Definition of “Black thumbs”.
A wannabe gardener who kills plants. The opposite of green thumbs. http://www.urbandictionary.com
Everyone who I come across and mention to them that I sell plants acts shocked. Then there is a slight hesitation, then they blurt out…
“Are the plants easy to take care of?”
“I really kill every plant I own?”
“If I’m to buy them will it come with instructions on how to take care of, the African Violets I had didn’t survive?
It’s as if they can’t really get their heads wrapped round the fact that I can grow plants, given the fact that they have tried and they have failed. If only they knew that I grow the easiest plants on planet earth! Succulents.
Curiously most of these people thought they couldn’t really take care of a plant. At least not for too long. Well today we choose to write about these “allegedly” black thumbs as we feel it’s a matter that needs to be address and keep the calm.
To some degree, some plants are really harder to take care of than others, take for example the Orchid. It’s natural habitat is in the wild and really, for one to buy it and have it in an apartment that has all sorts of humidity, changes of temperatures and other surrounding factors will really be stressing out the plant. This is because orchids can’t stand drastic changes. And when stressed, they shall hardly bring forth fresh blooms. I think to have an orchid you almost need to be a pro at mimicking its environment and really being careful to always water or feed the plant as instructed. Unfortunately, not everyone can be this diligent.
If you are one of the many people who love plants and really wish to have some growing in your home minus the pains and pressure to have ‘green thumbs’… Well, we have a solution.
Start with a succulent. Not only are succulent plants always in style. With their juicy leaves, stems or roots, succulents form a vast and diverse group of plants, offering easy-care choices for your home. Plus, they look stunning planted alone or as a group.
Here are our top 5 succulents to start with:
- Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurenberg’.
Touted as one of the most beautiful and striking of Echeverias. This beautiful rosette-forming succulent that has interestingly colored acuminate leaves that are a pale grayish brown with pink highlights and have a white powdery dusting, sometimes referred to as pruinose. The leaves overlap nicely in 5 to 6 inch wide solitary rosettes that eventually grow up on a slender stem. The flowers, which appear in summer on 1 foot long reddish-stemmed inflorescences, are a corral pink color on the exterior with a yellow interior More about the author.
- Jade Plant (Crassula orvata)
A native of Mozambique this succulent also known as Jade, Money or Lucky plant, is believed to bring good luck to a home. The jade plant is an old-fashioned favorite for a reason: It’s so easy to grow! This long-lived South African native grows thick stems and thick, glossy green leaves tinged with red. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering’s.
3. Donkey Tail (Sedum morganianum)
The Donkey Tail makes a handsome hanging basket, and has trailing stems up to 60cm long! Overlapping, gray-green or gray-blue leaves grow up to 3 feet long. A native of Mexico, it prefers medium to high light for best performance.
- Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi)
This cacti has showy flowers that come around Easter and Christmas. Flowers hang downwards. To grow, allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. When the plant is in bud, pay close attention, because even slight dehydration or overwatering may cause buds to drop. Provide medium to high light.
- Sticks of Fire (Euphorbia tirucalli)
Native to Central and southern Africa, Sticks of Fire gets her name from the striking pencil-like branches . This plant is traditionally used for fencing bomas and makes a beautiful eclectic succulent container. Tips turn bright red when exposed in high levels of sun.
All these plants can be found on SHOP NANJALA. The weather in Nairobi, Kenya is just perfect for them. When purchased, they also come with instructions on how to take care of them or you can have a look at our comprehensive guide on Nanjala Blooms Tips.