Robin Barber: Houseplant Collector

Over the past few years, houseplants have become a resource for people to experience nature inside their homes and apartments. Houseplant collecting has become not only a hobby but a way to connect with people.

Robin Barber’s Fort Worth home is filled with houseplants, and like many of her fellow plant enthusiasts, her collection only began a few years ago at the onset of the current houseplant craze. She credits her delayed interest to her mom’s, perhaps a little obsessive, behavior growing up.

“I did not like plants growing up because my mom was in love with them and was a little crazy about them…they were all over the house.”

Like many new plant parents, all it took was the right plant in the right place to get her started.

“It only takes one…the next thing you know you’re buying every plant you come across.”

It’s not just the act of collecting plants that appealed to Robin, either. It’s the community it started. From discussing plant problems to celebrating plant successes, her Instagram (@jungleinthefort) has been a gateway to other plant people, people who actually understand what she’s talking about and genuinely care.

“It leads to conversations and those connections that you usually wouldn’t get through your day-to-day life.”

There’s something special about connecting with someone who is just as excited about your hobby as you are and Robin has found lasting friendships within her plant community.

“I’ve even gone out on plant shopping dates with people from Instagram…I talk to them like I’ve known them forever.”

Follow Robin on Instagram.

This film is by Nick Castronuova.

Produced by Laura Christian.