Confessions of a Plant Killer: My Houseplant Journey
From Plant Killer to (Slightly Less) Plant Killer: My Story
Okay, so, full disclosure: I have not always had a green thumb. In fact, for a very long time, I was pretty much the opposite. I’m talking serial plant killer. Any plant that entered my apartment, regardless of how “easy” it was supposed to be, was doomed. Succulents? Dead. Snake plants? Somehow, also dead. Even a freaking cactus withered under my care. It was embarrassing, honestly. People would gift me plants and I’d just feel this wave of anxiety, knowing its days were numbered.
I think part of the problem was that I just didn’t understand the basics. I’d water everything the same amount, regardless of what kind of plant it was. I’d stick them in random corners of my apartment, with no regard for sunlight. It was a recipe for disaster, a slow and agonizing death for every poor green thing that crossed my threshold. It felt like I was cursed. Was I the only one completely unable to keep a houseplant alive? Seriously, it felt that way.
And the guilt! Oh man, the guilt. I remember one time, my grandmother gave me this beautiful little African violet. She was so proud, and kept telling me how easy they were to care for. Within a month, it was a shriveled, brown husk. I felt terrible. I tried to hide it, but she noticed immediately when she came to visit. “What happened to Violet?” she asked, her voice laced with disappointment. Ugh. I wanted to crawl under a rock. That was a low point.
The Turning Point: Research and (Gasp!) Actual Care
So, what changed? Honestly, I got tired of the plant cemetery that was my apartment. I decided to actually do some research. I started reading articles online, watching YouTube videos (Plant One On Me’s channel was a lifesaver, by the way). I learned about different types of plants, their specific needs, and how to properly care for them. It was like a whole new world opened up. Who knew there was so much to learn about plants?
I started small, with a few truly low-maintenance plants like pothos and ZZ plants. I read that these were practically indestructible, even for plant killers like me. And, surprisingly, they thrived! I was amazed. I even started to enjoy the process of caring for them. It was kind of therapeutic, actually. Watering them, checking the soil, watching them grow – it was a nice little ritual that helped me de-stress.
The funny thing is, I realized that I was overwatering everything before. Apparently, that’s a super common mistake. I also learned about the importance of drainage and proper potting mix. Things I had never even considered before. Who knew soil wasn’t just…soil? I started paying attention to the light in my apartment, and moving plants around to find the best spots for them. It was like a whole new hobby had opened up.
Mistakes Were Still Made (and Plants Still Died)
Now, don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. I still made mistakes. I definitely killed a few more plants along the way. I remember one time I got really excited and bought a Calathea. They’re so beautiful, with their intricate leaf patterns. But they’re also notoriously finicky. I tried my best, but it just wasn’t happy in my apartment. It started developing crispy edges, and then slowly withered away. I was bummed, but I learned from it.
Another mistake I made was not repotting plants when they needed it. I just assumed they were happy in the pots they came in. But eventually, the roots get too crowded, and they can’t get the nutrients they need. So, now I make sure to repot my plants every year or so, depending on their growth rate. It’s kind of like giving them a new lease on life.
I think the key is to not get discouraged by failures. Every plant that dies is a learning opportunity. I try to figure out what went wrong, and adjust my care accordingly. It’s a process of trial and error, and it’s definitely not perfect. But at least I’m not killing *everything* that comes my way anymore. Progress, right?
My Current Plant Collection: A Survivor’s Guide
So, what’s my plant collection look like now? Well, it’s definitely grown since my plant-killing days. I have a few thriving pothos, a couple of ZZ plants, a snake plant (that’s actually alive!), and even a fiddle leaf fig that’s (knock on wood) doing pretty well. I also have a few herbs growing in my kitchen window, which is kind of exciting. Fresh basil and mint are always a plus.
I even ventured into the world of orchids recently. I know, I know, they’re supposed to be difficult. But I figured I’d give it a shot. I’ve been following a bunch of orchid care accounts on Instagram, and I’m trying to mimic their techniques. So far, so good. It even rebloomed! I was so proud. It felt like a major accomplishment.
I also started using a plant care app called Planta. It helps me keep track of when to water and fertilize my plants. It’s been a game-changer, honestly. I used to just guess when to water, which was clearly not working. The app sends me reminders, and it even takes into account the specific needs of each plant. Highly recommend it if you’re as forgetful as I am.
The Joy of Green: More Than Just Decoration
For me, having houseplants is more than just about decorating my apartment. It’s about bringing a little bit of nature indoors. It’s about creating a calming and peaceful environment. It’s about connecting with something that’s alive and growing. And it’s about learning to care for something other than myself.
I honestly didn’t expect to get so much joy out of plants. I used to think they were just pretty decorations. But now I see them as companions, as living things that depend on me. And that’s a pretty cool feeling. It’s also been a good lesson in patience. Plants grow slowly, and you have to be patient and persistent if you want to see them thrive. It’s kind of like life, I guess.
It’s also made me more aware of the environment around me. I pay more attention to the weather, the seasons, and the natural world in general. I even started composting! It’s a small thing, but it feels good to be doing something to reduce my impact on the planet. And the plants love the compost tea, so it’s a win-win.
Advice for Aspiring (or Recovering) Plant Killers
So, if you’re a plant killer like I used to be, don’t give up! It’s definitely possible to turn things around. Start with easy plants, do your research, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. And remember, even the most experienced plant people kill plants sometimes. It’s just part of the process.
Here are a few tips that have helped me along the way:
- Start small: Don’t overwhelm yourself with a ton of plants at once. Start with a few easy ones and gradually add more as you gain confidence.
- Do your research: Learn about the specific needs of each plant you own. How much light does it need? How often should you water it? What kind of soil does it prefer?
- Don’t overwater: This is the most common mistake people make. Let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Provide adequate light: Most houseplants need bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves.
- Repot when necessary: Repot your plants every year or so, depending on their growth rate.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try different things and see what works best for your plants.
- Join a plant community: There are tons of online plant communities where you can ask questions, share tips, and get support.
- Don’t give up! Even if you kill a few plants, keep trying. You’ll get there eventually.
And hey, if you’re as curious as I was about the specific needs of certain plants, there are tons of resources out there. Check out blogs like The Spruce or even just search for specific plant names on YouTube. You might be surprised at what you find.
The Journey Continues: Always Learning, Always Growing
I’m definitely still learning, and I’m sure I’ll continue to make mistakes along the way. But I’m enjoying the journey. It’s amazing to watch things grow and flourish. Maybe someday I’ll even be able to keep a Calathea alive. Who even knows what’s next? But for now, I’m happy with my little jungle. And I’m grateful for all the plants that have survived my care. They’ve taught me a lot about patience, perseverance, and the importance of connecting with nature. And that’s something I’ll always be thankful for. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some watering to do.
