May 20, 2023

4 ‘Easy to Grow & Easy to Propagate’ Plants…

Plant, plants, planted, planter. I love the word. The act. It’s a lovable root word. Plant. We love puns too. 😄

It seems the more you learn to grow, the more you want to grow. How easy it is to become a plant collector.

Over the years I’ve researched, collected, propagated, tended and even neglected so many varieties of plants.

I come from a long line of plant lovers. My Great Grandmama, Christine, started the legacy of plant propagation. She was Mama to 9 kiddos. Most remembered for her love of children & her perfect biscuits. I have so many sweet memories of Grandmama. One of those is of her wrapping newly cut plant starts in a wet paper towel to transport home where she’d watch it take root and flourish.

She got a cuttin‘ or a piece from many places she visited. I was told that she was even gifted plant starts from a warden at the prison while she was visiting a loved one. I guess coming away from a sad circumstance feels brighter when new life will come of it.

Nature has a way of pointing us back to redemption, growth, resiliency, forgiveness & beauty. A master plan perfectly designed despite hardship. It has a lesson to teach. Listen for whispers of wisdom. 🌱

My Great Aunt Ginny’s Oxalis with a cascading Vinca Vine.

I’d love to know if Grandmama propagated for fun, because it was a challenge, because she loved plants or perhaps because she simply couldn’t afford to purchase them. All of these are ambitious reasons to try!

Her flower beds weren’t fussy, organized or landscaped. Just plants being plants. Scattered here and there. What a legacy she began!

Some plants really ARE too fussy for challenging seasons of motherhood. You know the seasons when the toddlers are fussing…day & night, night & day?! When the siblings are fussing…day & night, night & day?! Bless their heart. Seasons where one more fussy thing CANNOT be tolerated.

During this season I came to really appreciate resilient plants. While gazing at these plants I’d feel a sense of relief and think…Sweet Little Growing Thing, I don’t remember the last time I gave you a sip of water and look how precious you are. You dont need me. It’s a good thing because I’m unavailable. 🥰

These plants give any gardener hope. Whether you have a green thumb, brown thumb, pink thumb…you can win with these easy to grow little darlings.

1. Thunbergia (Blue Glory):

I got a start from my Aunt or Granny…or both. I’ve moved it, separated, replanted; it died back completely during a freeze this past winter. I’m telling ya…give this one a try!

A stalk of blooms. My kids, the butterflies and hummingbirds like to drink the nectar from these sweet little blooms.

2. Sedum:

It’s such a low maintenance plant. When it’s happy you’ll know it. I’ve propagated many varieties from a 4-6 inch start. Stick it in the dirt, gravel, rocks, hanging pots, inside or outside it seems to be resilient.

So simple! My 8 year old started this one!

Started from a piece I found on the ground.

If it seems unhappy just take a piece and start it somewhere else! A friend recently told me plants present this gorgeous pink color when they’re stressed. Well, I’m sure she is and I appreciate the fanfare as she’s contemplating death. Bless her heart. I wish I were that pretty when I’m stressed.

3. Pothos:

Oh, pothos. You’re incredible. So many varieties to collect and enjoy! It roots well in water or soil. I love to spot it growing up a tree. Some people call it Devil’s Ivy. Offensive. A perfect beginner or veteran addition to your home or garden!

4. Mint & all her family:

The Lamiaceae family. Mints and Balms. I’ve always kept mine in containers because I’ve heard horrendous stories of it taking over the yard or flower beds. It’s a delicious topping to a glass of iced tea. Easily dried. Simple to use it for hot tea as well! Repels pests. So many uses!