My Plant-Killing Past: From Cactus Casualty to Thriving Greenery
I used to think that keeping plants alive was an impossible task. If there was a way to kill a plant, I had found it. In fact, I once managed to kill four cacti—yes, cacti—when I lived in Arizona, a place where they thrive naturally! Despite my best efforts to create a beautiful desert garden, I either overwatered or completely neglected my plants, and one by one, they all withered away.
So, when people talk about having a green thumb, I assumed I simply wasn’t born with one. But something changed when I became a mother.
The Connection Between Motherhood and Plant Care
Suddenly, I began to understand that plants—much like children—are always communicating. They tell us when they need more nourishment, when they’ve had enough, and when something is off. I just hadn’t been listening before. Now, I find myself more attuned to their silent requests, celebrating each day that they continue to thrive under my care.
Motherhood and plant care have taught me patience, and in turn, so has tending to my plants. In the early days of parenting, I felt the same way I once did with my plants—unsure, overwhelmed, and worried I was either overdoing it or neglecting something important. But as time passed, I realized that both my child and my plants weren’t expecting perfection. They just needed consistent, thoughtful care.
I see a beautiful metaphor in the way I used to overwater my plants. In my eagerness to nurture, I smothered them, thinking that more was always better. Then, feeling discouraged, I’d swing in the opposite direction and neglect them altogether. Isn’t that how we sometimes approach motherhood? We pour ourselves into parenting, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, only to then feel burnt out and disconnected. But just as plants thrive with balanced care, so do our children—and so do we.
Growth Takes Time: A Lesson for Moms
I am still no expert when it comes to plants, but I am learning. Each new leaf, each tiny bloom feels like a victory, a sign that I am doing something right. And just like in motherhood and plant care, the rewards aren’t instant. Growth takes time. Some days, my plants flourish, and on others, they struggle. Some days, I feel like a great mom, and on others, I second-guess everything. But in both, I am learning to trust the process.
Nature teaches us that growth isn’t linear. There are seasons of flourishing and seasons of dormancy, but both are necessary. As a mother and a plant mom, I’ve learned that patience, attentiveness, and gentle care go a long way. And most importantly, I’ve realized that perfection isn’t required for something—or someone—to bloom.
Friendship, Motherhood, and Plant Care
A dear friend of mine has always believed in my ability to care for plants, even when I didn’t believe in myself. (Isn’t that always the case chosen sisters? They see the best in us and help us to grow into that person.) She loves to gift me plants, trusting that I could nurture them. At first, I tried extra hard not to let them wither because it felt like I was also caring for our friendship. Now, as we both navigate motherhood and plant care, we find ourselves not only raising our children but also continuing to grow our little indoor jungles. I’m so grateful to share these journeys with her—watching our kids and our plants thrive alongside each other, reminding us both that patience, care, and love are always worth it.
Key Takeaways for Moms Who Want to Grow
- Parenting, like plant care, requires balance—not too much or too little.
- Observing and listening to your child’s (or plant’s) needs leads to better care.
- Growth is a slow and natural process—trust it.
- Perfection isn’t necessary; consistency is more important.
Final Thoughts
By embracing these lessons, I’ve found joy in both motherhood and plant care. And if you’ve ever struggled with either, know that you’re not alone—growth is happening, even when you can’t see it yet.
Have you ever noticed a connection between parenting and another part of your life? Share your story in the comments! If you enjoyed this article, consider sharing it with a fellow mom or plant lover. Let’s keep growing together! 🌱💕
Further Reading:
Related Resource:
Pearls of Motherhood Podcast Episode: