Meet the people treating their houseplants like family

Watson’s business quickly became a full-time job.

“Clients will either drop their plants off at my home for me to look after, or I will visit their houses,” she says.

Primarily, the care involves watering, but occasionally involves light pruning, pest control and fertilising.

“I have also cared for some really high-maintenance orchids. For this, the client left me extremely detailed instructions, and we did a run-through before she left.”

Watson says most of her clients choose her services rather than ask a family or friend because, like Rowen, they had a bad experience in the past, but also because they have invested a lot of time and energy into their plants.

“Plants can have really great sentimental value to their owners,” she says. “The plants can have their own stories and memories, and these can be irreplaceable.”

International student Hayley Hembrey, who is plant-sitting a Melbourne woman’s collection while she is overseas, has observed this emotional connection first-hand.

“When the lady dropped the plants off at my house, it was clear that they meant a lot to her; they were all in nice pots with gemstones inside,” she says. “As she left, she was crying and told me that if she could take them with her overseas, she would.”

It’s Hembrey’s first time plant-sitting. The 30-year-old from the UK took on the job with her partner, a natural green thumb, via the online marketplace Airtasker.

“I was struggling to find work and saw this listing, which I thought, with my partner’s help, I could do. I’d never heard of plant-sitting before this,” she says.

Hembrey and her partner have been caring for the assortment of 10 indoor and outdoor plants for more than a month. The initial booking was made for eight weeks, with the potential to extend.

“It’s paying $70 for eight weeks, and any time after that I’ll get an additional $10 to $20 a week,” she says.

Driving the need for plant-sitting services is the increase in popularity of indoor plants, says Graham Ross, founder of the Australian Garden Council.

“The increase in interest in houseplants is a 70 per cent growth factor in plant sales in the past 10 to15 years, and doesn’t show any signs of abating,” he says.

As some plant collections hold significant monetary value, ensuring their survival and long-term health adds to the demand for professional services.

“An indoor plant could be valued at $200-$300, and its loss is measurable,” says Ross.

“For example, a variegated monstera, M deliciosa Thai constellation could set the owner back up to $650, and only a professional knows how to care for it.”

For Rowen, this level of care is priceless. When she came back from her latest trip away, not only were her jewel orchids happy and healthy, “they were flowering”.

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