How can you earn $300/week as a professional plant sitter?
By offering reliable plant care to local plant owners and growing your client base through plant sitting apps and word of mouth, you can steadily build a profitable side hustle. Many professional plant sitters earn $15–$40 per hour depending on location, making $300/week very achievable—even part-time.
TL;DR
- What it is: A professional plant sitter is someone who provides care for houseplants while the owner is away.
- Who it’s for: Anyone with a love for plants and a bit of plant care experience—green thumbs welcome!
- How much you can make: $15–$40/hour. Working just a few hours a day, $300/week is within reach.
- Why it’s a great side hustle: Flexible, low startup costs, fulfilling, and eco-friendly.
- How to start: Learn foundational plant care skills, create a profile on a plant sitting app, connect with plant owners locally, and begin small.
How to Become a Professional Plant Sitter
Getting Started
Stepping into professional plant sitting doesn’t require a degree in botany, but you’ll want familiarity with basic plant care. This means understanding how different types of indoor plants—like succulents, pothos, or fiddle-leaf figs—respond to watering, light, and fertilizing.
Chances are, if you’ve kept your own houseplants alive and happy, you’ve already got a solid foundation. But to step up your game as a professional plant sitter and earn money with plants, you’ll want to:
- Brush up on common houseplants: Know how to identify overwatering, pests, sunburn, etc.
- Practice critical observation: During visits, quickly assess hydration, leaf health, soil, and light.
- Keep records: Many successful plant sitters use a notebook or app to track plant care schedules.
Pro Tip: Start sitting for family, friends, or neighbors to practice before you go pro. Offer your services for free or discounted, and ask for honest testimonials that you can use on your plant sitting app profile.
Connecting with Plant Owners
So how do you actually find plant owners who need their plants cared for? That’s where most beginners hit a wall—but worry not, there are plenty of ways to match with plant parents.
- Use social media: Local Facebook groups, community bulletin boards, and hashtags like #houseplants or #plantparent can get you noticed fast.
- Try plant sitting apps: These platforms connect sitters with verified plant owners. It’s a great way to find consistent work and build your reputation.
- Partner with plant shops or nurseries: Some recommend professional plant sitters to their customers—especially when clients are traveling.
- Word-of-mouth: A happy plant owner will gladly refer you to others. Ask for reviews and share them.
Building trust is everything when you’re a professional plant sitter. Consider using a simple online form to log care instructions, send follow-ups with progress photos, and offer consultation on minor plant issues.
Tips for Success
Being a reliable, professional plant sitter isn’t just about watering plants. Here’s what separates the hobbyists from the pros who earn money with plants:
- Always be punctual and communicative: Respect the plant owner’s schedule—especially when they’re out of town.
- Leave the plants better than you found them: Gently dust leaves, trim dead stems, or rotate pots for even light exposure.
- Be ready for odd requests: Some clients might have timers for lights or humidity domes—adapt and accommodate with open communication.
- Keep learning: Read plant forums, take short courses, practice propagation—be that go-to plant care professional.
Earning Potential and Benefits
Let’s get to the juicy part: the income. Plant sitting rates vary by area and experience, but most professional plant sitters charge between $15–$40 per hour. Some charge per visit, ranging from $25–$60 depending on plant count and plant care complexity.
| Visit Type | Low-End Rate | Mid-Range | High-End Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Plant Check | $15 | $25 | $35 |
| Full Plant Setup (10+ plants) | $30 | $50 | $75 |
| Special Care (humidifiers, lights, etc.) | $40 | $60 | $80+ |
If you average 3–4 jobs per day at even the modest rate of $25/visit, five days a week, you’re bringing in $375—a great supplement to a full-time job or a sustainable way to earn money with plants as a freelance lifestyle.
Maximizing Your Income
Want to push beyond that $300/week mark as a professional plant sitter? Here’s how:
- Upsell services: Offer plant grooming, repotting, or plant-sitting packages by the week to existing plant owners.
- Offer virtual consults: Some plant owners just need advice. You can charge for a quick coaching call or a plant care diagnosis via photo.
- Work peak seasons: Holidays and summer vacation times are prime. Be visible and available during these spurts on your plant sitting app.
Cost Guide: What You Need to Start
| Item | Low Cost | Mid Range | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture Meter | $10 | $25 | $50+ |
| Watering Can & Tools | $15 | $30 | $60+ |
| Professional Bag/Supply Kit | $20 | $40 | $100 |
| Basic Website or Portfolio Page | $0 | $10/month | $100+ setup |
Final Thoughts on Turning Your Leafy Passion Into a Profitable Side Gig
Professional plant sitting is more than a trend—it’s a sustainable, flexible way to earn money with plants while supporting the growing community of indoor gardeners. Whether you’re soothing fiddle-leaf figs or reviving tired succulents while their owners vacation, you’re offering an essential eco-friendly service with heart.
The key? Start small, learn fast, care deeply, and grow confidently. Before you know it, your simple green side hustle could be bringing home a healthy $300—or more—each week. After all, when passion and purpose root together, you can’t help but bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get started as a plant sitter?
Start by caring for plants of friends or family, then build a simple online presence or use a plant sitting app to find local plant owners. - What qualifications do I need to become a professional plant sitter?
None officially, but familiarity with common houseplants and basic plant care observation skills are crucial. Many sitters are self-taught or learn through practice. - How much can I realistically make per week as a professional plant sitter?
With rates between $15–$40/hour and consistent plant owners, earning $300/week—or more—is achievable within just a few hours per day. - What challenges should I expect when I earn money with plants?
Occasional plant illness, demanding plant owners, or unusual plant care requests. Good communication and time management help mitigate issues. - Are there plant sitting apps to help connect me with plant owners?
Yes, plant sitting apps exist that connect plant owners with vetted sitters. These platforms also help manage bookings and reputation. - Which plants are easiest for a beginner professional plant sitter?
Snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants, and succulents are great low-maintenance options when you’re first getting started with plant care.