Inspiring Conversations with Alex Drisaldi of Potted Nursery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Drisaldi.

Hi Alex, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I spent five years working as an outdoor landscaper, but plants have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Toward the end of 2024, my passion naturally evolved into the world of indoor exotic houseplants—particularly rare and unusual varieties that felt harder to find and even harder to learn about in a welcoming way.

That shift led to the creation of Potted, which opened its doors in December 2024. My goal was to build more than just a plant shop—I wanted to create a space centered around education, curiosity, and community, where people could explore rare and exotic indoor plants without intimidation. Since opening, it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch that community grow, connect, and share the same excitement for plants that’s shaped my entire life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been completely smooth, but we’ve been incredibly fortunate. One of the biggest challenges was stepping into a new niche and learning how to balance the realities of running a business with the care and attention rare plants require. That said, we were welcomed into the local plant community far more quickly and warmly than we ever expected.

The support from our customers has been overwhelming in the best way. The community that’s grown around Potted has shown up for us consistently, and that encouragement has made every challenge feel manageable. We truly wouldn’t be where we are today without the enthusiasm, trust, and loyalty of the people who walk through our doors.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Potted Nursery?
Potted specializes in rare and exotic indoor houseplants, but accessibility has always been just as important to us as uniqueness. We intentionally offer a wide range of beginner-friendly plants alongside more collectible varieties, so no matter where someone is on their plant journey, there’s something here for them. Our goal is to make plant ownership feel exciting, approachable, and empowering rather than intimidating.

We’re also known for our hands-on, education-focused approach. We mix our own custom houseplant soil in-store, which is available for purchase, and we regularly host classes covering everything from soil blends and moss pole building to semi-hydroponic setups through live demonstrations. These classes are designed to give people practical skills and confidence they can take home with them.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. Beyond plants, we dedicate an entire room of our space to local artists and small businesses, using our platform to help highlight and support the creative community around us. We also collaborate frequently with other local businesses and prioritize keeping our support close to home whenever possible.

What we’re most proud of, brand-wise, is the environment we’ve created—Potted is a place where curiosity is encouraged, learning is shared, and people feel genuinely welcome. We want readers to know that Potted is more than a plant shop; it’s a community space built around connection, creativity, and a shared love for plants at every level.

What does success mean to you?
I define success by my level of happiness. Every day I leave Potted with a genuine sense of pride. Pride in the help I’ve been able to offer, pride in watching customers learn and grow into more confident plant parents, and pride in the space we’ve built together.

I’ve worked hard my entire life, but before Potted, I had never experienced this feeling of success. For me, success isn’t just about milestones or numbers; it’s about fulfillment, purpose, and knowing that what I’m building truly matters to the people it touches.

Pricing:

• Plants: A wide range of price points, from beginner-friendly plants starting at accessible prices to rare and exotic collector specimens
• Educational Classes: Hands-on classes and demos (soil mixing, moss poles, semi-hydro) with pricing typically ranging by class and materials included but typically range between $40-60 a class
• Local Artist & Small Business Goods: Unique, locally made items at a variety of price ranges

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Pottednursery.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/187vNHWH9B/
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AK8NHtmghFjzzoBQ8?g_st=ic