#Self-Watering Orchid Pot

[yandere-paramour]

Vivien’s Perfect Evening

After his shift, Vivien texts that he is coming, and rushes home to be with his Darling. He drives a shitty Nissan Rogue, and usually his trunk is filled with plant cuttings, pots of all sizes, and various open bags of soil. He tends to drive somewhat fast when he is alone, but he drives as safely and slowly as possible when Darling is in the car.

Immediately once he gets home, Vivien will head straight for his Darling to give them several kisses. This is the most important part of the day, seeing them again, and he is eager to experience it.

Vivien immediately goes to the shower. Even though he would love to bathe with his Darling, his apartment has no bathtub and it is thus impossible. The shower is barely large enough for two, but sometimes, on his off days, he and Darling will shower together and perhaps do other things. However, after his shift he is covered in dirt and sweat, and Vivien would prefer Darling not see him until he is clean and at his best again. Vivien also self-pleasures in the shower and he doesn’t want anyone to see unless they’re going to help.

Vivien’s bodywash is called “Mystical Glen”, and it smells of orchid, lilac, and cedar, and his shampoo and conditioner are green apple.

After his shower, Vivien quickly adjourns to the kitchen. He implores Darling to sit down and put their feet up and relax, he’ll take care of everything. The first thing he does is use some of his herbal syrups to make Darling a nice mocktail. He mixes water, syrup, ice, fruit, and fresh herbs, making one for Darling and one for himself to drink while he cooks. He serves it straight to Darling, kissing their forehead sweetly.

Vivien will take small cuttings of his herbs and vegetables for dinner, using them and spices to enhance flavor. 

Vivien and Darling’s apartment is not big enough for a proper dining table, so they usually eat in front of the television, watching anime and discussing their favorite jokes and scenes. They usually have something simple for dessert, store-bought cookies or ice cream or whatever Vivien has had time to bake recently.

After dinner, Vivien loads the dishwasher while Darling cleans the kitchen and the chores are done quickly. Vivien tends to and waters all his plants, bringing the fragile ones inside for extra nurturing, such as changing their humidity levels by switching locations, deadheading flowers and removing dead leaves, and checking the acidity of the soil. On the weekends, he repots anyone who has grown too leggy in the week and partakes in more drawn-out care. 

After tending to his plants, Vivien would prefer to tend to his Darling. He is always up for interaction of a sexual nature, and he will kneel for Darling in an instant. There is no one he wants to please and protect more than you.

If Darling is not in the mood, Vivien will be dismayed but he gets over it quickly. He may adjourn to the bathroom to take care of himself, but he will always come out and pull Darling into a giant bear-hug and cuddle them. He watches anime or plays on his phone (or both), until Darling says it is time to turn out the lights at approximately 11. If Darling was not there, Vivien would probably stay up watching anime until the early hours of the morning, forgetting that he has to be back at work at 9.

He loves to cuddle Darling to sleep, stroking their hair, patting their back, massaging gentle circles into their stomach. No matter how tired he is, he always likes to see Darling fall asleep first. He will often tell them silly stories he heard or made up and talk to them long after they’ve fallen asleep. His words can range from how much he loves them to how he would easily kill for them to what he would do if they ever tried to leave.

When he finally falls asleep, Vivien sleeps like a rotisserie chicken, rolling onto all sides and sleeping in all positions. Because of his childhood in foster care, Vivien sleeps pretty lightly. He wakes up anytime someone touches him and sometimes whenever he senses someone is near. This can cause minor problems when he sleeps with Darling, resulting in him waking up several times a night, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

[lynnlovesthestars]

What do you think each companions’ favorite flower would be? Other than Shadowheart’s being night orchid

Ohh, i love this question..

Characters: Astarion, Wyll, Gale, Lae'zel, Karlach, Halsin. (+ minthara, Jaheira and minsc at the end)

Astarion wisteria: he never noticed it grows in the cemetery where he was buried. The night he died and came back to life, the wisteria was not in bloom yet, so he didn't notice, but after the absolute ordeal he came back a few times and in one of them, the wisteria was beautifully in bloom. It was magical to walk underneath the cascading pinks and purples, and in a way it felt like one of Tav's hugs. After seeing it, he finds a book about wisteria in Gale's stack of books, and it took him a second to steal it.

Every time he'd read more about this flower, his interest in it only grew, and along with it, he found himself growing pretty fond of the flower.

He could see himself in the delicate white petals: wisteria has different meanings in each region of Faerun and all of them were, in a way, parts of him.

Longevity, immortality, but also melancholy and a life cut short. It's new beginnings and self-reflection over the past.

♡♡

Wyll likes poppies. Maybe it's the simplicity that catches his eye right away, or maybe the beautiful vibrant colors, nevertheless he makes sure that there's always a pot of poppies at home. He mostly takes care of it, cause he doesn't want to put the responsibility on someone else, but you bet he will water his poppies with a precision worth of the blade of avernus.

His first memory of poppies, he holds it very dear, cause it was one of the last truly happy memories with his father.

Wyll worked with his father briefly before Ulder had to depart for Elturel. They took their horses and traversed along the Chionthar to make sure it would be safe for Ulder and the fists to cross. Tough as they were riding, they stumbled upon a stunning yellow and red poppy field. It reminded them of the flaming fists, of their home, of their mission, but lastly of the sunset that would await them after Elturel was safe. Though they didn't actually say it out loud, they knew Wyll was going to treasure the moment.

♡♡

Lae'zel loves snapdragons. First because they remind her of the might of githyanki's, then because she found them particularly relatable. Snapdragons can survive in the harshest temperatures, just like she was able to endure her whole life being turned upside down.

It's not easy to make her smile genuinely, but if you show up with Snapdragons, she will melt inside. (Though she'd never admit it)

♡♡

Gale likes hyacinths. He's mesmerized by their structure, their colors, their smell. They are just so intriguing. He started growing hyacinths to practice his weave control, but over time he really grew fond of them.

Gale definitely has a name for his pots, and refers to them as his children. One time he was rambling about the flowers, and everyone believed he was a father and forgot to let them know.

"I cannot believe you all" Gale exclaimed, throwing his hands up. "do you think i'd really choose to be stuck here with you, rather than at home with literally my children?!"

"Yes" everyone answered in unison.

♡♡

Karlach LOVES SUNFLOWERS. They just make her smile. She is a naturally outgoing and sunflowers just remind her of herself. Also she spent so long in Avernus, away from the sun, that when she came back to the surface, she followed it like a sunflower.

It wasn't easy to find them near Baldur's Gate, in fact the closest she's ever gotten to one was near Rosymorn monastery. The field was clearly blesses by Lathander, cause those sunflowers were breathtaking, even if she had to see them from her horse.

♡♡

Halsin loved every flower, of course. But one that always made his heart swell was the four o'clock flower. It was something so unique: a flower that would bloom only at dawn. It was like a secret only for those eyes that stayed vigilant in the dark. It was a flower for those lonely souls that couldn't sleep. Although he always had nature by his side, he did feel lonely at the end of the day. Through the decades he had many lovers, but no one could fill that emptiness, and that flower passed unnoticed until everyone went to sleep, just like he would pass unnoticed as he guised as a butterfly.

♡♡

Jaheira peony

Minsc marigold

Minthara black dahlia.

[daughter-of-lethe]

Back to December x Nessian

It's here! You can also read this on AO3:

Short OS full of Nessian fluff, I'm preparing something smutty too...

