For many years, I believed I was cursed with a “brown thumb” when it came to houseplants. While I possess a natural flair for color and design, the delicate art of nurturing indoor greenery always seemed to elude me. Every attempt to bring vibrant life into my home ended in premature plant demise, leaving me disheartened and convinced that living plants simply weren’t meant for my care.
My struggles with houseplants began shortly after my husband, Ed, and I married. I would bring home beautiful specimens, full of hope, only to watch them wither and fade within a few weeks. The cycle of excitement followed by inevitable disappointment was exhausting. Eventually, I surrendered to the reality of my non-existent green thumb and opted for artificial greenery. These fake plants provided a temporary sense of lushness, a substitute for the living elements I craved. However, over time, they accumulated dust, lost their initial charm, and started to look distinctly dated. Realizing they no longer served their purpose, I eventually discarded them, leaving an undeniable void in my home’s interior plant life and reinforcing my belief that I was incapable of maintaining anything alive indoors.
Then, a year ago this week, an unexpected event introduced a delightful twist to my long-standing plant dilemma. The prestigious Better Homes and Gardens magazine arrived at my home for a photoshoot, specifically for their much-anticipated Christmas Ideas issue. As part of the staging for various room shots, I acquired three magnificent Lemon Cypress bushes. If you’re not familiar with these charming conifers, they are truly special. They naturally grow into a striking pyramidal shape, boast a refreshing light green hue, and, most distinctively, release an invigorating scent reminiscent of Lemon Pledge furniture polish when you gently rub their feathery branches. These plants were merely props, intended for a fleeting moment in the spotlight, and I fully expected them to follow the fate of all their predecessors once the cameras packed up.
Once the whirlwind of the photoshoot concluded, I faced the question of what to do with these temporary botanical residents. Instead of banishing them to an obscure corner or, worse, letting them meet their inevitable end, I decided to give them a fighting chance. I strategically moved all three Lemon Cypress plants to my kitchen counter, placing them right next to the sink and directly beneath a bright, sunny window. It was a calculated risk, a small glimmer of hope that perhaps, with optimal placement, they might defy my long history of houseplant failures. I reasoned that being so close to a water source would make watering less of a chore and thus more consistent, while the abundant natural light would provide the essential energy they needed to thrive.
I even documented this initial, hopeful placement in a previous post, subtly acknowledging my past plant struggles and the new potential for success. It was a testament to my newfound determination. (As a side note, Ed surprised me with the charming French Bistro kitchen mat you see in the photo for Christmas – it’s a lovely addition from Ballard Designs, adding a touch of European flair to our kitchen space.) Little did I know, this simple act of thoughtful placement would be the turning point in my relationship with indoor plants, transforming a former brown thumb into something surprisingly green.
Well, I am absolutely thrilled to report the astounding results one year later…
…my strategic plant placement has worked wonders! To my utter astonishment and immense delight, all three Lemon Cypress plants are not just surviving; they are absolutely thriving! This is an unprecedented achievement in my household. I have never, in all my years, managed to keep indoor plants alive for this long. Outdoor plants, yes, I’ve had success with gardens and container plants on the patio. But houseplants? They were always a different story, a constant source of frustration and failed endeavors. Witnessing these vibrant green cones flourishing on my kitchen counter has been a truly gratifying experience, completely redefining my perception of my plant-caring abilities.
The primary reason for their remarkable resilience and continued vitality, I believe, is their prime location right by the kitchen sink. This seemingly simple detail has revolutionized my approach to houseplant care. The constant proximity to a water source eliminates the “out of sight, out of mind” problem that plagued my previous plant attempts. Watering has become an effortless, almost unconscious part of my daily routine, rather than a forgotten chore. Furthermore, the Delta Touch2O faucet we installed last Fall has proven to be an indispensable tool in this newfound success. Its innovative design makes the task of watering my plants incredibly easy and efficient. The faucet features a convenient pull-down nozzle that effortlessly transitions between a regular stream and a gentle rain stream with a simple touch of a button. This soft, rain-like spray is absolutely perfect for delicately watering plants, preventing soil erosion and ensuring even moisture distribution without damaging the foliage. I make it a point to water them every other day, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but never waterlogged – a critical balance for the health of Lemon Cypress.
