@hoya.greenhouse

1. 

   Syarda at a plant market

   1. When and how did you get into the plant world?

Plants have always caught my attention. Who doesnt love lush green places. Especially when travelling I saw other wondorous plants I had never seen before. My dad was a photographer (of people) and I just took pictures of plants and animals. I got a boyfriend who is into cacti and went to plant markets with him. Plants are so incredible diverse and adaptable to all kinds of different environments. If it wasnt for plants, humanity wouldnt exist. Plants give me peace and helped me through a burn out and through Covid restrictions. Whats not to love about plants?!

2. What kind of plant lover are you? (Are you about quantity or quality? Do you have a specific collection, or you love a bit of everything?)

I guess the plantlove kind of took over my life. I started collecting plants before Covid, but when that hit, it got out of hand. It was something to do, to photograph, to enjoy in dull times. The hoya fever really got me. I had all kinds of plants, but hoya stood out for me.

And now I have an extensive collection in my greenhouse in the garden.

3. If we talk about plants, what is your strength? And what would still like to learn?

Seeing and knowing I do not have all the answers. Plants have different needs and thrive differently in different environments. There is never just one answer if you encounter a problem. I am very aware that I am learning every day by just looking what happens with my plants. 

And trying out, failing and then trying something different. Also having patience is key. Sometimes you just have to let is be and the plant will either die or come back thriving. So my lesson is to always come back to that. I can't control everything. Sometimes a cutting or a plant just isnt good, and sometimes it surprises you. But always enjoy the process!

4. Where do you usually get your plants? (Swap, tuincentrum, private sellers, local plant shops, online e-commerces?)

I still like to go to garden centers, you never know if you find a gem between all the plants on offer. If I see a plant shop, I always have to go in and browse. And trading with people I meet, online or at plant markets. So private sellers. Sometimes I still find wishlist cuttings on Marktplaats or through Facebook or Instagram. And since I started my little company, I can go to wholesellers as well. Nothing better than getting other plantlovers their wishlist plants.

5. As a plant lover, what is a green place that you would like to recommend to the community? (It can be a shop, a city, a garden center, the house of another plant lover)

A green place to recommend, thats a tough one. Costa Rica! But since that is not in everyone's budget, just enjoy where you live. I enjoy my greenhouse, my garden or just nature as I walk my dog in the neighbourhood. Also Botanical Gardens to view plants that I would never get that big in my home or greenhouse.

6. What plants do you have on your wishlist?

Does it surprise you I only have hoya on my wishlist? Right now on my wishlist is hoya Megalaster, Obcordata, Piestolepsis, Lambii, Dennisii Frida, etc. Hoya with distinctive leaves or flowers, always looking to expand my collection.

7.  What is your absolute fav plant?

Fave plant is definitely hoya. It has taken over my home, greenhouse and life ;) But! I also have a soft spot for colorful plants or plants with weird leaves or leaf structure. I also have a (much) smaller collection of Aeoniums, they are so colorful! 

8. What is a plant event that you would love to participate in? (Doesn’t need to be one of my events, it can be something organized by someone else, in another city or something still not organized)

MyBotanika was a plant event I really wanted to participate in. It is huge, busy and has a lot of wishlist plants available. Turns out that was my first market as a seller this year! It sparked the rest of my year. Have loads of plant markets planned and will be back at My Botanika twice later this year. 

9.    What does Youplant Amsterdam represent for you?

Youplant Amsterdam is just something I scrolled on by on the socials. I got interested when I heard there might be a plant market again this year. Ofcourse I enrolled for the market and now I follow a bit more of what Youplant is doing. I see loads of different plant related events coming by and I think its great that different people connect through plants in all sort of ways.

10.   What is your best advice for someone who wants to start a plant hobby?

Just do it. Read a lot, ask questions but don't let yourself get caught up in the Instagram hypes. You will fail. Some expensive plants will die. You will get bugs. And thats ok. You learn. You'll do better next time. You'll find peace and learn to have patience. It may get you frustrated but will keep you sane at other times. It is the best hobby to have. I have found most people in the plant community are very open and friendly. You'll make new friends you would never encounter in everyday life who are also plantfreaks...like you ;)