Nesta Archeron & Cassian

Fluff

Song: Back to December (Taylor Swift)

angsty confession

Nessian - Freeform

Love

they both love eachother

Domestic Fluff

Language:English

Nesta raised her fist to the black door in the marble white corridor, an invisible tug on her wrist kept her from knocking at Cassian's door, the fear of reciving a door slammed on her face was too much, but she knew that if she didn't do this now, she would never, so Nesta took a breath, atrying to focus on everything but the furious beats of her heart, she heard them pulsating in her ears. 

Inhale.

Nothing has changed in the building, that place screamed wealth, from the ushers at the entrance doors, to the pots with the cream-colored orchids on the forniture in that place, same color taken up by the walls. The elevator with an attendant inside who had looked at her blue wool coat in disgust when she had asked him to go to the top floor. As if he had not seen her before. Prick.

Exhale.

With the rhythmic heartbeats on her hear, she read again the card near the knob of her old appartment: Cassian & Nesta Archeron

Inhale.

She had not lived here for six months.

Nothing

She had seen the lights on when she was walking around in that part of the city, and told herself "now or never, I'll go there and I'll talk to him".

 Would he let her speak? Would he listened? Nesta would have understood the chains on his door, after having broken his heart at Christmas Eve and having disappeared from the city, she would not want to see herself, if she were him.

"You're the rock against which the surf crashes, you got this." she muttered to herself the motto of the self-defense course she had devised with Emerie, Gwyn and Cassian. 

Nesta finally knocked, ready for the worst.

A wave of warm air filled with chocolate struck her as soon as the door crack open, revealing a Cassian with only gray pants, messy hair and eyes wide in shock, as if he'd just seen her from the peephole and could not believe that she was outside his door.

"Nesta" Cassian chewed with full mouth, still wrapped in stupor. 

Nesta hesitated as if struck by a vision, how was it possible that in six months he had become sexier? 

Cassian swallowed the biscuit, and Nesta's gaze followed the throat knot in its movement. Realizing the direction of her thoughts Nesta cleared her throat, staigntening her spine.

"Do you mind if I come in for a talk?" 

His gaze went to her hand, mere inches from his mouth, from the chocolate crumbs at the sides of his mouth. Quickly she hid her hand behind her back, feeling her cheek turning red. 

Old habit die hard.

Cassian moved to let her in and as she walked in his-their old living room, Nesta didn't miss the slight shake of his hand when he closed the door.

"Can I offer you something to drink?" he said with courtesy while she stood there like a rigid salt statue, not knowing what to do, she didn't expect to get there, in fact she expected him to kick her out. but... The burden of the words she wanted to scream made her muscles heavier, or was it because she had been waiting in the cold hallway?

"Water is fine" Could he ever want her again? Could they get back together? Nesta found that a negative answer would hurt more than what she thought to.

Nothing has changed, even her books were still spread on the coffe table and some of them were open. On the cupboard near the sofa there were all the framed photos of their moments togheter. A tear escaped her, and she let it run all the way down to her cheek, the nostalgia of when for the first time she felt really happy ache her heart.

There was still the last book she was reading on the small end-table with the lamp - A court of Silver Flames- open, with the white bow bookmark still on the page. Nesta let the heat of the black stoned fireplace releving the numbness of her body while she sat on the couch near the fireplace, taking off her coat.

Cassian sat down on the sofa, after having put a tray with a glass of water, and a lot of chocolate cookies on the coffe table between Nesta and him. He took a sip of his coffee, still looking at her, not knowing what to say. 

"Tell me, how's your family?" Nesta tried to start easy, she just get back in town eager to know.

Cassian did't press her to go to the point, to the motive of her visit, he never did.

"Rhys and Feyre are doing good, they are very busy parenting Nyx, Elain's buisness with the Velaris's greenhouse is going great, she has a lot of requests for weddings and elite parties" Cassian paused for a chocolate biscuit, and Nesta found herself happy to hear about her sisters.  

"We have new members at the defense club" He smiled, knowing that this news would bring her joy.

"New members?" 

"Yes, we have so much of them that I had to drag Azriel to be a trainer"

Nesta smiled, with Emerie and Gwyn she decided to open this course and Cassian was more than glad to be a coach, to be part of something that brought Nesta joy.

"I'm glad to hear this" Nesta didn't miss that he choose not to talk about himself. His guard was up like a shadow darekening his soul, she couldn't stand that look, so she focuses on the pictures instead, her gaze fixed on her favourite one: the pic that shows them kissing on the beach, with the most beautiful sunset in the background, framed by the cliffs.

The memory of that day at the beach, one of the most delightful day of her life. Cassian and her had played beach volley, -he lost- they had swam between the cliffs, Nesta had never build a sandcastle and Cassian was more than glad to put a remedy at this. With the sun kissing his tan skin, he was beautiful in a way that had taken her breath away. 

Nesta never realized how much she missed licking that tan skin, tracing the tattoos with her delicate fingers, making him shiver under her touch. She couldn't help her cheeks heated at the memory of her counting his abs, going down more and more as the Cassian's breath became more and more difficult.

Nesta remembered the cold water splashing around her, the sun burning her skin, Cassian was jumping like a baby with a candy, gesturing at a small dark cave in a hidden stretch of the beach.

"Nes, Nes, come with me" he said, extending his hand, and the smile on his face warmed her heart in a way that had nothing to do with the sun. She took his hand and was lead into the darkness.

"Where are you taking me? " she worried, their breathing and waterdrops falling rhythmically were the only thing she could hear. Cassian's grip on her hand was firm, ready to grab her if she fell, which she almost did on a too smooth rock. "Can we please go back in the light? My hair is sticking to my neck from the humidity in here."

"Please Sweetheart, have some faith in me, we're almost there" Cassian moved with agility around the rocks and the falling water, guiding her throug the most impervious spot. "Look, Nes"

He gestured to a cone of light in front of him, and when Nesta looked, the breath came out of her. Her jaw dropped. 

There was a tree with a thick trunk and broad leaves, full of pink flowers, its roots sinked in a pond that surrounded all the tree. Small drops falling from the high rocks all over the three. It reaked so much quiet that everything in her mind stopped, a sense of pace so similar to her Mind-Stilling exercises.

"See" Cassian said, waving his hands as if to show her every detail of that lovely place "There's always light at the end of the dark tunnel" Nesta smiled at him gaining that lazy smile of him she loved so much, then crossed the pond, not wanting to show him how much those words had stuck with her. A soft carpet of green moss welcomed her feet, Nesta closed her eyes and breathe, feeling connected to that pure nature. The sun's rays gently filtered through an opening in the ceiling, between the stalactites, kissing her skin.

Nesta cracked an eye open to find her date beside her, his face beautiful like this place, there was a spark in those hazel eyes. "What?"

"That look on your face, you seem so paceful, so serene" he purrs in a voice that sent electricity through her veins. He brushed his thumb along her palm "I'd do deplorable things to see that face again, Sweethart". She kissed him deeply, wishing that world-burning feeling with him never end. "Do all of them". 

So Cassian did...

Nesta hold a special place in her heart for that summer, for all the things thay share and did, but it was in the fall, after failing an important exam that Cassian had taken her there again, he tought that she could feel at peace again, that the quiet of that cave would have made her look serene again, it was when he drove her home, his tan skin kissed by the last rays of the autumn sunset. His dark long hair painted with gold,  Cassian was laughing with her, all her shadows and sadness swept away, that she realized she would gladly give up her freedom in order to stay with him forever. To feel that light forever.

