Need a Houseplant Overhaul? Here’s How to Host a Plant Swap

There is no better way to spruce up your home than with some new plants. But rather than visiting the nearest plant nursery, try a new approach to plant-parent life: Host a plant swap.

Plant swaps provide a safe place for houseplant enthusiasts to fully dish about their green-leafy friends while trading cuttings or adult plants to further their collection. It’s a community-oriented approach to what can often be an individual hobby—a chance to chat, learn, and grow among other plant lovers without having to spend.

As the host, you’ll get to set the tone of your plant swap. Not only is it a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors, but you can even get local businesses involved as fellow hosts or vendors.

Here are some steps to help you plan your very own plant swap, creating an exciting green tradition for you and your community.

How to Host a Plant Swap

1. Find a Space

To find a space for your swap, try reaching out to plant shops, nurseries, florists, or local gardens. This can be a chance for attendees to get to know their community’s green spaces, or for shop owners to expand their clientele by creating a memorable and lush environment. Hosting the swap somewhere that enjoys a regular stream of customers can serve to broaden your audience.

2. Feature a Pop-Up

Plant swaps are a great place for small businesses to cross-pollinate. Plants are known for creating a refreshing and calming space, so ponder other mediums that offer the same results. Consider local ceramic studios, jewelers, artists, poetry groups, yoga studios, or book clubs to help create a positive and harmonious vibe for a more intimate event.

3. Find a Date

Work with your fellow plant-loving friends to narrow down your search for the perfect venue and sort out logistics before settling on a date. Once your date is set, get promoting! Use free design tools online, like Canva or Piktochart, to bring your flyers to life. Then use social media to spread the word.

4. Set Up a Plant Swap Table

To help foster a welcoming environment, consider plant parents that may also be introverts. A trading table provides an option to avoid the social component, taking and leaving plants as needed instead. This gives your attendees a sense of control to meet their own comfort levels.

5. Sit Back and Enjoy!

Plant swaps are a fun and interactive way to expand your plant knowledge and your network of friends. Remember to absorb and enjoy what you were able to put out into your community—and, of course, to admire all of those pretty plants.