The Rise of Chris Elliott and the Online Attention He’s Received
Chris Elliott, a horticulturist at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), has become an unexpected online sensation. His appearances in social media posts have drawn thousands of likes and views, but they’ve also led to some unusual comments that have raised concerns.
Social Media Posts Generate Strong Reactions
Elliott has been featured in multiple posts by the NYBG, which have generated significant engagement. However, the attention hasn’t always been about the plants he discusses. Many users have taken to commenting on his appearance rather than the horticultural content.
The garden recently disabled comments on all posts featuring Elliott after reports of “thirsty” remarks flooded the comment sections. One user shared screenshots of these comments, stating that they found “hundreds” of such remarks across every video he appeared in.
Most of the comments were described as polite, but some were not. Importantly, none of them focused on the actual plants Elliott was discussing. One user expressed relief that the NYBG decided to close the comments, saying it helped keep Elliott safe online.
A Growing Fanbase with Mixed Reactions
Despite the attention, many fans appreciate Elliott’s knowledge and passion for horticulture. One of his recent videos, which was shared on the NYBG’s official social media accounts last Friday, received almost 4,000 likes on Instagram within four days and over 18,000 views on TikTok.
Another video from March, where Elliott discussed snowdrops, garnered nearly 7,000 likes. Some of his fans even discovered his personal TikTok account and tried to engage with him through comments.
One comment read: “Pretty men with pretty flowers, as the lord intended.” Another joked, “Babe, YOU’RE one of my favorite orchids.”
Positive Feedback and Educational Impact
While some comments were flirty or inappropriate, many others praised Elliott’s expertise and the educational value of his content. A video about witch hazel became particularly popular, with viewers asking questions about the plant and sharing that they bought some because of him.
“I learned something new today. Thank you,” one comment read. Another said, “I so appreciate your content.”
A third viewer wrote, “It is fascinating seeing these in their original form before becoming part of the toner/astringent. By the way, the other posts are shot beautifully on your account.”
A fourth fan shared, “I just want you to know that I’m getting witch hazel trees (plural) because of your last video.”
The Importance of Balancing Engagement and Safety
As Elliott’s popularity grows, the NYBG has had to balance public engagement with the need to protect its staff from unwanted attention. While the horticulturist’s work has inspired many, the online comments have shown how quickly social media can shift focus from education to personal interest.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the NYBG for further information, but no official response has been released yet. For now, the garden remains focused on ensuring that its staff can continue their important work without unnecessary distractions.
