Written by guest blogger - Sunita Shah
A plant mum’s musings: How caring for my plants is like caring for myself (and my family)
I never set out to become a “plant mum.” It started innocently enough with one leafy little pot on the windowsill, and now I find myself surrounded by a jungle of green companions that have not-so-subtly taken over my home. Somewhere along the way, I realised something fascinating: looking after my plants has mirrored how I nurture myself and my family. And honestly? I’ve never felt more in sync with life—mine or theirs.
Plants need sun, water, and nutrients—Just like us
Let’s start with the basics. Plants, like women (and humans in general), thrive when they have the right balance of sunshine, hydration, and nutrients. For us, that might mean a brisk morning walk, guzzling water like we’re camels, and indulging in a good vitamin-packed diet. For my plants, it’s the perfect sunlit spot, a weekly dose of water, and the occasional sprinkle of fertiliser.
Hydration is a big one. Underwater them, and they’ll wilt and sulk like I do after a long day without coffee. Overwater them, and they develop root rot—basically the plant version of bloating. Balance is key, for both of us.
Temperature matters, too
Have you noticed how the wrong temperature can throw everything off? If it’s too hot or too cold, both my plants and I get a bit cranky. They droop, I grumble, and neither of us thrives. It’s not just the thermostat—it’s about creating an environment where we feel just right. That might mean a cosy jumper for me and a draft-free corner for my cactus.
Plants have cycles—Do they have a menopause, too?
Here’s a fun thought: do plants go through a menopause of sorts? Stick with me on this one. Just as women experience cycles of growth, change, and adaptation, so do our leafy friends. There’s a season where they grow and flourish, putting out new leaves like they’re showing off at a garden party. Then, there are those quieter times when they stop growing altogether, conserving energy and shedding old foliage.
I’ve often wondered if those slower times are their version of an energy dip—something akin to when we feel out of sorts and need a bit more TLC. Maybe they don’t get hot flashes, but they certainly let us know when something’s off!
Seasonal shifts: It’s not just us
When the seasons change, my plants practically shout at me for attention. They drop leaves like toddlers flinging their toys, and their watering needs do a total 180. Winter rolls around, and suddenly, they’re not thirsty at all (are they hibernating?). But come spring, they’re downing water like marathon runners.
Isn’t that just like us? The darker, colder months mean more self-care—warm baths, hearty soups, and cosy blankets. Spring arrives, and we’re itching to get outside, embrace the sun, and breathe new life into our routines. Plants feel it too.
Reading the signs of stress
Here’s the thing: plants and people both show signs of stress. My monstera starts getting yellow leaves when it’s unhappy, just like I feel sluggish and grumpy when I’ve overdone it or neglected self-care. And just like overhydrating a plant leads to leaf rot, overindulging in Netflix marathons and late-night snacks isn’t exactly helpful for my energy levels.
The trick? Observation. When you really get to know your plants (or yourself), you can sense what’s needed. A quick touch of the soil tells me whether my plant’s thirsty, much like a good self-check reminds me to drink more water or grab an apple instead of that extra biscuit.
A little love goes a long way
The best part of being a plant mum is that the care I give them gives back tenfold. Their glossy leaves and fresh oxygen brighten my home, just as nurturing myself and my family fills our lives with joy and energy.
So, whether it’s spritzing fern, exfoliating my face, or handing out snacks to my kids, I’ve come to see it all as part of the same nurturing rhythm. And honestly? I think the world could use a little more of that kind of care.
If you’re a fellow plant mum, I’d love to hear—how do your plants mirror your own life? Do you ever feel like you’re watering a version of yourself? Let’s share the green love (and maybe some plant tips while we’re at it)! 🌱