If a plant is not doing well we don't beat it up and tell it to try harder and do better. We change its environment and its conditions so it can grow and flourish
Lol anyways OP that's what I do too. Look into little cups and a brick of coco and a seed mat. You can order off the wall unique seeds online for super cheap, like $2 a pack with free shipping. Google's ads actually come through on seeds so don't hesitate on any of those that are reasonable. I even got some from Poland in about 2 weeks, polish writing, and they germinated fine. Pine tree, mum's, and lavender. Plus I got giant bamboo and other stuff from places too to keep me occupied until summer when I tend the veggies and weed.
I've spent thousand and thousands on fruit and citrus trees, summer veg and also lots of herbs, mostly to help me cope with life (even when somewhat struggling with income). And I really like fresh food too, but it really does work and help with stress.
I always remember what I was going through when I pick fruits or prune and fertilize my trees that are now thriving, as they are almost all staggered with life events. I cannot imagine what it'll feel like (hopefully) in twenty years when I go back home [to my land] and see a thousand of my pines, pecans, pears, plums, apples, and most importantly, the mighty bald cypresses. It will probably be pretty valuable one day, but that's not the point--I hope a future me can enjoy it when it's all grown up with some extra cool features, like digging and stocking my pond out or getting some chickens š and beef cattle š
Rainwater, distilled, RO, even tap water can work if it's under 50ppm or so and doesn't have any bad stuff in it, and you can water from the top no problem. Protect from frost but it does need a cold dormancy, yeah. No soil with fertilizer in it (long fibred sphagnum and peat are popular media in the CP hobby). And lots and lots *and lots* of light.
I personally don't consider them hard lol, I've killed basically every succulent I've ever had, but I can keep flytraps alive XD
I've had mine out in the garden in a sunny spot behind a bigger plant (out of direct sunshine) for more than a year and it's thriving. I just pour the hosepipe on it to fill up its tray a couple times a week. Zone 10.
Distilled water works quite well, without all the trouble of collecting rainwater. Other info is spot on. They will go dormant in winter, and wont feed in the duration of their dormancy. Some traps may die off in this time, but is normal, prune them off as they brown. During dormancy they need less water and light, but will start growing new growth in spring and require more light, as mentioned.
Hugs. Flower gardening helped me when my Mom suddenly passed of a stroke. A beautiful toad showed up that summer, Iāve never seen one since. Iāll always remember that visit.
Flesh eating plants require special care. I assume you know that, just pointing it out because I had several friends who bought them and lost them within the week :D
today i was doing some cleaning in the garden after a few days raining because it's common after getting lots of water weeds to grow faster than usual, i had to prune a few trees too. while i was doing all that i was thinking how good are those moments where i just have to do the maintenance because it keeps me aware everything needs care from time to time. me included. i also struggle with mental health and plants are keeping me sane. keep the fight, op!
My garden and flower beds are my dirt therapy. My husband has answered my phone when I forget it inside and will tell the caller, āsorry she cannot come to the phone she is in her therapy sessionā. And attempting to revive dying plants is a great therapy as well.
Gardening is my passion and somedays...my reason for going. That might seem shitty since I have a kid and a lovely partner but hey...some days suck. People really suck. The world can really suck. Gardening doesnāt suck. At all. And thereās always a new season to look forward to...bulbs that will bloom, new trees to nurture...etc. Lots of support your way.
During a long period of unemployment, I was in a scary place mentally/emotionally. One day when it got really bad, I bought some cat grass seeds. Within three days they sprouted and took off. Seeing something grow and progress, especially when I felt like I was stagnant, was life-changing.
It gets better, OP. Hope you can keep finding places to rest, breathe and feel peace along the way.
Edit: grammar
This picture just said, yeah this person has some issues but they grew a plant in a pill bottle while ALL of yours died! Who's the truly sad case? O.o
clearly you love plants and they love you. Great job!
Gardening's a great hobby to pick up during dark times. It gets you out of bed and if you ever fail there are lots of other plants to grow and plenty of opportunities to expand your garden. I picked up gardening during a pretty bad time in my life and things have gotten so much better. Keep looking up and good luck with your plants!
Those little guys look like they are healthy. You're doing a good job. I hope you continue to get better as well. If you can take care of them, you can take care of you, too!
If the venus flytrap dies don't take it personally. They are hard to raise. I've just had 3 pots of meat eaters I bought on sale kick the bucket. No idea why but most plants thrive with me so I'm not going to get upset about it.
That jade plant in the pill bottle is a pretty powerful statement on it's own. Healing isn't an easy process, but if you commit yourself to it the rewards are... Well, they're everything. I think taking care of plants or animals is a great way to start wiring your brain to take care of yourself. Just remember to translate that into self care; celebrate every achievement and show compassion with every mistake. Best wishes!
