The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (2024)

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (1)

Whether faux or real, greenery can spruce up any home, and finding the right plant for the space is an important decision. Although you can buy plants in a local nursery or home improvement store, there are many online retailers that offer a wide array of choices along with helpful tips and resources to help keep the plant thriving, months after you bring it home.

When researching the best places to buy plants, we considered the type of plants they offered, the delivery options, variety and price points, and their return policy. We also looked at the customer service perks they offer such as how easy the website is to maneuver and how knowledgeable the staff is.

Bloomscape

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (2)

What We Like

  • Modern and stylish pots

  • Easy-to-use site

  • Quiz to narrow selection

What We Don't Like

  • Pricey

We love Bloomscape because they offer plenty of options for each type of plant parent including those with pets, homes with low lighting, and more. They even offer a plant quiz to help you make the best choice for your particular needs. And since their potted plants make great gifts, you can get suggestions by occasion, such as housewarming; or price, starting at less than $75. You also can search for plant care accessories, stylish plant stands, and pots.

They ship throughout the continental U.S., offering free shipping on orders over $100;otherwise, shipping is calculated depending on your order. Their online chat representatives are typically quick to reply. Note that they don’t accept returns, and their plants are a bit pricey. However, they have a 30-day guarantee and stand by their promise that every plant arrives in good health.

Types: Outdoor plants, house plants | Delivery time: ships 2-5 days after purchase, 4-7 days for delivery; express shipping available | Return policy: no returns. 30-day guarantee| Customer service options: plant quiz, online chat, email

The Sill

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (3)

What We Like

  • Carbon-neutral shipping

  • Live chat with staff online

  • Nice packaging

What We Don't Like

  • Pricey

At age 26, Eliza Blank wanted to spruce up her dull New York City apartment with a few plants. Now, the company she founded, called The Sill, has a large following on Instagram. They have stores in major cities across the U.S, which are open for shopping, repotting, curbside pickup, in-person workshops, and much more. You can also shop online; your order ships within 2-6 business days and arrives within 1-4 business days.

The Sill has a 30-Day "Customer Happiness Guarantee," and they replace your order if plants do not arrive in happy, healthy condition. (Photos of the damage are required for the replacement to be issued.) Their site has a gift guide, subscription options, and a curated home and decor section. If taking care of live plants isn’t your thing, they have a good section of faux plants.

Types: House plants, outdoor plants | Delivery time: 2-4 business days; 1-2 business days with express shipping | Return policy: Replace product within 30 days with photos | Customer service options: Live chat with the team, email, call your local store

Amazon Plants

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (4)

What We Like

  • Fast delivery

  • Access to a variety of sellers

  • Variety of options

What We Don't Like

  • Little plant expertise information

  • Can't return live plants

Amazon continues to shine brightly when it comes to online shopping. They have a wide variety of options, ranging from real and faux houseplants to outdoor garden plants. If you know which plant you are shopping for, just use the search bar at the top and select the one with the best reviews, or one of their best sellers.

They are usually flexible when it comes to returns, but you can’t return live plants. However, most sellers have refund options if you are dissatisfied with your purchase. As with any Amazon purchase, opt for their best sellers or a product that has a good number of positive reviews. They offer next-day delivery on many options, and free delivery for Prime members.

Types: House plants, garden plants | Delivery time: As quick as the next day | Return policy: No returns but may be refundable | Customer service options: reviews online

The Home Depot

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (5)

What We Like

  • Can shop other plant needs

  • Affordable

  • Delivery or pickup available

What We Don't Like

  • Lacks rare plant options

Chances are high that you probably have a Home Depot close by. If you shop in-store, you can seek advice from the garden experts on staff. We note, however, that they have a wider variety of plants online, with options that are not always in stores. The Home Depot unconditionally guarantees all tropical, house, and perennials for one year with a copy of your receipt. They offer free shipping on orders over $45.

Their plants are comparatively priced, and they offer free delivery on most products. We like that you can shop by lighting conditions on the site; that way, if you have a spot in your house you know doesn’t get any sun, you can filter to those options only.

