Read time 5 minutes
Archith’s Note:
I’m delighted to introduce Siddharth, a thoughtful writer from Uttarakhand, India, who lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In his beautifully written piece, “My Green Companions: A Journey of Connection and Health,” Siddharth shares how nurturing indoor plants has become more than just a hobby; it’s a source of healing, balance, and connection.
Through his words, he shows us how the right plants can bring comfort, improve well‑being, and even contribute to a healthier environment. His story is a reminder that nature’s quiet companions can offer powerful lessons in resilience, care, and everyday joy.
Childhood Wisdom That Stayed with Me
Growing up, I was often told: “The more plant-based food you eat, the healthier you’ll stay.”
It was one of those old sayings that seemed simple then, but the truth of it only deepened over time. As an adult navigating a challenging health journey, I’ve realized that staying healthy isn’t just about prevention; it’s also about how we recover. A healthy mind and body build resilience. But what happens when resilience is put to the ultimate test?
The Bamboo and the Fern: My Grandpa’s Life Lesson
My grandfather once shared a story that planted itself in my heart like a seed.
He told me about a wise Chinese king who wanted to teach his son a lesson in patience and inner strength. The son, frustrated and doubtful of his own worth, believed he was a failure. No matter what he tried, he gave up easily. To help him understand the importance of persistence, the king introduced him to two plants, Bamboo and Fern.
He explained that both were planted at the same time, with equal care. The Fern sprouted quickly, lush and green. But the Bamboo? Nothing. Not for one year. Not even a hint of growth by the second, third, or fourth. Then, in the fifth year, still silence.
And in the sixth? The Bamboo shot up 90 feet in almost no time.
“How is this even possible?” the son asked, wide-eyed.
The king smiled and said, “During all those years, Bamboo was growing underground, building a strong, deep foundation. Only when it was ready did it rise, all at once.”
That story stuck with me. In my own way, I became that Bamboo, quietly healing, learning, and building strength below the surface.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a condition where the brain works differently, affecting how someone communicates, socialises, and experiences the world. People with ASD may prefer routines, have strong interests, and interact in unique ways. Every person with autism is different, that’s why it’s called a “spectrum.”
It wasn’t just physical pain; it was emotional, too. There were moments I felt like I was unraveling. Breathlessness and anxiety became daily rituals. Every hour felt long, uncertain, heavy.
And then, something shifted.
Holistic Healing and the Mind-Body Connection
Amidst the hospital visits and endless medications, I began exploring holistic healing. It wasn’t just about treating the body, it was about nurturing the spirit. I learned that healing isn’t linear. It’s a dance between mind and body, one that demands patience, love, and trust.
Nature became a lifeline, and slowly, indoor plants entered my life.
Nature’s Quiet Healers: My Experience with Indoor Plants
Indoor plants aren’t just home decor; they’re tiny guardians of wellness. They purify the air, lift our spirits, and silently offer companionship. I didn’t know how powerful they were until I began living with them.
My Ayurvedic doctor, who maintained a beautiful farm, encouraged me to start small. I began with easy-to-care-for plants. Soon, they transformed not just my space but also my mindset.
Here are the green stars that became my wellness warriors:
English Ivy (aka Cher)
My English Ivy became my climbing companion. This trailing beauty purifies the air and comes with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its berries have been used in traditional medicine to treat cough, joint pain, and respiratory issues.
I’d watch it stretch up the walls, vibrant and alive, and somehow, I felt more alive too. Just taking care of it made me feel grounded, like I was giving and receiving life at the same time.
Spider Plant (aka Spiderman)
Spiderman was not just a quirky name; it reflected its energy. The Spider Plant absorbs ozone and neutralises indoor air pollutants, such as formaldehyde and xylene. NASA even confirmed its air-cleaning prowess!
It added zest and brightness to my room and reminding me of joy in simplicity. It made breathing easier, and in some small way, it felt like it was breathing for me when I couldn’t.
Peace Lily (aka Bud)
The Peace Lily is gentle yet powerful. Bud helped me fight off indoor toxins, especially benzene and formaldehyde. As someone sensitive to moisture and prone to throat issues, the Peace Lily reduced mold spores and brought relief.
Its elegant white blooms lit up my room with grace. And while it didn’t speak, its presence was calming, almost therapeutic.
Companionship That Heals
These plants became my roommates, my silent cheerleaders. They gave me purpose: to nurture them, to observe them grow, to simply coexist.
In their presence, I never felt alone. They didn’t judge. They didn’t rush. They existed slowly, patiently and so did I.
Watching them thrive gave me a reason to believe I could thrive too.
My doctor encouraged this connection with nature. Fresh air and plant companionship, he said, could lower stress, improve immunity, and calm neurological symptoms. He was right.
The act of caring for my plants became my mindfulness ritual.
A Return to the Earth
My journey through illness gave me something unexpected, a deeper connection with Mother Earth. Through nurturing plants, I learned to nurture myself. I became more responsible, more caring, more attuned to the rhythms of life.
I began to wake up every morning excited to greet my leafy companions. Cher, Spiderman, and Bud, each with their quirks, each teaching me to be patient, present, and appreciative.
Encouraging You to Try It Too
If you’re going through something, physical, emotional, or even existential, try bringing a plant into your space. Let it live beside you. Watch it grow. Care for it. Learn from it.
Sometimes, the smallest things, like a leaf unfolding, can give us the biggest reasons to hope.
DISCLAIMER
This story reflects personal experience and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a medical professional for health-related concerns.