From Balcony Plants to a Citywide Movement: The Story of Plantmama

Alitta Ansu Katta is the founder and nurturer behind Plantmama here in Freetown. Like many people living in Freetown’s fast-paced environment, she was searching for a way to ground herself. She found it in soil, leaves, and daily moments of care. In this exclusive Q&A, she shares her journey from finding solace in soil and leaves to creating a community rooted in patience, resilience, and mindful growth.

1.Was there a light-bulb moment or a personal experience that sparked the birth of Plantmama?

Absolutely. After years of living in a high-stress environment like Freetown, I found my peace on my balcony, tending to a few plants. During a particularly difficult time of Covid that daily ritual of care—checking the soil, watching for new growth—became my meditation. I realised that if this simple act could ground me so profoundly, it could help others navigate the hustle, noise, and stress of life in Sierra Leone. That was the seed. Plantmama grew from a deep belief that everyone deserves a personal pocket of peace, and plants are the most gentle, giving guides to lead us there.

2. The name Plantmama is memorable — what’s the story behind it?

The name is deeply personal. I am a mum to 2 adorable kids. So for me, caring for plants has always felt like a nurturing, maternal energy. It’s not about ownership, but about fostering life, providing the right conditions to thrive, and celebrating every new leaf like a small victory. In our culture, the “mama” figure is the heart of the home, the nurturer. I wanted to channel that warm, wise, and caring energy into this brand. “Plantmama” is a promise: when you get a plant from us, you’re not just a customer; you’re part of a family where you and your plant will be supported.

3. How would you explain Garden Therapy to a curious newcomer?

My hope is twofold. First, on a personal level, I want to see more homes and offices in Freetown glowing with green life, becoming oases where people can breathe deeper and think clearer. Second, on a community level, I dream of rekindling a cultural love for plants and gardening, especially among young people. I hope Plantmama can help build a more resilient, green, and mentally healthy city—one plant, one person, one sanctuary at a time.

4. What impact do you hope Plantmama has on Freetown and its people?

5. How do you help a first-time plant owner find “the one”?

We start with a friendly chat, not a botany exam! I ask about their light (is their space sunny, bright, or cozy-dark?), their routine (are they a busy bee or a homebody?), and even their personality (are they meticulous or more easy-going?). Then, I introduce them to 2-3 “unkillable” champions that match their vibe—like a tough-but-elegant Snake Plant for a busy professional in a shady corner, or a joyful Spider Plant that thrives on neglect for a student. We focus on building confidence, not creating a masterpiece on day one.

6. Do you have any plant babies that are especially rare or close to your heart?

Oh, yes. My heart belongs to a magnificent, sprawling Monstera Deliciosa that I’ve propagated from a single cutting a friend gave me. It’s a living heirloom. In our collection, we also have some rare lipstick palm and a stunning Variegated Rubber Tree that has survived a challenging journey to Salone. It’s a reminder of resilience—a quality I see in both plants and the people of Freetown.

7. Where do your plants come from?

Our priority is to nurture and propagate locally! We work with a network of local growers and take cuttings from our own “mother plants” to ensure they are already acclimated to our unique Sierra Leonean climate. For special varieties not found here, we partner with international nurseries that prioritize healthy plants. But our soul is in local propagation—it’s sustainable, supports our community, and gives our plants a true Salone start in life.

8. How important is environmental sustainability to Plantmama?

It’s fundamental, not an add-on. We weave it in by using biodegradable or reusable pots, making our own potting mixes from components like coconut coir and rice husks, and practicing water-conscious care. Our core mission is “green” in every sense: we encourage people to compost, I have a pit in my home where I dump vegetables and other food waste to make my compost. I see plant care as my small, daily act of love for the planet.

9. What are some of the real-life challenges of running a botanical business in Freetown’s climate?

The humid, rainy season is a test in fungal management and pest control, while the dusty dry season demands more water, which is a crisis during this time. Reliable access to consistent, high-quality soil amendments and pots can be a logistical puzzle. But the biggest challenge is also our greatest opportunity: educating on tropical plant care. Many assume more water is always better here, but we teach the art of “listening” to the plant and understanding drainage. Every challenge is a chance to learn and share knowledge.

10. What’s the idea behind the Salone Garden Expo 2026? What can visitors expect?

The Salone Garden Expo 2026 is a dream blooming to life! The idea is to create a vibrant, celebratory marketplace for everything green in Sierra Leone—a place where seasoned gardeners, curious newbies, and everyone in between can connect. Visitors can look forward to a dazzling display of locally grown plants, hands-on workshops (from propagation to pot-making), talks by green experts, live garden installations, local eco-friendly products, and so much music and food. It will be a festival of growth in every sense of the word!

11. How do gatherings like the Garden Expo help grow the community?

They make the invisible network visible. Suddenly, the plant lover in their home realizes they are part of a thriving tribe. These gatherings swap knowledge (how do you get that miniature rose to bloom here?), inspire newbies, create collaborations between growers and businesses, and foster a powerful sense of shared passion. They transform a solitary hobby into a collective movement for a greener, more connected Sierra Leone.

12. Fast-forward five years—where do you see Plantmama?

In five years, I see Plantmama as a thriving hub for green living and wellness in West Africa. Beyond our Freetown nursery, I envision a dedicated Garden Therapy center, a wider network of local growers we support, and an expanded educational outreach program in schools. I see us launching a “Greening Freetown” initiative to help plant trees and create community gardens. The seed is planted; in five years, I see it as a strong, giving tree with deep roots and wide branches.

13. Your best piece of advice for someone dreaming of a green garden sanctuary but feeling overwhelmed?

Start with one. Just one. Don’t think about a jungle or a gallery wall. Go to a nursery, find one plant whose leaves make you smile—a humble Peace Lily, a forgiving ZZ plant—and bring it home. Put it where you’ll see it daily. Learn its rhythm. Celebrate its first new leaf. That one plant is your teacher. The sanctuary isn’t built in a day; it grows, one plant, one moment of care at a time. And remember, every Plantmama started with one. We’re here to help you with that very first, brave step.