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2025: The Year Of The Snake (Plant)
Together with
Rich here, and welcome back to Houseplant Digest, sponsored by Treleaf.
In this week’s issue:
Weekly Q&A
2025: The Year Of The Snake (Plant)
7 Houseplants To Celebrate Chinese New Year
How Connected Are You to Your Plants?
Hoya Carnosa Freckled ’Splash’
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!
Question: "I have been under the impression that the only time to repot a plant is in the spring, do you recommend this also?" Rosemary McChriston
My Answer: "I see no reason why we shouldn’t repot a plant in winter. I’ve done this countless times and I’ve never run into any problems. Plants aren’t that precious. It’s better to repot in winter than let it continue to be rootbound."
🪴 HOW TO & TIPS
2025: The Year Of The Snake (Plant)
I’ll be honest: I’m no expert on Chinese New Year. But when I stumbled across how it connects with certain houseplants (especially this year’s zodiac animal) I got curious and decided to do a little digging. And since 2025 is the Year of the Snake, I couldn’t help but think of our trusty houseplant friend, the Snake Plant (虎尾兰 - Hǔ wěi lán, a.k.a. Sansevieria).
If you haven’t celebrated Chinese New Year before, here’s the gist:
Legend has it that villagers used noise, bright lights, and the colour red to scare off the mythical beast Nian, hence the fireworks and lanterns. Families gather to honour ancestors and pray for good fortune. And in many homes, certain plants are believed to bring luck and positive energy.
Here are seven to consider, starting with the star of 2025:
Snake Plant (虎尾兰 - Hǔ wěi lán)
It’s been over three years since my first ever video on the Snake Plant, and it’s still a go-to for anyone who struggles to keep plants alive.
Reliable, low-maintenance, and fittingly in the spotlight this year. Think of it as the plant equivalent of a comfy pair of shoes, practically indestructible, and it always comes through for you.
Throwback to my first vid on the Snake Plant back in 2022! Time flies...
Braided Money Tree (发财树 - Fācái shù)
Its braided trunk is said to “lock in” wealth. A classic gift for anyone wanting a prosperous new year.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
The coin-shaped leaves suggest money and abundance—perfect if you’re hoping to boost your bank balance in 2025.
Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Tree (人参榕 - Rénshēn róng)
That sturdy trunk symbolises strength and resilience. A fitting addition if you want your home to say, “We got this.”
Anthuriums (火鹤花 - Huǒ hè huā)
Their bright, heart-shaped flowers stand for joy and abundance, plus they really pop in any space.
Kumquat (金桔 - Jīn jú) / Oranges (橙子 - Chéng zi)
Resembling gold coins, these fruits are all about luck and wealth. They look pretty festive too.
Jade Plant (玉树 - Yù shù)
Another “money plant,” with coin-like leaves that scream prosperity. Bonus: They’re super easy to care for.
Even if you’re not celebrating Chinese New Year, it’s fascinating to see how houseplants fit into cultural traditions, especially for plant nerds like us. If you do plan on marking the Year of the Snake, adding one (or several) of these plants to your collection might just invite that extra bit of fortune you’re looking for.
Reply and let me know if you’re already a proud Snake Plant parent or if you’re tempted to bring home a new leafy friend.
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Ever caught yourself chatting away to your fiddle leaf fig like it’s your new best friend?
According to a recent study from the University of South Australia, one in seven people consider their houseplants actual members of the family.
Researchers found that 14% of us feel a highly connected relationship with our leafy cohabitants, while others sit anywhere between “They look nice” and “They could text me at 3 AM, and I’d respond.”
And then, at the opposite end, there’s the “no relationship” group, those who see plants more like decor pieces than living companions.
But no matter which side of the plant-love spectrum you fall on, the most common reasons people bring greenery indoors remain the same:
They add a pretty decorative element to your space.
They create a calming, stress-relieving environment.
So, where do you stand? Are you in the “I name my plants and give them pep talks” club, or is your vibe more “Water once a week and hope for the best”?
Hit reply and let me know. I’m all ears.
Plant Of The Week
Hoya Carnosa Freckled ’Splash’
This is a rare variety of Hoya, similar to the one that I showed last week. It’s known for its spherical flowers and thick waxy variegated foliage.
During Chinese New Year, Kumquat (金桔 - Jīn jú) trees are particularly popular as houseplants (or potted trees) because their small, golden fruits resemble gold coins, symbolising wealth and prosperity. People often place them at home entrances or living rooms as a festive wish for financial abundance in the year ahead!
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