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Caring for plants can be tricky because, even though they may be genetically the same, just like people, no two plants are the same. I could have two of the same type of plant and, I will maintain, each one requires different care. One may be more sensitive to temperature, light or water. The other may be more sensitive to movement, growing well, at first, and then struggling to survive when repotted.
If I am being honest, plants (and their care) remain a bit of an enigma to me. But once I learn what works for each plant, I do my best to always try and get it right. As a result, I have become a bit of a plant whisperer…
I have had one house plant for nearly 15 years. The thing is nearly indestructible, yet, I am convinced, in the wrong hands, it will certainly perish. At one point I cut it all back and repotted it. In addition, I moved it to a different location. The plant didn’t mind being repotted, but it did not respond well to its new spot. I moved it back to the same room but placed it in a different spot. This was enough of a change for the plant. It likes a watering every 10 days or so and does not like to be fussed with, preferring, instead, to be ignored. It is growing again and feels happy and independent.
I have another plant that absolutely loves water. However, I have noticed that it prefers frequent watering in small amounts. If I give it too much water all at once, it seems to produce brittle leaves. Instead, I water it two or three times a week, making sure that I drizzle the water in a circle around the base of the plant. This keeps the leaves looking lush.
I also have the same plant in two different sizes and with two distinct personalities. One is quite small while the other is large. The large one likes light and a good soaking once a week. Plus, the large one doesn’t really care where it is or if it gets moved or bumped. The large one likes people and wants to be in a spot where the action is. Conversely, the small one prefers indirect light, quiet and only a small amount of water every 7-10 days. The large plant grows larger quickly while the small plant remains healthy but, quite small.
I have a relatively new plant. I am still discovering what it likes as it has not yet fully revealed itself. What I currently know is that the plant likes it cooler rather than warmer and needs good drainage because if I water it with anything more than a spoonful at a time, it dispels all the liquid. It’s a bit on the stubborn side and I am guessing that it will be hearty. But alas, like most caregivers, I am just the bystander, watering and nurturing the plants as they simply, Grow and Grow!
Kathy Naumann, possessor of NATURALLY curly hair and the understanding that you can’t control everything!
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