I enjoy going out in the yard, have a look around, like a foreman watching a project unfold, and give some satisfied nods. Lately, however, two spots have been catching my eye, and I look at them in disapproval, as if they will magically disappear or right themselves.
The first sore spot was a large pot that I had purchased with the idea of filling with herbs. I did plant rosemary and sage in it once, but that was a disaster. After I threw the dead plants away, I stuck the container in a corner never to see a pinch of soil again. It was too big for my yard, and I had no plants to plant in it.
My second sore spot was my succulent on the succulent shelf. I have had this plant for over four years now, and it just keeps hanging on to dear life. I have completely neglected this plant, never repotted it, hardly ever water it, and when I do the water goes straight out, the compost has become so hard it fails to absorb any water now. I know what I should do to rescue it, but I just don't want to! Still there it is, a monster of a plant staring at me in defiance everyday.
Yesterday I decided I had to do something about this plant. I took a closer look at it, and I saw that all its stems and leaves had sprouted roots. Now I know where it was getting its water from. The stems' roots that touched the wood collected the water that came out of the pot, ingenious. I had noticed these roots before, but now it was like a small jungle, a mini ecosystem hidden among the leaves.
I was curious to see what was going on in the pot, so I lifted it as gently as I could. I was not able to hold all the stems in my arms it was so big. I spread it out on the floor, and I could see the main stems jutting out of the pot. I am not sure if this is the way this plant is supposed to grow, but it looked almost deformed. All the stems took the shape of an 'S' as they hung out of the pot, and rested on the shelf. The middle of the pot was almost completely void of any leaves, just a few stems looking haggard, and half dead.
So what now? As I stared at it many thoughts came to my mind. Give it away to someone with a bigger garden? Cut it up in smaller plants and give them away? Throw it away?! (Yes that thought did cross my mind I'm ashamed to say). I pondered for quite a while, and I even asked my gardener friends on my gardening group on facebook. Then it hit me, ideally this plant would go into the ground as someone suggested. I don't have any ground, but I do have a rather big pot! I was sure it would fit nicely in it, and it could be a contender for my roof garden.
Today, after more than four years, my succulent has a new home. The soil crumbled in my hand as I gently lifted out of the pot, and carefully placed it in the new soil. It was no easy task. The stems were bent in such as way that I could not get them to stay.
I gave the plant a much needed shower, and soaked it through. I am hoping now that the roots will take to the soil. If it does and this plant continues to grow it's going to be huge. I might take cuttings and place them in the soil where there are empty patches. That could wreak havoc, but I am now confident this plant will endure the tightest of living quarters, and the harshest environment. It could very well be my super plant!! :)
