A 22-year-old woman says she has not spoken to her mother since her mother admitted to stealing a houseplant with deep sentimental value.
The woman shared her story on Reddit. She said the issue started during her parents’ first visit to her new apartment. This was the first time she had moved out of their home.
After dinner, the woman noticed that a houseplant was missing. The plant had been a gift from her late partner. She explained that it was “the last thing that he gave me for my birthday” before he passed away last year. She also said it was a type of plant that “can pretty much survive forever if you take care of it.”
She searched for the plant for about 30 minutes but could not find it. Growing suspicious, she called her parents. The woman said her mother acted strangely when asked about the plant.
Eventually, the mother admitted she had taken the plant. The woman said her mother “stuffed it into her handbag” and took it home.
The woman said she was very angry and “demanded” that her mother return the plant. However, her mother dismissed her concerns, saying, “It’s not a big deal, honey,” and “it’s just a plant.”
Since then, the woman has not spoken to her mother. She said she is thinking about going to her mother’s house to confront her. Yet, she also noted, “At the end of the day, it is a plant, and she does collect them, plus, it’s my mom.”
One commenter wrote, “Get the plant. Cut off the mother. From what you said about ‘getting away from your parents,’ it might be time.”
Another said the mother’s act “is absolutely a big deal.” They added, “It is completely bonkers to steal another person’s plants, even if you collect them. She knew exactly what she was doing. My guess is it’s part of a long pattern of mental abuse from your family. Go over there, take back the plant, and tell them you need some space.”
A third commenter emphasized, “It’s not just about a plant. It’s about stealing something special and lying about it. Go over there and demand it back. Then tell them they are never allowed in your apartment again.”
After reading the supportive comments, the woman thanked the Reddit community. She wrote, “I’m really considering going over there and taking it back.” Many urged her to do so.
One commenter advised, “Don’t consider it. Do it. That plant has sentimental value to you, and you cannot put a price on that or dismiss it just because it’s your mom. I’m sorry for your loss and that she did that to you.”
Another added, “If you don’t stand up to this behavior, she’ll not hesitate to do it again. It might seem small to others, but it’s very important to you. You should tell her that. She’s disrespectful to take from anyone’s home.”
