PlantHouse, with roots in Virginia Beach, has customers who seek houseplants in the spring and workshops in the fall
By Rachel Kester / Photos Courtesy of PlantHouse
A magical labyrinth of houseplants, home décor, and creative workspaces, PlantHouse has grown to be a sought-after spot in portions of the East Coast—an almost decadelong journey that originated in coastal Virginia. Founded in 2018 in Virginia Beach, PlantHouse is known for its special concept that blends the botanical world alongside art. “We want to be a place where people can come in and learn something new and connect with each other over something like plants,” owner Bailey Ryan said.
Philodendrons, succulents, spider plants, hoyas, cacti, and pothos are some of the most common species at PlantHouse, but it’s not unusual for rarer ones to occasionally sneak in, such as the coveted Monstera Thai Constellation. For outdoor or fruit plant lovers, its online shop offers changing stock, such as the ensete banana and container-friendly fig trees that can be shipped to one’s home. “We are all tropical indoor plants, but we dabble a little bit in rare [ones],” Ryan said. “Our focus is more on unique and low maintenance.” This blend is perhaps why PlantHouse is so alluring—that it caters to both budding and experienced houseplant collectors. With fresh inventory each week, there’s always something new to discover.
Apart from the plants, PlantHouse was built to be a creative outlet, and its DIY terrarium building and custom candle-pouring opportunities are staples. Nestled within each shop are tables equipped with colored sand buckets, miniature décor, and dreamy fragrance oils. While these walk-in options are open daily, if you plan to visit on the weekend or have a large group, it’s ideal to make a reservation. If your schedule is packed, don’t worry. There are to-go kits.
PlantHouse also offers weekly ticketed workshops providing a more in-depth look into plant techniques and skills. One is Boozy Bonsai, which teaches the basics of this ancient artform alongside some wine, beer, and mimosas (there are also non-alcoholic options). Other classes include Kokedama (a Japanese art that incorporates plants into moss balls), fairy garden terrariums, and even some geared toward kids, such as jellyfish terrarium building that uses items including air plants to create an underwater scene.
While exploring the world of plants can be fun, it can also be daunting. This is why Ryan has incorporated educational aspects to the business. Workers are happy to provide guidance and tips to ensure success, such as watering and light requirements. There are plenty of plant care books and supplies scattered inside, and complimentary repotting services are also available. “If you purchase plants and a pot with us, you’ll get a free potting,” Ryan said. You can also bring in a clean pot from home for transplanting.
PlantHouse came to be due to a choice Ryan had to make after graduating high school: Go to college or start a business. “I really didn’t want to go to college, [so] I started the business with my parents,” Ryan said. Her parents owned a shipping facility that handled wholesale glass and aggregate deliveries for home improvement and retail stores. She decided to repurpose some of the materials into terrarium-building opportunities. Ryan soon hosted terrarium-building workshops at the warehouse, where interest steadily grew.
After a few months, PlantHouse debuted at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Holly Road. “At the time, we were focused on terrariums and workshops and then slowly added in houseplants and stuff like that,” she said. In March 2021, the business moved to Virginia Beach’s The Shops at Hilltop. Soon afterward, a location in Richmond popped up, and by late 2020, PlantHouse expanded to Charlotte. “We were looking at southern markets in general,” Ryan said, regarding the initial North Carolina expansion. “We were looking at Raleigh and Charlotte and just fell in love with [Charlotte]. We felt like it was an accepting community for our funky concept.” PlantHouse now has six locations across Virginia and the Carolinas.
While PlantHouse has plenty of love in its niche market, the business’s concept can sometimes prove to be a challenge. During the pandemic, there was an influx of interest, but things have since calmed down a bit. Ryan noticed that demand for certain aspects ebbs and flows throughout the year. During the spring, customers tend to go crazy with houseplants, while in the fall and winter, workshops are favored. “It’s not tapered off, but [demand] comes in waves,” Ryan said.
This fluctuation hasn’t deterred the business. PlantHouse continues to play an active role in its communities. An annual plant sale, a kickoff to spring, is hosted in early March at its six locations. The sale offers discounts, giveaways, the chance to purchase rare plant varieties, and opportunities for local vendors. PlantHouse also does off-site events, such as corporate team-building projects and terrarium-building workshops at schools.
While Ryan is content with where PlantHouse is now, she doesn’t rule out the possibility of it blooming more as people come to appreciate what this unique business has to offer. “I always say,” Ryan said, “‘Never say never.’”
Rachel Kester