Beyond its watering versatility, the Delta Touch2O faucet offers an ingenious hands-free operation that has become invaluable, especially in a busy kitchen environment. You can activate the water flow with just a simple tap from your hand, wrist, elbow, or virtually any body part! It’s incredibly innovative, almost like something you’d expect to see in Jane Jetson’s futuristic kitchen. This feature is a true game-changer, particularly when you’re in the middle of a creative DIY project or a cooking session. Imagine having paint all over your hands from a crafting endeavor, or your hands caked with flour from kneading dough. With a traditional faucet, you’d have to make a mess on the handles just to turn the water on. But with the Touch2O, there’s no need to contaminate the handle; you simply tap your elbow anywhere on the spout or handle, and the water flows. Another tap turns it off. This seamless functionality ensures that I can quickly and cleanly tend to my plants or wash my hands without spreading mess, contributing significantly to the effortless care routine that these plants have enjoyed.
The second crucial factor contributing to the thriving health of my Lemon Cypress plants is their consistent access to abundant sunshine. They are positioned perfectly by a large window that floods the kitchen with natural light from early morning until the early afternoon. Sunlight is the lifeblood of most plants, fueling the essential process of photosynthesis that converts light energy into the nutrients they need to grow. Lemon Cypress, in particular, appreciates bright light, and this location provides exactly that without being overly harsh or direct for prolonged periods. The consistent light exposure, combined with the regular watering, creates an ideal environment for these plants. It’s a simple yet powerful equation: Water + Daily Sunshine = Happy, Healthy Houseplants. This fundamental understanding has empowered me to create a micro-environment where my plants can truly flourish, transforming my former struggles into a story of unexpected success in indoor gardening.
Once I realized that these plants weren’t just surviving but genuinely flourishing, I felt a renewed sense of responsibility and curiosity. I decided it was time to move beyond basic watering and sunlight and delve into understanding their long-term care needs. My research revealed that periodic trimming and regular feeding were essential for sustained health and maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Following this guidance, I now administer a few squirts of liquid plant food to each bush once a month. This provides them with the necessary nutrients that might be depleted from the soil over time, encouraging vibrant growth and robust foliage. Additionally, every few weeks, I take a pair of sharp scissors and meticulously trim any stray branches. This pruning technique is crucial for maintaining their characteristic pyramidal shape, keeping them looking neat and compact, and promoting denser growth. Before Christmas, as part of their annual refresh, I also added a layer of fresh potting soil to each pot, replenishing vital organic matter and ensuring they have a healthy foundation for continued growth. These simple, consistent steps have played a pivotal role in transforming my Lemon Cypress from temporary props into permanent, thriving fixtures in my home.
Beyond their newfound hardiness, I absolutely adore their refreshing green color. I consider it a true neutral in my home decor palette, much like white or grey. This vibrant green seamlessly complements any color scheme or decorative item you place near them, adding a natural touch of life and freshness without clashing. In fact, studies have shown that incorporating green plants into indoor spaces can enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve air quality, contributing to a more serene and inviting atmosphere. While I typically enjoy rearranging decorative items around my house, moving them from room to room to keep things fresh and prevent any area from looking too static, the Lemon Cypress plants are a delightful exception. They have earned their permanent spot. Their effortless care, largely attributed to the perfect synergy of the Delta Touch2O faucet and the abundant sunny window, means there’s simply no reason to disturb their perfect arrangement.
Why change a good thing when it’s working so beautifully? This unexpected success story has not only transformed my kitchen but also my confidence in my ability to nurture living plants. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, finding the right plant for the right spot, coupled with the right tools, can make all the difference, even for someone who once considered themselves a hopeless “brown thumb.” I genuinely hope that I can provide another “happy thriving houseplants” update this time next year, sharing their continued growth and vitality. Until then, my fingers are firmly crossed, and I’ll continue to cherish these lovely green companions. XO