Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: ZZ plant

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

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

    Let’s be honest, I used to be a plant assassin. Seriously, I could kill a cactus in a desert. I’d overwater, underwater, forget to water entirely – you name it, my poor plants suffered through it. So, naturally, when everyone and their sourdough starter became obsessed with houseplants during that time, I remained skeptical. “Plants are just decorative dust collectors,” I’d declare, secretly mourning the ghosts of ferns past.

    But then, something magical happened. My partner, bless their heart, gifted me a resilient little ZZ plant for my birthday. Figuring I had nothing to lose (except another plant, potentially), I decided to give it a go. And guess what? Not only did it survive, it thrived. That’s when I realized: maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t doomed to a life of plant homicide after all. Maybe, with a little effort, even *I* could experience the joys of plant parenthood.

    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Fast forward to today, and my once barren apartment is now a veritable jungle. (Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but I do have more plants than shoes now, which is saying something). And you know what? It’s amazing!

    The Unexpected Benefits of Being a Plant Parent

    Here’s why you should join the plant parent club:

    1. Plants Make the Best Roommates

    Seriously, have you ever met a plant that complains about the dishes or hogs the bathroom? They’re quiet, they don’t steal your food, and they’re always down to listen (or at least, they look like they are). Plants provide a sense of calm and tranquility that even the most zen meditation app can’t replicate. Plus, they’re way less demanding than pets. No early morning walks or litter boxes to deal with, just the occasional watering and a bit of sunshine.

    2. Plants are Natural Stress Relievers

    Okay, maybe not actually therapists (though wouldn’t that be cool?). But tending to plants has this incredible way of melting away stress. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about digging in the soil, pruning leaves, and watching something you nurtured flourish. It’s a tangible reminder that growth and progress take time, and that even small acts of care can make a big difference. Plus, that fresh, earthy smell? Instant mood booster.

    More Than Just Pretty Faces: The Hidden Talents of Houseplants

    As if being low-maintenance roommates and stress-busters wasn’t enough, plants also come with a whole host of hidden talents:

    • Natural Air Purifiers: Say goodbye to stale air and hello to a breath of fresh oxygen. Plants are natural air purifiers, filtering out toxins and releasing fresh oxygen into your home.
    • Humidity Heroes: Dry air got you feeling like a dried-up houseplant yourself? Certain plants, like peace lilies and spider plants, release moisture into the air, acting as natural humidifiers.
    • Productivity Boosters: Studies have shown that being around plants can actually boost concentration and creativity. So, if you’re looking for a way to liven up your workspace, a plant might be just the ticket.

    Ready to Become a Plant Parent?

    So, there you have it – the unexpected joys of being a plant parent. From stress relief to air purification, plants offer a world of benefits, even for those of us who thought we were destined for horticultural failure. So, tell me, what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a leafy friend and join the club – your mental health (and your home décor) will thank you!

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    My Journey From Plant Killer to Reluctant Plant Parent

    Let’s be honest, my history with plants was less than stellar. I was practically a plant grim reaper. I overwatered, underwatered, and generally neglected anything green and leafy that dared to cross my threshold.

    plant, I scoffed. “Yeah, right,” I thought, “This one won’t stand a chance.” Little did I know, this plant was about to school me in the art of, well, life.

    Lesson #1: The Power of Less is More

    My first instinct with any plant was to drown it with affection, disguised as excessive watering. I treated my ZZ plant like a long-lost friend returning from the desert. Big mistake. The poor thing started to wilt even further. Panicked, I turned to the internet, the all-knowing guru of, well, everything.

    Turns out, ZZ plants are practically succulents. They store water in their bulbous roots and are perfectly content with a good soak every few weeks. Who knew? I learned that sometimes, the best approach is a hands-off one. Stepping back and giving space, whether it’s to a plant or a person, can be the most nurturing thing you can do.

    Lesson #2: Finding Growth in Unexpected Places

    Confession time: I don’t have a green thumb. I have a “let’s-put-it-in-the-corner-and-hope-for-the-best” thumb. My apartment isn’t exactly bathed in sunlight. So, I relegated the ZZ plant to a dimly lit corner, figuring it would meet the same fate as its predecessors. Imagine my surprise when, months later, the little guy was not only alive but thriving! It had even sprouted a new shoot.

  • 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… Philodendron?” Yeah, doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it? But hear me out, because this is a story about how a simple houseplant became my unlikely life coach.

