PlantCon Orlando took place this past weekend Saturday February 22nd, and Sunday February 23rd. PlantCon Orlando was one for the books. Walking into the DoubleTree by Hilton, the air was thick with that fresh, earthy scent of plants and soil, and the energy in the room was something special. Vendors were chatting with eager buyers, people were showing off their latest plant finds, and everywhere you looked, someone was geeking out over a rare species or the latest plant care gadget.
The marketplace was packed with over 70 vendors selling everything from exotic houseplants to handmade planters and botanical art. It was impossible to walk through without stopping at least a dozen times to admire a unique plant or ask a vendor for care tips. Some folks had carts full of leafy treasures, while others were carefully picking out just one or two statement plants for their collection.
One of the highlights of the day was meeting Kenny Nguyen, the mastermind behind PlantCon. It was clear right away how much passion he has for the plant community. He took time to chat with attendees, making sure everyone was having a great experience. I even got a chance to do a quick interview with him about the event. While I won’t spill the details of what he said, it was obvious that PlantCon isn’t just another plant show for him—it’s a labor of love. The dedication and effort that went into making the event happen were on full display.
Aside from the vendors and presentations, there was a buzz of excitement around the plant competition where people were showing off their most impressive plants, including rare and hard-to-find specimens.
The ambassador game show was another can’t-miss moment. Plant influencers went head-to-head in a hilarious battle of plant facts, myths, and trivia. The audience was just as involved, cheering on their favorites and throwing out guesses when the contestants got stumped.
It wasn’t just about buying and selling plants—it was about the people. Conversations flowed easily, whether it was about the best way to revive a struggling Monstera or swapping stories about plant collections at home. Strangers bonded over their shared love for greenery, exchanging tips and even phone numbers to keep in touch after the event.
By the end of the day, the hotel lobby was filled with attendees carefully packing their new plants for the trip home. Some had suitcases stuffed with greenery, others carried massive boxes taped shut with hopes that their new plant babies would survive the journey. Walking out of PlantCon Orlando, there was no doubt that this was more than just an event—it was an experience that left everyone excited for the next one.
You can find out more about PlantCon Orlando here and you can watch my interview with Kenny Nguyen, here, and here and here.
Beam Me Up Scotty
Born and raised in the city of Miami. Lifelong pro wrestling fan. Been deep in the 'zine scene since ’84, interviewing locals, Hardcore, Punk, and Metal bands. Spent 26 years in the comic book biz and still obsessed with all things pop culture—Mego, Micronauts, Shogun Warriors, Die-Cast Metal Super Robots, you name it. I can go on about comic books and bad movies all day.
