A Plant Post
I am trying to remember the warmth I get from writing. The occasional journal entry after a long day is no longer sufficient–by neglecting to write, I seem to be keeping myself from a piece of my soul; I miss the thrill and satisfaction of sharing unsolicited theories and stories of adventures.
To be clear, there is not a lack of passion for writing. There is a lack of time and dedication to the cause. After a long day in front of a screen at work, there is not a piece of me that wants to come home and sit in front of another screen to update my blog. While my reasons are valid, I’ve come to realize this is a part of me that simply must be fed. I’d rather overextend my exposure to screens and use of my hands/fingers than deprive myself of something I really enjoy doing; something I need to be doing. I guess that’s what passion and purpose is–a willingness to put it first. That being said, I don’t need to tell you it’s been a while. You know it’s been a while. I haven’t written in what feels like eons, so I’ll need a little grace before I start writing the type of content you’re used to.
I figured I’d start with something quick and easy: last weekend, I re-potted my plants. I’d like to write about them. And unless you’re someone who totally hates nature and the free therapy that is in caring for plants, I imagine you’ll appreciate this post.
I have a total of 5 plants.
…6 if you count the single Mother’s Day flower Baby Z picked up for me after church (somehow, it’s still kicking!). Olivia is a humongous snake plant my grandma found by her apartment complex’s dumpster. She was dehydrated, abandoned and THick with a capital ‘TH’. I ended up separating her into 2 additional pots (so her roots could breathe), thus birthing my beloved twins: Karlee and Keesha. KeKe is my monstera plant I purchased at a Black art market when she was barely a full plant. When I first got KeKe, her stem was tiny and frail, with two very tiny leaves sprouted at the top… Now she has her own designated area of my room. In case I’m not making myself clear, I’m telling you KeKe is now big as hell. I’m telling you I literally raised a plant (ahh!). Lastly, Cynthia is another dumpster rescue. She’s a monstera, originally found infected with gnats and rotted roots. I ended up purging her sickly parts and helped her sprout new ones in new soil; she’s now a healthy baby girl with a brand-new stem and 4 pretty lil’ leaves. I love my girls. I didn’t know how green my thumbs were, and it’s been a really nice surprise finding out thus far.
All of my plants have been flourishing, but I decided it was best to throw them in the spring cleaning task list I’ve been tackling. Re-potting your plants is essential every now and then, anyway. So one day, my boyfriend and I were enjoying a little quality time. Baby Z was off with her great-grandma (thanks, Summer vaycay), and the sun was shining outside. It was the perfect day to show some love to my green gals. One by one, I brought them outside, uprooted them, refreshed the soul, and repotted them stronger. I kept them in the sun for a few hours before bringing them back inside, and I repositioned them in their respective places in my apartment. So far, so good. Plants are living beings, so you never know what they’re feeling. But if you’re observant enough, they will tell you. I haven’t seen any signs telling me they don’t like their new soil. Or their new spots. I feel they’re very happy and thriving. I think they are truly stunning plants, but perhaps I’m a bit biased (of course I am).
I know some people have plants for aesthetics, or maybe to help purify the air of their home. I’m not judging, but I don’t think too many people realize how special it is to get your hands in the dirt–to connect yourself to a tiny piece of Earth and show gratitude to this planet by caring for a little piece of it. It’s nurturing, meditative practice. Earlier, I mentioned plants are living beings–and that means they can be what feels like a friend. Plants are a listening ear when you need one, a reminder that growth is always possible, an inspiration to always find the sun. Watching small seedlings grow and produce leaves as big as my palm reminds me I am a nurturer, that I am a pivotal piece of the Earth and the cycle of life. We are all responsible for something bigger than ourselves.
During the repotting process, a few leaves fell from the twins. I threw the leaves in some water, hoping to sprout some new roots. When they grow (because I’m confident they will), I’ll be potting them in little pots and passing the gift of raising a snake plant to others. There are currently three fallen leaves I’m nurturing, and one in particular is definitely going to my neighbor, Ms. Sherryl. She saw me re-potting Karlee when she came home. She was extremely impressed, mentioning she always wanted a plant and never had one before. That obviously broke this big ol’ heart into pieces–she instantly crossed my mind when the first leaf separated from Karlee. I think this is what life is all about–passing (good) energy to others, even if it’s small gestures like gifting a starter plant. It’s a special feeling we should all strive to experience as human beings.
I’ll wrap this up.
But if there’s anything you take from this blog post, take the following:
Go outside this summer. Feel the sun and spend some time soaking it in.
Get you a plant to take care of. Free therapy. But also go to real therapy if you need to.
Give the gift of joy to others (authentically). Extend your energy (safely). Share your love (wholefully).
