Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianne Barclay.
Hi Marianne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I learned that the love for plants can be a stubborn, beautiful thing. I saw it in my grandfather, who, year after year, would coax a vibrant garden to life from stubborn, unyielding soil—a garden that gifted us with juicy tomatoes, fiery jalapeños, and even the occasional sweet orange. His hands, always dusted with earth, showed me that dedication could make life flourish even in the most unlikely places. That love was echoed by my mother, whose joy was reflected in the fragrant blooms of her cherished rose shrubs.
Plants were always a backdrop to my life, a quiet source of beauty and resilience. But it wasn’t until my own world was shaken by a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis that I truly understood their power. In moments when anxiety felt overwhelming and my energy had all but disappeared, I turned to the simple act of caring for a plant. Tending to a new leaf, watching roots take hold—it became my anchor. It was a gentle, quiet way to reconnect with myself and find a sense of purpose when motivation was hard to come by.
Creativity has also been a lifelong companion of mine. I’ve always been a “maker,” whether it was cards, scrapbooking, or jewelry. When I discovered the Cricut, I dove into designing custom t-shirts and onesies, often creating gifts for showers and birthdays. While friends and family encouraged me to sell my apparel designs, I had to be realistic about my health; the physical demands of working a heat press were simply too draining for my energy levels to sustain a full-time apparel shop.
However, as I started my plant journey—purchasing clippings from Etsy to broaden my collection and knowledge—I realized there was a different way to share my passions. I saw an opportunity to create a shop primarily focused on the plant clippings that brought me peace, while still keeping my creative spark alive by offering vinyl designs on the side when inspiration strikes.
This shop was born from that journey. It is more than just a marketplace for plants; it’s about sharing a piece of the peace and resilience I found. Each clipping is a new beginning, a chance to watch something grow and thrive under your care. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, my hope is to share the knowledge passed down to me and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road for any first-time business owner is rarely smooth. For me, one of the primary struggles has been balancing the demands of my Etsy shop—which includes plant care, order fulfillment, and social media creation—with maintaining a full-time job and a home. My Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis often limits my energy, making this delicate balance a constant daily challenge. I have immense respect for other creatives who manage the entrepreneurial juggle, especially those with additional family responsibilities. Furthermore, being a naturally private person has made creating engaging content for social media, which is crucial for attracting buyers, a significant hurdle. I am actively working to establish a routine that allows me to share my passion more consistently.
Another major challenge emerged in the logistics of shipping: successfully packing and shipping live plant clippings across state lines. My very first order was a disaster delivered. I was so nervous and concerned about wrapping the moss around the plant clippings with plastic wrap to keep in moisture that I completely crushed some stems and needed to replace the entire order. I had included a written note to the customer thanking them for being my first customer and they were so understanding that they gave me another chance to replace the order rather than an immediate refund. This experience led to a crucial re-evaluation of my packing methods and even my shipping schedule. Given the intense Texas heat, where temperatures often exceed 90 degrees, I had to ensure packages were not left exposed and that all orders were shipped only on Mondays or Tuesdays to mitigate weekend shipping delays. Luckily, my updated process resulted in praise for the quality and a five-star review. I was so stressed and anxious the entire time, and I felt a significant sense of relief once the customer was happy with the order.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At MarisFloraHouse, my Etsy shop specializes in selling plant cuttings, complemented by aromatic neem oil from Bless Your Soil and high-quality microfiber gloves—products I personally use and find essential for maintaining beautiful, pest-free plants. My commitment is to only offer products that I can personally vouch for. Since opening in September, the shop is still in its early stages.
I am most proud of the diverse selection of plants I offer. After researching many plant cutting shops, I noticed a common tendency to feature the same popular varieties, such as Pothos, Monstera adansonii, and Tradescantia. I intentionally curated a wider variety to inspire and excite customers about the many different plants available. My collection also includes an extensive range of pet-friendly options—including various Hoya, Maranta, Pilea, Calathea, and Peperomia varieties—allowing customers complete peace of mind that their curious companions are safe.
I believe it is crucial to include waterproof, easy-to-read labels with both the common name and essential care information, specifically regarding light, humidity, and whether or not it is pet safe. I have been using these labels in my own collection and find them invaluable for plant care and as a memory aid, especially with a large collection where recalling specific names, humidity requirements, or pet safety status can be challenging. I am confident that customers will appreciate this detailed information, giving their new plants the best chance to thrive.
