The Ritual
This is not about getting it right. It is about beginning, slowly, and without urgency.
Ritual ≠ duration. Ritual = repetition with meaning.
This ritual doesn’t need a schedule. Some people return daily, some weekly, some once a month. The only rule is that you return.
Your Soul Baby arrives unfinished on purpose. There may be no roots. No visible progress. No signal that anything is happening. This is not a mistake. It is the correct starting point.
Growth begins out of sight. This ritual exists to help you trust that.
Before you begin
Choose a moment that feels unhurried. You do not need a routine, just a pause.
- Set aside 5–10 minutes.
- Bring your Soul Baby, soil, and water nearby.
- Soften the space if you like. Open a window, lower the light, or just sit quietly.
- Breathe, slowly and deeply.
There is no correct setup. Intention matters more than environment.
Your two paths
From testing and experience, both of the following approaches work. Choose the one that feels right to you.
There is no better choice, only different rhythms.
Option 1: Water first (slower, more observable)
This option allows roots to form in water before planting. It is ideal if you prefer to see progress over time.
How to begin
- Place the leaf in a clean jug or glass.
- Submerge only the bottom cut of the leaf.
- Use fresh water. Spring water is ideal, but clean tap water is fine.
- Change the water when it becomes cloudy, or at least once per week.
What to expect
- Weeks 1–3: likely no visible change.
- Weeks 4–6: small roots may begin to appear.
- Later: roots strengthen and lengthen.
Stillness is part of the process. Absence of visible change is not failure.
When to plant
Once roots are visible and feel established, you may choose to move the leaf into soil. This does not need to be rushed and does not have to be done at all.
Soil can provide additional nutrients and stability, which may support faster and stronger leaf growth over time.
Option 2: Soil first (simpler, quieter)
This option places the leaf directly into soil. It requires less attention and suits those who prefer to set something in motion and step back.
How to begin
- Fill a small pot with the charcoal succulent soil provided.
- Make a shallow hole and place the cut end into the soil.
- Gently support the leaf — do not pack the soil tightly.
- Add a very small amount of water.
What to expect
- Weeks 1–4: no visible change is normal.
- Weeks 4–8: roots form beneath the surface.
- Later: new growth may appear when conditions are right.
If you forget about it for a while, it will forgive you. Too much attention is more risky than too little.
Seasonal Care
Growth changes with the seasons. Light and warmth increase activity. Cooler months invite rest.
Spring & Summer
- Bright, indirect light.
- Water only when soil is fully dry.
Autumn
- Gradually move closer to natural daylight if needed.
- Allow longer dry periods between waterings.
Winter
- Place near a bright window for maximum daylight.
- Water sparingly.
- Tonic may not be needed while growth slows.
Tonic Usage
Use tonic sparingly. More is not better.
- Water propagation: Add 2–3 small drops when refreshing the water.
- Soil-grown plant: Add a few drops to your watering once per month during active growth.
Stillness is not failure. Slower months are part of the cycle.
Closing the ritual
Take one slow breath in. One breath out.
Thank the plant. Thank yourself.
Return to this page whenever you remember, not because you must.