"I'm sorry" Nesta said as soon as the memory fade away and reality sunk in "for what happened in December" as the words came out of her mouth, a weight lifted from her heart, Nesta clenched her fingers into fists. "I was scared and I ran away because I was convinced that I didn't deserve a good and kind person like you, well I still am-" Nesta took a sip of the water. 

Cassian made to spoke but she halted him with a hand. He wanted to make Christmas special to her that year, he managed to  to find a limited signed edition of Nesta's favorite book. That night of december he was anticipating the moment he would give her his gift, the delicious expression of surprise on her face imprinted in his heart forever.  But things didn't go that way and he found himself with his heart shattered by her spiteful words.

In the following months, he had written her, millions of times, milions of texts, without reciving any answer,  but Nesta had simply disappeared from the apartment and the city, no one knew what had happened to her, well he suspected that Emerie and Gwyn knew, but if they did not want to talk he would not force them. Until he found her in front of the door that morning.

"When I realized that I was madly in love with you, that I was truly happy for the first time in my life, I felt so scared, as soon as I saw your friends and family, the way they looked at me I knew they disliked me. I started failing in studies and the more I felt sinking the more you were kind, always telling me that everything would be fine, somehow I started thinking that I didn't deserve that kindness, that I was a failiure!"

Cassian's face remained open, his features sad but he would let her finish.

She stood up, getting closer to the fire, needing that warm "I convinced myself that if I left you you'd be happier, I was so overwhelmed by all this that I couldn't take it anymore, so I did broke your heart and mine too, and I ran away, but it turned out I can't live without you" She bit her tongue forcing the words out of her throat "I messed up everything. Your friends were right, I did not deserve you!" Nesta lowered her head, her soul lighter. 

Cassian was beside her in a fragment of a second, enveloping her in a tight hug. Her sobs broke the silence between them like glass that shatter on the floor.

"Nes" His mouth kissed the top of her head before resting his chin over it, whispering her name over and over.

Surprise and confusion muffled her tears "If I could I'd go back to that day and change it I would- I swear...swear I'd turn around and make it alright.." She began to shake with the force of her confession "I'd... turn around and change my own mind" she murmured before letting go and rest her head between his tan neck and tattoed shoulder.

"I missed you, sweetheart, come back home" Cassian held her and Nesta never felt home like that time, realizing again what she had lost, what she wanted so desperately again.

She raised her head, finding his amber gaze lined in silver. "How can you be like this? Letting me in, forgiving me so easily, it-" she forced herself to swallow her emotion "It has been months-"

"I love you Nes, I've loved you from the first moment I saw you and I never stop-I don't want to" Like it was the answer to all her questions, like it was the great solution to everything: love.

"I don't understand, I-I hurt you, I don't deserve your forgivness-"Nesta placed her hands over his chest, letting his heartbeat stabilizing under her soft touch, calming her too, while all her fears were swept away by that melody, her favourite.

"You'll never find chain on my door" He kissed her forehead before adding "I've suffered because you were suffering, and I wasn't able to get you to talk to me, now that I know I can assure you that nobody's opinion can separate me from you" his gaze softened, but remained clear to her, "My love for you is stronger than time, than space, stronger than everything-" Cassian shook his head, his voice a whisper in this throat, and Nesta moved her hands up, brushing away the tears that had begun to fall on his cheeks "None of them hate you, and if they do, what's the deal? I don't care, I love you and that's all that matters" Cassian placed another kiss on her forehead "I do not want to hear that you think yourself unworthy of love, Nes" he manages to say, this words too important to let them unspoke "You are worthy of everything good in this world. You are worthy to be loved, Nes." Nesta smiled. Something crucial settled inside her.

Everything was going to be alright.

Both their hearts beated with one voice, a symphony only they could play, Nesta kissed him and felt as if life was blossoming again after a long and harsh winter. Cassian broke the kiss and smiled to her, holding her tight. "Welcome back home, my love"

[sarahgrows]

New leaves coming in some Philodendrons!

My Moonlight is pushing out a new leaf that I am super excited about. She really is pretty. My bb white princess is pushing out another leaf quickly, and looks like a little variegation will be present at least. She is growing up so nicely! My White Knight is also showing up. Not pictured is my Birkin that is performing as well. I finally got the Black Cardinal lead that I'm pretty sure has been stuck since I bought her, out. Similar to the last leaf in my McColley's Finale, I doubt it will unravel at all after being stuck for so long and if it does there will be damage. I'm just thankful that hopefully she can now progress!

QUESTION: Does anyone have any advice on bottom watering? I've been trying to go strictly to that as I have gotten my gnat issue back under control and I would just like to try something different. I feel like whenever I do it though, I often don't see the food go all the way or near the top of the soil. In some cases it doesn't look more than halfway, and this will be after an hour even. Does my substrate not have enough soil in it (I mix orchid bark, soil, and perlite, not measured but a visual 1:1:1)? Does bottom feeding require a cord or whatever like in self feeding pots and/or Leca? Thanks in advance!

[nnnnobodyy]

FYI the drainage dish for a pot should be as wide as the top of the pot. Lots of pots these days come with tiny undersized trays attached. These are plant killers. Fuck those stupidass "self watering" pots too. Most of then are designed to where water sits in the tray but you cant tell because you literally cant see it, and if you dont periodically remove the tiny tray at the bottom (which is a bitch and a half to do and will likely result in gross water getting spilled everywhere), then its really easy to water your plant without realizing its already sitting in soggy soil with even more water sitting in the tray, resulting in your plant dying of root rot.

Unglazed terracotta pots are good for succulents/low water plants/plants that like to dry out between waterings.

Plastic pots are totally fine for indoor plants and ideal for plants that need to be able to keep moisture in the soil, but can get sun-rot pretty quickly if used outdoors.

Glazed ceramic is good but its the hardest to find appropriately sized, unattached trays for this kind of pot.

Another gift idea is a humidifier if you know the person has more tropical plants or epiphytes (like orchids and bromeliads).

A cute mister spray bottle is another idea, or a macrame hanger for putting up a plant.

If theyre anything like me, really want they want are friends who are competent plant care-takers that they can hawk their extra plants onto without feeling guilty about sending the plant to its inevitable death at the hands of an incompetent person.

TIP:

This holiday season, if you know someone who likes house plants,

DON'T

get them a houseplant. DO NOT.

instead, get them a NICE, MEDIUM-LARGE, AESTHETIC, BOTTOM-DRAINING, INDOOR

POT.

that is what they want. that is what they dream of. ok? thats what will be most useful and appreciated. in fact, if you can, get them a CUTE MATCHING SET. OF POTS!!!! NOT PLANTS, POTS!!!!!!!!

they may be more excited initially about the plant. that is true. but a pot is a gift that they will go home and use to upsize one of their already beloved houseplants, and every time they look at it they will remember how much they appreciate you.

HOUSEPLANT:

- they already have so many

- needs to be watered

- takes up window space

- comes in a pot thats already too small, needs to be upsized, costing money

- can die

AESTHETIC POT

- lets them care for an existing plant they own

- they will be grateful every time they see it in their home

- does not take up window space not already occupied by a plant

- can be wrapped without dying or spilling dirt everywhere

[bagiyaa]

How Self-Watering Planters Make Gardening Easier and More Efficient

If you’re a plant lover, you know how important consistent watering is to keep your plants thriving. However, with busy schedules or frequent travel, ensuring your plants receive the right amount of water can be a challenge. This is where self-watering pots come in. These innovative containers make plant care easier, offering a practical and effective way to keep your plants hydrated without constant attention.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about self-watering planters, the benefits of self-watering plant pots, and how they work to help your plants grow healthier with less effort.

