In 2020, Vionna Wai and her husband, Chucky Hui, moved into a two-family home in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, with his parents. The couple pays $1,600 a month to live in the one-bedroom apartment on the second floor, while Hui’s parents cover the rest of the $3,500 monthly rent and live on the first floor. Despite living with family, the couple stands out due to their 150 houseplants and two cats, Mi and Ding. Wai, a construction engineer, finds solace and calmness in caring for her plants, viewing it as a form of self-care in her fast-paced life. She spends about 30 minutes a week tending to her plants and believes that the love and care put into them are reciprocated.
Wai’s extensive plant collection is a source of joy and relaxation for her, providing a stark contrast to her demanding work life. She believes that people often overlook the fact that plants are living beings that require care and attention. While some may find 150 plants excessive, Wai sees them as a vibrant and calming element in her life. She and her husband have created a cat-friendly corner in their home, where their two cats can coexist with the plants safely. Despite the challenges of keeping toxic plants away from the feline friends, Wai has managed to create a harmonious environment for both her plants and her pets.
One of the most expensive plants in Wai’s collection is a Phildendrom Florida Beauty that she purchased for $350 during the pandemic. Despite initial fears of it not surviving, Wai found joy in nurturing the plant back to health alongside a friend. The couple has set up their home to be plant-friendly while still being mindful of their rental arrangement. Wai dreams of eventually having a greenhouse and living a quieter life in the countryside, surrounded by nature. For now, she finds peace and comfort in her home filled with plants, cats, and love.
Wai believes that plants only require water, sunlight, and love to thrive, emphasizing that they are not as difficult to care for as some might think. She dedicates time each week to tend to her plants, finding the activity to be meditative and fulfilling. While her plant collection may seem overwhelming to some, Wai sees it as a harmonious extension of her personality and a source of joy in her daily routine. As a self-proclaimed homebody, she cherishes the time spent with her plants and cats after a hectic day at work, finding solace in the calming and lively presence of her green companions.
Despite the challenges of living with toxic plants and curious cats, Wai has found a balance in creating a safe and harmonious environment for both her plants and her pets. Through careful planning and maintenance, she has managed to cultivate a thriving ecosystem within her home that brings her peace and contentment. She hopes to one day have a greenhouse and live a simpler life in the countryside, surrounded by nature and serenity. For now, she relishes in the joy and tranquility that her plants bring to her everyday life, finding comfort in the midst of the chaos of the world outside.
