Langreck: A sucker for succulents

Like several other individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, I picked up a few new skills and interests during the quarantine period. Some of my new hobbies include painting and coloring inspirational pages from adult coloring books to send to family and friends to help lift their spirits.

One of my newer interests that developed toward the end of the quarantine was my love for collecting succulents. I especially love “rescuing” plants that may not have gotten enough tender loving care and are overlooked at the store.

The first succulent I bought that started my collection was one that I purchased at a home and garden store on a last chance clearance. There were about a dozen plants on the clearance section, all of which were either dying or not in great shape.

As much as I just wanted to buy them all and try to save them, the truth is at that point I hadn’t had the best of luck with plants in the past. I figured trying to save one succulent was about all I could handle.

My mom was actually with me, but sitting in the car with my 4-year-old daughter, and as soon as I got in the car and she saw the plant, she said “I love my new plant mommy.”

Well, that tugged on my heartstrings and I said “you’re welcome” and I then knew that no matter what I had to make sure I saved that plant at all costs.

Almost a year later, I am pleased to say that “Mr. Plants” — that’s what my daughter named the plant — is still alive and growing.

“Mr. Plants” has been joined by another eight plants, mainly all succulents, because they are fairly easy plants to care for and don’t require too much attention.