About Life and Lair
Life and Lair is a licensed Florida nursery offering rare aroids and tropical houseplants — carefully grown by a collector, for collectors.
What began as a small personal collection of unusual Alocasia has grown into a licensed boutique nursery built around a love for rare foliage and tropical plants. My mission is to make extraordinary plants accessible to collectors.
At IAS 2025
🌿 My Story
Hi there — I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Shannon, and I’m a rare plant collector with a special love for unusual foliage. My journey into the world of houseplants began with an Alocasia ‘Polly’ during the COVID era, when so many of us were stuck in our homes discovering new hobbies. I had never fancied myself as a plant person, but I was immediately captivated by its dramatic, rippling leaves and striking shape.
Growing up, I’d always heard my mom say she was terrible with plants, so I just assumed I would be too. But to my surprise, that first plant thrived — and so did my fascination. What began as a simple experiment quickly turned into a deep love for growing and collecting rare tropical plants.
🌱 From One Leaf to a Lush Collection
After that first success, I dove head-first into the world of rare foliage. I was especially captivated by Alocasia — a genus known for its striking diversity — and I soon found myself exploring every corner of the aroid family, including Monstera and Philodendron.
Today, my collection has grown to include around 100 different kinds of Alocasia, many of them unusual genetic mutations prized by collectors. I love the thrill of discovering new forms and watching each one grow into something unique.
🌿 Life and Lair Today
What started as a hobby on a windowsill has blossomed into Life and Lair — a small, licensed nursery dedicated to sharing that same joy with others. I grow every plant with care and intention, from propagation through acclimation, so they’re ready to thrive in your home.
Whether you’re just getting started or adding to a well-curated collection, my goal is to make it easier — and more exciting — to bring a piece of the tropics into your space.
🌿 My Promise to You
💚 Healthy, thriving plants — Grown in small batches with individual attention so they arrive ready to flourish.
📦 Careful packaging & on-time shipping — Your plants will be securely wrapped and sent promptly, so they reach you safely.
🌱 Honest descriptions & photos — What you see is what you get, with clear care info to set you and your plant up for success.
📍 Licensed nursery in Palm Bay, FL — State-certified, compliant, and committed to the highest standards of plant care.
🌴 5 Random Things About Me
1️⃣ I’m based in sunny Palm Bay, Florida, just six miles from the beach—where I live with my husband, 3 dogs, and an ever-growing jungle of tropical houseplants.
2️⃣ I’m a (part-time) Army wife. My husband has served in the Army National Guard for 20+ years, and he sometimes builds handy plant tools for me.
3️⃣ I love doing jigsaw puzzles! I nerd out on puzzles and I participate in a local puzzle swapping group.
4️⃣ My background is in creative writing, interior merchandising, and web design. I have a degree in English from Rollins College.
5️⃣ I’ve been running small creative businesses for over 20 years, and I’m thrilled to now dedicate that experience to helping fellow plant collectors grow their dream collections.
✨ Life and Lair is more than a shop—it’s my curated jungle, and I can’t wait to share it with you. 🌿