Who: Currently a professional in an MNC’s medical device field, Lam turned his plant-collecting hobby into a business three and a half years ago with Miniaturland (@miniaturland010818), an online shop selling caudiciform and exotic plants.

Plant species he owns: “I collect mostly exotic caudiciform plants such as Pachypodium (pictured), Adenia, Euphorbia and Stephania. These can be found around Southeast Asia and as far as Africa and America.”

How it began: “I’ve been collecting since my university days. Caudiciform plants display a great range of forms and symmetries.

In addition, they have amazing leaves in terms of shape and colour, with some of the most fascinating designs in the plant kingdom. They are simply living sculptures!”

How he cares for his plants: “One of the best things about caudiciform plants is that they are mostly low maintenance and drought tolerant. They are content with a good drainage medium and a shaded bright spot.”

His tips: “The biggest challenge is patience. You need the patience to wait for a good specimen plant to come by, and for them to grow to the desired size (their growth may be slower in comparison to other plants). Cultivating such plants is also a lesson in responsibility and the appreciation of nature.”

Who: An engineer in an oil and gas company. A lover of caudiciform plants, he proudly displays his plant collection on his IG account @cuteplantsworld.

Plant species he owns: “I collect many types of exotic plants including species of Commiphora, Boswellia and Busera from the frankincense and myrrh family which are native to Africa, Somalia, Yemen, Socotra island and Mexico.

I’ve also got pachypodium species mostly native to Madagascar and Africa, and Adenia from the family of passifloraceae − native to eastern Africa and Madagascar. I source them from all around the world including Africa, Europe, the US, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and China.”

How it began: “I started collecting unusual plants in 2016. I’m still a newbie, but I am obsessed and passionate about exotic plants, and I did a lot of homework in researching them. Once I have a target, I’ll try every means to get it no matter how much it costs! I think it’s quite instinctive for people to pursue collecting something unique like these plants − they really refresh your soil when daily routines wear you out!”

How he cares for his plants: “Most of them like sunlight, so give them sufficient light. If your home has limited sunlight access, there are a lot of grow lights you can buy that serve as reliable alternatives. Secondly, keep the area airy so that soil can dry in a timely manner, to prevent rotten roots and an insect or fungi infection.

Lastly, watering is important at the plant’s growing stage. I normally water them thoroughly once every seven to 10 days. It also depends on the type of pot you use; deep pots require more frequent watering than shallow ones. If plants are dormant, watering once every two to three weeks is fine.”

His tips: “Buy from trusted sellers − a lot of them on Facebook or Instagram may try to cheat you! And if you see mealy bugs, scale insects or red spiders, immediately isolate the plant from others, change the soil and repot.

If the infestation is not so severe, physically kill them using spray pesticide. Preventive maintenance is also important. I spray preventive organic-based solution on my plants once every one to two months.”

Who: Ngan works as a buyer in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. Follow her at @besstillys, where you’ll her beautifully-photographed collection of air plants (read: plants grown without soil).

Plant species she owns: “I collect Tillandsia (air plant) species like Xerographica, Streptophylla, Duratii, Ehlersiana, Arequitae and Barfusii. I also have hybrids like Silver Tricket, Crowning Glory, Vicky Kane and Tommy Roberts. I get all of my plants from local or overseas markets like the US, Taiwan, China and Germany.”

How it began: “I have been collecting these plants for almost three years. I was attracted to air plants as they are considered easy-going plants − they don’t require soil or a lot of space.”

How she cares for her plants: “Basically airplants need airflow, water and a bright environment. I avoid water tanking to prevent wet rot. Depending on their individual environment, air plants can be watered daily or two to three times a week. I usually water them in the morning at 6 am or evening after 6 pm − this allows the plant a few hours to dry up and avoids the afternoon heat and sun.”

Her tips: “Airplants required a lot of patience. Some collectors choose to grow them outdoors for natural light and airflow, but you can also grow them under an LED grow light and switch it on for about 10 hours a day. After watering, you can use a fan to dry them up too.”

Who: Besides being a fan of Bromeliads and Zingiberales, this public servant is also quite the aquarium enthusiast, with a love for aquatic plants. Follow her at @tanksforthemmrs.

Plant species she owns: “I’m most interested in plants from the following families: Marantaceae (calatheas and prayer plants), Bromeliacea (bromeliads) and Asparagaceae (agaves). I also have a lot of succulents and cacti. I get most of them from specialised nurseries and individual sellers from the plant community.”

How it began: “Like many, I was a 2020 circuit breaker plant parent! A lot of my colleagues have green fingers and they helped me hit the ground running. I have a biology background and actually started collecting plants because I kept fish and aquarium plants for most of my life.

My first houseplants were ordered online during circuit breaker and were an Anacampseros ‘Sunrise’; and a Rattlesnake Calathea (Goeppertia insignis). I still have both of them! I’m attracted to foliage plants and things with interesting ecology. For example, in their native South American range, Bromeliads (pictured) actually act as breeding ponds for certain frogs up in the treetops!”

How she cares for her plants: “I don’t have a fixed routine, but would estimate that my ‘plant-parenting’ is broken up into an hour or two every evening as I have a full-time job. On my days off, I can take two entire days back-to-back maintaining my garden, fish tanks and indoor plants!”

Her tips for parents of exotic plants: “Always research before you buy and don’t be tempted by ‘fancy’ or ‘status’ plants. And don’t be scared to kill a plant or two as you learn and grown − I’ve lost many!”