New Life In New Leaves

I think that what I love most about caring for my plants is seeing the emergence of new leaves. It’s a joyous sight that reassures me that my efforts are truly paying off and feels like a wonderful reward! Sometimes, new leaves surprise me with their sudden appearance, and I marvel at how much the plant has grown. Other times, it takes a bit longer, but that just adds to the excitement.

For instance, with my Monstera and Alocasia, the petiole of the newest leaf starts off smooth, and then a subtle triangular ridge begins to form. As this ridge becomes more defined, the tip of the triangle separates from the petiole, and the new leaf begins to take shape. Soon, the leaf begins to unfurl slowly, revealing its beauty.

This is the moment I cherish most. While I feel the urge to gently unroll the curled leaf to sneak a peek, I remind myself that new leaves are delicate and deserve to unfold in their own time. Watching the process, which can take several days, cultivates my patience and appreciation for nature’s wonders.

With orchids, jade and aloe, new leaves appear between the top two leaves on the plant. No matter how these vibrant new leaves emerge, it truly adds to the joy I experience in growing plants.