knew?

    This marked the beginning of a crash course in plant care (and humility). I learned the hard way that neglecting to water your plant for weeks is frowned upon in the plant world. I also discovered the fascinating phenomenon of root rot – a lesson my poor ZZ plant taught me through its rapidly yellowing 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


    My Thumb Went From Brown to Slightly Less Brown

    Okay, let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ve managed to kill a cactus with kindness (turns out, they don’t need daily watering). So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant— a supposedly “unkillable” ZZ plant — I accepted with a mix of skepticism and terror.

    Little did I know, this leafy green roommate would soon become my unlikely life coach, teaching me valuable lessons I never expected to learn from something that photosynthesizes.

    Zelda (yes, I named my plant) was a delicate dance of neglect and overwatering. I’d forget about her for weeks, only to then drown her in a tidal wave of guilt-water. Yet, through it all, Zelda persisted.

    She might have dropped a leaf or two (okay, maybe more like five), but she always bounced back. This resilience, this sheer determination to survive, was inspiring. It made me realize that even when life throws curveballs (or neglected watering schedules), we have the strength to weather the storm and come out stronger.

    Lesson #2: Patience is a Virtue, Especially When Repotting

    As Zelda grew (who knew ZZ plants could actually grow?!), I knew it was time to upgrade her living situation from the sad, plastic pot she came in. Repotting, however, turned out to be a much more daunting task than I anticipated.

    Picture this: me, covered in dirt, desperately trying to untangle Zelda’s roots from her too-small pot, muttering apologies as I accidentally ripped a few in the process. It was a messy, frustrating process that tested my patience. But eventually, with gentle coaxing (and maybe a little bit of brute force), I managed to re-home Zelda into a roomier abode.

    This whole ordeal taught me that sometimes, growth takes time and a little bit of discomfort. It reminded me to be patient with myself and trust that even when things feel chaotic, positive change is happening beneath the surface.

  • 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 heard the saying, “Stop and smell the roses.” But what about, “Stop and appreciate the… uh… Ficus?” Yeah, doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it? Yet, here I am, about to impart the profound wisdom bestowed upon me by the most unlikely of gurus: a houseplant.

    My Black Thumb and the “Indestructible” ZZ Plant

    Let’s be clear, I am no botanist. In fact, I have a long and storied history of accidentally assassinating any and all greenery that dares to cross my threshold. Succulents, cacti, even those supposedly “unkillable” snake plants – all have met their demise under my dubious care. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a sprightly little ZZ plant, I accepted with the weary resignation of a death-row inmate.

    “Don’t worry,” my friend chirped, oblivious to my inner turmoil, “these guys are practically indestructible!”

    Famous last words, I thought, bracing myself for the inevitable demise of yet another leafy victim.

    Unexpected Places

    To my utter astonishment, the ZZ plant thrived. It tolerated my inconsistent watering schedule (okay, sometimes I completely forgot), my questionable lighting choices (who knew plants needed actual sunlight?), and my general air of neglect. It even sprouted new growth, as if to taunt me with its resilience.

    This plant, my friends, was a survivor. And it got me thinking: how often do we underestimate our own strength, our ability to weather life’s storms? The ZZ plant became a living, breathing reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can adapt, persevere, and even flourish.

    Lesson #2: Patience – A Slow and Steady Journey with My ZZ Plant

    Now, ZZ plants aren’t exactly known for their rapid growth. In fact, they’re practically the poster child for slow and steady wins the race. But somewhere between the occasional watering and the feeble attempts at dusting its leaves, I found myself looking forward to the subtle signs of progress. A new shoot here, a slightly taller stalk there— each tiny change felt like a small victory.

    The ZZ plant, in its own quiet way, taught me the value of patience. It reminded me that real growth, whether personal or otherwise, takes time and can’t be rushed. Sometimes, the most rewarding things in life are worth waiting for.

  • 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 Journey From Plant Killer to…Slightly Less of a Plant Killer

    Okay, confession time: I am not what one might call a “plant person.” In fact, I have a history with houseplants that can only be described as…tragic. Let’s just say I’ve witnessed more plant funerals than a florist at a mafia wedding.

    plant, I accepted with the cautious optimism of a zookeeper approaching a tiger cub. “Don’t worry,” my friend chirped, “ZZ plants are basically immortal. You practically have to try to kill them.”

    Challenge accepted, I thought.

    Lesson 1: Even the Strongest Need a Little Sunshine

    Turns out, my friend was right. This ZZ plant was a champ. I overwatered it, underwatered it, and even managed to spill coffee on it once (don’t ask). Through it all, the ZZ plant stood strong, a verdant testament to resilience.

    Then, one day, I noticed something was off. The once-vibrant leaves were drooping, their usual deep green fading to a sickly yellow. Had I finally met my match in the plant world? Was this the end of our tumultuous, mostly one-sided relationship?

    A quick Google search revealed the shocking truth: even the mighty ZZ plant needs a little sunshine. I had relegated my plant to a dark corner, assuming its hardiness meant it could survive on vibes alone. I quickly moved it to a sunnier spot, feeling a pang of guilt akin to forgetting to feed a pet goldfish (RIP, Bubbles).

    To my immense relief, the ZZ plant bounced back. It was a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us need nourishment and support to thrive. Yes, even houseplants.

    Lesson 2: Growth Isn’t Always Obvious (But It’s Always Happening)

    Life got busy, as it tends to do, and I settled into a routine with my ZZ plant. I watered it on schedule, gave it the occasional pep talk (don’t judge), and generally avoided spilling anything else on it.

    One day, while dusting (yes, I clean occasionally), I realized something astonishing. The plant…was bigger. Not just a little bigger, but significantly larger. New growth, a vibrant emerald green, sprouted from the base, reaching towards the sun like a tiny, leafy beacon of hope.