Whispers of the Leaves: 5 Tips from My Plants
by Anna :)
I talk to my plants. A lot.
It started as an innocent habit – a casual "looking good today, buddy" to my pothos as I watered it. But as time went on, I found myself venting my existential angst to my monstera and asking my fiddle leaf fig what I should do with my life. Somewhere along the way, my plants became my therapists. And honestly? They give pretty solid advice.
Here’s what I’ve learned from my leafy life coaches:
Just grow. No pressure
I was staring at my aloe plant, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of all the things – work, relationships, the crushing expectation to be a fully functioning adult. And there it was, just chilling. Growing. No big fuss.
Plants don’t stress about getting everything right. They don’t wake up thinking, “Ugh, another day of photosynthesis”. They just exist and expand when they can. Growth is natural, not forced. Maybe I don’t have to have a five-year plan. Maybe I just need some sunlight and a little patience.
2. Water yourself, but don’t drown
If you’ve ever overwatered a succulent (RIP to the many I’ve lost), you know that too much of a good thing can be fatal. My over-nurturing tendencies don’t just apply to plants – I tend to pour too much energy into things and people, forgetting that I, too, need balance.
My cacti have mastered the art of living on just enough. They thrive on a little water here and there, but they don't overdo it. Lesson learned: hydrate, rest and don't let your metaphorical soil turn to mush.
3. Some seasons are for blooming. Some are for resting
I once stared in horror as my fern lost half its leaves overnight. My first instinct? Panic. DID I KILL IT?! But after some frantic Googling, I realized it was just adjusting to the season.
Turns out, not everything is meant to be in full bloom all the time. Trees don’t fight autumn. Flowers don’t bloom in winter (well except Camellia and a couple more, but you get what I mean). And yet, I expect myself to be constantly productive? Nah. Sometimes, I just need to let myself be – even if that means metaphorically dropping my leaves and chilling until spring.
4. Roots first. Then the rest
I get impatient. I want instant progress. Immediate results. But my pothos, wise beyond its years, reminded me that strong roots come before rapid growth. It quietly sends out new vines only when its foundation is solid. No shortcuts.
So, maybe instead of rushing to the next big thing, I should take time to build a good base – whether that means improving my skills, resting more, or, you know, actually drinking water like a responsible human.
5. Stretch toward the light
Ever notice how plants always lean toward the sun? They naturally reach for what nourishes them. They don’t waste time twisting toward darkness.
I, on the other hand, have spent years metaphorically leaning into situations, jobs, and people that drain me. Maybe it’s time to take a cue from my monstera and actively turn toward what energizes me instead. More light, less unnecessary struggle.
So yeah, my plants are basically the chill, wise mentors I never knew I needed. They remind me that growth isn’t always visible, that rest is necessary, and that sometimes, all you need is a little light, a little space, and a deep breath.
Also, they never judge me for talking to them. 🌿✌🏽
