🪴HOW TO & TIPS
It’s officially “cosy blanket and a mug of hot chocolate” season here in Sheffield.
The temperature’s dropped, the streets are glowing, and Mrs Sheffield and I have started our annual marathon of Christmas films.
(And yes, Home Alone is still the greatest Christmas movie ever made. I said what I said.)
Maybe it’s because I’ve spent far too long around plants…
But while watching these films, I couldn’t help thinking:
“If these Christmas characters were houseplants… which ones would they be?”
So here are 5 iconic Christmas favourites, lovingly matched with their houseplant counterparts, plus a tip or two if you actually decide to grow one.
Because why not bring a little bit of cinematic magic into your plant collection this year?
1. Kevin McCallister (Home Alone) → The Spider Plant
Why they match:
Kevin is resourceful, quick-thinking, and impossible to get rid of — and so is a spider plant.
You can ignore it, repot it, trim it, knock it over… and it still bounces back with enthusiasm.
Care Tips:
• Thrives in bright, indirect light
• Water when the soil dries out
• Sends out more baby “pups” than the burglars ever saw coming
2. The Grinch → Monstera Deliciosa
Why they match:
At first glance? A bit dramatic. A bit moody. A bit misunderstood.
But once the Grinch’s heart grows three sizes, he becomes a big softie — just like a Monstera once it’s settled into your home and starts giving you those beautiful split leaves.
Care Tips:
• Give it plenty of bright light
• Water deeply but not constantly
• Feed every couple of weeks in the growing season and watch it warm up to you
3. Buddy the Elf → Golden Pothos
Why they match:
Buddy sees the world with excitement, optimism, and childlike joy…
And Golden Pothos is the plant equivalent — cheerful, adaptable, grows anywhere, and makes everything feel more magical.
Care Tips:
• Very forgiving
• Great for beginners
• Perfect plant for spreading Christmas cheer (singing optional but encouraged)
4. The Nutcracker → Fiddle Leaf Fig
Why they match:
Elegant. Majestic. Proud.
And slightly temperamental if you put them in the wrong spot.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig and The Nutcracker would absolutely be friends — mostly because they both demand attention (and a perfect posture).
Care Tips:
• Needs bright, indirect light
• Hates being moved (like, really hates it)
• Water when the top few inches of soil are dry
5. Ebenezer Scrooge → Snake Plant
Why they match:
Cold, stubborn, nearly impossible to kill, and refuses to change… until one magical night turns everything around.
A Snake Plant is the same — stoic and steady — but ultimately very rewarding when treated with a little bit of care.
Care Tips:
• Thrives on neglect
• Low light tolerant
• Honestly, you could water it twice a year and it would still be fine
Before you go…
I want to hear from you!
Reply to this email and tell me:
👉 Your favourite Christmas movie, and bonus points if you can match its main character to a houseplant.