In this edition of Plantfluencer Stories – we hear from Slovenia based chemist, strategic sales manager and plant parent Jan Robin.
Jan, how did you get into plants?
My grandma was definitely the one who gave me my first plant lectures. My memories of us planting Tagetes on her vegetables garden are still very vivid. Or how I repotted my first Saintpaulias and how we designed Buxus bushes together. Maybe one could even say that I was raised as a farm boy, surrounded by nature and animals. So I guess I have plants in my genes. From my childhood on I have always had houseplants. Also, when I was in college, I had a lot of plants in my tiny student room. Three years ago when I started designing my own apartment, my touch for plants finally boomed in all its glory. Plants are my hobby, my passion! I can hardly describe how relaxed I feel when I sit on my sofa after a busy working day and stare at my house jungle! Plant lovers will understand, for sure.
Tell us more about Jan:
I'm 30 years of age and I am a very passionate amateur botanist. Even though I graduated after studying chemistry, botany has always been a true passion of mine.
What's the best present you've given or received?
Definitely a 10-year-old Pilea, which I got as a gift from an old lady in my hometown. I always say that a plant can be a gorgeous gift, even better if it has a great story behind it.
Can you share a bit about your Instagram feed? How did it start and why?
It started very randomly. I always loved plants, so when I moved on my own I started decorating the flat with different plants, and with time, the number grew to 90 plants. Soon I encountered the big plant community, especially Boys With Plants. My passion for plants derives from my childhood when I was gardening and taking care of flowers with my granny. During my student years, I won a garden competition in Slovenia called a green challenge.
P.S. Follow Jan's plant parenthood journey on his Instagram.
Words By The Sill
Empowering all people to be plant people—a collection of articles from The Sill's team of plant experts across a variety of plant care topics to inspire confidence in the next generation of plant parents. Welcome to Plant Parenthood™.