I wasn’t always good at houseplants.

I’ve always been fascinated by plants—how they grow, how they adapt to their environments, and the remarkable ways they interact with the world around them. I studied Plant Biology as an undergraduate and later earned a master’s degree in Ecology. For two decades, I worked with plants in government, industry, and academic research laboratories.

You might think that would make me a natural at houseplants.

It didn’t.

For a long time, I was a plant serial killer.

Despite spending my career working with plants, I was surprisingly terrible at keeping houseplants alive. I knew a lot about plants in theory, but I hadn’t yet learned how to translate that knowledge to the plants living in my home environment.

Then I started over.

During the pandemic, I ordered a few plants online and made myself a promise: I was going to keep them alive.

That simple goal turned into something much bigger.

Over the past five years, I’ve slowly learned what different houseplants need to thrive—how their light, water, soil, and growing habits all work together. My collection grew. Then I started propagating plants so I could fill my home with even more greenery.

And somewhere along the way, I discovered that I really, really love it.

Why Root & Rosette?

Root & Rosette grew out of that experience.

I know what it’s like to look at a plant and think, I love this, but I’m probably going to kill it.

I also know that becoming a better plant grower isn’t necessarily about having a green thumb. It’s about understanding what a particular plant needs and learning how to give it those things.

That’s what I want Root & Rosette to share: good plants, practical knowledge, and the joy of growing something yourself.

Every plant I sell is grown and cared for in my own home growing space in Durham. I keep the collection intentionally small, and plants are offered when they’re healthy, well-rooted, and ready for a new home. Every purchase also comes with a care card to help you get started.

Whether you’re bringing home your first plant or adding to a collection you’ve been growing for years, I hope Root & Rosette helps make the experience a little less intimidating—and a lot more enjoyable.

I’m glad you’re here.

Arlene
Founder, Root & Rosette

root & rosette

Thoughtful plants for curious growers.