A seed of inspiration
Indoor Plant Lady (at least that is what the locals have come to know her by), Siobhan Vermaak, uprooted her family and business four months ago from bustling Auckland to embrace a more serene lifestyle in the verdant haven of Kaipara.
With a builder for a husband, two boisterous boys, two energetic Jack Russells, and a plant subscription business, Siobhan says she is always happy to get her hands and heart dirty. A South African by blood, but now a proud Kiwi, Siobhan has a background in sales, marketing, and product photography, and possesses a great love of all things indoor-plant-related. A self-confessed plant obsessor, she believes indoor plants can turn any house into a home. “Not only do plants bring life into the home, some improve indoor air quality and our mental wellbeing,” says Siobhan.
A seed sown while in lockdown, Plant Baby started as a small idea for indoor plant lovers, both amateur and well-seasoned. “The objective you might ask? To create a community of plant enthusiasts enjoying the benefits and beauty of being an indoor plant subscriber. A space to share advice, care instructions, and ‘show off’ your plant babies,” says Siobhan.
Once signed up to a subscription, clients receive an indoor plant every third week of the month, delivered to the address of their choice. “This allows newbies to learn how to care for plants at a steady pace, and for seasoned veterans to find another space for their new Plant Baby. Each month’s box is specially curated to feature an indoor plant – a well-established, mature indoor plant (contrary to the company name), think Philodendrons, Calathea varieties, plants with exotic names like Sting Rays and Monkey Mask – a beautiful matching cover pot, and a fun gift or accessory, depending on your selected subscription tier. Care instructions are emailed and posted so you always have access.”
Subscribers can sign up and cancel their subscription anytime in the client portal, so there are no set contracts. Plant Baby delivers to every corner of New Zealand and shipping is free. “Use it as your gifting concierge like some of Plant Baby’s clients do, or keep all the plants for yourself.”
Now running the business from her lifestyle property in Hakuru, Siobhan has big plans to expand. Last year saw New World and Airwick Haze collaborate with Plant Baby to deliver 800 native subscriptions across New Zealand. So this year, with Kaipara being home, Plant Baby wants to integrate into and support the community. Collaborations are underway with local businesses such as Stitch in Time and Cleanz, and ideas for new subscriptions services are in the works. Corporate gifting solutions will be launched soon too.
If you live in Hakaru or Mangawhai, Siobhan has set up an exclusive promo code for $12 off your orders. Simply use MANGAWHAI at checkout.
Plant Baby's Top Tips
With Spring around the corner, here are some tips to help your indoor plants out of hibernation:
Spring is a great time to re-pot if required. If roots are growing out the bottom of the pot, it's time to re-pot! Use a well-draining soil.
Cut off any brown or dead leaves as far as you can.
Fertilise your indoor plants with a light, water-soluble feed once a month from spring to late summer, then drop to once or every few months in the colder months.
To maximise your plant’s photosynthesis ability, dust or wipe your plant’s leaves – this will allow them to grow quicker and stronger.