Anthropomorphism and thinking of your plant as a high mai...
Anthropomorphism and thinking of your plant as a high maintenance friend.
Anthropomorphism (ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm) Merriam-Webster Dictionary refers to the attribution of human traits,emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. It's a common human tendency, seen throughout history in mythology and storytelling, where animals and even objects are depicted with human characteristics. But how does this relate to our houseplants?
The urge to talk to our plants, give them names, or imagine them feeling happy or sad is a form of anthropomorphism.While seemingly whimsical, it can unlock a powerful tool for plant care: mindfulness.
The Link Between Anthropomorphism and Mindfulness:
The decision to see our plants as living beings with needs motivates us to be more attentive. Instead of simply watering on Wednesdays, we become plant detectives. We observe subtle changes in leaf color, drooping stems, or signs of pests with a heightened sense of awareness. This is mindfulness in action – a present-moment focus on observing our plants without judgment.
From Observation to Breakthrough:
Mindfulness goes beyond just noticing changes. It encourages us to analyze these cues critically. A drooping plant isn't just "sad," it might be thirsty, lacking light, or battling root rot. By actively connecting these observations to potential causes – like recent changes in watering or light exposure – we can identify the underlying problem.
Unlocking Mysteries:
Consider the quintessential Karen of the plant world, the Fiddle Leaf Fig. (well IMHO, a tie with calathea). For weeks, a given fig can have drooping leaves. Increased watering doesn’t resolve the issue. Different light source, still no improvement. However an approach using mindfulness would consider the greater context such as a recent repotting. Bingo! The roots were crammed, restricting water flow. A thoughtful repotting, and the plant perks up.
The Takeaway:
Talking to your plants might seem silly, but the underlying concept – anthropomorphic mindfulness – can be a game-changer for plant care. By viewing our plants as living things with needs and actively analyzing the cues they offer, we can cultivate a thriving indoor jungle, filled with happy and healthy plants, even the "fussy" ones. Who knows, you might just have a breakthrough with a plant that has been struggling for a long time, all thanks to the power of mindful observation.
But then there is always the other side to consider…
Take my philodendron dark lord. What a menacing posture it exhibits. It makes me wonder whether its namesake is “the Dark Lord” and that body language and expession? Already a megalomaniac. I had this plant in my bedroom one night and just cloud not shake this feeling it was already plotting my demise.
And that countenance. Could it be any clearer: when I am grown up I wills be your overload.
I knew I shouldn’t have given it a vantage point so high above … #PhilodendronDarkLord
#MyPlantWantsToBeInternetFamous #PlantCare #GreenThumb #IndoorGardening #UrbanJungle
#GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad
Anthropomorphism (ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm) Merriam-Webster Dictionary refers to the attribution of human traits,emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. It's a common human tendency, seen throughout history in mythology and storytelling, where animals and even objects are depicted with human characteristics. But how does this relate to our houseplants?
The urge to talk to our plants, give them names, or imagine them feeling happy or sad is a form of anthropomorphism.While seemingly whimsical, it can unlock a powerful tool for plant care: mindfulness.
The Link Between Anthropomorphism and Mindfulness:
The decision to see our plants as living beings with needs motivates us to be more attentive. Instead of simply watering on Wednesdays, we become plant detectives. We observe subtle changes in leaf color, drooping stems, or signs of pests with a heightened sense of awareness. This is mindfulness in action – a present-moment focus on observing our plants without judgment.
From Observation to Breakthrough:
Mindfulness goes beyond just noticing changes. It encourages us to analyze these cues critically. A drooping plant isn't just "sad," it might be thirsty, lacking light, or battling root rot. By actively connecting these observations to potential causes – like recent changes in watering or light exposure – we can identify the underlying problem.
Unlocking Mysteries:
Consider the quintessential Karen of the plant world, the Fiddle Leaf Fig. (well IMHO, a tie with calathea). For weeks, a given fig can have drooping leaves. Increased watering doesn’t resolve the issue. Different light source, still no improvement. However an approach using mindfulness would consider the greater context such as a recent repotting. Bingo! The roots were crammed, restricting water flow. A thoughtful repotting, and the plant perks up.