Types: Houseplants, garden plants | Delivery time: Ships within 24-28 hours, or local pickup option | Return policy: 1 year with copy of receipt | Customer service options: Live chat, phone, in-store garden experts

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Horti Plant Subscription Box

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (6)

What We Like

  • Great gift option

  • Good for plant newbies & veterans

  • Thorough plant instructions

What We Don't Like

  • No outdoor plant option

Horti is a subscription service that is designed with new plant parents in mind. They offer carefully curated kits, with hardy plants that are easy to care for. You can choose from a month-to-month option, a 6-month “story,” or a 12-month “journey.” Each subscription box gives you the option of selecting “New to Planting,” “Pet Friendly,” or the “Horti Pick.” (You can skip or cancel a subscription anytime; just make sure you do so before the 20th of each month.)

They do not take returns, but if you receive a defective item, take a photo within 3 days of receiving it and email details. If you follow care instructions and the plant dies within 15 days, it can be replaced as well. They encourage you to become part of the Horti family on social media and join their plant family.

Types: House plants | Delivery time: Pickup in NYC only, delivery 5-7 days nationwide | Return policy: No returns, but replace within the first 15 days if the plant gives up | Customer service options: email only

Plants.com

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (7)

What We Like

  • Fast delivery

  • On-trend plants

  • Shop by room

What We Don't Like

  • No outdoor plants

Happiness is at the core of Plants.com, and you can feel their passion for plants when you access their site. The company collaborates with growers across the country and keeps up-to-date with on-trend favorites through their hashtag #plantsyoulove. You can shop plants by lifestyle, plant types, and even by room.

They have a 30-day guarantee and happily send you a replacement plant if it arrives in less-than-perfect condition. Orders over $100 ship for free; standard delivery is a 2-day transit time. You also can pay for overnight delivery if you happen to forget a birthday or want to send a housewarming gift.

Types: indoor plants | Delivery time: | Return policy: | Customer service options: email, track your order online, chat, phone

Lowe's

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (8)

What We Like

  • Good selection

  • Can pick up or have delivered

  • Affordable

What We Don't Like

  • Not all plants available for delivery

Lowe’s is known mostly in the home renovation and decor category, but they also have a great garden center. You can shop in-store with retail locations nationwide; if you prefer to have your plants delivered, they offer free shipping on most products. (Plants available for shipping vary depending on the region.)

Although Lowe’s doesn’t specialize in plants and offers a lot of other products, their in-store garden experts are knowledgeable and can assist you with any questions. They refund any perennial within 1 year of the original purchase date. Any other plants fall under the 90-day return policy.

Types: House plants, outdoor plants | Delivery time: Ships within 1-2 days, local pickup | Return policy: 90 days with receipt | Customer service options: In-store garden expert, phone

Greenery NYC

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (9)

What We Like

  • Good selection of larger houseplants

  • Stylish planters

  • Fast shipping

What We Don't Like

  • Next-day shipping only for NYC

Another specialty store we love, Greenery NYC, is fairly new on the green scene. What makes this online shop stand out is the mix-and-match capability—you can select a plant and then choose a unique planter to go with it that suits the aesthetic of your home. Plant prices start around $12, and they even offer same-day shipping if you live in NYC. While Greenery NYC offers a range of plants for shipping just throughout New York City, it also can ship certain plants around the U.S.

Types: Indoor plants | Delivery time: Not listed | Return policy: Email seller with photo of damaged plant, within 24 hours of receiving it | Customer service options: Phone (Tuesday-Saturday, midnight to 7 p.m. ET; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET), email, online form

Leaf & Clay

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (10)

What We Like

  • Focus on succulents

  • Nice packaging

  • Budget-friendly

  • Plants as low as $5

What We Don't Like

  • Small houseplant selection

You quickly notice that Leaf & Clay’s main focus is succulents and cacti, with a smaller section for houseplants. The selection of succulents is large, and succulents travel well. They ship across the country and offer free shipping on orders over $59.

You can join the Plant Club—a four-pack succulent subscription—and you can cancel anytime before the 6th of each month. Shipping is included in the subscription fee, and with its cute packaging, this makes a great gift or a way to treat yourself. They do not offer returns on live plants.

