How I Grew a Green Thumb

For many years I have always wanted my home to be filled house plants. I love the vibe of the style & I love bringing the outdoors inside. As I’ve stated in previous posts, I did not have the best of luck with plants. I had a plant lover’s worst fear, a black thumb.

This was my golden pothos that was not happy in its pot. I split it up into four separate smaller pots and they are much happier. I was even able to gift one to my sister.

Looking back at my plant-care practices I wanted to have a set schedule for watering. I wanted to give them a specific amount of water each time & to be honest I didn't know much about plant food. If you have a green thumb you probably realize this is not possible because

1- all plants are different &

2- their needs will fluctuate depending on the season & environment.

I wanted to garden by a book with rules and a schedule. Today, I realize this is a silly concept. I kept working towards my houseplant dream though. Each spring when the large box stores would begin having house plants readily available, I would fill my cart with good intentions and take my new plants home with a smile on my face. A few weeks to a few months later most would be dead or struggling. That fact would be so disheartening that I would just give up on them. I blamed it in on my black thumb & believed I was different from someone who could successfully grow plants. People with a green thumb possessed a talent I could possibly never acquire. Maybe you feel the same.

Where was I going wrong?

What did they have that I didn’t?

The answer: They have the ability to slow down. They have the ability to be present. Maybe “ability” is the wrong word. Let’s replace it with “will”. Now go back and reread those two sentences with “will” instead of “ability”.

Since starting this blog and my “Plantsagram” page I have had so many people (friends & family included) ask how I got my green thumb. Guys, this is so new and weird for me because it happened so fast. Technically, it was very slow at the beginning of my plant journey (pre-blog), but the last few months has been a fast turn around. It was like I finally reached the top of the mountain I had been climbing for days and started my journey back down. Practice, determination, and mindfulness are all you need to grow that green thumb of yours.

Practice:

I've killed many plants along my journey but I needed that experience to really appreciate my success now. My rule of thumb is to try out a plant 3x. If you kill it three times, let that plant go. It's not meant for you.

Determination:

Just take a look at what I put my poor plants through. The old me probably would have given up but I learned that with a little attention and intention, they can grow to be strong and healthy.

This is my Christmas cactus (from my grandmother) that I gave updates on my Instagram page a few months ago. It is so much happier now that I know its needs.

Mindfulness:

If you are wanting that green thumb I truly believe this is the one change that will make the difference.

I realized the importance of mindfulness only when I was forced to slow down, just like all of you, during the quarantine. I was home all day, every day with my plant babies and I began checking in on them each morning. I started to notice the little things, like a limp leaf, dry soil, new growth, or the variegation patterns on each leaf. It’s a hobby I full-heartedly enjoy and I want to grow which is why my collection will probably continue to get bigger.

Yes, you do need knowledge of what the plant needs for example sunlight, water or soil, etc. But the most important thing they need from you is your presence. They need your care & intention to recognize their needs. They need you to be willing to try different things to make them happy because we all know that when a yellow leaf shows up it was either over-watered or under-watered...what? I was only appreciating their appearance; I was not checking in with them every day. They needed more from me. When you don’t fully appreciate everything a plant has to offer it can suffer tremendously.

As we grow older, we crave to slow down, to reconnect with Mother Earth. Whether it's indoor, outdoor, vegetable plants or house plants, gardening is one way to do this. Plants are truly amazing and studies have shown that they improve concentration & productivity all while decreasing stress levels. They are aesthetically pleasing & create a welcoming environment in your home or office. When we surround ourselves with life, we flourish. When we show love and intention, our plants flourish. A circle of life & we need each other.

I want to send so much love to everyone during this turbulent time. Just remember that growth is sometimes painful.

Don't forget to subscribe and follow me on Instagram @always_willow.

Always,

Erikka

My Spathlyphylum (Peace lily) from March to May to June. Check out that flower!

Below are four pictures of my very unhappy Kalanchoe. I'm still working to get this one where it should be....full, lush and flowering.

1- When I got it in April of 2018 it was potted with a Boston fern. They required completely different lighting, soil, sunlight, and water! I should have separated them when they started to decline but I was still learning so I just separated this March.

2-As you can see, it is extremely leggy. It began to grow tall stretching for the sunlight. It should have leaves all the way to the soil.

3- I learned that trimming it back would encourage new growth. So I placed the trimming in water and now they have roots! See the next picture.

4- Check out that new growth! & the roots in the background. I'm excited to share new updates on my kalanchoe.