The Takeaway:
Talking to your plants might seem silly, but the underlying concept – anthropomorphic mindfulness – can be a game-changer for plant care. By viewing our plants as living things with needs and actively analyzing the cues they offer, we can cultivate a thriving indoor jungle, filled with happy and healthy plants, even the "fussy" ones. Who knows, you might just have a breakthrough with a plant that has been struggling for a long time, all thanks to the power of mindful observation.
But then there is always the other side to consider…
Take my philodendron dark lord. What a menacing posture it exhibits. It makes me wonder whether its namesake is “the Dark Lord” and that body language and expession? Already a megalomaniac. I had this plant in my bedroom one night and just cloud not shake this feeling it was already plotting my demise.
And that countenance. Could it be any clearer: when I am grown up I wills be your overload.
I knew I shouldn’t have given it a vantage point so high above … #PhilodendronDarkLord
#MyPlantWantsToBeInternetFamous #PlantCare #GreenThumb #IndoorGardening #UrbanJungle
#GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang #GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad
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Great post, John.
Used to have the following in my bio but... sadly, it ate up a lot of characters.
#joyfullyanthropomorphizingmyplants
Definitely see what you're saying about the body language. I'm imagining if you asked him what he was dressing up as for Halloween, he'd respond, "Crows. The whole murder."
PS
Crows have good senses of humor and play; I believe they'd find his costume an hilarious interpretation.
Used to have the following in my bio but... sadly, it ate up a lot of characters.
#joyfullyanthropomorphizingmyplants
Definitely see what you're saying about the body language. I'm imagining if you asked him what he was dressing up as for Halloween, he'd respond, "Crows. The whole murder."
PS
Crows have good senses of humor and play; I believe they'd find his costume an hilarious interpretation.
@TexanExpat Oh John I just enjoy the way you have describe your plants. I have one of my own to say the same “kinda”of scenario my prayer plant!! There are days when it has been putting out new leaves that have been curled up for some time… But Sometimes I look at it when I come home from work, and I think my cat has gotten to it and been swinging it around the room (have this on my buffet table in my dining room) and it really looks as if it’s dying, I can go change into home clothes and think I am going to try to repot it that it may help her, but by the time I get ready to do this she looks perfectly healthy. Like two totally different plants mind you.. I am not truly sure what this plant needs from me!! 🙃🤣🤷🏼♀️
I loved reading this! It is quite true -- even if I don't talk to my plants. 😉
Your plant has such Edgar-Allan-Poe-vibes! Another community tag you might consider is #PlantTherapy ... my plants teach me so much about myself and life.
Your plant has such Edgar-Allan-Poe-vibes! Another community tag you might consider is #PlantTherapy ... my plants teach me so much about myself and life.
@CourtlyKingfern oh those are the divas of the houseplant world. She’s like the person who breaks ur dishwasher so you have to do them by hand just because she needs attention :)
@CorvidFan I don’t think be has a sense of humor. He’s probably like klause from family guy or the ice king in lord of the rings lol
@sarah10orio I don’t really talk to my plants either. Unless they have some something that cannot be left unsaid. “Thrips! Again!”! One time someone who used to my friend but had a chip heard me talking to Plant that had been knocked over my fatigue set in, and I didn’t have any more energy and I had been repot and moving pots around all day long so I picked up the little plant that was on the balcony and I said something along the lines of how I have a special affinity for plants that are survivors the one that you didn’t expect to make it through for getting to water it or something like that and so I was kind of holding it to it kind kind of like hamlet holding Yorrik’s skull, and I said don’t worry you’ll get reported and then I checked it to the side and said if you can live that long.” She asked me if I thought I treated the people in my life like the plants I was anthropormorphizing. In retrospect I think it was a slight against me for having chronic fatigue syndrome and not being attentive as she would like. Still, I thought it was odd it to have had someone anthropormorphized a plant for the purposes of getting a dig in. So it can be prudent not to talk to them. I do love plants that give off the Edgar Allan Poe vibe. Have you heard or the “moody flowers” from the Dutch golden age? They were what I was focusing on in art therapy that led me to plants. They have some alonkst black begonias I want to try. Have you heard the expression “all murdeeed out”? It when you get a cat that is black on black on black on. Black. I thing it makes for a intriguing and mascuile plant style
Haha. The few times I talk to my plants, I'm usually putting them out of my misery or griping at the bugs. I remember one time I was trying to find something nice to say to a plant right before I tossed off the balcony and into the burn pile. Life is too short to deal with some plants (and some people).
