Planterina emerged as a prominent online destination for plant enthusiasts, cultivating a large community. It served as a resource for plant care and a marketplace for various botanical specimens.
The Rise of Planterina
Planterina quickly established itself as a significant entity within the online plant community. Its unique appeal stemmed from a combination of informative content and accessible plant offerings. The platform originated as an online plant shop, complementing a popular YouTube channel dedicated to houseplants and outdoor landscaping.
The channel, fronted by Amanda, gained a substantial following, attracting over one million subscribers on YouTube and hundreds of thousands of followers across Instagram and Facebook. Content included detailed plant care videos, live sales events, and general community engagement, making plant care feel approachable and enjoyable. This blend of education and commerce allowed Planterina to flourish, becoming a go-to source for many looking to expand their indoor gardens or seek guidance on plant health.
The Transition and Closure
Planterina’s operational shift began with the announcement of its retail shop closure. Around October 2023, the business announced it would no longer sell plants, pots, or accessories. The website, planterina.com, officially ceased business operations by January 2024.
Following the shop’s closure, a more comprehensive disappearance of Planterina’s online presence occurred. By late January 2024, the popular YouTube channel, with over 133 million views, was removed, making all its videos unavailable. Simultaneously, the associated Instagram and Facebook pages, with hundreds of thousands of followers, were also taken down. This complete removal of content left many in the community seeking answers regarding the sudden cessation of Planterina’s digital footprint.
Reasons Behind the Change
The reasons behind Planterina’s abrupt cessation of operations are multifaceted and a subject of community discussion. One prominent speculation points to a broader market contraction within the houseplant industry. The “plant bubble” that expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic began to deflate, leading to increased competition and decreased demand for many plant retailers.
Another contributing factor likely involved the business structure. Planterina was a joint business venture, with Amanda serving as the public face and content creator, while a business partner, Lauren Sharfman, held the role of CEO and managed the operational aspects. Speculation suggests a business dispute or disagreement between the partners regarding the company’s direction or financials. This internal dynamic may have led to the complete removal of digital assets, as Amanda might not have retained control over the trademarked Planterina brand.
Life After Planterina
Following the closure of Planterina, Amanda, the former face of the brand, has embarked on new personal and professional endeavors. She has since launched a new YouTube channel, initially named “MakeItWithAmanda” and later rebranded as “Tuned Out Crafts.”
This new platform focuses on art and crafting projects, with some content incorporating plant-related themes. Reports also indicate that Amanda has returned to the landscaping business, leveraging her background in plant design and care. The disappearance of Planterina’s extensive content left a void for many followers, and Amanda has expressed missing the direct engagement with her former community.