Your First Plant Swap: A Beginner's Guide to Trading Plants

What is a plant swap?

A plant swap is exactly what it sounds like — you bring plants, cuttings, or seeds you have to share, and trade them with other gardeners for things you want. They happen online (like on our Swap Board) and in person at meetups. Either way, they're one of the best ways to grow your collection without spending money.

What to bring

Cuttings are the most popular swap currency. Almost any plant you can propagate is fair game — pothos, philodendrons, tradescantia, succulents, herbs, and anything else you have too much of. A healthy cutting is worth more than a struggling whole plant.

Rooted cuttings are even better — if you've got small plants in pots already rooted and growing, those are highly sought after.

Seeds and bulbs are great for seasonal swaps, especially in spring. Label everything clearly.

Whole plants from your own collection that you've been meaning to split or have simply outgrown your space.

How to pack cuttings for transport

For in-person swaps, wrap moist cuttings in damp kitchen paper, then loosely in cling film or a small zip-lock bag. Keep the cut end moist but leave the leaves unwrapped so they can breathe. Label with the plant name and date taken.

For postal/online swaps: wrap in damp paper as above, then wrap in a second layer of dry paper to prevent condensation, and place in a padded envelope. Most cuttings survive 3–5 days in transit if packed well.

Swap etiquette

• Be honest about condition — describe any pests, disease history, or unusual care requirements upfront.
• Label everything — "unknown succulent" swaps happen, but identified plants are worth more.
• Match effort for effort — a well-rooted cutting in a labelled pot deserves something similar in return.
• Don't bring sick plants — pest problems spread fast; if a plant has active pests or disease, treat it first.
• Quarantine new arrivals — keep any new plants away from your existing collection for 2–3 weeks to check for hitchhiker pests.

What to ask for

Not sure what plants you want? The swap board is a brilliant place to browse what's available. Popular requests include hard-to-find Monstera varieties, mature succulents, herb starts in spring, and anything with unusual variegation. It's also fine to post an ISO (In Search Of) listing with what you'd like — someone may have exactly what you're after.

Start swapping today

Browse what's available on the Aiya's Garden Swap Board, or post your own cuttings. New members are very welcome — this is a friendly community and no swap is too small. You can also check the Events page for upcoming in-person plant swaps in the community.