The sparkling veins are notoriously difficult to capture on camera, the unique excitement of creating hybrids is in the realm of art. All this subtle features of anthuriums managed to create a unique hype around this plants. Since I’m like an infant when it comes to anthuriums, I asked an expert.
Adriana Cidades, owner of the shop Seeds Queen and founder of the Facebook group “Plant Kindness – The Gifting Group”, was the star of an article The Sun wrote almost three years ago about her stunning collection, counting back then over 700 tropical plants.
Green Monstera: Can you elaborate a bit on your history with houseplants?
Adriana Cidades: All my life I had an interest in plants as my mum was surrounded by them. She still is but I’m the one sending them over to her
GM: Do you remember the first plant you had?
AC: My first plant was an Aloe Vera
GM: Where do you shop for plants?
AC: Mostly in US. Occasionally, here in some of the UK Facebook groups but is rare.
GM: How many plants do you have in your collection now and how many of them are anthuriums?
AC: Not sure on the number now but could be up to 800/900. 98% of them are anthuriums.
GM: What fascinated you about anthuriums?
AC: The velvety leaves, the silvery veins and the potential to create something of my own.
GM: How long does it take to create a new hybrid?
AC: It can be from 3 months to 1.5 years. It really depends on the mother plant
GM: How can a neglected anthurium be rescued?
AC: For a neglected anthurium or a root rotten one, my go to recipe is tree fern and perlite. It was one of my customers who suggested me to try this mix and for this, I’m ever grateful
GM: You clearly have an eye for businesses, considering your career. Can you bring some light regarding the beginning of Seeds Queen?
AC: It all began with an idea. 2 friends who share a love for anthuriums, patiently cross pollinating them to come up with amazing new hybrids while also importing rare seeds, decided to come together and create Seed Queens. From the founders of Tropical_Eden and Potme.co.uk. Now that Sean left due to his busy schedule, we still to this day remain close friends and his mark has been left all over the website we built together. I love creating and hunting for the amazing seeds and seedlings.
GM: You recently announced Seeds Queen exports to EU. Do you have any other plans to develop your businesses further?
AC: Not for now as I also have a day job I really enjoy too. Don’t want to have two jobs. One is still a hobby for me, even though I share my plants.
GM: Why are you selling only anthuriums in your shop, Seeds Queen?
AC: My speciality is anthuriums and my love too. I do grow other plants but they’re my personal collection. Would not share those now.
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