A young woman has opened up about a rift with her mother after discovering that her mother had taken a houseplant with sentimental value from her new apartment. The incident, which she described in a Reddit post, occurred during her parents’ first visit to her apartment after she moved out of their home.
According to the 22-year-old, the problem began after dinner when she noticed a houseplant that was gifted to her by her late partner had gone missing. The plant was a birthday gift from her partner before his death last year, and the young woman described it as something that “could pretty much survive forever if you take care of it.”
Suspicious after searching for the plant for half an hour, she confronted her parents. Her mother initially seemed evasive about the plant’s whereabouts, but eventually admitted that she had taken it. She explained that she had stuffed the plant into her handbag and brought it home.
The young woman expressed her anger, demanding that her mother return the plant. However, her mother downplayed the situation, telling her, “It’s not a big deal, honey,” and dismissing it as “just a plant.”
“I haven’t spoken to her since, and I’ve really been considering going over there and giving her a piece of my mind,” the woman wrote. Despite her frustration, she admitted that it was, in the end, “just a plant” and that her mother did collect plants, which made her hesitate.
Many Reddit users sympathized with the young woman’s feelings. One commenter urged her to “get the plant” and “cut off the mother,” suggesting that this could be a sign of deeper issues with her family. Others felt that the mother’s actions went beyond a simple misunderstanding. “It is completely bonkers to steal another person’s plants,” one commenter wrote. “She knew exactly what she was doing, and my guess is it’s a long pattern of mental abuse from your family. Go over there, take back the plant, and tell them you need some space from them.”
The idea of the plant representing more than just an object resonated with other users. “It is not just about ‘a plant.’ It is about the stealing of a special belonging and the lying,” another commenter pointed out. “Go over there and demand it back. Then tell them they are never allowed in your apartment again.”
In response to the supportive comments, the woman thanked Reddit users and expressed that she was seriously considering retrieving the plant. Many urged her to take action. “Don’t consider it, do it,” one commenter advised. “That plant has sentimental value to you, and you cannot put a price on that or just dismiss the actions because it was your mom.”
Another user added, “If you don’t stand up to this behavior, she’ll not hesitate to do it in the future. It might seem like an insignificant object to others, but it’s very significant to you, and you should tell her so. She’s downright disrespectful to take from anyone’s home.”
