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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Pak Chandra and his unwavering passion for plants

Pak Chandra and his unwavering passion for plants

Published Feb 16, 2025 06:15 am

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Indonesian Pak Chandra is a household name in the plant community worldwide. 

And for over 30 years, he has been a well-known plant collector and owner of Indoaroid Nursery in Indonesia, and is famous for his collection of Anthurium species and hybrids. 

Chandra is particularly famous for having a home in the midst of the bustling Indonesian capital of Jakarta that is surrounded by landscaping features not seen anywhere else. 

Fresh water lakes, waterfalls, and man-made rock formations – all covered by rare plants, from epiphytes to aquatic plants – are featured in his famous home.

Beyond his horticultural achievements, Pak Chandra is celebrated for his role as a mentor. Aspiring plant  collectors and seasoned gardeners alike seek his guidance, drawn by his wealth of experience and  approachable demeanor. 

One such mentee, Eddy Pranoto, credits Pak Chandra as a significant influence  in his own journey with ornamental plants. 

This mentor-mentee relationship exemplifies the  collaborative spirit that pervades the plant enthusiast community, where knowledge is freely exchanged,  and collective growth is encouraged. 

Chandra will be bringing such a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Horti Filipina International Plant Show 2025, which will be held Feb. 21 to Feb. 23 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

He is slated to hold meet-and-greet sessions with plant enthusiasts, and will be bringing rare plant from his Indoaroid Nursey for sale and exhibit during the plant show.

The Indonesian plant guru’s collaborations extend to international platforms as well. 

He has been featured on the  YouTube channel "Leafing Around," where he offers virtual tours of his garden and shares insights into  his cultivation techniques. These digital engagements have broadened his reach, allowing plant lovers  worldwide to learn from his practices and draw inspiration from his green oasis. 

His triumphs are evident not only in the flourishing plants but also in the community he has nurtured.  Through workshops, plant exchanges, and open garden days, he has fostered a sense of camaraderie  among plant enthusiasts. This community-driven approach has amplified the impact of his work, creating  ripples of green consciousness that extend far beyond his own backyard. 

And this community-driven approach will be shared with show attendees as he joins a remarkable array of speakers and plant experts in the three-day horticulture extravaganza.

The other speakers will be Japanese plant icon Kunzo Nishihata, who will be joined by Melissa Travis of Suloy on Feb. 21.

Joining them are esteemed guests from Ecuador, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia, who will be sharing their expertise and passion with attendees. 

The other speakers, who will be highlighting the botanical wonders of the Philippines and commercial aspects and prospects of the horticulture industry, are (Feb. 22) Dr. Ephraim Cercado, Dr. Jasper John Obico, Fernando Aurigue, Dr. Rosario Rubite, Wally Suarez, Dr. Victor Amoroso, and Dr. Maria Melanie Medecillo-Guiang. 

On Feb. 23, the speakers are Michael Caballes, Michael Ferrero from Australia, Ponchit Ponce Enrile, Cris Siegfried Onari, Rey Pimentel, and Dr. Maria Luisa Guevarra and Prof. Raymundo Lucero.

 

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