Friday, March 22, 2013

Plant thing

There's a plant that lives in the kitchen. I think we've had it for nearly thirty years. Georgie occasionally repots it and I occasionally water it, but, other than that, it largely gets forgotten about. How it's survived for so long is a complete mystery to me. There are times when it sheds its leaves, looks dead, and I sometimes think "well, that's it, it's a gonner, may as well chuck it in the bin", but, lo and behold, it miraculously recovers and starts budding again. Went into 'rest' mode last autumn, but has been gradually growing again over winter. Maybe it likes the cool of the kitchen (I keep it away from the stove and direct sunlight - not that there's been much sun over the last few months), or maybe it likes being largely ignored (I occasionally mop its leaves and give it a quick natter - yes, being a bonkers hermit recluse, I chat to the thing in order to encourage it to grow), but for whatever reason it's now looking more splendid than ever. Maybe it's just happy that winter appears to be over at last. Been a warm and sunny day today so I gave it a quick breath of fresh air on the front doorstep. It's now back indoors on its perch, probably preparing to shut down again over spring and summer. Must be exhausted after all that growing.





11 comments:

  1. Well done. Mine was bought a month ago and looks dead already. Threw it out today, maybe I should rescue it?!!

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    1. Yes, maybe. These things seem to like cool spots (plenty of 'em in our house - no central heating) and being occasionally watered from underneath (i.e. plonk it in an old soup dish and then chuck a bit of water in - the pot obviously has to have holes in its base) as opposed to watering from above. Blimey, me giving horticultural advice! Whatever next?!

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  2. It's a cyclamen! Mine thrive on overwatering once every couple of months. I love reading your blog, you have a bit of a gift for writing. Keep 'em coming and happy Spring! Snowing here in North Yorkshire. Looking forward to some warmer weather at my shackeau in Normandy in May.

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    1. Very encouraging to know you enjoy reading this bloggeau. Yup, seen the UK's snow on the news. Could be a white Easter!

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  3. Thanks, better rescue it before the snow arrives! Think maybe I overwatered it.

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    1. Hope the rescue and recussitation goes well.

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  4. It looks like a cyclamen to me. Very pretty too. Well done for keeping it going, it obviously thrives on neglect !!

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    1. Cyclamen, that's the fella. I'm no green-fingered gardener but I'm rather proud of this one.

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  5. Hi Tommo, I think you have a Cyclamen plant there...they're like that, so no worries.
    You're watering it correctly and talking to it is very good. I chat with my plants all the time, so you're not going bonkers, except I am as well.

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    1. Thanks Virginia. I think plants like bonkers people.

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  6. I love cyclamen (cyclamens?) but have always managed to kill em off...i enjoy your blog

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