What Actually Happens at a Plant Swap
If you’ve never been, people arrive with rooted starts, small pots they’ve outgrown, or fresh cuttings wrapped in damp paper towels. You simply browse, chat, and find something that catches your eye, and start trading. What makes an Over Grown swap different is the atmosphere. You’ll see every type of plant person and all levels of plant experience.
Why People Keep Coming Back
The obvious draw is, of course, the free plants. Who doesn’t want to expand their jungle for the price of a few snips? But the real reason our Columbus community returns month after month is the human connection. While you are in the shop, you get to connect with people who love this stuff as much as you do. You also get to chat over what plant wins you're having, and maybe some areas you're struggling. This makes for a great opportunity to take tips and advice from others, while also giving your own.
What to Bring
Don't overthink your offering! Here is the etiquette for a successful swap:
- Cuttings: These should be clean and, ideally, labeled. Be honest about the condition, if it’s a fresh snip that hasn't rooted yet, just say so!
- Rooted Plants: Small 2-inch or 4-inch pots are perfect. You aren't expected to bring lush full plants if you don’t want to.
- Healthy Plants Only: Please do not bring anything with active pests. Also, avoid "mystery plants" with no ID, or cuttings that lack a node (which are unable to grow).
- Labeling Tip: Write the plant name and, if you’d like, a quick tip or two.
- Packaging: A Ziploc bag with a damp paper towel is great for quick transporting of your cuttings.
What You Might Take Home
The randomness is the best part. You never know who is thinning out their collection that day. At our swaps, you’ll always find the classics, Pothos varieties, hardy Philodendrons, and sun-loving succulents.
But rare finds could also happen as well. Someone always brings an "accidental" rarity or a cutting from a massive mother plant they’ve had for a while. Our advice - stay open to the unexpected. You might walk in looking for a Snake Plant and walk out with a trailing beauty you’ve never even heard of.
How to Prep for Your First One
- Arrive Early: The best selection usually moves in the first bit of the event.
- Participation Matters: Even a small contribution makes you part of this.
- Ask Questions: Swap culture is notoriously generous with advice. If you see something cool, ask the person who brought it how they keep it happy.
- Use the Staff: Our team is always on-site to help with IDs, care questions, or "is this a pest?" double-checks. If you get home and forget what you grabbed, we’re only a DM away.
Join the Next Swap!
Ready to find your next favorite plant? We can't wait to see what you bring. Check out our workshops page to see when our next swap is!
As always, our in-store employees are also available to provide personalized guidance and assistance with your plant questions. If you're looking for more expert advice, exclusive content, and a community of fellow plant lovers, be sure to sign up for our newsletter below!