Meet Jessica Watts of BHAM’s House Plant Collective
From local plant swaps to a roving plant bus to an Avondale shop, House Plant Collective has always been rooted in community. Meet the founder, Jessica Watts! Image: Libby Malcom Photography
As a child, Jessica Watts found gardening to be more of a chore than a joy. Becoming a professional plant parent has been an evolution for her, one she now shares through her Avondale plant shop, House Plant Collective. We caught up with Jessica to talk all things green and leafy — from the origins of HPC and “the Plant Bus” to tips for finally achieving the green thumb you’ve always wanted.
What first inspired your green thumb?
I grew up around plants. My mother is an avid gardener who spends countless hours tending to her flowers and vegetable garden. As a child, though, I saw plants as a chore. Instead of experiencing the love and joy I feel now, I dreaded early Saturday morning garden cleanups and the long watering lists my mom assigned to keep those plant friends alive … As I grew older and my interests evolved, I discovered house plants as a way to escape the stress of daily life.
Caring for a plant, watching it grow and thrive under your attention, became deeply rewarding. But that joy often begins with uncertainty about where to start.
My passion for house plants didn’t begin with a home full of thriving greenery. It came through years of trial and error — true growing pains of indoor plant parenthood. I’ve lost plenty of plants along the way. Whether from overwatering or undernourishing, I learned many lessons the hard way. Each misstep, though, helped shape the confident plant enthusiast I am today.
What’s the House Plant Collective origin story?
The vision for House Plant Collective began in 2019, rooted in my personal love for house plants. I started hosting plant swaps around Birmingham in partnership with local businesses.
The excitement and connection within the local plant community inspired me to take a leap of faith. In late 2019, I purchased a school bus and began converting it into a mobile plant shop, bringing house plants to events and breweries around the city.
In March 2020, just weeks before the plant bus was set to debut, the pandemic brought all in-person events in Birmingham to a halt. I quickly pivoted to an online model, offering local pickup and delivery.
By July 2020, House Plant Collective participated in its first official plant bus event and received an immediate, enthusiastic response from the community. From there, the business blossomed.
The bus traveled to surrounding cities, sharing tropical house plants and botanical goods with an ever-growing audience. During its first year, House Plant Collective operated out of my home, but we quickly outgrew the space due to storage and delivery demands.
In December 2020, we moved into our first brick-and-mortar location in Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood. Creating the shop was truly a labor of love. I spent countless hours dreaming about how I wanted it to look and feel.
My goal was simple: for every customer to feel an instant sense of joy and warmth the moment they walk through our doors. A big part of that magic comes from our vibrant mural, painted by talented local artists Bendy Knees Design.
Is the Plant Bus still rolling around Birmingham?
You can still spot the Plant Bus parked outside the shop today. It’s become a special part of our story and storefront. This year, we’re shifting its role a bit. Instead of traveling to local markets and events, the Plant Bus will serve as a central hub for new and exciting experiences. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
HPC stays busy. What events and offerings can we look forward to?
House Plant Collective offers a wide variety of tropical house plants alongside thoughtfully curated goods from trusted suppliers and local makers. Our selection includes pots and potting materials, T-shirts, books, candles, jewelry, and other unique items our customers love.
As a community-focused business, we’re proud to offer free pop-up opportunities for local makers and creatives to showcase and sell their work in our shop.
To date, we’ve hosted more than 100 local artists and small businesses. We also host regular workshops in our dedicated workshop space. Guests can drop in during shop hours to participate in experiences like our Paint + Pot Workshop or Disco Planter Workshop, creating something fun and personal to take home alongside their plants.
Do you help diagnose and troubleshoot house plant issues?
Yes! Our team of plant experts offers personalized, one-on-one guidance to help customers feel confident in caring for their plants. Education is at the heart of what we do. We want every customer to leave set up for success. We love helping people discover the joy, fulfillment, and connection that comes with being a plant parent.
What do you tell aspiring plant parents who struggle to help their house plants thrive (or simply survive)?
It takes practice! Like anything in life, you’re not going to be an expert the first time you bring a new plant home, and that’s okay. Take your time and do a little research before committing to a specific plant. Every plant has unique care needs, so it’s important to choose one that fits both your space and the level of care you’re able to provide. Setting yourself up with the right match from the start makes all the difference.
What’s your go-to plant suggestion for a newbie plant parent?
Our top three recommendations are Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Pothos. While people often say they “thrive on neglect,” it’s more accurate to say they’re simply more forgiving than many other house plants. These plants adapt well to low- to medium-light environments and prefer to dry out between waterings, making them far less temperamental than many indoor tropical varieties.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
My family is a big part of my life. Right now, my toddler and newborn happily take up most of my free time! In this season, we’re soaking up all the sweet (and busy) moments together. When we do get the chance, my husband and I love exploring Birmingham, catching concerts around town, visiting local breweries and coffee shops, and trying out new restaurants.
Who or what is inspiring you right now?
My children inspire me every single day. Watching them experience the world with fresh eyes and open hearts is both humbling and motivating. Their innocence and curiosity push me to slow down, stay present, and strive to be the best version of myself.
What is your best piece of advice?
Find something that brings you joy every day. Some days it might be something big, but more often, it’s the small moments that make the biggest difference.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Three things you can’t live without: Coffee, my minivan, and, though that pains me to admit, my phone!
Favorite house plant: Pilea Peperiomiodes
Your go-to gift to give: A bottle of wine
Book(s) on your bedside table: The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
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Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.