(Fourth in a series)

It’s never fun to have something you nurtured and raised for years be stolen from you. It takes sun, water and a lot of love from its owners for plants to grow. That’s why the plantitas do not mince words when they share their thoughts on plant thieves.

Aubrey Miles, actress, certified fitness trainer, A-miles Pawnshop owner

I started growing plants 11 years ago. No Instagram or social media then, except for Myspace. I grew up around the garden of my grandparents.

When you decide that you want to grow plants, ask yourself what your plant goals are. Do you want to have plants for decoration in the house, for collection, something to do while in lockdown? Your plants will depend on your goals on the first buy. My advice is to buy a manageable, easy and not that expensive plant. Don’t hoard or buy if you’re starting.

I hope people stop stealing plants. It’s a temporary way of earning money. If they want to earn money in a legal/legit way, they can be a plant reseller. A lot of plant nursery/gardens now allow resellers. Being a reseller allows you to have a long-term earning means and you can be a good citizen.

I’ve been part of a plant community for more than a decade. I know a lot of nurseries, gardens and farms here. But this is the only time I’ve encountered exaggerated prices.

Yes, there were expensive plants before the pandemic but they were the collectibles. It’s the plant you don’t see every day, or imported plants. I bought expensive plants for my collection before but these days, even common plants that you see in your grandma’s garden are ridiculously overpriced.

Do your research if you really want to collect and are willing to buy expensive plants. Make sure you know how to take care of the plant you’re getting so you won’t waste your money.

Nina Ferrer, operations manager of Snoe Beauty

Don’t buy a specific plant just because it’s trendy. Each plant should spark joy, regardless if it’s expensive or not. Like any other hobby, you should enjoy and love every bit of gardening. Also, make sure you research on how to care for the plant. Start with the easy-to-care-for plants before buying more complicated plants.

Stealing is obviously wrong! I put in effort and time in taking care of my plants so I’d feel really bad if someone steals them. Poaching plants in their natural habitat is also wrong, even if people say they’re just trying to make a living.

I understand that there’s a high demand for plants now that’s why prices went up. That’s the basic law of supply and demand. People steal or poach plants because they can sell it for a high price. Prices are absurd nowadays, especially online. That’s why I’d rather go to the nurseries to buy my plants.

Jinggay Juliano Durian-Iglesia, wife and mother

I started growing plants last year. You should get plants based on the light that you have. Be aware of your environment’s humidity level. Always remember: less sun, less water; more sun, more water.

Someone stole from me twice already. It’s heartbreaking. If you really like a certain plant, it won’t hurt to ask for a cutting. If you’re lucky, the owner might even give the whole plant. You just need to ask. It’s never okay to steal plants. Consumers dictate the price. If no one buys at those prices, then they would go down. It’s the law of supply and demand. But I would tell these people to be considerate and responsible entrepreneurs. Spreading the joy of gardening and growing plants is already a great reward.

Jade Olivares Librada, owner of M.O.L Farm Produce and Essentials, and photographer

I never realized that I would be addicted to growing plants just like my mom. I started my plant journey with herbs.

Hobbyists should study the plants that they have. Don’t buy too expensive plants just for show. You buy what you really want and have fun. They are meant to give you happiness and not make you poor.

I live in Lipa City which is a province. Some gardens tend to overprice their plants. I hope they sell at a fair price so that more people can actually buy and take care of them. Everyone deserves a beautiful plant. INQ