I like to think that I have improved my houseplanting abilities. I remember my first houseplant experience was when I was in fourth grade. My friend (hi Vivian!) gave me one of her aloe vera plants, and the experience was not fun for neither me nor the aloe.

Initially, my fourth grade self was very excited to take on the challenges of houseplanting– I had a purpose and responsibility in the household! I was the sole guardian and the caretaker of the aloe vera! The plant would flourish under my meticulous care! As weeks passed, though, the aloe slowly began to wither and turn brown even though I had followed all of the instructions. Or, at least, I thought I followed the instructions. After the initial period of enthusiasm, I gradually started to neglect the aloe. If I forgot to water it one week, I would just give double the amount of water next week. My fourth grade self knew nothing of commitment and responsibility. I had forgotten that plants were living beings and needed an occasional watering to survive.

This houseplanting cycle repeated for about three years. I would get a plant, be excited about it for about a week, then gradually forget about it until it died. It seems so morbid looking back on it now. I was a plant killer! Then, finally in eighth grade something inside of me clicked. I became more responsible for the plants that I brought home–and get this–they actually survived! Now, they are not just surviving, they are thriving! I hope.

My collection of plants has gradually increased over the years, but I just want to focus on one plant for now–a succulent fondly named Bob. Well, Bob used to be one plant, but now he has become multiple. Succulents like Bob can be propagated, meaning that different parts of the plant can be regrown into an entirely new plant. Since Bob was starting to become a bit lopsided I decided I would take the risk and try to propagate him. And so far, my project has been successful!

First, I removed all of Bob’s leaves from the main stem and let them dry out for a few days. I also let the top part of the stem and small part of Bob that had already started growing on its own dry out. Then, I lined them all into four separate pots and placed them in a section of the house where they would receive ambient but indirect sunlight. Every morning, I spray the pots using a spray bottle. I vowed I would commit to this project because Bob has been with me since seventh grade (Junior Solar Sprints! @Vivian @Annabell) and I would be quite sad if he died.

November 2018

After three weeks passed, I saw no results. Some leaves did shrivel up during this time, but I stayed optimistic because the majority of them were still green, meaning they were still alive. Succulents are interesting–they are not like regular plants that have to be buried in the soil to live.

Then, one more week passed, and I finally saw one pink root poking out of one leaf! I was so happy because I had passed the first stages of propagation–having roots grow out of the leaves. After a few more weeks, most of the leaves started to grow roots too, including the top part of Bob’s stem.

Stage two is when a new plant grows out of the leaves. My leaves have just started to do this. They look rather aleinlike now, with the red roots and the tiny plant sticking out. Unfortunately, Bob’s top stem has died. But I am just happy that many of the leaves are still growing, and hopefully they will continue to grow until they are large enough to be transferred to their own pots. I will keep you updated on that.

February 8, 2019

Very up close

That is all for now!

Katie