Seattle's quirky plant shop goes viral

State of play: One of his most recent videos — which he described as a "weird blend of politics, plants and psychology" — has already racked up more than a million views.

• "Looking for a green land to invade? Well, look no further," D'Alto says in the clip. "Overthrow your shoes on and walk your happy ass down to the Gay Plant Store."

Catch up quick: D'Alto told Axios he originally tried to steer clear of controversial subjects, but it's "impossible to avoid in Seattle, where, for a time, there was a huge protest in front of the store every weekend."

What they're saying: Improvised between deliveries and restocks, his videos toe the line between absurd and sincere — and sometimes even spark tears, he said.

• Criticism, he said, has mostly come from viewers upset over his use of religious terms like "Plantichrist" and "Plantifa."

The bottom line: What started as plant shop humor has become a pressure valve — proof that small, local spaces can offer comfort when the wider world feels overwhelming.

• "I never expected the world to be so full of support," he said.

If you go: Saint Planthony can usually be found at the store on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays.