Celebrating 4/20 by Chatting with My Plants (Spoiler: They Replied)

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There are things in life you only admit after a few beers or a joint—and today, being 20 April (also known as 4/20, the day cannabis culture gets its annual moment of glory), feels like the perfect day to confess something a bit wild: I once spoke to my houseplants while high, and I swear they spoke back.

Now, before you dismiss this as a typical stoner tale, hear me out—because it’s more profound (and slightly more hilarious) than you’d think.

It all started innocently enough. It was a chilled Saturday evening, a classic Joburg sunset painting the sky, and I found myself embracing the calming embrace of a little cannabis-induced relaxation. Anyone who knows me knows two things: firstly, that I’m quite proud of my leafy indoor jungle, and secondly, that I have an open mind—especially after a puff or two.

So there I was, sinking deeper into the couch, surrounded by peace lilies, monsteras, pothos, and a slightly judgemental fiddle leaf fig, when the thought hit me: why not have a little heart-to-heart with my green companions? You know, just casually check in, make sure they’re feeling good about life in my flat. I mean, if Prince Charles swears by chatting with plants, surely there’s something to it, right?

The first few minutes were mostly me apologising for the occasional neglect (“Sorry about that one week I forgot you guys existed”) and offering a humble thanks for their steadfast oxygen production. But then things took an unexpected turn.

My monstera—affectionately named Monty—was the first to chime in. Now, I’m not saying Monty physically spoke, but let’s just say there was definitely communication happening. It was as if Monty gently whispered, “Could you please rotate me occasionally? You know, so I can look equally fabulous on all sides?” Honestly, it felt oddly reasonable.

Next, my peace lily piped up with a surprisingly sassy tone: “You know, drama isn’t my thing, but would it kill you to water me before my leaves droop in despair? It’s becoming embarrassing.” Fair enough, Lily. Noted.

By now, thoroughly amused and genuinely intrigued, I turned to my pothos. They were everywhere, trailing from shelves, wrapping themselves around the furniture like botanical ninjas. “Are you guys happy?” I ventured tentatively.

“We’d be happier if you remembered to dust our leaves occasionally. Seriously, how would you feel covered in dust?” Well played, pothos, well played.

Finally, I braced myself and faced my fiddle leaf fig, a notoriously temperamental diva who stared back at me in silent judgement. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, clear as day, I felt the silent, icy stare of its leafy judgement: “Do better.” Nothing else—just a simple, brutal, and very fig-like directive. Classic fiddle leaf.

You might chalk this up as a harmless hallucination or the ramblings of a slightly stoned plant enthusiast, but that evening genuinely changed how I see my leafy housemates. It dawned on me that, even if this was just my imagination amplified by cannabis, there was something meaningful happening. My subconscious—or perhaps the plants themselves—was nudging me to pay closer attention, reminding me to be more thoughtful, more present, more mindful in how I cared for them (and maybe even myself).

Plants, like people, flourish with attention and care. They respond to good vibes and suffer under neglect. Sure, maybe they don’t literally talk, but perhaps they do communicate, in subtle ways we often overlook. And hey, if a bit of green therapy and a friendly chat with your fern can enhance your mood, spark some laughter, and lead to better care of your plants, why not?

So today, as we mark 4/20, why not slow down, take a moment, and perhaps—just perhaps—strike up a casual conversation with your houseplants. You might be surprised by what they have to say. And if not, at least you’ll have a good story for the next time you’re hanging out with friends. Happy chatting—and happy 4/20!