Rental ‘Money’ Plants

In Indian cities where space is shrinking, weddings are growing bigger, and Instagram aesthetics rule every event, a new micro-economy is quietly taking root — quite literally. Houseplants, once a domestic indulgence tucked into balconies and sunny corners, have morphed into a rental commodity. Weddings, pop-ups, brand shoots, boutique cafés, corporate events, and even apartment open houses are borrowing plants instead of buying them.

For decorators and planners, this is affordable eco-luxury.

For plant lovers, it’s a passive income model that needs nothing more than a well-tended balcony jungle. And for India’s booming event industry, it’s the perfect blend of sustainability, style, and convenience.

24x7 Greenery Service

Over the last three years, India’s visual culture has shifted dramatically. Social media has pushed a hyper-curated aesthetic into weddings and events: earthy tones, botanical arches, tropical corners, minimalistic greenscapes. The once-popular artificial flowers and foam props are increasingly being replaced by potted palms, lush ferns, philodendrons, and dramatic monsteras.

Event designer Ayesha Waghmare, who works across Mumbai and Pune, says clients are now “asking specifically for live plants because they look richer on camera — they add texture, depth, and freshness that artificial décor can’t mimic.”

Live plants also help cool the space and soften harsh lighting, making them ideal for summer weddings and outdoor events. For couples, especially Gen-Z and millennial clients, greenery offers an eco-conscious appeal without crossing budgets.

Balcony Businesses

The surprising players in this industry aren’t just event firms — it’s everyday plant enthusiasts. While some have the privilege of owning a big garden, some urban plant-lovers are renting out plants growing in their balconies and terraces. Jeevan Sawant (28), a Bengaluru IT employee with a terrace full of Areca palms and fiddle leaf figs, now rents out his collection for weekend functions. “I used to spend on fertilizers and pots anyway,” he laughs. “Now the plants pay for themselves.” These micro-entrepreneurs usually collaborate with decorators, photographers, or small event companies who need short-term greenery but don’t want to maintain a permanent stock. Plants are delivered, placed as per the layout, watered if required, and picked up once the event wraps. These create lush corners, walkway borders, mandap backdrops, and photo-op spots — all reusable, all low waste.

Plant Power

For weddings, the most rented plants include:

• Areca palms

• Fiddle leaf figs

• Bougainvillea in bloom

• Large ferns

• Variegated rubber plants

• Monstera deliciosa

• Dracaena and bamboo clusters

Corporates Go Green

Offices across the IT corridors in Hyderabad, Gurugram, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune are on a plant renting spree, instead of buying them. Companies want greenery for receptions, conference rooms, and lounges, but prefer not to maintain them.

In The Company Of Plants

Plant-rental companies provide the full service:

• Delivery

• Weekly maintenance

• Pruning

• Pest control

• Replacement in case of damage

For HR teams that want to improve workplace well-being without additional manpower, this becomes an easy “green fix”. Rajesh Kumar, a Delhi-based office administrator notes, “Buying plants is the cheapest part. Keeping them alive is the real expense. Rentals remove that headache.”

Startups especially use rentals for investor pitches, product launches, and new office tours — moments where a lush, green aesthetic subtly elevates the brand. The best part of this trend is its low entry barrier. You don’t need a nursery. You don’t need employees. You just need healthy plants and basic transport.

Renting vs. Buying

Three core factors are pushing the plant rental trend forward:

1. Cost-Effective Luxury

Big plants are expensive — a single Monstera can cost between Rs 1,500 and Rs 5,000. Buying several for a one-day event makes no sense. Rentals offer the same grand visual effect at 1/10th of the price.

2. Low Waste, High Impact

India’s wedding industry is notorious for single-use décor waste. Live plants offer a reusable, sustainable alternative. They align with the growing eco-conscious movement among couples.

3. Perfect for Shoots & Pop-Ups

Film and fashion shoots often need greenery only for a day. Plant rentals provide instant set design without long-term storage issues. Boutique pop-ups, weekend flea markets, and even food festivals are renting plants to make their stalls look “premium”.

Not All Sunshine

While the business is booming, it comes with its own thorns. Transportation risk: Big potted plants are fragile. Leaves can snap, soil can spill, and pots can crack. Weather vulnerability: Outdoor events during heatwaves or monsoons can stress sensitive species, requiring backup plants. Pest management: A single infected plant can damage an entire collection — a costly risk for small renters. Customer mishandling: Some clients drag pots across rough floors, overwater them, or place them directly under harsh lights. Rental agreements now often include damage deposits.

Still, for most small providers, the pros outweigh the cons. Plants appreciate in value as they grow, making them a rare asset that becomes more rentable over time.

India’s Green Rental Economy

With weddings becoming more aesthetic, offices seeking greener environments, and India’s urban youth embracing side hustles, plant rentals are poised to grow even further. “I’ve earned some good money with renting my plants. It’s the best thing to do when you’re bored,” says Rose Fernandes, a homemaker.

As India’s décor preferences shift from artificial to natural, plants are becoming both a design tool and an income stream. In a country where side hustles have become a cultural norm, renting out greenery might be the most unexpected — and wholesome — way to earn. After all, not many businesses literally grow in your living room.