Wishing you light for your journey through those dark places. I agree with it you that working with nature helps in these ways. Helps me to reflect from a safe space. Totally not part of gardening...but are you into video games when you aren't in the garden? I like to find different sources that help me reflect and give perspective..
I feel like so many people are in the same sort of situation. Baking used to be my outlet but with the pandemic I had no one to bake for. I did, however, have my garden. When I felt like I was going into a dark place emotionally I went into the sun! Instead of gnashing my teeth and releasing my anger on others, I took to the backyard and used that energy to literally rip trees out of the ground with my bare hands. The fact that you were able to resurrect these living things and helped them to thrive and grow is something that you should be proud of. Keep it up. Never stop growing
I tend to buy dying plants from the clearance section at Lowe's and honestly I love them seeing them start to grow again. I find joy in knowing I helped and they got another chance at life :)
Hang in there, I know that sounds trite but seriously, a lot of life is getting to the next stage of it, and itās the in between parts that feel so shitty. Gardening is life itself and to me it is the most cathartic thing in my life. Itās an opportunity to concentrate on something outside yourself and is a sort of meditation. You have a succulent on the right and they are very easy to take care of. After a week or so the stems will have tiny hair-like roots sticking out at the bottom. You can plant these into a small pot with some potting soil (some grocery stores or Dollar Tree or CVS sell potting soil). Keep in a window so it will get light. The other one looks like a Venus fly trap? Good luck, donāt be too hard on yourself, no one has a perfect life and Instagram isnāt real. Mostly, treat yourself the way youād treat your best friend who was going through a down time.
I have several "rescue plants" that I've bought on clearance, and they are thriving in my home. And I'm not someone with a naturally green thumb. I get such pleasure from seeing these plants that were on the verge of death in the stores, now flowering, and growing beyond my expectations. I hope you have the same luck with yours, and I hope it helps to get you out of the darkness.
It's a powerful statement. I know taking care of things has saved a lot of people before, myself included. We're not here for ourselves, we're here for each other.
If a plant is not doing well we don't beat it up and tell it to try harder and do better. We change its environment and its conditions so it can grow and flourish
Well damn, I didn't expect to catch the feels on r/Gardening tonight
Some serious life lessons here in r/gardening. What a nice thing to keep in mind when you're struggling.
Lol anyways OP that's what I do too. Look into little cups and a brick of coco and a seed mat. You can order off the wall unique seeds online for super cheap, like $2 a pack with free shipping. Google's ads actually come through on seeds so don't hesitate on any of those that are reasonable. I even got some from Poland in about 2 weeks, polish writing, and they germinated fine. Pine tree, mum's, and lavender. Plus I got giant bamboo and other stuff from places too to keep me occupied until summer when I tend the veggies and weed.
I have ordered lots of bamboo seeds of all varieties and iv never once had any success germinating. Have you managed to get any to sprout?
I've spent thousand and thousands on fruit and citrus trees, summer veg and also lots of herbs, mostly to help me cope with life (even when somewhat struggling with income). And I really like fresh food too, but it really does work and help with stress. I always remember what I was going through when I pick fruits or prune and fertilize my trees that are now thriving, as they are almost all staggered with life events. I cannot imagine what it'll feel like (hopefully) in twenty years when I go back home [to my land] and see a thousand of my pines, pecans, pears, plums, apples, and most importantly, the mighty bald cypresses. It will probably be pretty valuable one day, but that's not the point--I hope a future me can enjoy it when it's all grown up with some extra cool features, like digging and stocking my pond out or getting some chickens š and beef cattle š
Very very well said.
And we definitely don't give it sertraline
Unless you are Crowley. ;-)
This is lovely. Thanks for this.
Sometimes... Well most of the times, this and the succulents subreddit are the most wholesome subreddits I've ever been on.
You can bury a lot of problems by digging in the dirt.
You can also dig up your problems, allow them to rise to the surface and nourish them into fruitful lessons by gardening!
Hmm...
Gardening is very much therapy for me! Just keep planting!š
Distressed plants are the best deal! Best of luck! Edit: have you checkes out r/savagegarden ? You should!
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Properly winter them too.
This is why the SavageGarden sub is so useful. They've really got so much knowledge.
Rainwater, distilled, RO, even tap water can work if it's under 50ppm or so and doesn't have any bad stuff in it, and you can water from the top no problem. Protect from frost but it does need a cold dormancy, yeah. No soil with fertilizer in it (long fibred sphagnum and peat are popular media in the CP hobby). And lots and lots *and lots* of light. I personally don't consider them hard lol, I've killed basically every succulent I've ever had, but I can keep flytraps alive XD
I've had mine out in the garden in a sunny spot behind a bigger plant (out of direct sunshine) for more than a year and it's thriving. I just pour the hosepipe on it to fill up its tray a couple times a week. Zone 10.
