Plant purvoyer

Kachain "Kyng" Bodinittidej is a commercial producer who's behind many TV ads and a collector of rare and exotic plants. The 40-year-old adman also created a special fanzine titled "Mr. Brown", which features key figures in the first edition of Made By Legacy flea market and Thai vintage scene. The upcoming ninth edition of Made By Legacy, which takes place until Sunday at Pepsi Pier (go to our Activities page for more info), comes with a green twist. On top of vintage items and food, you'll be able to see and buy exotic plants, thanks to Kyng who curates and selects many plant and gardening shops, as well as plant collectors to showcase their green treasures. Not only it will serve as background for photo ops but also sources of awe, inspiration and appreciation for our green friends.

How did your interest in plants begin?

I become seriously interested in plants about three or four years ago. It started from when I saw curious looking plants. Their strange-looking leaves and beautiful forms fascinated me. I started buying them and failed to keep some alive at first. I didn't want any of them to die on me anymore or I seriously studied about different plants that I'm interested in from books or the internet. It was a trial and error for me.

Do you have any specific type of plants that you collect?

I don't think what I do is collecting. I raise them at my house and I continue to acquire new ones (he has about two to three hundreds so far). I'm drawn to Caudiciform type or what Thais colloquially call mai khod. They store a lot of water in their thick stems or trunks, hence, their nickname 'fat plants'. They come in so many shapes and forms but those I have are originally from Africa. The other family I like is called Burseraceae or mai yang hom in Thai. Their fragrant resin is used in incense sticks. The ones I have look like bonsai trees and shed their barks, giving each a unique look.

How do you obtain rare plants in your collection?

I usually begin my search at Chatuchak market. It's a good source of knowledge where I get to talk to both sellers and buyers and exchange what we know. I also do my research on the origin of what type of plant I find interesting, what kind of environment is conducive to its growth and figure out how I can adapt my growing space to best accommodate it. You'll have to be observant, too. Information from foreign sources can be in depth but you must remember that it applies to a specific climate that may be very different from that of Thailand.

In your own estimation, are there a lot of exotic plant collectors in Thailand?

There's not a lot of us. There may be many but I honest don't know! I do research on these plants on my own and I haven't join any group of special interests. I meet some other exotic plant collectors occasionally.

Is there much difficulty in collecting exotic plants? How do you keep them?

Some died on me at first, obviously. Plants aren't beautiful things that you can just put them there and your work is pretty much done. I know that's obvious but you may be surprised how complicated and different care can be from one plant to another. Some plants require good care but for others the best care you can give them is to let them be. You have to check in on them to see if you need to change something to help them grow. Some are easy-going while some are high-maintenance. They are like silent teachers. You observe what they want to tell you from their appearances and learn from them.

What do you find fascinating about them?

For me, they're living sculptures. You feel like you're a sculptor and they reward you with beautiful blossoms or forms, if you train them right.

As a green thumb person, where in Bangkok do you like to hang out and relax? Is there any green spots you would like to recommend?

At home with my plants! It depends on whether you see it or not. I like to walk around and observe plants on the streets. They are pretty much everywhere -- in front of a shophouse, in an alley, through a crack on the wall, on a roof and so on. They are just simple plants but they try to survive in whatever conditions they find themselves in. You can really see how they adapt to their environment. I find that interesting and beautiful. It lifts up my spirits, too.

What is your role in the ninth Made By Legacy?

I recommend shops that I find interesting and know to be real deals through personal connection. They will be there not only to sell unique flowers or plants and gardening tools but also provide knowledge and inspiration for those who're interested. Some of them are just kind plant collectors who will be offering their surplus plants for sale but they don't usually run an actual shop. The Made By Legacy team is responsible for decorating the flea market with these beautiful plants.