mala mujer planta

So, I decided to plant a mala mujer. Sounds dramatic, right? It wasn’t as dramatic as the name suggests, but it was definitely a learning experience. I’d read about this plant, Cnidoscolus angustidens, a Sonoran Desert native, and thought, “Why not?” I love a challenge.

First, I had to find the seeds. That was harder than I expected. Local nurseries didn’t carry it – I guess it’s not exactly a common houseplant. I ended up ordering them online. The waiting was the hardest part; I checked the mailbox every day!

When the seeds finally arrived, I was so excited! I read up on the planting instructions – well, there weren’t many detailed instructions, to be honest. Most sources just said “plant in well-draining soil” and “keep it dry.” So I mixed up some cactus potting mix, found a terracotta pot – because of the drainage, you know – and got planting.

I planted the seeds about an inch deep, watered them lightly, and then… waited. Again. This time, it felt like forever. I kept the soil lightly moist, but not soggy. I worried constantly. Did I water too much? Too little? Was the pot too big? Too small?

After what felt like ages – probably a couple of weeks – a tiny sprout poked its way through the soil. Relief! I was so happy! It was small, fragile-looking, but it was there. It was my mala mujer.

The next few months were a bit of a rollercoaster. It grew slowly but steadily. I kept it in a sunny spot, but shielded it from the harshest midday sun. I watered it sparingly, only when the soil was completely dry. There were a few close calls – almost overwatering once, nearly letting it dry out completely another time. I learned to observe the plant carefully, getting a feel for when it really needed a drink. This plant isn’t very forgiving of mistakes!

Now, it’s a few months later, and my mala mujer is thriving! It’s still small, but it’s healthy and growing. It’s rewarding to see it reach this point – a testament to patience, research, and just a little bit of luck.

Lessons learned: