Plant styling for workplaces, run from home
Design plant displays for small businesses, order the plants in, install them and offer a light-touch care plan.
- £300-2k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
23,217 UK companies in this field, 29% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 81300 “Landscape service activities”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A design-led version: you plan displays for a space, buy plants and planters from trade suppliers to order, deliver and install, then offer an optional care visit plan. You keep little or no stock.
Your first three steps
- Open trade accounts with a couple of plant and planter wholesalers and compare their prices and delivery times
- Create a small online portfolio and social media page with before and after photos, even from friends' or family's spaces
- Contact local property managers, interior designers and coworking spaces to offer a quote for styling their reception or shared areas
Who pays
Small businesses, hospitality venues, serviced offices and property managers who want a planted look without running a plant shop.
How it makes money
A design and install fee with a mark-up on plants and planters, plus an optional monthly care plan for repeat visits.
Skills that help
- An eye for design and layout
- Plant knowledge
- Quoting and supplier management
- Social media or portfolio building
Watch out for
- Check with your landlord, mortgage lender or council if you plan to store plants or receive deliveries at home
- Public liability insurance, and check cover for installing in other people's premises
- Plants are living goods, so agree who is responsible if they die after install
- Wholesaler minimum orders and delivery charges can squeeze small jobs
- Keep clear records of mark-ups and costs so your quotes stay profitable
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: plant styling for workplaces, run from home
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a plant styling business?
Startup costs are typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on how much you spend on samples, a portfolio, tools and supplier set-up. You keep little or no stock, but treat these figures as estimates.
How much can a plant styling business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on the size and number of projects and any care plans you offer. These are estimates. Wholesaler minimum orders and delivery charges can squeeze small jobs.
What should I check before running a plant styling business from home?
Check with your landlord, mortgage lender or council if you plan to store plants or receive deliveries at home. Check public liability cover for installing in other people's premises. Agree who is responsible if plants die after installation.
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