Have you ever purchased a plant or a pot and then wondered what in the world you had been thinking? My only excuse for the pot is that it was a thrift store bargain. The plant itself--I have no idea. It just seemed like a good idea at the time, and it was cute in its infanthood. Separately, they were unattractive, together, revolting. I really detest both the pot and the plant!The plant is a succulent called Crassula obovata, or commonly, Jade Plant. (I've come to the conclusion that true identity is impossible because each plant labeled C. obovata is completely different.) It can't take the heat in Phoenix so I have to keep it in the house. It can't take any frost in winter, so that means it is in the house most of the year, right where I can see it.
I would be too embarrassed to give it away, and I just can't throw it away, because that's like premeditated murder! The only outcome I can hope for is that it dies a natural death. I won't withhold liquids or nutrients to speed the process. It could succumb to a mealy bug infestation or contract a pathogen of some sort, but I won't wish that upon it just because I made a mistake. Its being hit by the proverbial Mack truck is beyond the realm of possibility. Its fate is in the stars. The pot is a different story. Once the plant is gone, the pot is history!
I've learned my lesson about dreadful plants and ugly, cheap pots. From now on, I will carefully weigh all purchases. Jade plants can live for 50 years. I have a feeling this monstrosity will outlive me!
Maybe you could put the plant into a different pot - it might look a whole lot better. I agree with you about the pot ... it could suffer an early death, while you keep the plant alive.
ReplyDeleteI definitely have many such, "What was I thinking??" moments.
LOL, I know what you mean about having to keep plants around that you don't like. If you're too embarrassed to give it away in it's current state propagate it and give them away when they're in their "cute" stage.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the "premeditated murder" comment :-). It's so hard to rid yourself of unwanted plants without feeling a little guilty.
ReplyDeleteThe Arrogant Worms did a song about that essentially called "Carrot Juice is Murder".
It looks all 1970's to me...but I do know what you mean about not wanting to premeditate the plants demise...I have the same issue with thinning out plants in my garden...maybe somebody will sprinkle some salt in the soil...
ReplyDeleteYou know, this is sad, but I like both the pot and the plant...an I sick??? I am a retro girl, and it takes me back to the 70's!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments at my old blog called Succulents by J., but I deleted the blog last night before I saw your comment. I am enjoying your blog...esp. the pics, so much! I will let you know if I decide to blog again!
Julie
I just wondered on here .. and had a lot of snorting giggles .. I collected an amazing little "garden" of succulants due to AMAZING bargain terra cotta pots I found at a Dollar Store .. so far I like the pots and plants but will I wake up tomorrow and ask the same questions you have ? haha !
ReplyDeleteAt least with the "double ugly" thing going on, the comments are hilarious ! Thanks !
Joy .. GardenJoy 4
the suculent plan is a jade plant and it is not doing so well probably becayse it is pot bound if y transe plant it it will grow healther i have one and the leaves are dark green and glossy but when i take cuttings and i dont bother for them they start to die and look like that one no offense but if u take a leaf cutting it will root or if u take he main stemm it will gor a hwhole new plant as i said i have one adt the main stemm is about as thick as my knuckel. hey did u know that the chinese believe that a jade plant brings u good luck
ReplyDeleteby the way the jade plant is a butiful plant once u get it groing it is very willing to root from a cutting either if u put in in water or if a leaf falls in a damp part of loil it will root. also the jade plant needs little soil like a cacitus it dose not take well to to much water
ReplyDeleteand the leaves when the jade plant gets growing it dose not follow the same pattern of the way the leaves grow it will eventuly grow randomly
ReplyDelete