Branching Out – Ryan Klewer of Plant Charmer

Deep within the urban jungle of Brunswick East, nestled amongst the cafes, cottages and vintage shops, an interior plant design studio by the name of Plant Charmer can be found. Established by Ryan Klewer in 2019, Plant Charmer fuses interior plant styling with a considered retail experience.

Ryan Klewer converted a background in landscaping and graphic design into the niche profession of interior plant stylist. “Plant Charmer was born out of a desire to pursue a passion, to adapt my life – personal and business – into something more rewarding,” he explains. “I started small, introducing plants into the businesses of friends and a barbershop in Prahran called Brother Wolf. The strength of the community that exists throughout inner-city Melbourne meant word started the spread and, from there, I was able to start turning my passion into a serious profession.”

“Plant Charmer was born out of a desire to pursue a passion, to adapt my life – personal and business – into something more rewarding.”

For those that have battled to keep indoor plants looking fresh in recent times, or spent days sourcing the perfect fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) for the home or office, the true art behind Ryan’s work is clear. “It all starts with a consultation,” says Ryan. “The design outcomes a commercial or residential client are looking to achieve with indoor plants is extremely contextual, so it’s important for me to garner a strong understanding from the beginning. From there, I can begin sourcing plants, pots and even building more custom items to suit the clients’ needs.”

What follows is a thorough delivery and installation service, including the highly touted maintenance program – or ‘after-care for plants’ – meaning Ryan and his team keep the plants happy and healthy long after they have completed the project. “Walking into a business or home that is full of life and flourishing plants can be an extremely positive experience,” says Ryan. “This is why we put in place the necessary steps to ensure the longevity of plant life, thinking of each and every plant as a pet.”

Established by Ryan Klewer in 2019, Plant Charmer fuses interior plant styling with a considered retail experience.

Ryan’s work can be found throughout Melbourne’s inner city suburbs, introducing moments of natural wonder into the otherwise urbanised sprawl. His portfolio includes collaborations with the likes of Chamberlain Architects, Splinter Society, Breathe and Carr. “One of my most rewarding projects to date is the Sense of Self bathhouse,” says Ryan. “It was a very collaborative experience working with founders Mary and Freya, developing plant solutions to combat the varying temperatures of the bathhouse and sourcing pots to suit the beautiful interior aesthetic. Essentially, we created contrasting ecosystems within the same building, and this is something I look back upon very fondly.”

Recently, Plant Charmer has gone through a period of change, including renovations to the East Brunswick store and Collingwood warehouse. Akin to the way plants grow and adapt to their environment, the store has expanded its offering to include a wider variety of locally sourced ceramics, homewares and handcrafted items. As the Plant Charmer store and studio continues to evolve, with services now including styling, installation, maintenance and plant hiring, there is no doubt that Ryan’s business is blooming.

As the Plant Charmer store and studio continues to evolve, with services now including styling, installation, maintenance and plant hiring, there is no doubt that Ryan’s business is blooming.