Woman Bans Sister-In-Law and Niece From Her Home After They Destroyed Her Houseplants
This is what happens when plants get between family.
One woman thought she was doing a simple favor for family, until she came home to find her beloved houseplants in terrible shape. What started as a two-week plant-sitting arrangement quickly turned into a fight over responsibility, money, and trust.
The original poster says her 14-year-old niece had always loved plants and often spent time with her learning how to propagate and repot them. So when she left town, she trusted her sister-in-law and niece to care for roughly 70 plants, but the return home changed everything.
Now the damaged plants, the angry confrontation, and a family ban have everyone picking sides.
The author reveals her love for plants
plantmomaitaHer 14-year-old niece, Jenny, developed a keen interest in plants
plantmomaitaSister-in-law and Jenny decided to plant-sit for OP (original poster) while she was out of town
plantmomaita
She gave them a full walkthrough before leaving.
OP gave them a tour and answered some questions to ensure they understood the type of care needed
plantmomaita
Unfortunately, when she returned, the plants were in a horrible state
plantmomaita
That is not what she expected to come home to.
Everything was destroyed!
plantmomaita
Imagine what it would feel like to lose your expensive and prized possessions
plantmomaita
OP couldn't contain her emotions. She screamed so loudly at her niece that the poor girl started crying
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OP's sister-in-law had to step in
plantmomaita
The sister-in-law didn't understand the value that OP placed on those plants. In her words, OP was having a "tantrum over plants."
plantmomaita
That comment only made things worse.
This also echoes the drama of a sister who felt betrayed after a secret family house purchase.
OP didn't take those words lightly. In fact, she banned her sister-in-law and niece from coming to her house ever again.
plantmomaita
Very strong words here
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OP's brother made it clear that she's taking things too far. Well, now she wants to know if she really overreacted.
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Here's how users reacted to the story:
This commenter thinks the damage was no accident.
"Your SIL knew exactly what she was doing and profiting from it"
TreadingLife1038
"A 14-year-old knows better than to steal someone's hard work and sell it"
JustJessJ_Art
Several people focused on the selling part.
"Well, 'family' means we don't deliberately rob each other"
Senator_Bink
"I would kick anyone out who messed with my plants"
jazzy_flowers
"These thieves made THOUSANDS of dollars by stealing OP’s plants"
No-Wheel-8798
Plant lovers were especially outraged.
"Fellow houseplant enthusiast here! I’d never look them in the eye again"
snoowflake97
"Did anyone else gasp upon reading they'd been sold on Marketplace?"
SimplySam4210
"I hope you made them give you the money they received?"
KimmyStand
Many houseplant enthusiasts were visibly furious at what the sister-in-law and niece did to OP's plants. In fact, they were convinced that everything was planned and aimed at making a profit due to the plants' value.
It's sad to see a family torn apart this way, and we hope that everyone can find common ground.
Whose side are you on? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Some plant collections are worth more than family patience.
Next time it’s your property on the line, see how the sister’s dog ruined the yard, then demanded grooming money.
