by Frank Gaimari

Anthony D’Alto

Anthony D’Alto is nurturing a lively haven, nestled in the heart of Seattle, where humor and horticulture come together seamlessly. Known online as “Saint Planthony,” D’Alto, 31, has transformed a modest Capitol Hill plant shop into a viral sanctuary, drawing thousands with his infectious blend of wit, wisdom, and greenery. With a smartphone in one hand and a pothos plant in the other, he’s become a digital evangelist, showing how laughter and a bit of flora can be transformative.

Beneath his flamboyant exterior is a deeply passionate nature enthusiast with an insatiable curiosity. D’Alto’s journey to plant stardom is anything but conventional. His move from Florida to Seattle in 2023 marked a turning point, igniting his passion for plants and his advocacy for mental health.

D’Alto’s expertise comes not from formal education but from years of hands-on experimentation. His intuitive grasp of plant biology allows him to translate complex care instructions into practical advice accessible to both novices and seasoned gardeners. Rather than positioning himself as a distant authority, he’s a trusted friend — ready to explain why a fiddle-leaf fig might drop its leaves or how a little humor can help both plants and people thrive.

Saint Planthony’s widespread appeal began on TikTok and Instagram, where he captivated millions by combining practical plant care with sharp humor and pop culture references. His feeds are a kaleidoscope of content: one moment, he’s breaking down the finicky watering schedule of a calathea; the next, he’s delivering a tongue-in-cheek monologue on global affairs while elbow-deep in potting soil. A particularly memorable video — a blend of politics, plants, and psychology — amassed over a million views, cementing his place as a formidable digital presence.

“I never expected the world to be so full of support,” D’Alto reflected, recognizing the vibrant community that has blossomed around him.

At the heart of the Saint Planthony phenomenon is The Plant Store on Capitol Hill, affectionately dubbed the “Gay Plant Store” by locals and internet fans. The nickname, sparked by a cheeky sign out front, has become a symbol of inclusivity and community. Stepping into the shop feels less like entering a retail space and more like joining a lively community hub, where the air is thick with humidity and hospitality.

D’Alto’s videos often feature this unique environment — a place where plant education is seamlessly blended with what he wryly calls “thrilling thornication.” His ability to improvise content amid daily shop life adds an unmistakable authenticity, turning the store into a pilgrimage site for fans seeking not just Monstera but belonging.

A significant part of Anthony’s appeal is his undeniable charisma. With a magnetic presence and striking looks, he attracts fans who are as drawn to his persona as to his expertise. Yet his allure goes far beyond appearances. Saint Planthony represents a new kind of expert influencer: approachable, transparent, and genuinely sincere. He readily shows his true self, a quality that resonates deeply with his audience. His quick wit and openness help dissolve the usual distance between creator and follower, cultivating a fan base that trusts his guidance as much as it admires his aesthetic.

More than anything, Saint Planthony serves as a source of emotional support for his viewers. In a world often marked by uncertainty, D’Alto’s content acts as a pressure valve, offering relief from daily stress. Though his videos entertain, they also provide a space where it’s acceptable to feel overwhelmed.

By balancing humor with heartfelt sincerity, he validates his audience’s anxieties and offers a gentle escape into a greener, kinder world. Through his work, he shows that even small spaces can offer profound comfort when the wider world feels overwhelming. To Anthony, plants are more than decorations — they’re companions and grounding mechanisms in turbulent times.

To learn more about the man behind “Saint Planthony,” I met him for coffee on a cold Seattle morning, as the city buzzed outside. Our conversation explored his inspirations, the roots of his digital persona, and the advice he shares with his growing community.

Frank Gaimari: Can you share a bit about your journey into gardening and plant care?

Anthony D’Alto: My journey into gardening and plant care began during one of the most difficult periods of my life. I was living in Florida, recently single, without a car, and feeling completely stuck and isolated. One day, searching for something to focus on, I picked up a couple of plants from the supermarket. At first, I couldn’t even keep them alive, but with nothing else to do and no friends or partner around, I became determined to figure out how to care for them. That small act of nurturing gave me a sense of purpose, and slowly, it started to pull me out of my depression.

Around the same time, I began exploring the healing potential of mushrooms to help with my depression and PTSD, which had roots in a chaotic childhood. This wasn’t about recreation; it was a genuine attempt to find a path to healing. I was amazed by how these natural organisms could shift my perspective and help me see the world differently. That experience, combined with my growing connection to plants, completely changed my life.

Plants became my anchor, offering me something to care for and learn from. Within a few months, I had over 150 plants, and each day brought new discoveries about them and about myself. Plants didn’t just spark my curiosity; they helped me heal. They lifted me out of a dark place and revealed the beauty and magic in the world that I hadn’t seen before.

FG: What inspired you to start creating TikTok and Instagram videos?

AD: I’ve always had a creative streak when it comes to making videos. It began back in 2002, when I got my first video camera in second grade. The camera came with editing software, and I immediately fell in love with the process of creating something that captured my inner world. Back then, sharing videos meant working with VHS tapes or battling dial-up internet, but for me, it was always about finding a way to show the world from my perspective.

Fast-forward to the winter of 2020, when I lost my job and slipped into a deep depression. During that difficult time, I decided to return to video creation, making animations, dream-inspired clips, and anything that felt meaningful enough to share. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose and a much-needed outlet for self-expression.