What Are Self-Watering Pots?

Self-watering pots are specialized containers designed to automatically provide water to your plants. They come with an integrated system that allows the plant to absorb moisture as needed, reducing the risk of under-watering or over-watering. This makes them an excellent choice for busy individuals or anyone who struggles with maintaining a consistent watering schedule.

Typically, self-watering pots consist of two main parts: the pot itself and a reservoir at the bottom. The soil in the pot wicks water up from the reservoir, delivering moisture to the plant’s roots over time. This system ensures that the plant has access to water when it needs it, while also reducing the frequency of watering.

Benefits of Self-Watering Planters

Consistent Watering: One of the most significant advantages of self-watering planters is that they help maintain a consistent water supply for your plants. This is crucial for plants that are sensitive to fluctuations in moisture levels.

Reduced Watering Frequency: With self-watering plant pots, you can water less frequently. The reservoir stores extra water, allowing your plants to absorb moisture gradually over time. This is particularly helpful for those who travel or have a busy lifestyle.

Water Conservation: Since water is delivered to the plant roots more efficiently, self-watering pots help minimize waste. Excess water is absorbed by the soil, and the plant only takes what it needs, making them more eco-friendly compared to traditional watering methods.

Healthier Plants: Over-watering can be harmful to plants, leading to root rot and other issues. With a water pot for plants that self-regulates moisture, you reduce the risk of over-watering, ensuring your plants thrive and grow stronger.

How Do Self-Watering Plant Pots Work?

Self-watering pots are designed with a built-in reservoir at the bottom of the pot that stores water. These pots typically feature a capillary action system, where the soil draws up water from the reservoir as needed.

Here’s a breakdown of how the system works:

Water Reservoir: The bottom of the pot contains a reservoir where water is stored. Depending on the size of the pot, the reservoir can hold a significant amount of water, allowing your plants to be watered for longer periods.

Capillary Action: The soil in the pot is connected to the reservoir through a wick or a similar system. The moisture from the reservoir moves upward through the soil, ensuring the plant roots receive consistent hydration.

Water Level Indicator: Many self-watering plant pots come with a water level indicator, allowing you to easily check when the reservoir needs to be refilled. This eliminates the guesswork from watering, making plant care even more straightforward.

Types of Self-Watering Pots

Indoor Self-Watering Pots: Perfect for houseplants, indoor self-watering pots are designed to maintain consistent moisture levels for indoor plants like orchids, ferns, or succulents. These pots are often made from lightweight materials such as plastic, which helps in easy movement and maintenance.

Outdoor Self-Watering Planters: These larger planters are ideal for outdoor gardens or patios. They come with ample space for plants and are designed to withstand outdoor elements. Materials like ceramic or resin are commonly used to ensure durability while still providing the self-watering functionality.

Hanging Self-Watering Pots: Great for balconies or hanging gardens, these pots combine the convenience of self-watering with space-saving designs. They’re perfect for flowers, herbs, and even small vegetables.

Choosing the Right Self-Watering Pot for Your Plants

When selecting a self-watering plant pot, consider the following:

Plant Type: Different plants have different water requirements. For instance, succulents and cacti prefer to dry out between waterings, while tropical plants like to stay consistently moist. Choose a pot that suits the specific needs of your plants.

Size of the Pot: Larger pots are better for plants with extensive root systems, such as shrubs or small trees. Smaller pots work well for herbs, flowers, and houseplants.

Material: Self-watering pots come in a variety of materials, including plastic, ceramic, and fiberglass. Plastic pots tend to be lightweight and affordable, while ceramic pots offer a more decorative look. Consider the aesthetics of your home or garden when making a choice.

Final Thoughts: Why Use a Self-Watering Pot?

Self-watering pots offer a practical, low-maintenance solution for keeping your plants healthy and hydrated. Whether you're a busy professional, a frequent traveler, or simply want to reduce the time spent watering, self-watering planters can make plant care much easier. From self-watering plant pots for houseplants to water pots for plants in outdoor gardens, these pots are a smart choice for any gardener.

By choosing the right self-watering pot for your needs, you can ensure your plants receive consistent moisture, leading to healthier, more vibrant growth. Plus, you’ll save time, water, and effort, making gardening a more enjoyable experience. So, if you’re looking for a convenient way to keep your plants happy, self-watering pots are definitely worth considering!

[naturecoaster]

Pasco Master Gardeners 365 Festival and Plant Sale Oct 5

Grow your gardening skills with the masters!  Join UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service for our 8th annual Pasco Master Gardener Volunteers Gardening 365 Festival & Plant Sale on Saturday, October 5, 2024.  The FREE event includes a large selection of plants, seminars, educational resources and “Florida-Friendly” gardening information.  Pasco Master Gardener Volunteers Gardening 365 Festival & Plant Sale Oct. 5 in Wesley Chapel WHAT:           Gardening 365 Festival & Plant Sale WHEN:          Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Rain or Shine WHERE:       Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel, FL                  This event includes a variety of educational seminars: - Self-Watering Pails - Herbs - Pollinator Garden in a Pot - Container Gardening - Terrariums - Hydroponic Gardening - Vegetable Gardening - Orchids Educational booths and hands-on activities for children will be available.  Certified service animals only. For more information, visit: mypas.co/FestivalPlantSale Read the full article

[floraldecorimports22]

Indoor Ceramic Pots

Looking after a plant in a ceramic pot is quicker and simpler than dealing with a whole border. This is a particularly helpful aspect of container gardening in winter, whenever you may prefer not to linger outdoors. If you’re brief on time, focusing your efforts on container crops can let you quickly create a beautiful show that doesn’t take hours to look after. If your winter garden is in need of a carry, rising winter flowering crops in pots is a straightforward and comparatively low-cost way to create color and curiosity - ceramic planters manufacturers.

Catastrophe if constructed haphazardly, however, it may additionally be a murals if you have an eye for elaborate arrangements and a creative flair. You will need some tall and skinny flowers, some wider, bushier species, and even a border of trailing flowers or flowering vines to tie the whole thing together. For something elegant and understated, this glazed ceramic planter from our online site is our choice. It's available in several colors but hurry, as some shades are bought out. This pretty cement indoor planter is roofed with a beautiful, intricate daisy print. It could be purchased by itself or with a choice of up to three pet pot hangers - pottery manufacturers near me.

This massive plant pot, with its contrasting green and white striped design, has small feet to lift it from the bottom. This cobalt blue colorway is a real sight to behold, including a burst of color to any home. To assist you in deciding the proper indoor plant pot on your wants, we've broken down some of the execs and cons of the commonest supplies on provide.

The price of ceramic pots can vary from expensive to budget supermarket buys. Hanging planters made from wire with moss liners are available pre-planted, with vegetation growing via the moss for a pleasant, full look. They are not waterproof, so use them outdoors solely where water drainage just isn't a difficulty. Ceramic pots are perfect for plants that want plenty of air around their roots. These planters have extra holes that permit the orchids to breathe. If you'll find a way to water as typically as needed, a self-watering pot may be the best flower pot for your needs. If you prefer, use drip irrigation equipment to water your pots and planters. For more information, please visit our site https://floraldecorimports.com

[monstercollection]

I don’t drink anymore but I still like making myself fancy beverages. Making a cocktail was a big part of my evening self care, and I’ve substituted that with making the most fancy-ass non-alcoholic beverages possible. If you want to get a little extravagant, these are some of my favorite options:

-flavored syrups. Grenadine is the most common but there is a wide variety that you can find at the grocery store. If you’re really ambitious you can make your own by infusing a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water with fruit, dried herbs or even herbal teas. I’ve made chai tea syrup that came out really well.

