welcome to the jungle

“Black thumb.” “Plant murderer.”

Hey, I’m Jenn and this is how I described myself not too long ago. My first victim was an innocent moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) that I might’ve picked up from Trader Joe’s for $10 during my college years. It was supposedly a “beginner’s” orchid that was no-fuss and easy to care for.

Like many doting new plant moms, I smothered it with love. First, by over-watering, followed by periodic droughts, then by over-trimming its roots, flowers, and stalk until all that was left was a sad stick in a plastic pot. That was over 10 years ago.

Sure, I technically had Snake plants (Sansevieria) in my second-story apartment for a few years, but I was more concerned with how they aesthetically fit into our mid-century modern decor. My husband assumed most of the responsibilities for their survival.

Outside of choosing pretty planters here and there, I swore off of plants — until January 2019 when I rediscovered my curiosity for my foliaged friends. One Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), a Swiss Cheese plant (Monstera Deliciosa) and 90+ houseplants later, I can affirm, “My plants bring me joy.”