Wanting a hobby that allows you to bloom? Are you new to plants, a plant parent or enjoy talking to them? Whatever your knowledge or experience, IndieBloom welcome to you, Sap Plants 🌵🪴🎍🌺 🌱🌴

Sap-tastic

The seeds for Sap Plants were planted by Chan, based in Nottingham UK, who’s ‘a plant enthusiast looking to share her love of house plants, propagation and terrariums with you all!’

Beginning our interview we wanted to know how the fascination and interest with plants began. Chan answered, ‘I started to collect cacti years ago and it sort of grew from there! As soon as I learnt how easy it was to propagate and grow your own collect, I was hooked.’ Following on from this we were keen to find out what’s her favourite plant and why? ‘I would probably say a Euphorbia succulent as there are so many varieties and I love a weird plant.’ Having checked ourselves, there are indeed many varieties coming in some interesting shapes and sizes.

Intrigued to know Chan’s process for creating her terrariums. All is revealed below 👇

There are lots of different elements required to create a happy, long-lasting terrarium and this will vary depending on whether it is an open or closed terrarium. The plants are selected depending on the bottle being used, as some plants won't survive in a closed terrarium. I run terrarium workshops in Nottingham where people can come and learn how to make their own!

With a steady customer base at her successful workshops, we were curious to find out what's the most popular plant(s) with customers. ‘Anything a little unusual, like a Watermelon Peperomia, and easy care plants, such as Pothos or Philodendron.’

Blooming marvelous

Being our first indie plant brand we interviewed, we wanted to get Chan’s thoughts on what’s been the most challenging experience encountered. ‘I started my workshops the weekend before we went into lock down so I had quite a long break from hosting them, which was challenging to begin with but in retrospect I think it really helped me refine the workshops.’ A blessing in disguise.

Ultimately this blessing has allowed for her most pleasing situation being, ‘I love when customers keep me updated with their plant or terrarium purchases, it's always lovely to see them thriving in their new homes. I've also hosted pop ups and workshops in some amazing places, such as Nottingham Castle. I've loved hosting pop ups in shops such as Urban Outfitters and Rough Trade.’ Along with this mentioning, ‘that the small business community is the best! I've made so many small biz friends along the way and everyone is so supportive.’

Preparation is key. Chan explains the process for her workshops. ‘The planning can vary depending on the number of people attending, it can range from as little as 4 people to 10. I don't like to offer more places than this in one session as I like to ensure that everyone attending has my attention and assistance if they are struggling.’ If you’re based in Nottingham or visiting the area with some free time, you should book and pay a visit!

Chan recalls her favourite workshop she’s run, explaining why - ‘I really loved the one I ran recently in the Medieval Gatehouse at Nottingham Castle, but I love them all! They're always so varied and the people who attend are also so lovely.’

A Watermelon Peperomia plant in a terrarium

Dr Greenthumb

A day is only 24 hours, how is it spent for Sap Plants? ‘This can vary massively, some days I will be prepping for a workshop, others I will be running markets or pop up shops and others are spent watering and caring for my stock.’

Are you a serial plant killer? If so, here are some tips and skills to keep your plants happy and alive. ‘Don't water all of your plants on the same schedule. All plants have different watering needs and doing this weekly, on the same day can result in over watering, which plants very rarely bounce back from. Pay attention to each individual plants needs, and water them when they need it.’ All noted 📝🗒

Apart from upcoming workshops, there will be some Christmas markets across Nottingham over the next couple of months. ‘I'm also in the final stages of finalising new venues for workshops in 2023, which is exciting!’ Look out for those, a nice end to the year, with a new one starting with a flourish.

Plant power

We hope you’ve read this (and didn’t grow tired with the plant puns 😁) felt inspired, learnt things about the world of plants, botany, horticulture, terrariums and ultimately are a fan of Chan’s dedication to her craft with Sap Plants. ‘Thank you very much for asking me to be part of your website!’ - No worries at all, IndieBloom are rooting for you! Keep up to date on all the socials -TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and check out the shop which also includes trinkets such as earrings, stickers and handy items like coir.