Welcome Black Thumbs, they say that the first step to recovery is admitting that there is a problem. Go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back for taking the time to read this article! Luckily plants want to live and with a little help we can all become better gardeners!

green leaves in tilt shift lens — Photo by Taylor Heery on Unsplash

Knowing what type of gardener you are will help to decide which type of plants you will be most successful growing while developing good plant parent habits! There are 2 main types of plant parents; The Helicopter Parent, or The Free-Range Parent. Both have their benefits and both will quickly kill your jungle dreams! Identifying which end of the spectrum we each are at, is necessary to pick the correct plants. Success starts when you work with what you got and who you already are! You don’t have to say it out loud but read the following descriptions and see which way your natural habits tend to lean.

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aerial view of green trees and river — Photo by Pat Whelen on Unsplash

The Helicopter Parent= “I talk to my plants daily. I do have a favorite and have named her! I check her moisture every time I walk by. I have a Pin Board for plants (might even have them organized by room). My amazon wish list has a thing or two that would help a plant. I never forget to water. Sometimes my leaves are yellow but like I said I water regularly so I don’t know why they change. My stems have gotten mushy before. My soil has fuzzy white stuff growing on it. I bought the best soil from my local garden store so I don’t know why that’s happening!”

Photo courtesy of Dear Study: Fungi images | White mold | Saprophytic fungus | Fungus on soil

The Free-Ranger= “I was super excited when I picked it up from the check out line. I don’t remember what kind it is but it's got cute little purple leaves. I do tend to forget to water but I swear I water it at least once a week (ehemmm its been 2 weeks). I didn’t know there was “plant food”. My leaves tend to dry out and fall off. The soil pulled away from the pot like it doesn’t like the plastic or something.”

Photo courtesy of CasaLupoli: How to Propagate a Pothos

Plants talk! So what are yours saying?

Plants Talk. Plants Listen. Here's How : Krulwich Wonders... : NPR — Photo by Robert Krulwich | Credit: NPR

Starting with a plant that wants the attention you naturally give will help you be successful! Gardening is not fun when they are always dying so here are my recommendations…

T.H.P.- Pothos, Spider plants, Philodendrons, Lucky Bamboo and mint are my go to beginner plants for over lovers! It is much more common for the average house plant murderer to do so from loving them to death. The plants above are all very forgiving plants that can be saved from the brink of death! There are so many variations and unique patterns that there is a plant for all.

T.F.R.- Prickly pear cactus, Aloe, Mother of Millions, Pothos, or Thyme. These plants tend to be more forgiving during droughts and some even thrive in drought conditions. Some only need watered every 2-3 weeks and during the winter at times even longer (CHECK THE SOIL WITH YOUR FINGER).

Container Gardening: Watering Your Container Garden | Naples Botanical Garden — Photo by: Naples Botanical Garden

Takeaway: 1. Acknowledge what kind of plant parent you are. No shame!

2. Identify which plants would benefit from your parenting type.

3. Purchase said plant from your local garden store!

-Jess

Black Thumb Bulletin

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