Lessons from a Shamrock

I have had my shamrock plant since February of this year.    Having just become unemployed, I was spending a great deal more time at home. The weather was miserable.  There was nothing else green in sight.  "Sham," this handsome, cheery, and inexpensive plant, was a perfect addition.  

Sham lives on a round oak table in front of one of the windows in my favorite room.  He gets sun all morning and a fair amount of light all day.  He has thrived in this location.  But his life, as mine, has had its natural and unnatural ups and downs.  


In his first eight months here, virtually the same time I have been job hunting, he has adjusted admirably.  I appreciate this plant for these lessons that give me something to think about when things don’t seem to be going quite right.  

Doing your best makes you look beautiful to others and feel good about yourself, but you can’t withstand too much intensity without a little rest and proper care.  When Sham really put out the flowers he looked fabulous, but soon after giving so much, he needed a new pot, some rest, and an increase in food.  I feel that way after the Christmas holidays or an exceptionally busy week job hunting.

When you’re exhausted, your whole body suffers and it takes a while to bounce back. Food and water and going dormant for a month were necessary for Sham’s recovery from his glorious showing in early spring.  Today, I was exhausted after a weekend of activities and not enough sleep (too many late nights reading Dan Brown’s  book, The Lost Symbol), although I was never bedecked with flowers.

Moving into a new house is hard on you.  The new pot, new soil, and new compost were big adjustments.  It took a while for Sham to absorb all of this and use it to help himself grow stronger. The last time I moved was 11 years ago and it was mentally and physically exhausting for months. 

A regular routine of going to sleep when the day is over and get up with the sun is good for you.  Sham shuts down at night.  His leaves fold up (see photo) and he retires until the light comes through the window the next morning.  Rest is critical to good health and getting up early and taking advantage of the day keep you in a healthy routine.

Changing routines is hard on you.   Seasonal light differences and a new watering schedule required Sham to adjust.  Right after moving in, he rallied, but then needed some down time. I definitely feel a loss when the days get shorter (and colder) or when my routine is simply not what I am used to, such as when I don’t get out of bed to go to the gym because it is dark and cold!

Getting a haircut boosts your spirits.  Sham's blossoms wither and die and need to be cut so that his energy goes into producing more flowers and keeping his leaves healthy.  I feel fantastic when I get a haircut.

Rich food can make you sluggish.  The new soil was rich in organic plant matter.  It may have been a little too rich for his roots, much like having a huge healthy meal might be after you have fasted for a day. What about that pint of Ben and Jerry’s that disappeared when I didn’t get the job interview?

Temperature and humidity affect you and sometimes you have to shed a bit to adjust. Many of Sham’s leaves dried up and fell off when it got hot and dry this summer.  Paring down a bit and reducing the load seemed to help.  We’re fortunate we can change our wardrobes with the seasons; currently I am digging out sweaters and blankets as the chilly weather has set in.

Drink more water when you are dry.  This is pretty obvious, but easy to forget and when you are a plant you have to depend on someone to give you a drink.  The physical effects of dehydration can be painful and it is easy to get so busy you forget the very basic need to drink water.

When your roots can’t expand, you need a new house.  Sham was pretty badly pot-bound and unable to get the nutrients he needed.  Being stuck in a house that is too small can stunt you and when you are feeling depressed about not having a job, the last thing you want to do is stay in a confining space.

You feel good when fed by your friends.  When I went away for a few days, Sham didn’t get the right amount of water.  He was droopy and lethargic when I came home.  My friends feed me in many ways every day; without them I would be very droopy.

When you have your house in order, and you are well taken care of (whether by yourself or someone else), you can thrive.  When something is missing, it becomes obvious pretty rapidly. This plant has reminded me of this again and again.  Right now, he is gorgeous.  He’s going to suffer again soon as the dry heat from the gas furnace and the wood-burning fireplace permeates his space, and the days grow shorter.  He will need some extra love and attention and maybe a little bit of food. 

Next time you wonder why you’re feeling a little low, or tired or out of sorts, think about whether you might be affected by some change that you can counter with a little adjustment; give yourself some time and don’t overdo it.