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 memories of her mother swapping cuttings with neighbors in Kerala and plant-filled balconies of Barcelona city, she founded Planteka.
Meet the Team
Sanitha
Founder & CEO
Creative - compassionate - resourceful
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.
Olga
Content & Community Manager
Empathic - Curious - Dedicated
Which plant do you think would make the best social media influencer and why?
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?