Introducing Botanique
Before Botanique became an exotic plant boutique, it began as a creative outlet — a space where I showcased my art.
As a Fine Arts graduate with a love for the weird and wonderful, I spent my days experimenting with polymer clay, painting, and bringing my imagination to life.
Much of my inspiration came from the world of pop culture and cult classics like Beetlejuice, Little Shop of Horrors, and other cultural gems that celebrate the beautifully bizarre.
Over time, these artistic obsessions intertwined — the love of nature, art, and eccentric storytelling — and Botanique was born. What started as an art platform grew organically into the unique, plant-filled world it is today.
Botanique has since expanded with the help of my husband and social media team and we’re proud to now be part of the Safari Rare Plant Fair and the Gauteng Plant Expo, where you can find us annually sharing our passion for unique and extraordinary plants with fellow collectors and enthusiasts. The dates of these events will be announced on our Facebook and Instagram pages closer to the time.
The PLANT dream
Our journey with plants started back in 2015, when we began collecting — with a special fascination for carnivorous species.
By 2021, our passion expanded to include Alocasia and Monstera, and in 2023, we introduced our rare plant collection to the store.
What started as a small personal interest has grown into a curated space for rare and exceptional plants.
At Botanique, we take great pride in the quality of every plant and product we offer — each one carefully selected and nurtured to meet our high standards.
The Story Behind Our Display Potions
I began making Botanique's display potions in 2024 after discovering just how mesmerizing swirling colours and glittering pigments could be. Watching them dance through the bottle brought me an unexpected sense of joy and calm, and I knew I wanted to share that feeling with others.
Growing up, I was captivated by the magical worlds of Disney films—the mysterious potion shelves, enchanted forests, curious apothecaries, and the feeling that anything was possible. Those stories sparked a lifelong love for fantasy, and these potions are my way of bringing a little of that childhood magic into the real world.
Each bottle is carefully handcrafted, not as something to drink, but as a decorative piece of art. Give it a gentle shake and watch the colours come alive, creating a unique display that is both soothing and enchanting.
Whether displayed on a bookshelf, desk, plant shelf, or amongst your favourite collectibles, our potions are made for curious souls who still believe that a little magic belongs in everyday life.
The Greenhouse
This is where we keep the big boys!
Apart from the Nepenthes, our greenhouse plants are planted directly into the soil. We have found that this results in them upsizing significantly, and also reduces root stress and rot.
The Alocasia are uprooted in May and spend the winter indoors. This is also when the corms are harvested. Once night time temperatures remain above 10°C, these plants are moved back into the greenhouse.
The smell of death
We love all things strange, dark and mysterious, so of course we want to have a really large collection of Amorphophallus, also known as Corpse Flowers or Voodoo Lilies.
We currently have 13 different varieties that will be listed on the website when available.
These plants are really easy to take care of, but be prepared to wait a few years for that stinky bloom...
The ALOCASIA Process
We currently have a dedicated corm cabinet that can house 400 corms at a time.
Each shelf is fitted with heating and lighting to make sure our babies get exactly what they need to grow big and strong.
After our babies reach a certain size, they are repotted from Sphagnum Moss to Aroid Mix and moved across to one of our baby cabinets.
We currently have 3 baby cabinets that house all our babies until they are sold.
Our babies are grown exclusively in aroid mix.
the end result
Once our babies have been sold, they are carefully packaged for their trip in containers that double as acclimation chambers.
Larger babies are carefully bubble wrapped to maintain high humidity for their trip.
Thank you for being on this journey with us and supporting our dream!