-acid-reactive juices. A lot of blue beverages turn pink or purple when you add citrus, including some blue raspberry syrups. If you want to look like a bartending wizard this is really fun.

-edible flowers. I got the idea from a restaurant that put edible orchids in their cocktails. Roses are edible as long as they aren’t treated with any kind of chemical, as are violets. I grow a lot of day lilies and love using those.

-Cocktail Bitters. If you don’t want your mocktail to be too sweet and want to simulate a more complex cocktail, add some Angostura or citrus bitters.

-start with plain seltzer and customize. You can make something subtle or make your own unique soda with a combo of fruit juice, syrups or bitters. I have a soda stream but I never buy their syrups because I like flavored simple syrups better.

-fancy store-bought sodas. A bottle of blood orange soda or a pack of ginger beer is still usually less expensive than the same quantity of alcoholic beverages, so I usually justify the price that way. There is also a sort of nostalgia factor to pulling out something like IBC root beer at a party.

-adjacent to this: fancy lemonades. Things like rose and elderflower lemonade have become more easily available where I live. I used to be really into cocktails made with St. Germain so finding elderflower lemonade kind of scratches that itch for me.

-Make a big pitcher of a frozen cocktail mix and serve the alcohol on the side so some people can add it and others can drink it virgin.

Autumn Bonus drink:

Hot mulled cider. So cider is a bit different in the US, especially in New England. It’s a thick kind of unfiltered apple juice, and you can get it fresh-pressed in the fall. It’s non-alcoholic. We call what Europeans would typically think of as cider “hard cider” to specify that it has alcohol. (I remember a whole thread of people from both sides of the pond who were absolutely shocked by this).

Throw some cider in a pot with your favorite fall spices and some sliced oranges and warm it up. You can keep a bottle of rum on the side for people who want it but leave the base cider plain.

Okay no legitimate suggestion for people who like. Host parties.

If someone at the party is not drinking, for any reason, and they get like. A soda or something?

Garnish it.

It’s fun. It like, upgrades it and eliminates at least some of the “everyone is drinking pretty drinks and I have a lame soda” thing. It looks nice. And especially like, a citrus peel twist- you can express those oils and it give the drink a smell that I associate with cocktails without the alcohol.

My friends did this in college with like. They would make ALL the drinks colorful and fun to eliminate any judgement or pressure around drinking alcohol, because everyone had something that looked cool. The regular punch was just as chock full of candy and fruit as the alcoholic punch.

[frozenmoonshine]

Dossier 1:

Flowers of the Ash Valley

How can a simple, common gentian ever compare to the extravangant beauty and exotic appeal of an orchid?

Both flowers grew in the grey, lifeless, unrelenting environment, hostile to beauty and delicacy that only a flower could posses. And yet, a stubborn seed of an orchid found its way to this wasteland, carried by the winds of life, and settled, sprouted, and rooted deeply in the soil. Not long after, a gentian seed found itself growing in the same manner next to the orchid. But the orchid was already bigger, stronger, and better adjusted, having already got all the best rays of sunlight, and now boasting its vibrant bloom. Meanwhile, no matter how hard the modest gentian struggled to keep up, it could never grow as big and pretty, and it could never attract the attention its older counterpart would.

People would occasionally pass by the Ash Valley, and some of them would notice two solitary little flowers blooming on their own in the middle of nothing but chaos and carnage, but they would always exclaim: "Oh, look, there's an orchid growing in the cinder pit!", and only once in a long while someone would notice and point to the gentian: "But what are those small blue flowers behind it?"

Gentian dreamed of living carefree in a forest on a hill somewhere, where it could get all the sunlight and all the spotlight it yearned for; where the violet-blue of its flowers would stand out surrounded by the earthy greens and browns of grass, moss, and tree bark.

Orchid, on the other hand, lived for those moments of attention, and strived to bloom as pretty as it could, and to show itself as best as it could, often hoping that someone would dig it out and relocate it in a fancy, decorative garden somewhere. Hell, even a luxurious pot in a flower shop would have been fine, as long as there would be people to admire its lavish, but delicate, purple-pink flowers.

But what the flowers instinctively felt and subconsciously knew, even though they refused to openly acknowledge, was this tiny little biological phenomenon that happened under the soil surface. They needed each other to survive, not only by sharing the misfortune of their circumstances, and protecting each other's backs. Their roots had conjoined and fused into one over time, meaning that to pick either of them without the other would be a definitive end for both!

The toxic environment made them toughen up and evolve into dangerous, poisonous plants, co-dependent on each other, and yet, self-sufficient. Is it the superiority complex over the common weeds, due to being the only flowers in the cinder pit? Is it the outcome of the circumstances in which they are forced to rely on and help each other for survival? Doesn't matter. Regardless of their individual differences, the gentian will always support the orchid, and the orchid will always protect the gentian.

It could be the rumors of their brutality spreading through the underground circles. It could be the gossip among the host ladies in the most exclusive nightclubs about their charm, riches, and charisma. Or it could be the tire tracks on the heated asphalt and dried blood on the dusty concrete. Who could tell for sure? They keep their loyalties only to one another, just sharing nutrients, water, and impulses through their common roots. Nothing else truly matters. The whole of Tokyo already knows their names, anyway.

[gurukulabotanicalsanctuary]

A botanist’s paradise 

Guest Post by Abu Hang Samuel.

Editor's note: At Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary we receive many visitors who are botanists or botanically inclined, but it is rare to receive a young botanist who is self taught and passionate about conservation and plant taxonomy, especially one who has written a book by the age of 19 and contributed to the conservation of plants of a region. One such young man turned up a few months ago, referred to us by a mutual friend who'd been a student on one of our long-term courses many years ago. Struck instantly by the depth of his knowledge and interest, we set him on a little project to list the wild orchid species on the land, and along a forest trail, and also to check for errors in our own labelling system. He did all three with quiet grace and tenacity. We also asked him to write a blog post. He did this also with the same quiet grace, and quickly. Here it is. Please meet orchids and other species of plants (and also animals) through the words, drawings and photos of Abu Hang Samuel, the young naturalist who visited Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary earlier this year.

***

My trip to the sanctuary, albeit brief, was filled with exciting finds from the moment I stepped through the plant themed gates at the entrance.

My goal for the trip was simple: to see as many orchids as I could. I was very graciously familiarised with the place, and being an orchid enthusiast, I quickly made my way towards the orchidarium. Although my visit was in winter, not the best time for orchid blooms,with such a large collection of orchids, there were bound to be some flowering. Some of my favourites were Western Ghats endemics like Dendrobium jerdonianum and Bulbophyllum indicum, the former with its bright orange flowers and the latter with its large solitary, balloon-like inflorescence. I am very happy that these species are being cultivated there, which safeguards their future. I spent my time going through the rows of mounted and potted orchids, practising my drawing skills and making illustrations of species that were in flower. 

I had the good fortune of accompanying some school students who have been regulars at the sanctuary on a walk into the surrounding reserve forests. We were accompanied by the local guides, the guardians of these forests if you will, who took us through some beautiful forests of Syzygiums, giant Ironwood, massive Ficus and a variety of other trees. I am not well informed about trees, so I walked along with the students, who, impressively, could identify every tree. 

