Retiree in South Australia grows 10,000 succulents for second act
Ian Andrews turned a five-year gardening plan into an obsession after retiring, now tending over 10,000 succulents in Renmark.
Newly retired Ian Andrews of Renmark in South Australia's Riverland shifted from running his own business seven days a week to nurturing a massive succulent collection. Ian Andrews transformed his garden into his Zen area and passion project.
Australia's climate suits succulents well, especially in the Riverland, where African varieties thrive in similar soil and weather. Andrews shares his secret: give indoor plants outdoor breaks, one week inside, then a month outside.
Plant sales across Australia now top $3 billion annually, with younger generations driving demand. Apartment living and small spaces make succulents ideal, and online ordering has made buying plants as easy as sitting on the couch in the evening.
Andrews said it's never too late to start. "A plant might die, but you can just go and buy another one," he said.
- 10,000+
- Succulents owned
- 25 years
- Years self-employed
- $3 billion
- Australian plant sales value
- Past 10 years
- Succulent demand rise period
Why it mattersThe plant industry is growing fast in Australia, showing a shift in how people spend time and money in smaller living spaces.
AustraliaAustralian nurseries and online plant retailers are cashing in on a $3 billion market driven by younger people in apartments, boosting local horticulture jobs.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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