    My Black Thumb and the Resilient ZZ Plant

    Now, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, my wife jokes that I could kill a plastic plant. So, when she surprised me with a cheerful little ZZ plant for my birthday, I was secretly terrified. I envisioned a slow and painful demise, with me standing over its wilting leaves, whispering apologies.

    Zeke,” was a trooper. He tolerated my inconsistent watering schedule (sometimes I remembered, sometimes I didn’t) and my complete lack of plant expertise. He even seemed to thrive in the dimly lit corner where I’d relegated him, as if to say, “No worries, dude. I got this.”

    Bouncing Back: A Lesson in Resilience

    One particularly hectic week, I completely forgot about poor Zeke. I was buried in work deadlines, fueled by coffee and takeout, and my once-a-week watering schedule flew out the window. When I finally emerged from my work-induced haze, I found Zeke drooping like a sad, green accordion.

    “Oh no, Zeke! I’m so sorry!” I exclaimed, feeling like a terrible plant parent. I quickly gave him a good soak, hoping against hope that I hadn’t pushed him beyond the point of no return.

    To my utter astonishment, within a day or two, Zeke had perked right back up. His leaves, once limp and lifeless, were now standing tall and proud. He was a botanical phoenix, rising from the ashes of my neglect.

    That’s when it hit me: Zeke was giving me a masterclass in resilience. He was teaching me that even when life knocks you down, even when you feel like you’re wilting under pressure, you have the strength to bounce back. All it takes is a little care, a little time, and a whole lot of tenacity.

    Slow and Steady: Embracing the Pace of Growth

    As the weeks turned into months, I settled into a routine with Zeke. I watered him regularly (most of the time), dusted his leaves occasionally, and even invested in some plant food. I was determined to be a better plant parent, inspired by Zeke’s quiet determination.

    But Zeke, in his infinite wisdom, had another lesson in store for me. You see, Zeke wasn’t a particularly fast grower. He wasn’t like those show-off Monsteras you see all over Instagram, unfurling new leaves every other week. Zeke grew at his own pace, slowly but surely, proving that real growth isn’t always flashy or instantaneous.

  • 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 social media, bombarded by images of perfect homes, perfect relationships, and yes, even perfect plants. Lush, vibrant, practically glowing with health, these verdant wonders seem to effortlessly elevate everyone else’s living spaces. Meanwhile, back in my world… well, let’s just say my thumbs have always leaned more towards “brown” than “green.”

    My Brown Thumb Redemption Story (Or So I Thought)

    Determined to break free from my plant-killing reputation, I marched into the local nursery with the confidence of a horticultural hero. I carefully selected a seemingly low-maintenance ZZ plant, its sturdy leaves radiating an aura of resilience. “This is it,” I declared to my skeptical cat, “This time, things will be different!”

    Armed with newfound knowledge gleaned from countless YouTube tutorials and online forums, I diligently followed every care instruction. I watered on schedule (or at least what I convinced myself was the schedule), found the perfect balance of sunlight and shade, and even invested in a special plant mister for an added touch of humidity. My ZZ plant, which I affectionately named Zephyr, seemed to be thriving. “See!” I announced to anyone within earshot, “I told you I could do it!”

    Plant Care

    My newfound confidence, however, proved to be my downfall. Fueled by what can only be described as plant-parent pride, I began to overwater Zephyr. I’d see a slightly droopy leaf and panic, unleashing a deluge that would make a rainforest blush. My once-thriving ZZ plant started to look, well, less than thrilled.

    It was then that I stumbled upon a forum post titled “Help! I think I’m drowning my ZZ plant!” (The internet truly understands my pain). It turns out, these hardy plants are practically succulents in disguise, perfectly content with infrequent watering. Who knew?

    This experience taught me a valuable lesson that extends far beyond the realm of houseplants: sometimes, the best approach is a gentle touch. Whether it’s overthinking a situation, micromanaging a project, or showering someone with excessive attention, our good intentions can sometimes do more harm than good. Just like Zephyr, sometimes what we really need is space to breathe and thrive on our own terms.

    Lesson #2: Embracing Resilience: Finding Strength in Unexpected Places

    Thankfully, ZZ plants are incredibly resilient. Despite my best (or worst?) efforts, Zephyr managed to survive my overzealous watering. In fact, after a period of neglect (read: remembering to water only when the soil was bone dry), it bounced back with a vengeance, even sprouting new growth.