Greenhouse specializes in the joy of DIY cultivation
Carley Lee and Peter Larsen, with greenhouse dog Kota,
specialize in rare succulents, fruit trees, and tactile plants.
Photo by Rachel Pressley
OMG Asheville (Oakley Mountain Greenhouses of Asheville) —founded in 2021 by Carley Lee — is an urban farm with greenhouse facilities in Oakley and Fairview. Lee and her partner Peter Larsen specialize in cultivating an exquisite array of rare succulents, cacti, and fruit trees, including 4” and 6” potted Meyer Lemon plants and other citrus. OMG is a certified NC Plant Nursery that also offers a unique subscription-based Cuttings Club, selling all over the U.S. Each month, members receive cuttings ready for cultivation; popular succulents include the cascading Variegated String of Pearls as well as Black Bells, Lavender Scallops, and Variegated Elephant Bush.
Photo by Rachel Pressley
Is yours the first plant-cutting club you’re aware of?
Carley Lee: If we’re the first, that’s an honor. During COVID, people were constantly asking for specific cuttings and wanting to purchase our entire plant-cuttings collection. The idea of a monthly subscription naturally evolved from that demand as an accessible way for people to grow plants at home and give meaningful gifts. And [to] learn and have fun along the way.
And there’s an element of curation with themed clubs, right?
Yes, for example, the Pet-Friendly Club offers cuttings of plants that are not toxic for animals. Kids often want plants they can touch, so the Fuzzy Club is for plants with an especially tactile aspect.
How do you protect cuttings when shipping?
We use moisture-wicking cloths and packing paper — no loose polyester or cotton. In winter months, or when shipping to colder climates, we use heat packs. The packages are simple and easy to open, and they keep the plants safe.
Some people are intimidated by the idea of cultivating a plant from a cutting.
It’s actually very simple — and incredibly rewarding. Some go directly into soil, others root in water first, and we provide clear care instructions for each plant sold. With the right light and drainage, those small cuttings can grow into large, mature mother plants. Some plants will eventually grow larger than you.
How has inflation made the Cutting Club more popular?
We’ve definitely seen the plant market explode over the past five years. While big-box stores have raised prices, they often prioritize fast, high-density growth that doesn’t translate well to home environments. Our approach is longevity-based. We take a lot of pride in equipping our customers to grow their own indoor gardens and become more self-sustainable. Growing a plant from a cutting in your own space allows it to better adapt. It experiences less shock and can thrive long-term.
Photo by Rachel Pressley
You had some rebuilding to do after Hurricane Helene …
We lost the main greenhouse in Fairview, but thanks to the outpouring of support from our customers and the community, we recovered and built one in Oakley. We are super appreciative and excited to continue to regrow and rebuild. We have what I call a “baby plant” factory with mother plants of all the kinds of plants that we produce cuttings from, and a Meyer Lemon greenhouse entirely dedicated to six varieties of citrus.
How many plants do you have in cultivation at any given time?
In the Meyer Lemon greenhouse we have maybe 500 to 1,000.
No, I mean in total — your entire operation.
Oh my, I have no idea. Thousands!
How many people does it take to run a business growing thousands of plants?
We’re planning to expand our team this year, but right now just two.
How is that even possible?
I’m focused on managing the business and doing the marketing and social media, and Peter [as greenhouse manager] has created a fully automated greenhouse system — using organic nutrients, a misting watering system, and wireless thermostats.
Did he go to university to learn all that botanical science and technology?
No, he’s self taught — and he is also a self-taught herbalist and botanist.
OMG Asheville, omgasheville.com and on Etsy. For updates on markets, plant releases, and the Cuttings Club, follow OMG Asheville on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. OMG Asheville plants are also sold at the East Asheville Tailgate Market (954 Tunnel Road, Fridays, 3-6pm, through November).