The Leaf Thief NZ

03/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BCW7fiznv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1E1G3UJqxw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

16/02/2026

Oh no! I haven’t checked this corner for a while. When did these guys move in? I’m finding lots of little wasp nests at the moment. A bit rude taking over my succulents 🤨

19/10/2025

Repotting My Succulents! 💚

Some of my succulents have been in the same pots for over a year — definitely time for a refresh! A few had outgrown their 12cm homes and were completely root bound, so today they moved into roomy 21cm squat pots/mezzo vaso (Bunnings).

✨ On the bench today:
• Echeveria Pollux
• Echeveria Moonstone
• Graptopetalum Purple Delight
• Echeveria Hera

🪴 E. Pollux was looking a bit sad, with some damaged leaves. They were removed, plus a few more for propagation.
🪴 E. Moonstone was stubborn — I removed a row around the stem, but none of the leaves wanted to let go cleanly, which is essential for propagation.
🪴 G. P. Purple delight had two pups for me, and propagates readily, so no stress there.
🪴 E. Hera also propagates well, and the leaves came off cleanly.

All had their roots trimmed to approx. 5cm, and dead or damaged leaves were removed… as were a few spiders and webs! 🕸️

Normally I repot when roots are dry, but these had been living outdoors and were damp. Now they’re in the greenhouse to dry out and settle before their first deep drink in a week or so.

Here’s to happy roots and new growth!

18/10/2025

Non-stop tomato repotting this weekend 🍅🌱 The greenhouse smells like tomato and basil — the ultimate summer scent combo. 🌿❤️ 😋

17/10/2025

Annual reminder!

Inhaling dust from potting mix or compost can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe and sometimes life-threatening chest infection.

To protect your lungs and avoid getting Legionnaires’ disease:

👉 Use potting mix or compost outside
👉 Wear a well-fitting face mask. An N95 or respirator is best
👉 Wear gloves when handling potting mix or compost
👉 Open potting mix or compost bags carefully using scissors, away from your face
👉 Reduce dust by dampening down the potting mix or compost before using it
👉 Wash your hands thoroughly after handling potting mix or compost and before touching your face or removing your mask.

15/10/2025

Meet the Abutilon – also known as the Lantern Flower or Chinese Lantern Flower

A gorgeous, low-maintenance shrub that just keeps blooming and blooming!

It’s also a safe food for little Leaf Thief Dashi the Eastern Hermann Tortoise 🐢💚

Mine is about 1.5m x 1.5m and now…
I’m trying to propagate it for the first time, as I need to move the main plant. I’m hoping it doesn’t die - and I want backups in case it does!

Wish me luck! 🤞

15/10/2025

Loving the growing tomato forest! 👇

check out the lineup!
🍅Beefsteak Select
🍅Black Krim
🍅Chef’s Choice Bicolour
🍅Golden Cascade
🍅Roma
🍅Rosella
🍅Speckled Roman
🍅Sunrise Bumble Bee
🍅Tommy Toe

For sale soon…

10/10/2025

At Woodstock Primary School!

Edit: thank you for your support! A great evening for the school and The Leaf Thief NZ, and I have two very happy, very tired kiddos to put to bed 🤗

09/10/2025

Looking forward to the Woodstock Primary School Gala tonight, 4-7pm. I’ll be at the car boot sale with succulents, ground covers, mini monsteras and vases!