Garden Superstitions: The Evil Eye and the Black Thumb

I love my plants and hate losing them mysteriously. Some blame the "evil eye"—an envious gaze that curses plants, animals, or people. But I say it's usually just a black thumb.

The evil eye belief spans cultures: Turkey, Spain, Latin America, Greece use blue-and-white amulets (often gold or glass) for protection. Romania ties red ribbons on babies. The fear is real enough that even modern skeptics use amulets "just in case."

But can a look kill a plant? I've lost plants every year—gloxinias, African violets, impatiens, cacti, begonias—usually from overwatering during rainy spells (rotted roots) or underwatering in heat (a poinsettia died in 24 hours). I propagate regularly as insurance. My garden plants multiply despite giving away divisions yearly. Neighbors admire them; none died after receiving them.

Friends who lost plants I gave them? Accidents or neglect: unexpected digging for pipes, chronic overwatering. No evil eye needed.

Yet the superstition persists. A fellow gardener refused to share irises. Another denied a rose cutting because a neighbor warned her plants die if shared—citing a peony that died after division. But how does the evil eye work? In person? Through photos? My friend saw the rose in a picture.

I have my own superstitions (black cats, spilled salt), but I refuse to believe an envious glance kills my plants. Care, conditions, and attention—not curses—determine survival.

Reference: Wikipedia "Evil eye." (Editor's Note: Originally published date not specified.)