As a horticulture major, when I talk to people about my life I hear a lot of "I can't grow anything, I have the opposite of a green thumb!". Even my own mother would tell you that she can't keep anything alive. Maybe it's just because I like nurturing my plants and I know how to take care of them, but this always makes me sad. There are so many different kinds of plants, what would work for an outside space in Austin, Texas will not work for an indoor space in Boston, Massachusetts. A lot of people get drawn into the trendy plants like Pilea or Fiddle Leaf Figs without realizing that they might not be able to keep it alive based on their experience with succulents! Plants all need different levels of love and attention, just like people. For example, a few good species of low maintenance, indoor house plants would be something like a Pothos or Sansevieria (commonly known as Devil's Ivy and Snake Plant, respectively). I like to recommend these to friends because they're easy to take care of and stunning houseplants. But I also like to tell people that not everything is going to live forever! I know this sounds a little macabre and even a little morbid but it's truth! Everything dies! I've had my fair share of troubling plants too. One of them, a Hearts and Flowers I received from a lab on campus, is only just now starting to look nice-- and I got it several semesters ago. I think people get discouraged when their plants don't look completely perfect all the time. I also know that one of the biggest issues with sad houseplants, primarily succulents, is that people tend to love them too much. The most common cause of death among succulents is overwatering! People want to care for their plants, and sometimes they ignore the specific needs of different species. Honestly, I would tell people to keep on trying, there's always a learning curve with new hobbies and anyone can garden! Below: Pictures of my Hearts and Flowers from about two months ago, to the same plant today! Keep on loving your plants, you can bring them back!
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Allie MartinHowdy! My name is Allie and I am a senior Horticulture major from Austin (keep it weird, y'all). Welcome to the home of pollinator garden paradise. Here you will find my journey through growing pollinator and host plant species, and hopefully, see the life cycle of native butterflies unfold! Archives
April 2020
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The Howdy Farm at Texas A&M University | Allie's Blog |