In this week’s issue:

• Weekly Q&A
• Mo’ plants mo’ problems
• The Frappuchino turns 30 – why this matters for plant owners
• The ZZ plant is the only plant that can do this
• 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: "Would it benefit my house plants to put them outside in the warmer weather?" Christine

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My Answer: "It sure would! All that extra light and the goodness of rainwater will do wonders for your indoor plant. Just make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight! Also, you’ll need to do a thorough clean and maybe a repot before bringing it back in so that you’re not bringing in any unwanted visitors."

At some point, a casual plant collection crosses the line into something else entirely. Maybe you start referring to your plants as “the kids.” Maybe your supermarket runs now include a stop by the garden center “just to look” (spoiler: you’re not just looking). Or maybe you’ve hit that point where watering day feels like a full-time job.
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If any of this sounds familiar, welcome to the club.
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I currently have over 200 plants, and let me tell you, once you pass a certain number, new challenges arise. So for those of you with 25+ plants (or on your way there), here are a few life-saving tips:
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1. Batch Your Care – Treat your plants like an assembly line. Group plants by watering needs and tackle them all at once. This saves time and keeps things semi organised.

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2. Automate Everything You Can – Self-watering pots, drip irrigation, and smart plugs for grow lights can be game-changers. Anything that lets you not think about watering at 10 p.m. is a win.
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3. Track Your Collection – A simple spreadsheet or plant care app helps keep tabs on who needs what, and when. When you have 50+ plants, guessing doesn’t cut it. Or am I just crazy?
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4. Rotate & Declutter – Not every plant needs to stay forever. If things are getting out of control, consider gifting, swapping, or (if you're truly overwhelmed) downsizing a bit. I can’t tell you how much people appreciate houseplants as a gift!
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And remember, more houseplants doesn’t always mean more fun. On your next trip to the shop, ask yourself do I really need this? before you swipe your card.

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How many houseplants do you have? Click here to vote in the poll below!

Three decades ago, Starbucks introduced the Frappuccino, and the world has never looked back. (Seriously, in 1996 alone, they pulled in $52 million from these blended sugar bombs.)
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The original!

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Nowadays, I see them everywhere – gripped tightly in the hands of teens, fueling study sessions, and sipped on leisurely strolls whilst I’m shopping for houseplants. (Meanwhile, as a true Brit, I’ll still take my tea, thank you very much.)

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Anyway, what does this have to do with plants?

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Well, the Frappuccino changed the coffee industry. So it got me thinking – what inventions have changed the way we care for houseplants?

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Here are my top 3 absolute essentials (I’m sorry, waterproof gardening mat, you didn’t quite make the cut).
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1. Grow Lights – You know I love my grow lights. It feels like yesterday when winter used to spell doom for indoor plants. Thankfully we don’t have to worry about that so much anymore. We can keep our green friends thriving all year round.
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2. Digital light meter – This tiny device tells you exactly how much light your plant is actually getting. This has been a game-changer for me since I first came across it (thanks, Jeff at Everything Plants) Most "low-light" plants are just surviving, and this tool helps you place them where they'll truly grow.

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3. Moisture Meter – If you don’t have one, get one. Seriously, it’s a total game-changer. No more second-guessing when to water; just stick it in the soil, and it tells you exactly when your plant is thirsty. Ever since this little gadget saved my Philodendron Birkin from overwatering, it’s never left my side.

Plant Of The Week

Peperomia Prostrata | String of Turtles

This guy is perfect for hanging baskets or cascading over shelves. I will warn, this plant is susceptible to root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage and avoid waterlogging.

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▸ You can order it here (UK only) 👉 https://collabs.shop/nc94jj​

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

👉 10 Plant Care Tips NOBODY Tells You (but are EASY to do)​

👉 My Fern’s Growth Exploded When I Did THIS​

Did you know?

The ZZ plant is the only member of the aroid family that can reproduce from fallen leaflets. This is a strategy the plant uses to save water during droughts.

Houseplant Digest is brought to you by Houseplant SOS, my self-paced online course teaching you how to grow A+ houseplants and avoid all of the guesswork (that’ll cost you unnecessary time and money!)

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