1. What does it mean?
식집사 combines 식물, plant, with 집사, butler or caretaker. It affectionately describes someone who tends houseplants with the attention associated with caring for a companion.
Also written or said as sikjipsa
2. The nuance
It is a hobby label, not a horticultural qualification. A beginner with one plant can use it; the affection matters more than the size of the collection.
3. Examples
“새잎이 나와서 초보 식집사는 신났어.”
As a new plant parent, I was excited to see a fresh leaf.
“식집사 친구가 화분 위치를 고민하고 있어.”
My plant-parent friend is thinking about where to put the pots.
Sources
Sinjoeo Korean Slang Dictionary
References support the meaning and usage. Example sentences are written for NoCapWiki.