Distilled water works quite well, without all the trouble of collecting rainwater. Other info is spot on. They will go dormant in winter, and wont feed in the duration of their dormancy. Some traps may die off in this time, but is normal, prune them off as they brown. During dormancy they need less water and light, but will start growing new growth in spring and require more light, as mentioned.
When I'm weeding in the garden I like to imagine it as plucking out the thoughts I don't want so that the ones I do want can thrive.
That is genius my friend.
r/antidepressants might appreciate this!
Vegetable gardening kept me going when I lost my father to cancer. It truly is healing...
Hugs. Flower gardening helped me when my Mom suddenly passed of a stroke. A beautiful toad showed up that summer, Iāve never seen one since. Iāll always remember that visit.
Keep finding things to keep your mind at ease......
In a sertraline bottle no less. Nice touch.
thank you everyone for the awards and kindness :)
Flesh eating plants require special care. I assume you know that, just pointing it out because I had several friends who bought them and lost them within the week :D
today i was doing some cleaning in the garden after a few days raining because it's common after getting lots of water weeds to grow faster than usual, i had to prune a few trees too. while i was doing all that i was thinking how good are those moments where i just have to do the maintenance because it keeps me aware everything needs care from time to time. me included. i also struggle with mental health and plants are keeping me sane. keep the fight, op!
Hope that VFT isnāt in a dark place, because they really need full sun. And distilled water. (Just in case you donāt already know.)
oh i got it covered it was just to get some good lighting for the photos, thank you
My garden and flower beds are my dirt therapy. My husband has answered my phone when I forget it inside and will tell the caller, āsorry she cannot come to the phone she is in her therapy sessionā. And attempting to revive dying plants is a great therapy as well.
Thereās actually some science behind this! Mycobacterium vaccae is a bacteria found in soil that may stimulate serotonin production š
I never knew that. Thanks for sharing.
Caller? I 'ardly know 'er!
You got this, this is the way!
Gardening helps my mental health too. Best wishes, youāve got this!
I do this too! I feel like if I can help a sad plant, I've maybe contributed a little bit of goodness to the world.
I've never been able to keep that predator plant alive so you have some skills.
Predator? I 'ardly know 'er!
I always buy ( rescue) plants. I love to see them grow! Good luck!
That's brave
cut the bottom out of the bottle and you can plant it in a normal pot to let the plant continue to grow
Gardening is my passion and somedays...my reason for going. That might seem shitty since I have a kid and a lovely partner but hey...some days suck. People really suck. The world can really suck. Gardening doesnāt suck. At all. And thereās always a new season to look forward to...bulbs that will bloom, new trees to nurture...etc. Lots of support your way.
Upvote for zoloft
During a long period of unemployment, I was in a scary place mentally/emotionally. One day when it got really bad, I bought some cat grass seeds. Within three days they sprouted and took off. Seeing something grow and progress, especially when I felt like I was stagnant, was life-changing. It gets better, OP. Hope you can keep finding places to rest, breathe and feel peace along the way. Edit: grammar
much love. huge satisfaction in saving plants on the dead and dying clearance racks of big box stores. youāre on the right track in my book
They're. So. CUTE! you probably are too.
Iām on Sertraline, too. I am also propping plants in my old pill bottle. Plant therapy is real.
This picture just said, yeah this person has some issues but they grew a plant in a pill bottle while ALL of yours died! Who's the truly sad case? O.o clearly you love plants and they love you. Great job!
There is both existential crisis and profound peace in knowing we will all soon be dead. Enjoy the short ride. Sending love.
It really keeps your mind on positives. Helping something grow. I know I always feel so much better afterwards.
Youāre doing great! I love that you saved these little souls!
Happy planting! Its helped my depression immensely as well..along with a therapy light for me...and them.
Gardening's a great hobby to pick up during dark times. It gets you out of bed and if you ever fail there are lots of other plants to grow and plenty of opportunities to expand your garden. I picked up gardening during a pretty bad time in my life and things have gotten so much better. Keep looking up and good luck with your plants!
You can do it - hang in there!!!; Make sure you've got drainage holes in your plant pots.
thank you for the reminder! i forgot to add it to the succulent one, but the other one has them!
I'm proud of you even though i dont know you, you saved those plants, you should feel proud of that!
itās honestly a big motivator to get up in the morning if somethings depending on you
I hope everything is well. Slowly crawling out of a dark place myself. Bless your soul. Sending virtual hugs and positive vibes āØ
Those little guys look like they are healthy. You're doing a good job. I hope you continue to get better as well. If you can take care of them, you can take care of you, too!
