In this week’s issue:

• A little Thanksgiving gratitude from Sheffield
• The 3 houseplant blessings I don’t take for granted
• Why plants make life better (in big and tiny ways)
• What are you grateful for this year?
• And more…

🇬🇧 Sheffield 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: "I have a very old “Christmas cactus” that has a bloomed like crazy in October and November for decades. I pruned it (removed a lot) a few months ago. The plant looks terrific but shows no signs of blooming." What should I do? Karen

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My Answer: Pruning your Christmas cactus likely reset its bloom cycle. After a big trim, the plant puts energy into new growth that needs time to mature before it can flower, often delaying blooming by a season. To trigger buds again, try giving it 12–14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for 6–8 weeks, in a cool place, and give bright light during the day. Hold off on fertiliser. Since yours normally blooms in October–November, it might be a Thanksgiving cactus, and pruning can easily push flowering into late winter or spring. With consistent darkness and cool nights, buds should appear within a few weeks.

🪴HOW TO & TIPS

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Thanksgiving is only a few days away, and even though we don’t celebrate it here in the UK quite like our American friends do, I’ve always appreciated the spirit of it.

Slowing down, taking stock, and noticing what’s been quietly supporting you all year.

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And since houseplants have been a huge part of my life for more years than I’d like to admit, I thought I’d share the three things I’m especially grateful for when it comes to my plants (and this community).

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​🍃 1. The way plants make a home feel alive

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No matter what’s going on — busy week, quiet one, absolute chaos, or something in between — walking into a room full of greenery just… changes everything.

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Plants bring warmth. Softness. Calm.

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They make a space feel lived in, loved, and rooted.

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And on days when I’m tired or stressed, it’s often a simple leaf unfurling or a new pup popping up that gives me that tiny flicker of joy I didn’t know I needed.

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I’m grateful for that — the everyday magic of a home full of life.

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​🌱 2. The lessons plants teach (whether you want them or not)

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Patience. Observation. Letting go.

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Checking the soil before watering (I’m still learning this one).

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Accepting that sometimes a plant just won’t be happy, no matter what you do.

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Plants have a way of reminding you to slow down and pay attention. Not just to them, but to your own rhythms too.

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Still grateful to this day for the lessons they sneak in when I’m not looking!

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​🌿 3. This community — you lot

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I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true.

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Everything we’ve built with Sheffield Made Plants, from the YouTube channels to the newsletter, only exists because there are thousands of people out there who care about the same weird, wonderful hobby that I do!

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From sharing hacks, to laughing at my plant fails, to emailing through photos of your propagations… you make this fun.

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I’m grateful every single day for this community of plant-obsessed legends.

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​Now it’s your turn

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Since Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, I’d genuinely love to hear from you:

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What are you grateful for this year, plant-related or not?

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Reply to this email and let me know.

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I read every message (yes, even the ones about fungus gnat trauma).

Plant Of The Week

Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation'

The Monstera is a staple feature on my YouTube channel, but this is a variegated relative that brings a bit more spice to your collection. It’s got some unique cream-coloured splashes to it and marbled patterns on the leaves, but is still easy on the eye like it’s green counterpart that we all know and love. You can also train it to grow up a pole - making for a great centrepiece in your home.

▸ You can order it here (UK only) 👉 https://collabs.shop/o1p2qz​

Use code SHEFFIELDMADEPLANTS for a 10% discount.

Products I use to keep my plants strong and healthy

▸ Amazon UK 👈

▸ Amazon USA 👈

📹 Watch & Grow: This Week On YouTube

👉 What Pros Know About Watering That Beginners Don't​

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Did you know?

The oldest known houseplant is a giant cycad at Kew Gardens. It’s been alive since 1775! That’s 248 years of gratitude for good light and consistent watering.