In this week’s issue:

• Weekly Q&A
• You don’t have to keep every plant forever
• Signs it’s time to let a plant go
• What to do with plants you “no longer love”
• The 3 houseplants I will never grow again
• Plants have an internal clock that regulates their growth
• And more…

🇬🇧 Answers

Every week, I get tons of questions about growing houseplants. In “Sheffield Answers”, I’m going to pick one out each week and answer it. Want to submit your own and get it featured next week? Click here to ask me a question!​

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Question: "Why does my alocasia not produce any corms even though it is huge." Ethan

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My Answer: "Your Alocasia isn’t producing corms because it’s focusing on leaf growth, the soil is too dense, or it's not getting enough nutrients. Some varieties naturally make fewer corms, and a lack of root disturbance can also play a role. Corm production is more likely when the plant experiences mild stress, like being slightly rootbound or repotted. Try using a chunkier, well-draining mix and fertilising with more phosphorus and potassium to encourage corm development."

I've Got A Confession To Make...

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Sometimes, I get rid of my houseplants.
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Not because they’re dying or because they are beyond saving. But because, quite frankly, sometimes it can become a pain in the neck.
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It needed more humidity than I could reasonably provide. It constantly threw a tantrum whenever I turned my heating on. And every time I walked past it, I felt a twinge of guilt rather than the satisfaction of seeing a happy, thriving plant.
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So I do the ‘unthinkable’ and find them a new home.
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And let me tell you… it was liberating.
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You Don’t Have to Keep Every Plant Forever

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Somewhere along the way, us houseplant lovers picked up this unspoken rule that every plant we bring home is ours for life (like a tattoo, or that gym membership you signed up for in January and never cancelled).
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But here’s the thing: it’s not.
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Not every plant will thrive in your space. Not every plant will suit your lifestyle. Not every plant will continue to spark joy once the initial excitement wears off.

And that’s okay.
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If a plant is stressing you out more than it’s bringing you happiness, it might be time to ‘Marie Kondo’ that thing out of your life.
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Signs It’s Time to Let a Plant Go​
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• You dread taking care of it. If watering, misting, or checking on it feels like a chore, that’s a sign.
• It’s surviving, not thriving. If it constantly looks miserable no matter what you do, maybe your home isn’t the right fit.
• You’re not that into it anymore. Sometimes our tastes change, and what once excited you now feels like meh.
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What to Do With Plants You No Longer Love​
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1. Gift it to a friend. Maybe your plant isn’t thriving in your home, but it could be someone else’s new favourite.
2. Donate it. Many local plant swaps, community centres, or even office spaces would love a free plant.
3. Sell it. Facebook Marketplace, plant groups, or even your neighbourhood WhatsApp chat might have someone eager to take it off your hands.
4. Compost it. If it’s too far gone, let it return to the earth guilt-free.
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Letting go of a plant that no longer fits your home isn’t failure, it’s simply making space for something better. And who knows… that empty spot might just be calling for a new Monstera…
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So, what do you think? Have you ever let go of a plant that just wasn’t working out?
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Reply and tell me (I promise, zero judgment here.)

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3 Houseplants I Will Never Grow Again

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I’ve grown a lot of houseplants over the years, some have flourished, some have tested my patience, and some… well, they’ve been shown the door. Not every plant is a good fit for every home, and I’ve learned the hard way that some just aren’t worth the struggle.
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Here are three houseplants I’ll never grow again (and why):
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1. Alocasia Melo​
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If you ever want to experience the joy of watching a plant replace every single leaf it grows… one at a time… for the rest of its life… this is the plant for you. I’ve had mine for a few years, and it’s never had more than one or two leaves at a time. The second a new one unfurls, an old one immediately dies. It’s like a subscription service where you only ever get one leaf at a time.

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2. Hoya Kerrii (Sweetheart Plant)​
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Valentine's Day is over, so I can say that this plant is kind of a scam. You see them in shops, looking all cute and heart-shaped, but what they don’t tell you is it’s just a single leaf stuck in soil. No roots, no stem, no future. If you’re lucky enough to find a full plant with actual stems, great! But if you’ve got one of the single-leaf ones… congrats, you now own a forever leaf that will never grow another inch. I will say, it’s still cute though!
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3. Monstera Albo​
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I know, I know, this one’s a heartbreaker. The variegation is stunning, but if you think you’re going to get a picture-perfect plant with big, white leaves, think again. The white parts don’t contain chlorophyll, which means they die off, turn brown, and leave you with a half-dead-looking plant. It’s a constant battle of trying to keep the right balance of green and white, and honestly? It’s just too much effort.
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Remember: Houseplants should bring you joy, not stress.
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So if a plant isn’t thriving in your space (or you secretly resent it), there’s no shame in letting it go.
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That’s my list. What’s your “never again” plant? Reply and let me know!

Plant Of The Week

Alocasia sanderiana var. nobilis

I must admit, the leaves on this guy are a little unusual, but what’s the harm in that? Native to the Philippines, this plant is perfect to spice up just about any part of your home.

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▸ You can order it here (UK only) 👉 https://collabs.shop/5xb5hp​

Use code SHEFFIELDMADEPLANTS for a further 10% discount.

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Products I use to keep my plants strong and healthy

▸ Amazon UK 👈

▸ Amazon USA 👈

📹 Watch & Grow: This Week On YouTube

👉 Why You Should STOP Watering Your Plants​

👉 This Will Make Your Plant Thrive (but you should never do it)​

Did you know?

Just like humans, plants have an internal clock that regulates their growth, metabolism, and even when they open and close their stomata (tiny pores for breathing). During winter, with lower light levels and shorter days, this rhythm slows down. But in spring, as daylight increases, houseplants reset their biological clocks, adjusting their energy use and even anticipating when morning light will arrive. This is why you might notice your plants perking up and growing faster (even before temperatures rise significantly).

Houseplant Digest is brought to you by Treleaf.

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If you want 1-on-1 help with your houseplants, click here and book in a consultation with me.