Turkish ambassador to Cambodia Ülkü Kocaefe visits the Phnom Penh Plant and Garden Fair. Supplied
The final day of the 4th Phnom Penh Plant and Garden Fair marked a triumphant conclusion to the three-day event, held at the Connexion Green Center on Koh Pich.
Organised by the Phnom Penh Houseplant Festival, the exhibition captivated plant enthusiasts, gardeners and nature lovers from across Cambodia.
With over 200 rare plant species on display, the event has sparked conversations about the importance of biodiversity and environmental conservation in the region.
Among the star attractions is the Botanical Garden Zhuidas, a rare species native to Panama. This plant has been cultivated at the Vrije University Botanical Research Garden in Amsterdam, Netherlands, since 1967.
Philippine Ambassador Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo also enjoyed the event. Supplied
Not only is the plant’s striking beauty captivating, but it also serves a crucial role in purifying the air and reducing heat, making it an essential species in the fight against climate change.
Mystique Tropicals, a plant nursery housed within the Queen Mother Library in Phnom Penh, brought this rare species to Cambodia to promote environmental sustainability and raise awareness about plant conservation.
Chey Vireak and Ang Sok-Heng, the co-founders of Mystique Tropicals, shared their vision behind the nursery at the Queen Mother Library.
“We wanted to harmonise knowledge and nature, creating a space where people could connect with plants in a meaningful way,” said Vireak.
“By introducing these rare species, we hope to inspire the younger generation to develop a love for nature and to protect Cambodia’s unique biodiversity,” added the talented botanist.
Chey Vireak and Ang Sok-Heng, the co-founders of Mystique Tropicals at the 4th Phnom Penh Plant and Garden Fair. Supplied
The exhibition was more than just a display; it was a platform for learning. Visitors were invited to participate in workshops, plant care demonstrations and talks by experts in the field of botany.
These activities aimed to deepen visitors' understanding of how to care for plants, particularly rare species.
The event also showcased a variety of plants that play a significant role in promoting biodiversity, such as those sourced from both local and international ecosystems.
A key focus of the event was to demonstrate how plants like the Botanical Garden Zhuidas can contribute to the overall health of urban environments.
“These plants play a crucial role in promoting sustainability, especially in urban landscapes like Phnom Penh,” Vireak explained.
“By introducing these rare species, we hope to inspire sustainable gardening practices and encourage greater respect for nature,” he added.
He said surrounding visitors with greenery promotes mindfulness and tranquility, transforming the library into a retreat and redefining it as a hub for experiential learning and ecological awareness.
Plant nurseries that focus on rare, exotic, and native plants are a key part of botanical conservation and education.
They are popular because they provide a space for learning, offer a unique aesthetic experience and promote sustainability.
“In Cambodia, this concept is still emerging due to a combination of factors, including limited access to diverse plant species and a relatively low level of awareness about plant conservation,” Vireak told The Post.
“However, with growing interest in environmentalism, this type of nursery is starting to gain traction,” he added.
The fair was not only a celebration of plant life but also a gathering of like-minded individuals passionate about horticulture and environmentalism.
Vireak said simply growing plants, tending to them, or even talking to them can foster a deep sense of peace and emotional connection.
He believed gardening can serve as a form of therapy, helping individuals process grief, rebuild a sense of purpose and reconnect with life.
“The presence of greenery has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression — making plants not just healers of the body but also of the mind and spirit,” said Vireak.
The event offered various food and beverage options, from fresh juices to coffee, providing a perfect atmosphere for networking and fostering a sense of community among participants.
The Phnom Penh Plant and Garden Fair, with its focus on rare plants, sustainability and education, has become a key event for plant enthusiasts in Cambodia.
