This phrase traces back at least a century, with one of the first written records of it coming from a 1907 article in the Leicester Chronicle newspaper in England. “…My friend has what old country women call ‘a Green Thumb,’ that is to say, the gift of making anything and everything grow,” writes Ms. O’Conor Eccles. “Plants will endure liberties at her hands which a less affectionate, though more scientific gardener could not attempt.” This early writing suggests that those with green thumbs have a special kinship or bond with their plants. They likely spend a lot of time with them, too. More recently, plant experts like author and TV show host James Underwood Crockett have spoken of how long days pinching back leaves and stems and handling algae-ridden plant pots will leave gardeners with a green thumb in more ways than one. It’s an affectionate term that has been used to celebrate gardeners through various points in history. For example, peep this midcentury poster of Mickey Mouse with a thumb stained chlorophyll green, encouraging people to start “victory gardens” and grow some of their own food to lighten demand during World War II. Today, if someone calls you a green thumb, it probably means they think you have a knack for tending to your garden or houseplant collection (and might be a little jealous of it!). Some of the easiest houseplants to care for are the ZZ plant and the snake plant, while things like Maidenhair ferns and Calatheas will only give you grief. Outdoors, adaptable Cosmos, Celosias, and Marigolds are great flowers for busy beginners. “Do you have a brightly lit area that has indirect light or medium-light in a humid room? Is there any cold/hot air blowing on the area where the plant will go? These are all conditions to be aware of,” Neese says. From there, you’ll be able to set yourself up for success by choosing the right plants for your space. Replicating a plant’s native environment as much as possible is the name of the game. For example, high-humidity homes are best for moisture-loving jungle plants like Ficus Audrey and Golden pothos, while dry ones are better suited for desert plants like succulents. Bright rooms and gardens are a great spot for some cactuses, but they could burn the delicate leaves of shade-seeking hostas. Emma received her B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy with a specialty in environmental communications from Duke University. In addition to penning over 1,000 mbg articles on topics from the water crisis in California to the rise of urban beekeeping, her work has appeared on Grist, Bloomberg News, Bustle, and Forbes. She’s spoken about the intersection of self-care and sustainability on podcasts and live events alongside environmental thought leaders like Marci Zaroff, Gay Browne, and Summer Rayne Oakes.
