In August of 2021, professional clarinet player Jeannie Psomas, also known as The Plant Lady SF online, opened a physical plant shop on Ocean Avenue. 

The Plant Lady SF is a cozy plant shop selling locally grown and handpicked plants and environmentally friendly art such as planters/pots and stickers. The Plant Lady SF offers a variety of different house plants ranging from rare, to common and easy to care for flora.

“I thought it was really cute, I like how it has a diversity of plants and handmade plant accessories from small local businesses that we can support versus buying stuff from Amazon and hardware stores,” biology teacher and customer Colleen O’Rourke said.

During the pandemic, Psomas’ business flourished. Many ordered from her website and her social media presence gained traction from the people who were interested in plants. 

“House plants were originally already popular before the pandemic, but during the pandemic it kind of boomed. I think many people wanted good energy from plants, but also to beautify their homes, and watch them grow,” said Psomas

The most unique plant carried in the store is the Monstera Albo (Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata), a traditional monstera plant with natural white discoloration. It is also one of the most expensive and rare plants The Plant Lady SF carries due to the coloration that cannot always be transferred through the seeds.

Psomos’ current favorite plant is the Milk Confetti (Syngonium Milk Confetti), due to its splashes of pink and white coloration, contrasting with the traditional green herbage.

“Eventually, I would like to have a slightly bigger store but I don’t really have a goal like that,” said Psomas. “It’s more just like I want to keep getting better and better at caring for and sharing plants.”