Plant Parent Lessons: Just Add Water

Anytime I’m away from home for a while, what’s most devastating is the sad state of my plants upon my return. Thank goodness I have a few hardy, dry weather plants that don’t require much; but with the others, I often come back to dry, stiff soil and drooping, browning leaves. Boy does it hurt every time.

Being a plant parent is cool because they remind me of the responsibility I have in taking care of myself and my home. I hadn’t been spending much time at home lately, and my plants for sure felt it. They were in pretty bad shape, but spending more time at home has allowed me to get back to my routine of watering and greeting my plants each day. This morning as I watered my ivy, I was so happy to see that the leaves have perked back up and come to life, and it immediately made me think about how important these routines are, not just for the plants, but for me.

Stick to the processes that nourish you and keep you on track. In the same way that my plants get droopy after a few days of no love, so do I feel burnt out or like a bum when I’m not sticking to the processes that keep me sharp, feeling good, and moving forward. The good thing is that it’s not over until it’s over; and just like I was able to get right back to my watering and to the love that sparked my plants back to life, so can I tap back in to the daily processes that immediately make me feel more lively, more nourished and more productive.

Don’t forget to stay watered my friends. And remember that you can always get back on track. What is a routine or self-love practice that you will get back to this week?

(Also, I found this pretty cool Black-owned plant shop in DC named Grounded that builds community around plant care for self care)