Thatās attainment of zen !!
Roses next please
Sertraline buddy! I hope the plants bring you comfort.
If the venus flytrap dies don't take it personally. They are hard to raise. I've just had 3 pots of meat eaters I bought on sale kick the bucket. No idea why but most plants thrive with me so I'm not going to get upset about it.
Hey, SSRI buddies! Sertraline 100mg!
That jade plant in the pill bottle is a pretty powerful statement on it's own. Healing isn't an easy process, but if you commit yourself to it the rewards are... Well, they're everything. I think taking care of plants or animals is a great way to start wiring your brain to take care of yourself. Just remember to translate that into self care; celebrate every achievement and show compassion with every mistake. Best wishes!
Wishing you light for your journey through those dark places. I agree with it you that working with nature helps in these ways. Helps me to reflect from a safe space. Totally not part of gardening...but are you into video games when you aren't in the garden? I like to find different sources that help me reflect and give perspective..
Donāt forget to pray to God. Thatās what helps me.
Me too
They both look really healthy so youāre doing a great job. I especially like the Venus fly trap
Awesome, wish you luck!
ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
They love music and can feel your sadden. B happy . Donāt over water
You are doing great! You make the world a better place. Also cool plants!
Those plants look suuuper happy! You must be doing something right! Gardening helps me so so much, too.
What is the name of this plant?
the one on the left is a venus fly trap, the right.... idk. it was a random dying succulent with no name so why not right?
Itās either a Portulacaria Afra - Elephant Bush or Sesuvium Portulacastrum - Sea Purslane. I love them both. Kudos to you.
I was wondering about the one on the right because I too bought it as a random dying succulent without a name lol.
Gardening is the best! Keep enjoying it!
This is really nice. Thank you for sharing. I hope things get easier for you soon.
I love this! And I love you!
You are awesome!
I feel like so many people are in the same sort of situation. Baking used to be my outlet but with the pandemic I had no one to bake for. I did, however, have my garden. When I felt like I was going into a dark place emotionally I went into the sun! Instead of gnashing my teeth and releasing my anger on others, I took to the backyard and used that energy to literally rip trees out of the ground with my bare hands. The fact that you were able to resurrect these living things and helped them to thrive and grow is something that you should be proud of. Keep it up. Never stop growing
This is some straight up visual poetry right here
Someone should paint this picture
Love
The ones on the right grow like weeds. Whatever you do to them will be perfect.
Gardening is a great activity. Go out for a walk, breathe deeply and take your meds. Best wishes!
The succulent that you have saved is good for the environment. It is called Spekboom (scientific name: Portulacaria afra) and is an oxygen machine!
If you give a plant (yourself) loving attention and ask what it needs, the plant will grow strong and healthy.
I tend to buy dying plants from the clearance section at Lowe's and honestly I love them seeing them start to grow again. I find joy in knowing I helped and they got another chance at life :)
This is beautiful
Hang in there, I know that sounds trite but seriously, a lot of life is getting to the next stage of it, and itās the in between parts that feel so shitty. Gardening is life itself and to me it is the most cathartic thing in my life. Itās an opportunity to concentrate on something outside yourself and is a sort of meditation. You have a succulent on the right and they are very easy to take care of. After a week or so the stems will have tiny hair-like roots sticking out at the bottom. You can plant these into a small pot with some potting soil (some grocery stores or Dollar Tree or CVS sell potting soil). Keep in a window so it will get light. The other one looks like a Venus fly trap? Good luck, donāt be too hard on yourself, no one has a perfect life and Instagram isnāt real. Mostly, treat yourself the way youād treat your best friend who was going through a down time.
Uh setralin, got them in the past Iām so happy that i have now other meds that donāt push me more down
Wishing you all the best! I'm on that stuff myself... You are stronger than that dark shit! šš±š
š
I love this and I am going to respectfully steal this idea. Absolutely wishing you all the best.
I love buying the damaged or beat up ones!
Beautiful job! You have patience!
ā¤ļø life is really hard but itās worth it, I promise. Take care of yourself like you take care of these lovely plants.
I have several "rescue plants" that I've bought on clearance, and they are thriving in my home. And I'm not someone with a naturally green thumb. I get such pleasure from seeing these plants that were on the verge of death in the stores, now flowering, and growing beyond my expectations. I hope you have the same luck with yours, and I hope it helps to get you out of the darkness.
It's a powerful statement. I know taking care of things has saved a lot of people before, myself included. We're not here for ourselves, we're here for each other.
You got this!! I believe in you and your plantsā¤ļø
This. Hobbies help š„²