Schefflera aboricola (variegata)

This is for everyone who thinks they have a #blackthumb. My sister (Ats) posted this photo of her #ScheffleraArboricola recently with this caption: "Day 10 of spreading positivity through plant photos is dedicated to the person who taught me how to stop being a serial plant killer, my dear brother, @misternatureboy. Imagine this plant as a stick with two, maybe three leaves hanging on for dear life. That was the sorry state it was in when I begged him to save it. And look it at now!"

Once I got her to realize that plants have different care requirements (i.e., for the love of gawd stop overwatering), her nascent #greenthumb began to thrive. Today, she has an impressive collection of plants throughout her home that provide her with a lot of joy, comfort, and a sense of accomplishment. (Okay, some anxiety, too.) #dwarfumbrellatree

Brilliant green fimblly fingers, not a short thumb in sight

A fond flashback from two years ago: My sister attended a class and, while introducing herself, paid me a nice, nerdy compliment: "I used to have a black thumb, but now--because of my brother--it's started turning green." When I migrated/moved in three years ago, this #Schefflera was a pathetic stick with a few leaves clinging onto it.

Aside from getting this plant to thrive (it guards the entryway--an obnoxious, daily reminder of my horticultural superiority), my presence is also marked by the fact that the patio is no longer just an extension of the storage room. It's a place where numerous plant specimens are displayed.

It's nice to have a superpower; even better to have two. One: Being great at nurturing living things; and Two: Making my sister happy. She is now fully aware of the perils of overwatering and is way more confident of her repotting skillz.

Fast forward to two years later. I am happy to report that Ats is now a pretty confident plant mama, with loads of plants thriving under her care. "Gardening is like cooking." This is something I tell anyone who expresses trepidation when it comes to horticulture. "You won't learn unless you're willing to experiment and make mistakes."