I'm not exactly a plant parent, more like an enthusiastic uncle when it comes to plants. I occasionally try to propagate cuttings from plants in churches, stores, or public spaces, even though I'm pretty bad at it. Recently, I saw a lot of people online shaming someone for taking a cutting from an AirBNB pothos plant, which seems a bit extreme to me. Are there really plant police out there? Should I feel guilty about my attempts? I've always viewed plants as part of nature, even if they are owned by individuals. I mean, it's like saying if your dog could regenerate, would you be okay with someone taking a bit of it? What do you all think about this? Is this a common viewpoint? Shout out to any plant narcs—I admire the commitment you have!
3 Answers
Honestly, it really depends on the situation. If taking a leaf ruins the plant's look or health, that’s a no-go for me. I’ll sometimes take fallen leaves from stores, but I wouldn’t just cut off part of a plant—especially not from someone's home. My wife was against me cutting some from these huge variegated pothos the other day because it could be noticed. Always better to be respectful!
If a plant doesn’t belong to you, taking cuttings is pretty much theft. Simple as that! Just ask for permission before snagging anything. It's not just about the act; it's the respect for the owner's connection to their plant. I’ve had my own plant for years, and if someone took a cutting, it’d break my heart. They can mean a lot more than people realize!
It's definitely a tricky issue. It's like the tragedy of the commons—if just one person takes a leaf, it might not hurt the plant, but if everyone does it, that plant can suffer. I totally get why someone might take a bit from a giant public succulent, but swiping cuttings from someone's houseplant is next-level entitlement. Just not cool, you know?
Exactly! Every plant can be sentimental. It’s not only about the physical plant but also the memories tied to it.