A peculiar new trend is brewing among China’s youth, one that might make your stomach churn but has captivated social media: cultivating “tea fungi—essentially mold—from bottled tea drinks and keeping them as pets. Forget hamsters or goldfish; for many young Chinese, a fuzzy, spherical blob growing in leftover tea is the ultimate low-maintenance companion.

The phenomenon took off on social media, with users posting photos of white or translucent fungal clusters thriving in popular bottled teas like “Oriental Leaf” after being left open for a few days. These “tea fungi” can apparently grow to the size of a ping-pong ball, and aspiring cultivators share “guides” on how to encourage their growth—often simply by leaving an open bottle in a warm, dark place like a car.

So, why are young people deliberately growing mold? It taps into several facets of contemporary youth culture. Firstly, it’s about novelty and unconventionality. In a crowded digital landscape, a “pet” that’s weird, unexpected, and slightly rebellious stands out. It’s a quirky statement against the norm. Secondly, it’s incredibly low-maintenance, appealing to urban youth with busy lives and limited space who still crave a sense of nurturing or connection without the demands of traditional pets.

Finally, this trend is a powerful reflection of social media-driven DIY culture. It’s easy to participate, visually shareable, and fosters a sense of community among those experimenting with their fungal friends. While beverage manufacturers and experts warn against consuming drinks with such growths due to potential health risks from unknown molds (yes, please don’t drink your pet), the trend underscores a generation finding fascination and companionship in the most unexpected corners of their everyday lives.

Cover image via RADII.