The Story of Planteka
The Story of Planteka
Planteka is a collaborative project,
to bring together
a community of plant lovers.
When Community Founder Sanitha moved into Barcelona's urban
landscape, she missed the constant presence of nature and felt a
relentless urge to bring greenery into every space she called home.
Inspired by the plant-filled balconies of the city and memories of her mother swapping cuttings with neighbors in
Kerala, she founded Planteka.
"Eka" means "One" in Sanskrit, and at Planteka, we believe in oneness through plants, connecting us all by our shared love for nature. Here, we bring together individuals and small local businesses to share not only plants but also knowledge and expertise relevant to our community. Our members are experts in environmental sustainability, plant-based art, plant therapy, and general plant care and propagation.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our mission at Planteka is to bring back nature and the
happiness that plants bring to our homes in every
urbanscape.
We strive to make plants accessible by connecting to
local plant enthusiasts and sellers, while promoting a
solidarity economy.
Sustainable cities and communities are at the heart of
what we do!
Our Vision
Our Vision
Our vision is to have a greener and more
sustainable world.
We will do this by creating a conscious community
of plant lovers and make our living spaces more
liveable, pure and joyful.
Meet the Planteka Team
Sanitha, Founder and CEO
Three adjectives to describe yourself:
Creative, Compassionate, Resourceful
Creative, Compassionate, Resourceful
Hometown:
Kerala, India
If you could swap plant cuttings with any famous person, who would it be and what plant would you give them?
If I could swap plant cuttings with any famous person, it would be with Sir David Attenborough, for being the inspiration for millions of people to fall in love with Nature, and personally for helping me rediscover my love for Nature. To swap, I would get some of his favourites - acorn (the seed) of an ancient oak tree or a carnivorous plant, and perhaps a representation of my own home - it would be a turmeric plant, attributing to Kerala, the spice garden of India.
What plant is at the top of your wish list and why?
The plant at the top of my wish list is a Begonia Pavonina, for its visual beauty and iridescence. I think every time I see the plant it would remind me to be as exciting and versatile as this plant, to take in light and shine in beautiful ways.
Vanessa, Chief Technical Officer
Three adjectives to describe yourself:
Detail-oriented, reliable, creative
Detail-oriented, reliable, creative
Hometown:
Hong Kong
If you could travel to any place in the world to see its native plants, where would you go?
Probably a random island near Papua New Guinea. I would love to see a “corpse flower” in its natural habitat. The corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum), known for its massive size and the pungent smell of rotting flesh that attracts pollinating insects, blooms once every 7–10 years for just 24–48 hours, making it one of the most spectacular natural wonders!
If you could invent a futuristic gadget for plants, what would it do and why?
While I can't think of a specific futuristic gadget for plants, I truly believe that the beauty of plant care lies in its simplicity. For me, plants are a form of self-care that offer a peaceful break from technology. There's something deeply fulfilling about nurturing them naturally, and sometimes, the best tools are just our hands, time, and attention.
Vishal, Brand Strategy Consultant
Mysterious - Present - Playful
HomeTown:
Bangalore, India
Agave Attenuata. Coz it looks like a masculine entity emerging out of a
feminine background. And that resonates with me deeply. Don’t get it? See
first adjective :)
Plant seeds in people’s minds. Your brand, message and idea is like a seed
you plant in people’s minds. If you define the essence (seeds are small) and
nurture it, it bears beautiful fruit.
Alexia, Product Manager
Creative - Organised - Adventurous
Hometown:
Johannesburg, South Africa
What’s your favorite plant-related book, movie, or show and why?
As an avid reader, my favorite plant book is The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter
Wohlleben. How trees communicate and share information is so interesting!
Trees form community, they communicate and share nutrients via the mycelium
network and really do function similarly to human families.
As an avid reader, my favorite plant book is The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter
Wohlleben. How trees communicate and share information is so interesting!
Trees form community, they communicate and share nutrients via the mycelium
network and really do function similarly to human families.
If you were a plant, what kind of care instructions would you come with?
Prefers tropical climates, water frequently. Needs lots of sunshine. Fertilize with
engaging conversations, shared laughter, and genuine connections. Flourishes
with a balance of alone time to recharge.
Prefers tropical climates, water frequently. Needs lots of sunshine. Fertilize with
engaging conversations, shared laughter, and genuine connections. Flourishes
with a balance of alone time to recharge.
Olga, Community Manager
Empathetic - Curious - Dedicated
Hometown:
Zelenograd ("Green City" in English), Moscow, Russia
I think that almost any plant, much like any person, has the potential to
become a social media influencer. However, among the plants I own, a
calamondin would likely make the most successful influencer. Its lush green
leaves and fragrant blossoms would make a lasting impression, while its
scandalous personality would attract attention on social media. This plant
would thrive as an Instagram celebrity, regularly posting about stylish decor,
fashion trends, and promoting high-end self-care brands.
What’s a fun fact about plants that you love sharing with others?
Last year I found a gorgeous giant pine cone that turned out to be from a Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii), an
ancient and culturally significant tree native to Australia. This tree used to be a crucial resource for Indigenous
Australians, providing food, timber, and fibre. The harvest of Bunya pine cones was so significant that it led to
temporary halts in conflicts between tribes to celebrate. Can you believe that I came across one of these
cones in Barcelona?
Last year I found a gorgeous giant pine cone that turned out to be from a Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii), an
ancient and culturally significant tree native to Australia. This tree used to be a crucial resource for Indigenous
Australians, providing food, timber, and fibre. The harvest of Bunya pine cones was so significant that it led to
temporary halts in conflicts between tribes to celebrate. Can you believe that I came across one of these
cones in Barcelona?
I am Planteka
Read shared stories of plant lovers from around the world.
We hope that these stories of love with plants inspire people to bring more green to their homes and surroundings.
Careers @Planteka
Thanks for your interest in joining our green-loving team at Planteka.
Right now, our plant family is happily growing, and we don't have any vacant pots to fill. 🌿
But don't worry! Keep checking back regularly because opportunities can sprout up when you least expect them.