Since moving to Florida, there are times when I feel as if I’ve landed on another planet — and it has nothing to do with the news items that have made the Sunshine State the punchline for late-night hosts. For me, the sense of wonder and bewilderment is the result of plants.
Take the desert rose, for example, the one that’s been blooming in a terra cotta pot beside the front door for five years. This plant was my first foray into the world of desert roses, a rose that isn’t a rose but more of a flowering succulent. I’ve loved the plant so much that I’ve even started some from purchased seeds and rooted cuttings. It’s an easy, no-fuss, drought-tolerant plant that even iguanas ignore (mostly).
A short time ago, Joe and I left on a road trip and I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary with my desert rose. One week later, upon our return, it looked as if it had grown a green mustache — either that, or some alien life form had hitched a ride on a meteor and rained down on my yard.
A little research later, I learned this was actually a seedpod — the first time any of my desert roses had produced a pair of seedpods — and that they should remain on the plant until they split. That’s when the seeds can be harvested and planted.
Now, each day — really, each time I walk in and out of the front door — I find myself examining these matching pods for any sign of a split. So far, nothing — just one beautifully groomed seed mustache from outer space — and one very eager gardener.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 
Congratulations!
Thanks!
Ha! I love whimsy and like to pretend the plants create such chuckles in us on purpose. “Hey, that creature that waters me will get a kick out of this – watch!”
LOL, PD, LOL!
I’m not familiar with the Desert Rose, but it sure is pretty! I’ve seen these seed pods on other succulents in my garden, however, and I like your description better than mine. I’m always referring to them as tumors, which is rather unpleasant. I will now see mustache! 🙂 I’ve always wanted to make the effort to grow a succulent from seed, simply for the experience. I’m impressed that you have followed through, Kevin!
I’m used to hearing California jokes, too. But like Florida, we may attract criticism, but we both live in garden-friendly climates, and that makes up for a lot. 🙂
Hi Debra. I think you would enjoy a desert rose — it’s drought tolerant, and could work well in your region. It has a very thick stem/trunk, where it stores water. Have you ever tried growing succulents by rooting a succulent leaf? It’s amazing and super easy — a fun project for you and your grandchildren (as if you needed more ideas to enjoy them). 🙂
Very interesting. Nature can have a great sense of humor for sure!
Hi Belmont Rooster. Nature is certainly hysterical — and I think it’s laughing at us constantly. 🙂
Probably so, but I think we all learn from each other as well. The more we enjoy each others company, the more we enjoy each other. 🙂
🙂
Very true
Fascinating. I still remember my amazement when I visited Florida for the first time in my early twenties and discovered houseplants growing outside in the dirt!! Before that revelation, I think I thought of houseplants as some separate life form from garden plants. 😉
Jean — that’s so funny. I had the same thought, and there are times when I still can’t believe a houseplant can grow outside. Among the lessons I learned, even in sunny South Florida, annuals are still annuals. There’s no such thing as an annual that can live forever.
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