We walked through the forests, thickets, marshes, crossed streams and rivers to reach a beautiful strangler fig, which the others had a great time climbing. During this walk, I documented an epiphytic orchid, Bulbophyllum stocksii in bloom, which was a great find. The highlight of that day was a very special arthropod. I was taking a break with the guides when a hollow in a nearby tree trunk caught my eye. Hoping for a tree frog, I peered into the dark and moved a few dead leaves. To my astonishment, I found a shed crab exoskeleton, and looking closer with the torch from my phone, I spotted a small purple crab with unusually long legs. This was an arboreal crab, Kani maranjandu, the only species in the genus which lives solely in such tree holes, more technically, phytotelmata which can be defined as small water filled cavities in terrestrial plants like tank bromeliads or tree hollows. The life cycle of this species is completed in an arboreal setting, on and inside trees, never descending to the ground or migrating to water bodies or places where you’d normally find crabs. It was only described in 2017. I was ecstatic about this find and immediately started photographing, which took some manoeuvring to get the right frames and lighting, before the crab quickly buried itself. I replaced the dead leaves inside after I was done and bid farewell to this rare crustacean I was lucky to have found.

A familiar species I found in bloom with bright purple and yellow flowers was Christisonia tubulosa, a root parasite from the family Orobanchaceae, one I had seen six years back on a trip to Idukki (a trip also to see orchids). 

On another forest walk, this time with the local guides Mr. Sajji and company, we went to a beautiful stream and through some forests looking for orchids. We didn’t find many in terms of epiphytic species, but as we were heading back through a stand of young saplings shadowed by giant trees nearby, I spotted a slender pale stalk near the path by the base of a tree root. Bending down, I immediately recognised it as Epipogium roseum, better known as a ghost orchid because of its characteristics of having no chlorophyll, being completely dependent on mycorrhizal fungi for nutrition, along with its pale appearance and ephemeral flowering habit, with flowers barely lasting for a day or two at most. This was another species on my orchid bucket list I wanted to document in the wild. I had never expected to stumble upon it on my first visit to Gurukula! This just goes to show the diversity in the surrounding forests.

We finally headed back out of the forest. On the way back, I found another terrestrial orchid in bloom, this time a more familiar species, Cymbidium ensifolium, of which I also got some great photos. While I was photographing the Cymbidium, I noticed a dark stalk sticking out of the ground. I quickly realised it was another myco-heterotrophic orchid, Aphyllorchis montana, which unfortunately had finished flowering and now bore seed pods in development. 

Besides my focus on orchids, the evenings and early mornings brought out some rather adorable denizens of the region; frogs. I stumbled upon four species. The first was the golden frog (Hylarana aurantiaca) which hung out on bromeliads and water lily pads. They were quite patient with my attempts to photograph them and let me get some great shots.

The next character was a tiny one; the glandular bush frog (Raorchestes glandulosus) which I found on an orchid I was examining. It kept jumping around before finally settling down on a leaf where I got some not so great shots. I found another species of bush frog (Raorchestes anili) which was sitting on the doorframe of a restroom. I carefully took it outside, took some photos, and let it go. The final frog was from the genus Micrixalus, commonly called torrent frogs or dancing frogs, as the males of some species have an elaborate dance like flexing and flicking of their hind limbs in a show of territory or to attract a mate. The one I found was a small, dark individual that sat calmly on a rock while I pointed my giant camera setup with flashes at it. Got some decent photos, but the rock it was sitting on didn't prove to be the best looking background and couldn’t bring out the best of the frogs' details. 

Other herpetofauna I found were a couple of lizards, namely a few individuals of Elliot’s forest lizard (Monilesaurus elliotii) and some lovely southern flying lizards (Draco dussumieri) which was a species I had wanted to see for quite some time. I also saw a beautiful cobra (Naja sp.) and a common rat snake (Ptyas mucosa) both of which slithered away at mach speed, much to my disappointment.

On the final day of my visit I went on another walk through the sanctuary’s nearby land. It is currently being restored, so it is largely left alone for natural regeneration with some planting here and there. Again, I went to look for orchids, and we did find a few, mostly seedlings of Pholidota and quite a few specimens of an Oberonia sp. which was really nice to see. It was really heartening to see the native flora slowly replacing the monocultures of tea and rubber that once covered these hills. During this walk, my guide Mr Jaimon spotted an amazing Balanophora fungosa subsp. indica just coming into flower, a species that parasitises tree roots. They are a very odd group of plants that lack chlorophyll, with peculiar floral morphologies that make them resemble mushrooms, which they are commonly mistaken for. I got some great photos of it, which brings up the number of Balanophora I've seen in the wild up to a measly 3 species. I hope I can bump up those numbers, maybe even get to see all the twenty three species currently accepted. Maybe too ambitious, but maybe not. 

I had been meaning to visit the sanctuary ever since I first learned of it, and now that I have, it lived up to my expectations and then some. I really want to visit during the monsoon, when both flora and fauna are at their best. I will be back, in pursuit of more orchids. 

Until then,

Abu Hang Samuel. 

Checklist of Orchids

E: Epiphytic

C: Climber

T: Terrestrial

H: Myco-heterotrophic

Forest species

Acanthephippium sp. ……………….T

Aphyllorchis montana ……………….H

Bulbophyllum stocksii ……………….E

Calanthe sp. ……………….T

Cymbidium ensifolium ……………….T

Epipogium roseum ……………….H

Gastrochilus sp. ……………….E

Liparis viridiflora ……………….E

Luisia sp. ……………….E

Oberonia ……………….E

Pholidota sp. ……………….E

Podochilus sp. (possibly P. malabaricus) ……………….E

Thrixspermum sp.……………….E

Tropidia sp.………………. T

Vanilla sp. ……………….C

Garden species: (Naturally occurring and planted species on trees included)

Aerides sp. ……………….E

Bulbophyllum sterile ……………….E

Bulbophyllum stocksii ……………….E

Bulbophyllum xylophyllum ……………….E

Calanthe sp. ……………….E

Cleisostoma tenuifolium ……………….E

Coelogyne sp. ……………….E

Cottonia peduncularis ……………….E

Cymbidium aloifolium ……………….E

Cleisocentron pallens ……………….E

Dendrobium crepidatum ……………….E

Dendrobium herbaceum ……………….E

Dendrobium panduratum ………………. E

Dendrobium macrostachyum ……………….E

Dendrobium moschatum? ……………….E

Dendrobium ovatum ……………….E

Dendrobium sp. (salaccense?) ……………….E

Diplocentrum sp. ……………….E

Eria sp. ……………….E

Gastrochilus sp.………………. E

Liparis elliptica ……………….E

Liparis viridiflora ……………….E

Luisia sp. ……………….E

Oberonia sp. (Pendulous, fan shaped leaves) ……………….E

Oberonia sp. (Dark coloured, blade like leaves) ……………….E

Oberonia sp. (Pendulous, long narrow leaves) ……………….E

Pholidota sp. ……………….E

Papilionanthe sp. ……………….E

Podochilus sp. (cultratus?) ……………….E

Porpax sp. ……………….E

Rhynchostylis retusa  ……………….E

Robiquetia sp. ……………….E

Taprobanea spathulata  ……………….E

Trichoglottis sp. ……………….E

Vanda sp. (Either V. wightii or V. thwaitesii) ……………….E

Vanilla sp. ……………….C

Xenikophyton smeeanum………………. E

Zeuxine gracilis (Accidental epiphyte and terrestrial growing amongst other ornamental plants) ……………….T

