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Houseplant Trends, Tips & Hot Takes: Live from the Southeast Plant Show, Ep 299

This year, I had the joy of hosting a live Growing Joy popup at the Southeast Plant Show. I’ve been fortunate to attend a few plant events lately, but this one felt special in a way that’s hard to describe. The energy was electric! The people were overflowing with joy, and the plants were everything.

If you love to connect with plant people, discover trending varieties, and just soak up good vibes, the Southeast Plant Show is a must. It’s a plant parent’s dream, with over 120 vendors representing everything from tropical houseplants to handmade pots (even snakes). Here’s a compilation of my conversations with different plant vendors, influencers, and company owners! They share trending houseplants, expert tips, and juicy hot takes about your favorite plants.

In this episode, we learn:

[03:16] Meet Erica Parker, founder & creator of Southeast Plant Show!
[05:49] Wade Richards (Plants by Wade Lee)
[09:18] Jeannie Tejeda (Urbnflockr)
[13:17] Ben (Trapped Nursery)
[16:43] Ara (Propagation Diaries)
[20:03] Adam Golan (Poured LLC)
[23:49] Jenni (Gazing Green)
[26:35] Jocelyn Ho (Rare Plant Fairy)
[29:41] Leslie Patton (Not Your Average Sansevieria)
[32:42] Carlos Nieto (Leaf and Reef LLC)
[35:35] Colah B Tawkin (Black in the Garden)
[39:36] Cass Marion (Plant Addicted Cass)
[43:20] Davida Freeman (Condo Plant Mama/CPMG Studio Press)
[45:38] Lakeisha Jones (Pink Pothos)
[48:27] Jess Gaston (Live Grow Glow)
[52:00] Joshua Hite (Plant Zaddy Club)
[53:54] Lauren (Lauren's Fairy Garden)
[58:33] Carley Crutchfield (The Problem Plant)
[59:49] Derek Haynes (The Chocolate Botanist)
[01:02:37] Angelina (Palmstreet App)

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Why Plant Shows Are Where It’s At

The appeal of a plant show isn’t just in the leaves. It’s in the connections. If you want to meet like-minded plant parents to nerd out over rare finds, or just enjoy being around people who get it, this is the place. I got to interview 22 vendors, influencers, and fellow plant lovers in just two hours, and every single one of them brought something insightful to the table.

There’s something powerful about being in a space filled with people who share your passions. Everywhere I turned, there was a conversation happening. People were showing off their hauls, connecting over shared plant obsessions, and making real-life friends after years of being Instagram mutuals.

Inside the Southeast Plant Show

Erica Parker was the incredible founder of the show, and she created something that goes way beyond a typical vendor event. It’s hyperlocal but global in spirit, with vendors flying in from around the world. And despite its size, it feels deeply personal.

It actually felt like a party and didn’t feel corporate. Like a reunion of people who speak the same language. I kept hearing people describe it as “overwhelming in the best way.”

Trending Now in the Plant World

I kept my eyes and ears open to spot what’s hot right now. Anthuriums were everywhere. Variegated Hibiscus were starting to make waves. Carnivorous plants like pings and sundew pitchers were also having a moment, especially among plant parents looking for gnat control.

Color-wise, pink and purple foliage were everywhere.

People were also talking about plant accessories. Cement pots shaped like anatomy parts (like Adam’s booty pots), handmade trellises, clever fasteners, etc. There’s a wave of creativity happening right now, and it’s making plant styling just as fun as plant parenting.

Spicy Plant Opinions (And I Loved Every One)

Let’s just say plant people have opinions. Hoyas were one of the most polarizing topics. Some of them think they’re boring and overrated. Others are obsessed. Calatheas stirred some feelings too, because they’re beautiful, yes, but not everyone wants the drama.

One major theme that came up again and again is it’s okay to let go of plants that no longer bring you joy. People are realizing that they can make room for what truly sparks happiness for them.

Community and Real Talk

Online plant communities are wonderful, but nothing compares to hugging someone you’ve only seen on social media. Many vendors and plantfluencers are connecting in real life for the first time.

There was also so much wisdom being shared. Things like keeping the basics in plant care. That it’s okay to kill a few plants. That you don’t need to be an expert. That plant parenting is trial and error. That the best thing you can do is figure out what works for you!

Final Thoughts

I walked away from the Southeast Plant Show feeling full. Plants are what bring us together, but it’s the people that keep us rooted. If you have the chance, go to a local plant show or to the next Southeast Plant Show! You might find your new favorite plant or, even better, your new plant best friend.