Over the past four years, I would have liked nothing more than to be one of those girls whose dorm is home to the coolest collection of beautiful, healthy plants. I have been blessed with roommates who are much more plant-savvy than I, so my dorm rooms have always incorporated a bit of nature into the space.
These plants — the healthy ones, at least — were all provided and maintained by my respective roommates. While I have given it my best go, I have not yet managed to keep even the smallest succulent from withering within weeks.
When I came into my first year at St. Olaf, I was prepared. On my way to campus for move-in day, I picked up a beautiful little succulent from Trader Joe’s to bring to my dorm. I will admit, I cannot remember a single time that I watered said plant, but nonetheless, it managed to survive through the fall semester. When I returned to campus that January, however, it was to my dismay that my plant had perished beyond restoration.
Similar themes continue to this day. Each year the Environmental Coalition — shameless plug — hosts various succulent giveaways. It is to my embarrassment that I admit I have participated in each one, only for my tiny succulent to wither and lie dead on my window sill for the remainder of the semester.
This year, when I planted a succulent at Harry Potter night, I was determined to fix my track record. A quick Google search told me that succulents should be watered one time per week. So, I began a watering schedule: each Sunday, I would pour just enough water into the pot to ensure the soil was thoroughly moistened. Nevertheless, in a few short weeks, my poor succulent began to show signs of decay and neglect. I have since lapsed into sporadic watering, and my succulent once again sits on death’s door.
It is with this backstory that I come forth in search of a tutor. How is it that so many of you are managing to keep an entire greenhouse alive in your dorms, while I cannot even sustain that of a micro-succulent? Any and all advice is welcomed.
