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50 years of commercial plant hire in Australia 

Explore the 50-year journey of Tropical Plant Rentals, from a small Sydney nursery to one of Australia’s most trusted commercial plant hire and workplace greenery specialists.

For over 50 years, Tropical Plant Rentals has helped Australian businesses create healthier, more inspiring workplaces through professional commercial plant hire and biophilic design.

Since 1975, the company has evolved from a small Sydney nursery into one of Australia’s most trusted providers of office plant hire, green wall installations, outdoor plant solutions and event plant hire.

Reaching this milestone is more than an anniversary — it represents decades of horticultural expertise, strong client partnerships and a deep belief in the power of plants to transform workplaces.

Behind every successful installation and long-standing client relationship is the Tropical Plant Rentals team. From horticulturists and plant technicians to designers, installers and support staff, the people who care for the plants are central to the success of the business. Their knowledge, passion and attention to detail ensure every plant installation continues to thrive long after it is delivered.

Over the years, the company has also embraced innovation to continually improve service and plant performance. From advancements in plant care techniques to modern systems that support efficient servicing and design planning, technology now plays an important role in delivering consistent, high-quality plant solutions for clients.

A family business built on horticultural expertise

Tropical Plant Rentals was founded in 1975 by horticulturalist Stuart Swaddling and his wife Sue. Starting with a small nursery and just two plant hire runs, they focused on delivering exceptional plant quality and dependable customer service.

Businesses quickly recognised the difference that professionally maintained plants made to their spaces. Over time, demand grew as more organisations discovered that indoor plants improve workplace environments, wellbeing and visual appeal.

Today, Tropical Plant Rentals services more than 3,500 clients nationwide, supporting workplaces across corporate offices, healthcare, hospitality, retail and commercial buildings.

From office plants to complete plant solutions

Modern workplaces now integrate greenery as part of biophilic design strategies, improving both aesthetics and employee wellbeing. To meet this demand, Tropical Plant Rentals provides a full range of commercial plant hire services, including:

• Office and indoor plant hire
• Outdoor and rooftop terrace plant hire
• Green wall and vertical garden solutions
• Event and short-term plant hire
• Design Plant Partnerships with architects, designers and fit-out teams

Each installation is carefully designed and fully maintained by trained Horticultural and Plant specialists, ensuring plants remain healthy, vibrant and presentation ready.

A new generation continuing the legacy

In 2017, leadership transitioned to Graeme Reid, continuing the company’s strong family foundation.

Today, Managing Director Mitchell Reid leads Tropical Plant Rentals with a focus on innovation, sustainability and long-term partnerships with clients and industry professionals. With a background in horticulture and landscaping, Mitchell brings both technical expertise and a clear vision: helping businesses create healthier, human-centered workplaces through professionally managed plant solutions.

Plants that improve workplaces

Over the past 50 years, research has confirmed what many businesses already experienced, plants have measurable benefits in the workplace.

Professionally installed and maintained indoor plants can help:

• Improve indoor air quality
• Support employee wellbeing
• Reduce stress and increase productivity
• Enhance workplace aesthetics
• Create more welcoming environments for staff and visitors

Through fully managed plant hire services, businesses gain these benefits without needing to manage plant care themselves.

Growing into the future

From its Annangrove nursery headquarters in Sydney, Tropical Plant Rentals continues to supply premium plants for commercial environments across Australia, including Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, South Australia and Queensland.

Proudly Australian owned and operated, the company remains committed to delivering innovative plant solutions that enhance wellbeing, sustainability and design as workplaces continue to evolve.

Most importantly, it is the knowledge, dedication and care of the Tropical Plant Rentals team that continues to bring these spaces to life for businesses of all sizes.

After 50 years in business, the mission remains simple:
To improve workplaces through the power of nature — one plant at a time.

Frequently asked questions

Do you service businesses outside Sydney? 

Yes. While our nursery headquarters is based in Annangrove, Sydney, Tropical Plant Rentals services more than 3,500 clients nationwide across Australia, delivering tailored plant hire solutions for businesses of all sizes. 

What types of plant hire services do you offer? 

We provide a complete range of commercial plant solutions, including office plant hire, indoor plants, outdoor terrace plants, green walls, vertical gardens, event plant hire and short-term installations. Every project is fully designed, installed and maintained by our experienced plant specialists.

Why choose Tropical Plant Rentals for commercial plant hire?

With over 50 years of experience, Tropical Plant Rentals is one of Australia’s most established commercial plant hire specialists. Since 1975, we have delivered professionally maintained indoor and outdoor plant solutions for offices, healthcare, hospitality, retail and commercial spaces, backed by expert horticultural care and reliable service. 

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Date Published: April 17, 2026

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