Friday, August 22, 2008

Plants

I am so proud of myself. I never thought I had much of a green thumb (never gave it much of a try unless you count your mother's huge garden), but I've managed to keep 6 plants alive, some for going on 4 or months.
The easiest have been the Aloe and Bamboo. The aloe I only water every 3 or 4 days, and not much. She stays out of direct sunlight, and I haven't fed her. She is located next to the bamboo, purely for Rupert's benifit.The bamboo I don't do anything to, as she is Ruperts companion and is self sufficient (the flowers are plastic and for decoration).The Mum plant is flourishing right next to the window. I open the blinds and give her sunlight a couple of hours every day, and usually water her every other day or when the soil is no longer moist.
The Rosemary went through a rough spot but is recovering nicely. I try to water her every day, but it usually ends up every other day. She is in direct sunlight for several hours a day.
The Trellis is the only one I have concerns about. Back about a month ago the staff here repainted the rails - and her vines, which were intwined around the rail. All of her flowers fell off and she still looks sickly, but much better than she did.Then come the Salvia plant. At first I had her in direct sunlight, watering sometimes even twice a day because she was so dry. Half of her leaves would wilt, and after another watering perk back up. This was a daily occurance until finally most of her leaves turned brown and died. I picked them off (with the help of Ireane and plant food) and moved her to the shade. Now she is flourishing.

The first thing I do when I get a new plant and have questions on how to care for it, I google it. Yes, I am becoming obsessed. I can't help it. Its nice to have something depend on me, something to take care of and feed and water. Rupert has been a nice addition to the family. I changed his water a few days ago, and although I think it was a bit of a traumatic experience for him he seems very happy to have fresh water and a clean bowl. I'm thinking of getting him a friend - one he won't kill. Anyway, this is my little hippy post. I've gotta go grocery shopping, so I'm out.

4 comments:

Chuchy said...

I love house plants. Every time I see one it makes me think of Nana. I miss her so much. You are doing a great job keeping yours up!
love ya

Song of the South said...

As Yoda would say "a green thumb have you" ! Marli thanks so much for sharing the pictures of your beautiful plant family(plus Rupert). I have managed to grow many things but I have never been able to keep Aloe alive for very long. I have tried numerous times. No matter how beautiful they are when they come to live with me they die. That is pretty sad. Another thing is African Violets. I just can't keep em alive. You have done your research and carefully see to their needs. That is commendable. Again, thanks for sharing the pretty pictures. Your plants are gorgeous. I am surprised the trellis survived the paint :( That must have been a terrible experience for her. Just imagine! Do you have any ideas for a playmate for Rupert that she won't kill?
I love you and miss you, Mama

Sandy said...

Another great post! I needed that...I love houseplants, but kill them all, as you well know. Hell, I even kill outdoor plants. (pitiful) I bought a gorgeous jasmine plant, and it is DEAD!!! It smelled so awesome, it's coming back now, maybe I can do better this go around. The fish may handle the shock better next time if you put him in a baggie with his old water in it, floating inside the new water, and after about 6 hours put him in. A little of the old water will go in, but it lessens the shock.
Love ya,
Sandy

Nikki said...

I love the plants sweetie. I think its very awesome that you can keep track of the plants needs. Just another reason why you are good at taking care of people. I would get confused and they would all die. Meaning....don't trust me to take care of them for you unless left with specific checklist instructions. lol! anyway....love you bunches!!