Nestled among the lush greenery of Bali, Taman Teman stands quietly as a sanctuary for nature lovers and Platycerium enthusiasts. But beyond its collection of rare ferns and its thousand shades of green, lies a philosophy rooted in simplicity, sincerity, and shared joy.
At the heart of this living space is I Wayan Sugra, the founder whose hands are always busy, not with business, but with devotion. “I started growing plants because they make me happy,” he said, a gentle smile revealing the warmth of his spirit. “It began as a hobby, a way to relax. Even when I sell plants, the money isn’t for profit—it’s to buy new plants again. The joy never stops. It keeps circling back.”
The Joy in the Process
For Wayan, growing and collecting Platycerium—affectionately called platy among enthusiasts—is not a race for prestige or new hybrids. It’s about witnessing transformation, the slow rhythm of growth, and the beauty of imperfection.
“The fun in growing Platycerium never ends,” he said. “Every leaf has its own story, and each species has a different personality. Even after all these years, I still find new excitement every time I care for them.”
In his nursery, Taman Teman, nearly a thousand elephantotis and elemaria grow side by side. Each plant showcases a distinct form and performance, a living gallery of diversity. Wayan collects them not to boast, but to study and appreciate their differences.
“Nowadays, many people chase new IDs because of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out),” he explained, referring to the fear of missing out that has swept through the Platycerium hobby. “But sometimes, people don’t understand the full potential of older IDs. When you see a mature specimen, you realize how beautiful they can truly be.”
A Philosophy of Simple Passion
What makes Wayan different is his belief that a hobby should never become a burden. “A true hobby doesn’t need to spend too much money,” he said firmly. “For me, selling plants is not about earning—it’s a way to explore more, to find new IDs, and to keep learning.”
This perspective has shaped Taman Teman into more than just a nursery. It’s a place where people can share stories, learn from each other, and find inspiration in growth. The name itself, Taman Teman, translates to Friends’ Garden—a reflection of how Wayan views his space: a home built on friendship and curiosity.
Building the Platycerium Community
In the broader Platycerium world, Wayan and Taman Teman are known for their strong presence at exhibitions and contests across Indonesia. Whether it’s a local gathering or a national show, Taman Teman is always there—not to compete, but to contribute.
“Community can only live when there’s a support system,” Wayan said thoughtfully. “If we start thinking about income first, it becomes a business, not a hobby. The heart of a community is consistency and mutual support.”
This belief is why Taman Teman continues to be an active supporter of Platycerium events. Wayan sees each event as a chance to connect, to celebrate the art of growing, and to remind others that the hobby’s value lies not in the price of a plant, but in the people who nurture it.
Growing a Living Portfolio
“I love showing plants that perform well, even if they’re old IDs,” he shared. “It’s not about what’s new—it’s about what’s grown beautifully. A healthy, mature plant can inspire more than a trending name ever could.”
This approach has quietly built Wayan’s reputation as a grower who values authenticity over hype. His Platyceriums are not just collected; they are nurtured, documented, and displayed as living artworks that reflect years of dedication.
A Garden of Friendship
Visitors who come to Taman Teman often describe the experience as calming and grounding. The air hums with the quiet energy of leaves and laughter. Conversations flow easily under the canopy of ferns, where each person is a student and teacher at the same time.
In this garden, Wayan has created more than a collection—he has created a culture. One that honors patience, celebrates growth, and welcomes everyone who loves the slow art of nurturing life.
“Taman Teman isn’t just about plants,” he concluded. “It’s about friendship. About people who come together because they love the same thing. Plants grow better when they’re cared for, and so do people.”
“Nowadays, many people chase new IDs because of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out),” he explained, referring to the fear of missing out that has swept through the Platycerium hobby. “But sometimes, people don’t understand the full potential of older IDs. When you see a mature specimen, you realize how beautiful they can truly be.”
Taman Teman continues to thrive as both a nursery and a community hub for Platycerium enthusiasts. Through I Wayan Sugra’s hands, passion finds its purest form: a place where every leaf is a story, every plant a friendship, and every day a reminder that true growth happens when it is shared.
Peeking some Taman Teman's Platycerium Collections
