Okay, confession: I don't just love my succulents—I also have an incredible love for ivy. Okay, really, I love all the plants. And as one who is not yet, or perhaps never will be, the parent of a tiny human, I can't talk to you about how difficult or rewarding that is. What I can talk to you about, though, is how out-of-this-world incredible it is to be a plant parent. Lettuce discuss. (I am so sorry.)
I have one rapidly-growing ivy plant that I just separated into another container, so I guess that's two ivy plants, three succulents (one of which has little buds that look like jelly beans), plus this green and pink leafy guy whose name I forget. And, if we're being honest, these plant babies have a co-parent, so I can't take all the credit. (Shout out to you, Plant Mom #2! You know who you are.) They all live in my windowsill in really artsy fartsy containers, which is actually just code for stemless wine glasses and other glass jars. It's pretty neat because we get to watch the roots branch out like nerve endings against the glass. BUT ANYWAY. These guys are the bomb.com. Here's why:
1. They don't do much.
They literally just hang out in my room and soak up the sunshine.
2. Plants don't complain.
They aren't discontent with their boring lives.3. They don't take much effort.
In case you didn't notice, the plants I own are easy to take care of--- succulents don't take too much water, ivy needs to stay damp but is almost indestructible, and the green leafy guy, well, he's just a team player and does his best to stay alive.
4. They surprise me.
While it's true that they don't do much, it's noticeable when they do do something, like grow an inch overnight or sprout a new flower.
5. They make me happy.
Watching a plant grow (and knowing you're the reason it's still alive) is probably the most satisfying thing next to those pressure-washing videos that trend on Facebook all the time.
6. They make me feel fresh.
I'm pretty tidy, but something about seeing their vibrant colors in my room makes me feel cleaner.
7. They help me wake up.
The sun + healthy green plants = the perfect wake-up call.
8. They don't need potty breaks.
I love my pup, but wow these plants are seriously the most low-maintenance living creature you could ever own.
9. They let you know when they need something.
Again, they don't do much and take little effort, but wow they're good at talking to you when they need help. Too much water? They wilt. Too little water? They wilt. And either way they get all discolored and stuff. All you have to do is pay attention to what they look like. This website is chock-full of tips.
10. They're friggin' beautiful.
Plants come in so many vibrant colors, shapes, and sizes-- their diversity is just so appealing to me.
There are some people that can't keep a plant alive to save their own life, and if you're one of them, I really feel for you. (This article has a list of plants even the worst gardeners can't kill, you should check it out.) I can't imagine a life without plants in it, be they succulents or ivy or flowers or vegetables or whatever else. I love my plants because they brighten my day and make me feel useful. And I think this is something that other millennials have figured out as well—I often see apartment windowsills shrouded with all types of plants. I say Bravo! to you if you've picked up on the trend, and if you don't own a plant, I highly suggest you go get one. Right now. Go the store. Buy a funky looking guy. Not him, the other one. Yes, him. Now take him home and don't let him die. I promise that little plant will be your favorite baby.
