Photographer: Jünior Rodríguez
Writing: Clara

I got a succulent as a gift last year. It was tiny, and the little pot containing it had a sloth painted on it. I was intimidated to grow it at first, because I had never taken care of a plant before. But as time went on, I grew to take better care of it.

In an attempt to endear myself with the process, I named my succulent reysie, and drafted a watering schedule for her. I would water her regularly according to what my research online told me was the optimal watering schedule for her species, and it seemed to work well for the first few weeks. However, I saw that over time, she was losing her color. The soil was either too dry or too wet, and reysie was not growing very well. It was only when I learned to more intuitively understand her needs and started researching plant care more in depth that I learned that the problem was in the environmental temperature, not my watering schedule.

There are many more elements that come into play when we take care of something as seemingly low maintenance as a potted succulent plant. Sunlight, temperature, water levels, drainage, fertilizer, humidity, and many more variables create a symphony of care points that have to harmonize in order for her to grow. I think we are all like reysie in some way. Taking care of ourselves is not as simple as following a one dimensional formula- “If I sprinkle activity x throughout my life, I will be well taken care of". We all need to find a balance of the various aspects of our life that need to harmonize in order for us to grow into healthier and brighter versions of ourselves.

I learned a few lessons from reysie. I have attempted to list some of them here.

Balance: We cannot overwater our way out of a bad environment. While water is necessary for growth and harmony, overwatering our way out of a problem often leads to more imbalance. Studies in psychology suggest that wellbeing is multifaceted, involving emotional regulation, social connections, physical health, and cognitive engagement. Just as overwatering a succulent can be harmful, excessive focus on one aspect of self care such as working out while neglecting mental health can be counterproductive.
Resilience: Growth is a slow process. Learning the balance of all the factors that help us grow can often require deeper reflection than what we may anticipate. It requires experimentation and patience. In a 2016 study, researchers found that individuals who practiced gardening reported increased emotional resilience and reduced stress levels. Nurturing something, whether a plant or oneself, requires patience, observation, and adjustments based on changing conditions.
Adaptability: As we grow, our needs can sometimes grow as well. The same methods that helped us in the past may not apply to us at a later stage of growth. Care is an adaptable practice, and growth can require more flexible strategies.

The connection between plant care and wellbeing is deeply rooted in history. In Japan, the practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) emphasizes immersion in nature to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Similarly, in Ayurveda, plants like Tulsi (holy basil) are used for holistic healing, recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and environmental health.
These traditions suggest that self-care, like plant care, requires an understanding of one’s specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Citations

Hansen, M. M., Jones, R., & Tocchini, K. (2017). Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and nature therapy: A state-of-the-art review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(8), 851.

Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. (1998). The contours of positive human health. Psychological Inquiry, 9(1), 1-28.

Soga, M., Gaston, K. J., & Yamaura, Y. (2017). Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 92-99.

My Succulent and Growth