Your raven is AMAZING! My raven is ... not as amazing but a survivor nonetheless! It's seen some stuff.
I have seen the moody flowers! Some of them are quite beautiful. Funny thing is, I love flowers, but I don't like to grow them. I find more joy in getting something to grow tall or bushy or grow at all. 😉 To have the added pressure of having something to NOT bloom is stress I don't need. My Hoyas have graced me with flowers and they have been such a surprise! I was just admiring some today.
If you're going for the darker vibes, might I suggest the hoya krohniana black. Mine is small, but sturdy! The picture makes it look more green than it truly is so I added one from the Internet.
Your raven is AMAZING! My raven is ... not as amazing but a survivor nonetheless! It's seen some stuff.
I have seen the moody flowers! Some of them are quite beautiful. Funny thing is, I love flowers, but I don't like to grow them. I find more joy in getting something to grow tall or bushy or grow at all. 😉 To have the added pressure of having something to NOT bloom is stress I don't need. My Hoyas have graced me with flowers and they have been such a surprise! I was just admiring some today.
If you're going for the darker vibes, might I suggest the hoya krohniana black. Mine is small, but sturdy! The picture makes it look more green than it truly is so I added one from the Internet.
@sarah10orio so I bought that black Hoya. It’s my third one. Like my first one I got a few months ago. Does it goes fast ? Climber ? Trailer. ? How was Alice ? Begonia valida and Tuberous
@sarah10orio so I have found myself scolding my aroids whenever they start to get a spathe. NO! As if I’m scolding a little girl for being unlady like.
@TexanExpat haha! They must be truly comfortable in your care to grow a apathe! Do you have any pictures?
I'm sorry I missed your last comment. Something cool that happened last week is with the most recent Greg update, I can now scroll through my notifications! I was so excited I went through a month!
I love my krohniana black. It will definately climb when it's ready. I think they grow better when they climb instead of trail.
I loved listening to Alice as an adult! I forgot there were to many songs and poems. 😆 I found myself laughing out loud while listening.
I'm sorry I missed your last comment. Something cool that happened last week is with the most recent Greg update, I can now scroll through my notifications! I was so excited I went through a month!
I love my krohniana black. It will definately climb when it's ready. I think they grow better when they climb instead of trail.
I loved listening to Alice as an adult! I forgot there were to many songs and poems. 😆 I found myself laughing out loud while listening.
I like black plants. My kid brother says his car is “all murdered out” because it’s a black car, black interior, black wheels, black trim, black tint (or seemingly)…(I too was a black car person when I was younger, and a punk lol). I like making all murdered out plants…I have a couple of raven zzzs, but I wanted to try a black begonia. That looks like a nice one I’ve had my eyes on a few diff black ones. I like that store—did you notice the shrub begonia they have —Fuscia begonia. It’s so pretty. ..although growing begonias from 3.5” planters ain’t the same as aroids lol
@sarah10orio it’s mostly my elephant ears (alocasia and the one that starts with an x ), but two of my anthuriums and yesterday my homolomena. With the latter ones they haven’t been doing well and I honestly thought they were trying to go to seed in anticipation of death lol. Hey quick question—have you ever had any of your climbers start putting out small leaves or leaves that come out in pretty bad shape. My Burke Marx fantasy, black gold, machinistza red mini and a few others are all doing this. Thry are not in the same areas some are semi hydroponic some are not. I’m thinking it may be the light is too much since they are under grow lights …but it could be so many things.
