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Alison Dunn's avatar

An interesting dichotomy presented between the feminized and masculinized versions of plant parent that has me in a bit of a psychoanalysis emergency session with myself. I would think my version of plant life is Victorian, romantic, feminine, but the last few years, despite being with the plants so much more and theoretically having more time to deal with them, I’ve become increasingly frustrated with them for growing too much, for flourishing beyond the bounds I’ve set for them. I’ve repotted many, divided and conquered, tried to contain them because I do not wish to buy bigger planters nor make the space for them or deal with a plant stand once they’ve out grown the already expansive, extended sill in the primary plant room (the light!). But here I am, I’ve let one practically die rather than deal with another messy dividing yet again (and so soon, didn’t we just do this?) and my prized rare geranium I literally just killed trying to rein her in a bit. I should be sad, somehow I am not. I’ve always been the “no children, just me and the plants” gal and now I’m wondering if my plant children have reached their teenage years and I'm frustrated that they still require so much of me, more time and money and they don’t even listen or do what I ask. I’ve found myself more drawn to a boring palm that sits in a corner and works as a piece of the furniture and asks nothing of me other than a little water. Maybe I’m sick of motherhood and wish I could be more like a 1950s dad to these plants. I do enjoy having a cocktail with this palm, now that I think about it…

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Maeghan's avatar

I have never thought about houseplants from a historical perspective. Honestly, I don't think I've even considered them as having a history to be studied! What a fascinating dive, I can't wait for the next installment.

The stereotype conversation is interesting; I felt called out. Ha! Many of my houseplants have names, and I've gone so far as to purchase name tag stakes for my plants. And I use an app to help keep me on a care schedule. I have over 40 interior plants with varying levels of care, so the app is a lifesaver.

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