Bensonhurst, Brooklyn residents Vionna Wai, 30, and her husband Chucky Hui, 29, made a unique housing choice in 2020 by moving into a two-family home with Hui’s parents. While the couple pays $1,600 monthly for their one-bedroom, one-bath apartment on the second floor, Hui’s parents cover the remaining $3,500 rent for the house, as per documents examined by CNBC Make It.
Living with family members is not uncommon, as 16% of U.S. millennials were reported to be residing with their parents in 2022, according to Axios. However, what sets Wai, a construction engineer, and Hui, a UX designer, apart is their extensive collection of 150 houseplants and two cats named Mi and Ding.
Taking care of the plants serves as a form of self-care for Wai, providing her with a sense of calmness and mindfulness amidst the daily stresses of life. She finds joy in nurturing the plants, dedicating about 30 minutes per week to watering them and tending to their needs, emphasizing the importance of love and care in plant maintenance.
Despite the large number of plants in their home, Wai does not consider their collection excessive as she appreciates the peace and vibrancy they bring to their living space. Each plant holds a special place in Wai’s heart, including a Phildendrom Florida Beauty that she purchased for $350 during the pandemic, an investment that brought her immense joy and a newfound enthusiasm for plant propagation.
To ensure the safety of their pets, Wai and Hui have created a “cat jungle corner” in their home, designated for cat-friendly plants where their feline companions, Mi and Ding, can play and roam freely. With careful planning and consideration, they have made their plant setup renter-friendly, although Wai dreams of one day owning a greenhouse for their cherished plants.
Wai’s passion for plants goes beyond mere decoration, as she envisions a serene life in Japan’s countryside surrounded by nature and greenery. Her love for cultivating a peaceful environment through plants reflects her desire for a harmonious and fulfilling lifestyle, where the beauty of nature serves as a source of solace and joy.