We at Little Gidding have a bit of a spotty track record when it comes to houseplants. Basically, we kill them. We don't mean to – we actually think they're quite nice, and wish that bringing them into our house wasn't the equivalent of a death sentence. The truth is, however, that despite our best efforts and attentions, green things turn brown in our company.
Lorraine says that the air is toxic, and plants are just much more responsive than people are (who knows how many years of our lives we've already lost?).
In any case, here's our current crop (all of which were gifts, although the health of the plants in no way reflects the health of our love for the givers).
Exhibit B: the geranium. Despite its scraggly appearance (it just doesn't have any blossoms at thee moment), this is actually the healthiest (and oldest) of our plants. I gather geraniums are very hearty.
Exhibit C: the miniature rose. Ok, this one died incredibly fast. So fast, in fact, that within days it was dusty and covered in cobwebs. How something that is (was) alive and being watered regularly can suddenly turn into something from Miss Havisham's bedside table, I don't know. But there you have it.
And yes, all three of these are currently adorning our windowsill. We still hold out hope for the geranium and the oregano (which is to say that I still water them, and trim off the dead parts when I remember).
The rose just hasn't made it to the trash yet…
leila says
Wait — is this your new table? The one that seats 7? :)And chair?
Habou says
Would you like a bit of advice from an old grandma? Here it is anyway. Good you threw out the m. rose. Cut the g. waaaaay back and let it get almost dry between waterings. Do the same with the o. Put both in a sunny window. You'll be amazed.Love, Habou
Rosie says
yes, it is the new table. And it seats HUNDREDS, thank you very much.Also the chair.
Rosie says
Will that advice work for any plant?Because to be completely honest, both quasi-living plants took a real turn for the worse this weekend, and what with the bridal shower and the birthday party, we decided it wasn't worth it. So we threw them out. But I imagine that we'll get plants again, and I hope that we'll be able to keep them alive (I always do hope that). I will remember this…
Mrs. Pickles says
I can totally relate to this — my mother and I both swear we have black thumbs. She says that unless something comes up to her and tugs on her pant leg, crying, "Feed me, Mama!" she forgets to take care of it. Me, I just don't understand the language of plants and don't know what they need when. We both try though! Thank goodness for philodendrons!