West Midlands Dad Creates Amazon Rainforest in 45ft Lorry Plant Shop
A West Midlands father-of-two has turned his passion for plants into a full-time career by transforming a 45-foot lorry into a stunning "tropical paradise" plant shop at his home in Malvern, Worcestershire. Jonny Balchandani, 38, a former marketing director, has invested around £50,000 over the past five years to build an "indoor jungle" that now houses approximately 10,000 plants.
From Hobby to Viral Sensation
Jonny's journey began during the Covid pandemic when his love for plants took over his home, much to the initial annoyance of his wife Charlotte. What started as a hobby quickly escalated as he amassed thousands of plants, leading to viral social media fame. He has since published a book and, just four weeks ago, left his day job to focus entirely on his plant business.
He said, "Since 2021, I've probably spent another £50,000. I still have imposter syndrome over the entire thing. I still can’t believe this little old hermit from the Malvern Hills is doing this kind of thing." His wife Charlotte, once bemused by the greenery filling their house, has now become his agent, supporting his venture.
The Lorry Transformation and International Appeal
To address Charlotte's request to keep the windows clear, Jonny purchased a 45-foot insulated lorry and converted it into a plant shop, which opened in February 2025. The lorry, now a lush tropical haven, features around a thousand house plants for sale and has drawn visitors from as far away as the United States, Sweden, Turkey, and Ireland.
Jonny explained, "I always had a dream of having my own little plant shop. The demand increased and suddenly things took off. I went hunting down plants and importing them from the four corners of the world." His children, Tallulah, seven, and Phoenix, eight, are proud to see their father as a social media star, with Tallulah even participating in his videos.
Balancing Passion and Practicality
Despite the initial "insanity" of filling their home with plants, Jonny and Charlotte have found a balance. He admits to walking "a fine line" between obsession and enjoyment but plans to continue expanding his collection. The setup now includes the lorry shop, an indoor greenhouse, and numerous plants throughout their house.
Reflecting on the journey, Charlotte said in 2021, "I've always had a love for the plants, but I've never met somebody who's got so much of a passion for plants in general. It was a bit of a slap in the face at first, but now I see his passion and how good he is at keeping plants alive." Jonny's story showcases how a personal hobby can blossom into a unique business attracting global attention.
