I've had her less than a year, and already her offspring are heading out into the world to seek their fortunes.

Yes, the litter of fittonia cuttings I rooted in August are ready for new homes. The most advanced of them - the stems that rooted in water - have already been adopted by a neighbor. As I look at the three more ready-to-go plants (along with a pair of little aloes in similar circumstances) I wonder about other babes I recently sent on their way.

My interior-scape has changed in a year!

Longest distance traveled: In March, I sent a handful of heartleaf philodendron cuttings to a little town in Alaska. Miraculously, they arrived safely.

Most interesting new plant: The 'Fairy Coral Red' abutilon from Athens Select Plants was a sleeper on the deck all summer, but now that it's inside it can't stop blooming. I'd like to trim it more, but the new buds just keep on coming.  

Most interesting old plant: The xxx bromeliad, which sported a fall groundcover of velvety yellow fungi, right in the pot. Rainforest branch-crotch dwellers like that sort of thing, so I left it alone. It's a healthy specimen! Four healthy pups now wait to have their cups filled with water. If they all survive transplanting (I'll wait until days get longer in March), guess what I'll be giving away in summer? 

Fastest death: The dieffenbachia I bought for my daughter's first apartment in Richmond.

Second fastest death: The rubber plant I'd grown for a year lasted two months in my daughter's second Richmond apartment. Good news: the hardy herbs on her deck are thriving.

Nicest new growth: The rubber plant (twin to dead one) I kept, which has now graduated to floor plant status.