Introduction: As a plant lover, it can be challenging to make the decision to part ways with our green companions. However, after more than 15 years of passion for indoor plants, I have learned that sometimes the answer to the question “Should I discard this indoor plant?” is YES! In this article, I share five moments when I decided to bid farewell to my plants without experiencing guilt.
- The Syngonium Victim of Thrips:
- Coexistence: Five and a half years (four of them happy).
- Despite my efforts to save my Syngonium, a thrips infestation ultimately took its toll. After over a year of fierce struggle, I made the difficult decision to part ways with this plant that had shared my life for so long.
- The Tillandsia that Wilted Mysteriously:
- Coexistence: Two years.
- The sudden death of this plant was disappointing. Despite regular care, it quickly wilted without apparent explanation. Despite my perplexity, I decided it was time to let go of this Tillandsia.
- The Orchid that Lost All Its Leaves:
- Coexistence: Two months.
- After years of success with orchids, a newcomer suddenly lost all its leaves shortly after arrival. No clear explanation emerged, and despite my attempts, I had to admit that this orchid was beyond any salvation.
- The Agave Victim of Rot:
- Coexistence: Seven months.
- Excessive water and a poor soil mix led to the rotting of this agave. Although I could have intervened earlier, I accepted this loss as a lesson for the future.
- The Declining Tradescantia:
- Coexistence: Five to six years.
- Not even the love of enthusiasts could prevent the decline of Tradescantia. Despite my multiple attempts to save this plant, pests and constant leaf losses prevailed in our relationship. I eventually decided to let it live its life outdoors.
Conclusion: While parting ways with plants can be difficult, it is crucial to recognize when it is in the best interest of the plant and the owner. Each decision was made with care, ensuring that my remaining plants continued to thrive. Sometimes, letting go of an ailing plant can be the best decision for the overall well-being of your collection.
