Jonny Balchandani is so passionate about plants he turned his spare bedroom into a greenhouse.
Known as the Bearded Plantaholic, he posts about his collection of thousands of plants to one million followers on social media and it has become a “lifestyle” for the 39-year-old.
From watering days that involve a few hundred plants to ordering the latest rare species, his home in Malvern, Worcestershire, has turned into a jungle.
“Plants were a hobby, a passion, and I could escape reality and numb out the thoughts of the everyday. I was more creative, happier and it’s nurtured my mood and made me more of who I am,” he said.
Balchandani said his passion “spiralled” about two decades ago when he realised the vast range of plants for sale and the benefits that came with being surrounded by greenery.
“It was the immersion in nature and having things that were green around me that made me feel happy, and plants were an escapism,” he said.
To boost people’s happiness and morale, Balchandani created a monthly “prescription” box filled with rooted plants and unusual species to help plant lovers grow their collection.
