[WATCH] The Cloud Makers inventor on how she made it rain at TPIE 2026

Editor Patrick Alan Coleman caught up with The Cloud Makers inventor Ericka Axelsson on the TPIE show floor to talk to her about the genesis of her fluffy, raining, plant-watering friends.

One of the most unique features of the Tropical Plant International Expo in Fort Lauderdale is that it allows startups the opportunity to showcase their new plant-aligned products.

The show floor is teeming with new boutique plant care products, gadgets and accessories meant to capture the imaginations (and money) of plant parents.

One such start-up entering the houseplant accessory category at TPIE in 2026 was The Cloud Makers.

The company does exactly what it says: They make clouds — adorable, collectible, whimsical clouds. The clouds are waterers, meant to be positioned above a plant in any pot 5 inches or larger.

When they are filled to their 4-ounce capacity, the clouds slowly drip water through small holes on their underside onto the plant below, creating a 5- to 10-minute long rain shower effect.

But The Cloud Makers were not content with just a plant-watering raincloud, so they upped the ante by giving the clouds printed-on personalities (10 in all, with alliterative names all starting with C) and offering an array of collectible charms that can be added for seasonal celebrations or personalization.

Garden Center and Greenhouse Management magazines Editor Patrick Alan Coleman caught up with The Cloud Makers inventor Ericka Axelsson on the TPIE show floor to talk to her about the genesis of her fluffy friends.

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