Kick off the 2026 growing season with RVA Tropical & Exotic Plants!
Join us for our first major event of the year inside the warm, lush aisles of The Great Big Greenhouse. Whether you are looking to trade cuttings, find a rare collector's item, or just escape the winter gray, this is the place to be.
🌿 WHAT TO EXPECT
The Local Market: Shop for rare aroids, common favorites, handmade trellises, and art from over 30 local vendors.
Shop The Greenhouse: Don't forget to explore The Great Big Greenhouse's own massive inventory! It is the perfect time to stock up on new pots, fresh soil, and their incredible selection of houseplants.
The Swap: We are hosting a "Walking Swap" for this event! Grab a "Trade" sign at the welcome table to attach to your basket or person. This lets others know you are open to trades while you shop and mingle! (Please ensure all trade plants are pest-free).
The Community Free Table: Open to everyone! Have extra cuttings, rehab plants, or spare pots? Drop them here to clear some shelf space. See something you like? Take it home! This is a "Take a Plant, Leave a Plant" zone for all experience levels.
Food & Drink: El Mimoso Taqueria will be on-site serving authentic Mexican street food. Come hungry for their tacos, burritos, and famous tortas!
🏆 FEATURED CONTEST: "The Best Roots" Propagation Challenge
Show off your propagation skills! We are looking for the wildest, healthiest, most impressive water roots in RVA.
How to Enter: Bring a single propagation in a clear glass vessel (jar, cup, vase) where the roots are fully visible.
The Rules:
Roots must be visible through the container (no soil/moss props for this one!).
Plant must be pest-free.
Entry must be placed on the Contest Table by 2:00 PM.
Voting runs from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
The Prizes: Winners will be chosen by community vote!
🥇 1st Place: $30 Gift Card to The Great Big Greenhouse, the "Root Royalty" Rosette, and First Pick from the Plant Prize Pool.
🥈 2nd Place: $15 Gift Card to The Great Big Greenhouse and Second Pick from the Plant Prize Pool.
🥉 3rd Place: Third Pick from the Plant Prize Pool.
📍 VENDORS
Want to sell plants or supplies? Vendor applications are open now. Space is limited!