I was given the mother of this spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum, in the early 1980s. Despite three changes of residence and periodic bouts of neglect she, like the rest of us, managed to survive that decade. But in the late 1990s, after almost twenty years, she started to decline and just didn’t bounce back.
She was promoted to compost, and a couple of her offspring took up residence in the same pot she had occupied for years. This plant is/are those kids. I like thinking that, in essence, I’ve had this plant for almost forty years. We’ve had our ups and downs, but he’s still with me.
This winter was a bit tough on the old guy; the plant, not me. The air in the house seemed a bit drier, and I probably missed him during a couple of waterings. But the summer is here, and he’s got his usual spot in the sunporch, and I’m going to pay a bit more attention. He’ll bounce back.
When I was younger, everyone had a spider plant, which may be why they fell out of favor. But for me they’re a reminder of early adulthood and hopeful days. So simple and yet so beautiful; and always ready to share.
I’ll keep you posted.
