Succulents & Solitude: Finding Peace in Pandemic Times Through Desert Plants

When lockdown emptied my apartment of people, I filled it with 300 silent succulent companions. What began as a quarantine distraction became an unexpected journey of healing—one tiny rosette at a time. This is how these drought-resistant plants taught me to thrive in emotional deserts.

Aeonium Alchemy

The Isolation Epiphany
Week 4 of lockdown revealed:
• Zoom fatigue replacing human connection
• News anxiety spiking cortisol levels
• Time distortion making days blend together

My therapist suggested: “Find something that exists outside pandemic time.” Enter succulent propagation—where growth is measured in millimeters per month.

The Slow Growth Revolution
Caring for succulents rewired my brain:

⏳ Micro-Changes Matter
Tracking a leaf’s gradual plumping became my new metric of progress, replacing:
• Social media validation
• Work productivity
• Pandemic case counts

🌵 Imperfection is Inevitable
When my first Echeveria etiolated, I learned:
• Not every plant grows perfectly
• Not every day needs maximum productivity
• Recovery is always possible

Creating a “Pandemic Phenology” Journal
I began documenting:
• Weekly leaf counts on propagations
• Moon phase watering experiments
• Sunlight angle shifts across seasons

This became my alternative calendar when “Blursday” syndrome erased normal time markers.

The Unexpected Social Connection
My solitary hobby spawned:
• Balcony plant exchanges (6ft apart)
• Window display competitions with neighbors
• Succulent rescue missions for overwatered plants

5 Succulents That Became Emotional Anchors

a. Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks)
– Symbolized family separation yet connection

b. Lithops (Living Stones)
– Taught the power of dormancy and patience

c. String of Hearts
– Reminded me love persists through distance

d. Aloe Vera
– Became my “give what you need” plant to share

e. Moon Cactus (Grafted)
– Represented finding strength in vulnerability

The Science Behind the Solace
Research confirms what I experienced:

🧠 Tactile Stimulation
Handling gritty soil and smooth leaves increases serotonin

🌱 Micro-Responsibility
Small plant care tasks rebuild executive function

☀️ Light Tracking
Following sun patterns regulates circadian rhythms

Your Pandemic Recovery Toolkit
Start with:
• One “survivor” succulent (ask for a Haworthia)
• Morning observation ritual (no devices)
• Propagation station to witness rebirth