I take pride in the precise and careful process of packing each plant cutting. Each cutting is placed in moist sphagnum moss within a resealable ziplock bag. This method ensures optimal moisture, humidity, and protection from crushing or damage, maximizing the chances of success when shipping nationwide. While this process involved some trial and error, I am pleased that it has been successful since my first delivery.
I also plan to introduce vinyl cutouts designed for plant propagation stations. I am currently finalizing the designs and look forward to posting them soon.
What Every Box Includes:
A carefully curated selection of fresh, healthy, unrooted plant cuttings, available in your choice of a pet-friendly or mystery assortment.
Available in bundles of 4 or 8 cuttings.
Black T-type garden waterproof plant markers.
Silver waterproof label detailing the plant’s common name and essential care information (light, humidity needs and whether or not it is pet safe).
Each generously sized cutting is dipped in rooting hormone, ready for immediate propagation.
A propagation options guide to help your new plants flourish.
Superior Packaging & Protection: Plants are carefully wrapped in moist sphagnum moss inside ziplock bags. This method provides the essential moisture, humidity, and protection needed to prevent crushing or damage, ensuring the highest chance of success when shipping nationwide. Your clippings are then gently cradled by soft, recyclable materials and placed in a specialty shipping box made of durable, 3-layer corrugated cardboard with a double bottom plate design. This provides maximum protection against crushing and impacts during transit.
I also offer the option to add a set of 4 or 8 frosted nursery pots, with or without humidity domes—the perfect setup for watching your cuttings take root. I personally use these exact pots for all the starter plants in my own collection.
Benefits of these Frosted Nursery Pots Include:
Monitor Root Growth: The frosted, semi-transparent design allows you to easily track root development without disturbing the plant.
Perfect Size: At 2.7″ wide and 3″ tall, these pots are ideally sized for starter plants and are durable for continuous use.
Humidity Domes Option: Selecting ‘3in Pots w/dome’ includes humidity domes that fit perfectly on top, creating a mini-greenhouse environment. A slider on top allows for easy ventilation adjustment.
I always make myself readily available for customers who have any questions or are experiencing concerns with their new botanical additions. My goal is to ensure a smooth and successful transition for both the plant and the owner. Beyond addressing issues, I am also happy to share tailored recommendations and advice that a plant parent might need, whether it’s guidance on the best soil mix, optimal watering schedules, or even tips on troubleshooting common pests.
What I’ve come to appreciate most is the vibrant and deeply supportive nature of the plant enthusiast community. It truly is a community in every sense of the word, where each person is genuinely willing to help others, offering encouragement, sharing their hard-earned knowledge, and openly recounting their personal stories of trials and tribulations—those inevitable moments of plant failure and eventual triumph. This spirit of mutual assistance and shared experience is incredibly valuable.
I feel fortunate to have discovered and become a part of this nurturing community. It offers not just practical advice but also a sense of belonging and camaraderie. For anyone on the fence, I wholeheartedly encourage them to take the leap and become a plant parent. The rewards, both in terms of personal growth and the connection you feel with nature and other enthusiasts, are immense and well worth the effort.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The most significant risk I’ve undertaken is the investment in my extensive plant collection, including the necessary tools such as humidifiers, grow lights and soil to ensure their vitality. Humidifiers and the continual use of filtered or distilled water—essential for both watering the plants and maintaining the humidifiers’ longevity—represent a considerable ongoing expense. Since most houseplants thrive in 50% humidity or higher, maintaining this environment in North Texas presents a unique challenge.
My hallway has been transformed into a lush display, complete with two greenhouse cabinets. While some might view it as excessive, I see it as akin to curating an art gallery; each plant is a unique piece of living art, and I cultivate my collection with the same care and dedication as an art gallerist.
Pricing:
- 4 Mystery or Pet Safe Cuttings are $20
- 8 Mystery or Pet Safe Cuttings are $30
- Aromatic Neem Oil Spray with Gloves $20
- Winter Shipping Heat Pack $10
- set of 4 – 3 in Frosted Pots with or without Dome $6/$4
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/marisflorahouse
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisflorahouse
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannebarclay/
- Other: https://marisflorahouse.etsy.com
