Friday, February 1, 2008

Day 33 POTD: Jade Plant

Vertical: Shot in manual mode, ISO 200; wb sunny; 18-135 mm lens at 18 mm; exp 1/15; f/10.


Horizontal: Shot in manual mode, ISO 200; sunny; with 18-135 mm lens at 22 mm; f/4.5; exp 1/160. Both hand-held.

This is my all-time favorite plant in the world. One year, during the very cold days of winter, it looked sick. I wrapped it in a sleeping bag to carry it to a nursery to find out what was wrong. Worried bystanders in the elevator at work inquired whether I had a baby all wrapped up (probably thinking I was smothering it!) I had to put the jade plant in "intensive care" in my bathtub for 3 days to let it soak up water. In its "youth", this same plant tried to "commit suicide" in my office by leaping off a window shelf. It had grown large enough that its branches had stretched out to "push" it off the window ledge. Another time, it also decided to abruptly "burst" its pot, and I had to rush to the store to get it another pot. It seems to be much more stable these days, although perhaps it's trying to lull me into complacency before another temperamental outburst.

24 comments:

Unknown said...

Aww, such a cute story. You must really love your plant.. lol. I have about 5 that Im seriously horrible taking care of...

Chell said...

LOL this made me smile. I can't have real plants her at home since the pets eat them,a nd no wondow at work. I miss real plants..

Val said...

Cool shots! That plant is huge!

Margaret said...

Love your story. I am the world's worst plant caretaker. I'm glad there are people like you! Cool shot, too!

Anonymous said...

As usual you have me smiling with your journaling. You must love that plant cuz I would have let it die okay well I try to keep them alive but they die anyways. I like the verticle one

Sharon said...

I had no idea that jade plants could be so dramatic!

Jess said...

LOL, I love your story!

Becky said...

LOL. You always make me smile!

Anonymous said...

That light in the second photo is amazing!
Cari

Amy said...

I loved reading your journaling that went along with the great photos!

Mandy said...

Wow...I love your jade plant. At this point you could almost call it a tree!

My parents have one that they got when they first got married. I can't believe that it has been living so long. They are plant people...apparently they did not care to spread that gene on to me, however...as I kill everything.

emilyc said...

Sounds like you've been through a lot with that plant. I have such a black thumb there is not one plant in our home. Maybe I should try again. Oh--I think I turned off the word verification. Sorry about that. I thought it was off.

mamawest777 said...

love the 2nd one!

Mom2Drew said...

I think my mom has one of these plants and they are really cool. I like that you enjoy your plant, I like mine too (although I have plain ivys)

me said...

I cant have plants! THEY DIE. Love yours though

For Over 29 Years... said...

what a great story! I'm the worst at gardening. However I have some plants that have stuck around for years and I still dont' know what to do with them!@

Ann said...

Really nice plant photos. I like the different looks. I'm wondering, you have a list of folks names and they are active links to their blogs. How do you put that list there with just the name and it becomes an active link?
Ann

pat said...

Hee hee hee. I had a jade plant that got so large I had to transport it in a laundry basket! They are great plants.

Jessica said...

Jade plants are one of my favorites, they are so peaceful and beautiful to me. This one is so big and gorgeous! So glad you were able to save it!

--sme said...

What a great story to go with these pics!

Bobbi said...

Awww, very cute. I love the horizontal shot here....all my plants are made of plastic ;)

Kimberly said...

Cute story! I love the pics!

Tori said...

I have one of these and I love it, too! Mine doesn't look quite as nice as yours though.... I really need to put it in a new pot. Love your journaling!

Anonymous said...

I am trying once again to keep a Jade Plant. I bought one of the tri color ones. OY. After a review of the websites, I see so many people who have had these things for 15 or 20 years. They are like a member of the family. :D I keep my new tri-color Jade under a compact florescent light, on a timer. I totally get your concern for the plant. :D