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Growth
I don't have that black thumb people complain about. I have a whole pile of begonias that have survived all kinds of neglect and a jasmine plant that I got in a symbolic gesture to myself after September 11th, which recently had a Lazarus-esque resurrection after it had been abandoned on top of the refrigerator in an unfortunate, post-baby moment.
But still, plants aren't working for me. I have this inexplicable mission to grow something with Felix. He loves plants and is completely interested in them, and yet all of my pedagogical efforts are disasters.
I have been trying to sprout avocado seeds. We get very excited every time I put one in water or plant one or make one of the other coaxing gestures that should encourage sprouting and weeks later there is a stubborn pit staring back at us. (No one in this house even likes avocados so it is a testament to my will to make this work that I beg my family to hand off their avocado seeds and I ferry them home to my un-garden in plastic bags.)
And then there's the Eggling. It is great. Exquisite. The design is so attractive and the visions of a tiny patch of flowers sprouting out of a ceramic eggshell are so appealing. So why the Hell won't it grow for me? Who knows. I've even followed the instructions with more alacrity than I usually muster. Poor Felix keeps staring at the barren little shell and somehow maintains excitement.
And now, a gorgeous orchid has come into my life, an anniversary present from my in-laws. I love it but fear it because I don't want to be responsible for its untimely demise. So far it has managed for more than a week and my hopes have been raised... but I know they're delicate and fickle and I fret.
Someone told me to boil eggs, cool the water and use the water to nurture the orchid.
I am trying to figure out how far I'm willing to go.
posted by Elise at 6:41 AM
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Melody said...
You should also be able to buy orchid food. There is a plant store next door to my office that sells it.
2/06/2008 10:13 AM
Chloe said...
You can also fill a jar with water, put used eggshells in it, let it steep, and use that water for your plant. Low-tech & my speed.
2/09/2008 7:53 AM
said...
Grow a kidney bean with Felix! It is something we did in elementary and super easy. I am sure you can find some basic directions online. Good luck with the orchid!
2/12/2008 6:19 AM
Rachel said...
I've successfully started 3 avocado plants now - one was destroyed by a new kitten, the second perished in a hot car when the AC broke down in a cross-country move, and the third is currently a healthy 4 feet tall. I always just bury the pit in soil, water it well, cover the pot with plastic wrap, and leave the pot on top of the dryer in the warm laundy room until it sprounts - usually a couple of weeks. Then remove the plastic and put in a warm, well-vented, cat-proof area, and voila: healthy avocado plant.
2/27/2008 2:31 PM
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Melody said...
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