Eventually, I got the job at The Plant Store, which helped take my mind off things and provided a new environment to explore. One day, I thought, “Why not make a video about plants?” I posted it, and it received around 3,000 views, far more than any of my previous videos. That moment was a turning point: I realized people were genuinely connecting with what I was creating, and it motivated me to keep going.

Now, creating videos isn’t just about sharing my perspective; it’s about building a community. It’s a way to share what I’ve learned, connect with others, and create something meaningful together.

FG: How do you come up with ideas for your videos?

AD: Coming up with ideas for my videos is a mix of creativity, overthinking, and finding inspiration in everyday moments. I’ve always had a very active mind. Sometimes it feels like my brain is constantly running “what-if” scenarios. For much of my life, that overthinking could feel overwhelming, but I’ve learned how to redirect it and use it to my advantage. Now, instead of spiraling into intrusive thoughts, I channel that energy into brainstorming ideas for my videos.

Many of my ideas come to me while I’m pacing around, whether at home or at The Plant Store, earbuds in and lost in thought. Movement really helps me think, and I’ll let my mind wander until something clicks. Inspiration might come from a comment I’ve read, a headline I’ve seen, or even just a random thought that pops into my head. I rarely script my videos. Instead, I jot down a few key points and let the rest unfold naturally.

When I first started my page, I had a series where I’d introduce the weekly plant shipments at the store, giving them playful personalities like “Gay” or “Lesbian” plants. People loved it, but I quickly realized I couldn’t keep calling plants “Gay” every week and have it feel fresh. That realization pushed me to experiment with new ideas, weaving in topics like mental health and current events. I’ve found that being honest about struggles, whether they’re my own or about something happening in the world, really resonates with people. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect; it’s about finding humor and connection in tough times.

The comments from my audience are also a huge source of inspiration. Early on, people would leave heartfelt feedback, sharing what they loved or wanted to see more of. Even now, as my page has grown, I still look at the comments to see what’s resonating. It reminds me that the things I’m struggling with aren’t unique. Thousands of people out there feel the same way. When I can make someone feel seen or even get a laugh, that’s what keeps me going. It’s all about creating a space where people can connect, feel understood, and hopefully find a little joy in the process.

FG: How do you balance humor and sincerity in your content?

AD: Balancing humor and sincerity in my content comes naturally to me. It’s how I’ve always dealt with life’s challenges. Growing up in a chaotic household with an abusive stepfather, my sister and I coped by turning everything into a joke. No matter how tough things got, we always found a way to laugh about it. For us, humor wasn’t about ignoring the pain; it was a way to make difficult situations bearable. That mindset has definitely carried over into my videos.

I believe people want to feel truly acknowledged. They don’t want to be bombarded with fake enthusiasm or hollow corporate positivity. That’s why I try to break down those barriers by being honest about what frustrates me too. At the same time, I don’t want to fuel anger or negativity. There’s already enough of that online. Instead, I want my videos to meet people where they are, whether they’re feeling overwhelmed or simply need a moment to breathe.

My goal is to say, “Yeah, it sucks, but let’s calm down, laugh about it, and keep going.” If I can help someone get out of bed or make them feel a little less alone, then I’ve done my job.

FG: What role do plants play in your personal life and mental health?

AD: Plants are more than a part of my life. They’re a lifeline. They give me a sense of control in a world that often feels unpredictable. Caring for them, whether it’s watering, trimming, or simply watching them thrive, creates a small, safe ecosystem that brings me peace and stability.

They’re not just a hobby; they’re a source of grounding and perspective. When I look at the little world I’ve nurtured, I’m reminded that even during chaos, there’s room for growth, beauty, and calm. Plants don’t just decorate my space; they anchor me.

FG: What’s your favorite plant and why?

AD: My favorite is the Black Magic Begonia. It’s mesmerizing. The plant has deep, almost black leaves with red stems, and when sunlight shines through from behind, the leaves glow a vibrant red. It’s breathtaking.

FG: What’s next for Saint Planthony?

AD: I’m starting a YouTube channel, something I’ve dreamed of doing for more than two years. It will give me the opportunity to dive deeper into my special interests and share even more of what I love with others. I’m excited to create longer, more meaningful content and connect with people on a different level.

Looking ahead, my ultimate dream is to create a true “third space” for the community. I imagine transforming an old church into a greenhouse, filling it with plants to make a peaceful, welcoming place where people can connect, recharge, and experience nature without having to travel far from home. I want it to be a sanctuary, a place where anyone can walk in, breathe deeply, and feel a sense of belonging.

In the end, Saint Planthony is doing more than selling plants; he is nurturing a community. He reminds us that even when the world feels like it’s withering, there is always room for new growth — both in our homes and within ourselves. Through his playful videos, candid advice, and the welcoming atmosphere of his Capitol Hill shop, Anthony D’Alto has created a space where everyone is invited to put down roots and flourish.

Meeting D’Alto in person only deepened my admiration. I found him to be as kind and gentle as his online persona suggests, radiating genuine warmth and curiosity. Our conversation left me feeling like a member of his ever-growing community — a fan not just of his plant wisdom but of the compassion and joy he brings to everyone who crosses his path.

D’Alto can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/saintplanthony/ and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575555492261

Frank Gaimari is an author and film reviewer in Seattle, where he lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. You can learn more about his work at http://www.FrankGaimari.com.