How to Deal With Failing at Plant Parenthood
If your plants are dying, that’s okay
If the little succulents you were told would be “so easy!” to take care of are inexplicably withering away under your tutelage, while your friends have lush, effortless jungles growing in their homes — it may not be your fault.
Gardening and plant-growing, like many things in life, are not for everyone. Some people seem to be born with a natural knack for making plants thrive, and feel that tending to plants is a relaxing and meditative activity, while some people need to take a long, hard look at their withered plants and accept that raising plants just is not their strong suit.
If you fall more on the struggling side of that spectrum, here are some tips on keeping plants in your life while avoiding the waste, stress, and shame that can accompany failing at plant parenthood.
Do your research
There are a lot of helpful general guides to houseplants out there that can get you get started, but I really recommend researching specific plants before getting them. It is important to know if a plant can survive in the conditions you can provide, if a plant is toxic to pets or babies, and if a plant requires any specialized care before bringing it home. House plants can definitely be finicky, but once…