GBS land species 

Acanthephippium sp. ……………….E

Aerides sp. ……………….E

Bulbophyllum sterile ……………….E

Cymbidium sp. ……………….E

Dendrobium sp. (possibly D. macrostachyum) ……………….E

Dendrobium sp. (Dark red stems enclosed in sheaths, possibly D. heyneanum) ……………….E

Gastrochilus sp. ……………….E

Hetaeria oblongifolia ……………….T

Liparis viridiflora ……………….E

Luisia sp. ………………E

Oberonia sp. (brachyphylla?) ……………….E

Oberonia sp. (Long pendulous leaves) ……………….E

Phalaenopsis sp. ……………….E

Pholidota sp. ……………….E

Smithsonia sp. ……………….E

Tainia sp. ……………….T

Zeuxine gracilis ……………….T

[bumblebeerror]

OH YEA. I DIDNT SHOW YOU THE BABIES

The rose for me mum :D I spent a solid 20 min picking it out. I will have to check her roots and clean her up a lil bit later, she’s got some crushed leaves and such. But first I need to take a benedryl because touching her makes my skin get mad. Plus, I have plans to pop out to goodwill and see if I can’t get her a larger decorative pot. She’ll outgrow this one soon enough

And you can see why I was forced to buy an orchid. Look at her. Look at her. She’s fucking gorgeous

I’ve already changed out her substrate and clipped her icky roots because she was Bone Dry when I brought her home, and her remaining healthy roots are GORGEOUS. Just look at that green aerial root. Just. Mwah.

Speaking of roots:

This guy is refusing to make new ones at any pace, but he seems pretty happy. I set him up right over the fishtank’s bubbler so that he stays well-watered and humidified. I did end up clipping off his flower spikes, because he was bound and determined to give those things all the water he managed to suck up with his 2.5 root nubbins. They were STILL FLOWERING as his leaves started drying up. I’m convinced it’s not that orchids are really that hard to care for and that instead it’s that orchids are ready to self destruct at every opportunity. The actual care is easy, it’s the having to keep an eye on the thing

I am a weak willed man. I meant to buy me mum a mini rose bc she always lingers on them and I ended up with a tiny orchid as well,,,

[gidimarket1]

Order Online Self-Watering Orchid Pot

A self-watering pot is the best to supply constant moisture to the roots of a plant automatically through a wick by drawing water up from a reservoir to the medium. Connect us now if you want to plant decorative plants in a self-watering orchid pot!

[thestonelady]

Dude I’m sorry I hate statistics homework too 😕

But I’m glad your doing good! I hope school gets better for you and you get to do stuff you enjoy more! 😋 and Oh My Gosh! Belo is so cute! 💙 such a handsome boy🤗 Cats just do what they want to huh? 🤣

Cinder is good, she’s just her mischievous self 😂 she likes to try to steal things from me when she thinks I’m not looking, caught her trying to pull papers from my binder once. As for the fishies they are growing, the pleco has either befriended the goldfish and koi or he’s decided he doesn’t have to fear them anymore and can now steal their food. 🤣

I've been doing great other than school. At risk of talking you to death I’m excited that I found plants I can grow without killing (cacti and succulents) 🤣 before my aloe plant was my only survivor after various flowers over the years 😅 I think it was a mix of overwatering (I fixed that this time, with a weekly timer and pots with drainage + reduced watering) as well as sunburn the sunlight is so direct and hot where I am that I’ve lost orchids and even (surprisingly) a hybiscus to sunburn. But my succulents and cacti seem to love my house and the grow light. I even bought a neglected Golden tower cactus and got brought it back and I’ve managed to get two of my succulents to start to flower. I was freaking out over the rose tipped because the bud growth was flipped over but I found out that’s just from the flower bud weight. (Sorry for the ramble)

Hi again! 🤗

Firstly, thank you, I hope the same for you 💕

Secondly, yes, cats do whatever they want 😂

LOL Cinder, the cutest little thief in the world 😍 Irene (Sins of London MC) would be proud 🤭

And ofc the fishies 🥰 soooo prettyyy

Glad you found plants that you can grow without killing them 😅 I myself currently have this one:

It's a pumpkin 😅 and it's for Botany class. Tho it's not the first time I am growing a pumpkin! As a kid I once raised one and it had the biggest 🎃 in the entire garden 😅

Your cacti/succulents look great! RIP to the orchids and hibiscus tho 😅

Don't apologise for rambling! I am glad to hear from you 🤗

Thank you for the ask and feel free to send more! 💙💜

[vannahfanfics]

The Intricacies of Human Interaction

Category: Friendship Fluff

Fandom: Kingdom Hearts

Characters: Naminé & Xion

Hello, everyone! I am super happy to present my piece for Fading Tides: A NamiXi Zine! 

Naminé’s brows were furrowed as she stared intently at the pair of teenage girls seated at the bistro. Her pencil glided across the paper to record their debonair poses— legs crossed primly in the wrought iron chairs, hair cascading over slim shoulders borne to the open air by halter-tops, hands waving dramatically as giggles and exaggerated “nooooooo’s” and “stoooooop’s” and “shut up’s” joined the pleasant jazz music drifting through the air. The lead sketched their giddy smiles and bright eyes onto the white paper. Naminé’s hand faltered as her mind became engrossed in something other than drawing. 

Is this what normal girls do?

Naminé was still coming to grips with being a normal person. As a Nobody, emotions had been a convoluted phenomenon to her. Even after gaining a heart and a body all her own, she could not navigate feelings she had never understood. She’d managed to comprehend the basics— happiness and sadness and the like— but integrating them to perform as a functional human being was still something she had yet to master. The intricacies of human interaction still perplexed her. 

She wondered what had those girls so insouciant. Surely, just chatting about everyday comings and goings couldn’t be that entertaining? From the snippets of conversation that she caught floating on the air, that seemed to be exactly the case. Naminé’s illustration was all but forgotten as she leaned in close, trying to drink in more of their chit-chat— as if she could osmose the ability to frivolously converse. 

“Hey, Naminé. What are you doing?” 

The blonde jerked back into her chair and glanced over at the speaker, a pink flush of embarrassment flooding her cheeks. Xion blinked blankly at her, making Naminé squirm uncomfortably. She felt almost as if she’d been caught doing something wrong, but that was silly… wasn’t it?

Xion’s eyes drifted slowly to the girls at the table, who were cackling and slapping the surface as they watched a video on one of their phones.

“You’re wondering how they do it so easily, aren’t you?” Xion smiled in amusement when she looked back at her. 

Naminé sunk down in the chair, idly playing with one of her colored pencils. The look of discomfort she wore was all the answer Xion needed. 

“I get it. I’m still not really used to it either, after spending so long without emotions or understanding them all that much,” Xion shrugged empathetically. 

Naminé deflated in relief. At least she doesn’t think me silly… she thought with a teeny smile. After a second, she straightened up and looked back to the other girls. They had finished their cake and coffee and were rising elegantly from the table, cheeks still rosy with mirth and a gleam in their eyes that she envied so much. She wondered if her eyes would ever glimmer like that, or if they’d just remain flat and uncertain, relics of her troubled past she could never polish. 

“Anyway, look what I came across,” Xion said. 

Naminé looked back with inquisitive eyes as Xion set a colorful flyer down on the table. It depicted a jovial girl lounging in a claw-footed bathtub filled to the brim with bright cotton-candy pink bubbles. Her head was tipped back with her hair piled into a towel upon her head, and cucumber slices rested over her eyes. Naminé found herself drawn to the young woman’s serene smile, the effortless contentment that she just never could capture herself.

