Plant Lady?

Several years ago, I received a cutting from a very special Christmas Cactus as a gift. I didn’t have high hopes. I’ve never been great with plants, and I’ve said so often enough to make it part of my identity- The Plant Killer! But I tucked the cutting into a small pot on my kitchen counter and did my best.
It stayed alive, more or less. But it didn’t really grow.
A few years later, when I moved into a new office with three big, bright windows, I decided to bring the cactus along. The change was instant. She (yes, she — her name is Helena) started growing like crazy. Every year since, she’s bloomed in full color right around the holidays. My clients often comment on her, and I’ve come to look forward to her quiet seasonal glow.
This summer, Helena started to outgrow her original pot. I brought her home to repot her, planning to return her to the office right away- but I forgot. I left her in my breezeway, where the space is drenched in morning and afternoon light, and figured I’d move her back eventually.
But then…she exploded. New leaves started reaching out in every direction. She’s doubled in fullness in just a few weeks. I’ve left her there ever since.
For years, I told myself I was bad with plants. That my house didn’t have enough light. That certain things just weren’t my strength. But it turns out, I just hadn’t tried the right conditions.
Like most things in life growth requires light, air, and a little bit of patience.
Sometimes we’re not failing- we’re just in the wrong spot.