Survey of Ornamental Plant Trade and Business Practices in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The ornamental plant trade is an emerging sector of Nigeria's horticultural economy, driven by increasing urbanization, rising middle-class disposable income, and growing demand for interior and exterior decoration. In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the ornamental plant business has expanded considerably along major commercial corridors, yet it remains poorly documented. This study surveys the structure of the ornamental plant trade, business practices, and socioeconomic characteristics of ornamental plant dealers in Port Harcourt. Structured interviews were conducted with 85 ornamental plant traders across five major trading locations in Port Harcourt using purposive sampling. Data collected include trader demographics, plant species offered, sourcing channels, pricing strategies, profit margins, and perceived challenges. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results reveal that crotons, palms, peace lilies, and various fern species dominate the trade. Most traders source plants from Lagos or Benin City, with limited local propagation. The majority of traders operate without formal business registration or access to horticulture-specific financing. Key challenges identified include irregular supply, high transportation costs, and lack of cold chain infrastructure for delicate species. The study recommends the establishment of a local ornamental plant nursery hub in Rivers State and the creation of microfinance programs targeting ornamental traders. Keywords: ornamental plants, plant trade, Port Harcourt, horticulture, business practices