“It’s an advert for a local spa,” Xion explained, tapping the address outlined in white font at the bottom of the page. “I was thinking maybe you’d like to go with me.” 

Naminé looked up at Xion in surprise, then back down to the advert. She tucked it into her sketchbook with a smile, and then stood up with an eager nod. 

“Yes! Let’s do it!” 

As she and Xion followed the street signs of Traverse Town to the spa, Naminé found excitement bubbling up in her belly. Olette had talked frequently of the luxurious fun of spa days and self-care, meaning that these were the kinds of things normal girls did. Perhaps, if she and Xion partook in the activity, they could become a little more in touch with the emotions that eluded them. She and Xion had abounces in their steps as they strolled down the cobblestone streets, both repeatedly looking at each other in anticipation. 

The spa was tucked away in the corner of the business district, surrounded by a white picket fence enclosing a garden of aromatic herbs and flowers. Blooms spilled over flower boxes nestled in the windowsills of open windows, where white curtains fluttered in the breeze. A tinkling bell signaled their cautious arrival through the front door; they meekly walked into a tiled room with gray sofas accented with soft-looking throws and polished coffee tables. The attendant at the counter greeted them pleasantly. Xion, the more sociable of the pair, approached her to book their appointment for the day. 

As Xion conversed with the attendant, Naminé inspected some potted orchids resting on a side table. They were gorgeous, white petals that faded into lavender toward the pollen center and emerald blade-like leaves framing the thin stem. She couldn’t help but flip open her sketchbook and color the flowers onto the page, and make a little note in the corner stating that it was her first time at the spa. 

She jumped violently as someone put a hand on her shoulder. 

“Hey! They’re ready for us to go back,” Xion smiled. Her blue eyes dropped down to the orchids colored onto the paper, and her smile widened. “Keeping a memento, huh?” 

As Naminé closed her sketchbook, she nodded. As nice as memories are, she always liked to have something physical to remind her, too. After all… Sometimes memories weren’t as reliable as she would like. 

Another attendant led them back to a room of small lockers, where she and Xion stored their belongings and changed into a pair of fluffy baby-blue robes. Naminé smiled as she breathed in the rose petal aroma that clung to the incredibly soft fibers, feeling a sense of calm flood through her being. Xion giggled and spun around in the robe, laughing when the straps slapped Naminé in the thigh. 

When the attendant happened upon them, they were slapping each other with the robe straps. The two girls hurriedly composed themselves, smoothing their disarrayed strands of hair with bashful smiles, as they were escorted further into the building. 

“Okay, ladies,” the spa worker chirped as they came into another tiled room with a couple of bathtubs, some fresh towels, and luxury soaps. “You can fill these tubs at your leisure and use any of the products in here! In about forty-five minutes, we’ll collect you for your massages.” 

“You booked us massages?” Naminé gasped in disbelief as the attendant sashayed off. Xion winked and stuck out the tip of her tongue as she waltzed over to one of the tubs to flip on the tap. Clear water gushed from the silver spout, and she poured a bottle of bubble bath that looked like raspberry syrup into the stream. Naminé wrinkled her nose as the pleasant scent of wildberries and vanilla began to waft through the air. 

“I wanted us to get the full experience!” Xion explained as she inspected the various products in linen-lined baskets resting on nearby plush stools and vanities. She dropped some flower petals into the water, as well as some pink bath salts, before looking animatedly at her friend. “I’m already feeling really relaxed and happy… I’m pretty sure this is what it’s supposed to feel like, right?” She laughed nervously, scratching at the side of her head. 

Naminé glanced down at the bottle of sea salt ocean breeze bubble bath she was holding in her hands. Now that Xion brought it up, she was enjoying herself, and wasn’t thinking too hard about enjoying herself either. Beaming, she turned on the water and squirted some of the solution into the bath. She breathed in deep, relishing the aroma of the ocean that spilled up into the air. 

“Yeah! I think so,” she agreed with a contented hum. She sprinkled some blue bath salts and orchid petals into the rising water.

As they both slipped out of their robes and descended into their respective tubs, they released simultaneous sighs of exultation. They glanced at one another over the rims of the bathtub, and then both began giggling. 

Naminé’s smile was serene as she played with the flower petals floating on the rippling water. The bath salts crackled against her skin, exfoliating it and leaving it fresh-feeling. She closed her eyes, and as the scent of the bath wafted up her nose, she felt like she was floating on the beach in Destiny Islands with the waves in her ears and the palm leaves swaying above her head. 

“You know what I could use right now?” Xion sighed. 

“Some coconut milk in a coconut half, with a little umbrella and a straw?” 

“You read my mind!” Xion squealed, and they both erupted into giggles again. “Olette probably would have said a pretzel,” the girl mused after they had stopped chuckling. Naminé nodded in agreement. 

“Yeah, do those three eat anything aside from pretzels?” 

The two conversed amicably, their giggles floating like the bubbles in the air. Time flew, and before they knew it, they were rising out of the tubs with light pink and silk-soft skin. If the robe felt good putting it on the first time, it felt simply divine slipping into it after soaking in the bubble bath for forty-five minutes. The attendant led them into the adjoining room, where two masseuses were waiting beside two tables. They laid flat with towels covering their lower halves, while the masseuses lathered their hands in oil. 

Naminé rolled her head to the side to look at Xion. As the masseuses began to work into their muscles, relaxing them, Xion made a funny face. Naminé snorted in laughter, trying to keep it together so she didn’t move too much for the masseuse. However, that was immensely difficult with Xion sticking out her tongue and crossing her eyes and baring her teeth. Naminé’s shoulders kept shaking as she tried to suppress the snorts and snickers, and come up with funny expressions of her own. The two masseuses were smirking at one another by the time they were finished and the two girls were heading out from their spa experience. 

Naminé was almost disappointed to put her white dress back on after waltzing around in the immaculately soft robe. Still, with the aroma of flowers clinging to her baby-soft skin and her body completely relaxed, she really couldn’t feel too downhearted. She and Xion were wearing identical smiles as they walked out of the front door into the garden. Bumblebees bobbed against their legs as they strolled down the pathway into the street. 

Ironically, they saw the same pair of young girls trouncing by, giggling airily as they nibbled on ice cream cones. Naminé looked at Xion, smiling knowingly. 

“You know what? I think I understand now.” 

“Yeah, me too,” Xion agreed. “Wanna go get ice cream?” 

“Sure!” 

The girls looped their arms together and resumed strolling off down the street. Their hips bumped as they happily walked along, the scent of flowers clinging to them like a cloud. Maybe they still had a long way to go, learning to navigate their new humanity and how emotions worked. That being said, Naminé relished how carefree she felt right now, not worrying about whether she was responding appropriately to the scenario, or making the right expression. 

She was just Naminé, having fun with her friend, and that was really all she needed to do, wasn’t it?

Enjoy this oneshot? Feel free to peruse my Table of Contents!

[energysavingselfcare]

“Take some time to watch a plant grow, or help it grow.” 

 Orchids and air plants are excellent for sick people, since they only need watering every week or even less. Or if you prefer other plants, get a self-watering pot you can just refill every so often. 

Do you have a plant you love? 

 You can get your own Energy-Saving Self Care cards here: https://buff.ly/2ZYvwnz 

 [Image description: Card includes a photo of a seedling growing through a piece of asphalt, a glyph representing the five senses, and the above quote.]