Types: House plants, succulents, cacti| Delivery time: 1-3 business days to process + shipping time| Return policy: No returns on live plants| Customer service options: Email, care guide online

Nature Hills

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (11)

What We Like

  • Large plant offering

  • Can shop by location

  • Plants as low as $5

What We Don't Like

  • Small houseplant variety

  • Shipping/handling added

Nature Hills is a large online plant nursery that specializes in outdoor plants, with a large selection of perennials, bushes, and bulbs. They even have a large variety of fruit trees. You can create an account online or order over the phone, and they ship directly from the nursery to your doorstep. They sell plants as low as $5, but they add a shipping/handling fee of at least $19 to every purchase.

We really like that you have the option to click on your state and get recommendations for best-selling products in your area. Plus, to ensure that your plants arrive in good condition, Nature Hills holds your order if temperatures in your area are extremely cold or high. (On your order confirmation, you see your purchases ship within 7-10 days, weather permitting.) Their site has a blog with #ProPlantTips, where you can find lots of articles on how to care for and protect your plants.

Types: House plants, outdoor plants | Delivery time: ships 7-10 days, weather permitting | Return policy: Accepts returns for a damaged product if claimed within 24 hours of when you receive it.| Customer service options: email, phone

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UrbanStems

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (12)

What We Like

  • Great gift packages

  • Unique plant, succulent options

  • Varied subscriptions offered

What We Don't Like

  • Limited plant options

If you’re looking to send a plant as a gift, Urban Stems has something for every occasion. Once you get to the site, there is a playful vibe. You can shop for a succulent in a dinosaur called “The Rex.” Or shop “The Lolli,” a gift set that includes a succulent in a unicorn vase paired with an organized vanilla hibiscus lollipop.

We recommend creating an account to place an order; that way you can track it. They ship nationwide, but make sure you select your delivery date and location when you log in and they show you available options. (If you are located in New York City or the District of Columbia, they deliver via bicycle or car courier and offer next-day delivery.) Your order arrives in a nice package, which is also why we love them as a gift option.

Types: Succulents, indoor plants | Delivery time: Next day for NYC and DC, 2-7-day delivery elsewhere | Return policy: Replace damaged products with a photo of the damage within 3 days of their original shipment date | Customer service options: Email, phone line

The Bouqs Company

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (13)

What We Like

  • Fun and trendy pots

  • Focused offering

  • Fast delivery options

What We Don't Like

  • High prices without subscription

We love The Bouqs Co if you are looking to send plants as a gift. The company has created a curated collection of plants with unique names and fun pots. The website is easy to navigate, and you can filter your search by product type, occasion, price, and collection. Once you find something you like, you select the desired delivery date and continue through checkout.

The shipping charge changes depending on location and how quickly you need the order. They offer delivery throughout the continental U.S. If you create an account, weekday delivery is only $15. They also have subscription options that include shipping, and you save 30 percent on the product.

Types: House plants, succulents | Delivery time: next day options | Return policy: No returns but will refund if the product arrives in poor condition | Customer service options: Essmail, phone, log in to track your order

Etsy

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (14)

What We Like

  • Access to a variety of products

  • Inexpensive

  • Vast number of search filters

What We Don't Like

  • Quality varies by seller

Etsy is probably not your first thought when it comes to purchasing plants online, but supporting local and small businesses always feels good. Etsy gives you access to a wide range of types of plants and products, and you can find plants you may have a hard time finding elsewhere. If you have questions, you'll need to reach out to the seller directly.

Returns vary by seller, so be sure to read what they offer before purchasing. We also suggest reading reviews; it’s the best way to vet the online shop. Delivery timelines depend on your location and the seller’s location. Etsy casts a wide web, and the seller could be overseas.

Types: House plants, outdoor plants, succulents| Delivery time: Varies by seller| Return policy: Varies by seller | Customer service options: Contact each shop, reply times vary

Tractor Supply Company

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (15)

What We Like

  • Wide variety of plant types

  • Affordable

  • Can shop in-store or deliver

What We Don't Like

  • Only baasic options

Tractor Supply Company may not be your first thought when going to buy plants, but they have a good mix of indoor plants, succulents, and outdoor plants. You can filter by sun exposure, watering requirements, hardiness zones, availability, and much more. You don’t get much expert advice online or via phone, but if you shop in-store, there may be garden experts on staff.

You can order online for delivery or curbside pickup, or shop in-store. Pricing is affordable and they often have sales going on. They also sell pots and planters.

Types: House plants, succulents, outdoor plants | Delivery time: Ship within 24 hours plus delivery time | Return policy: 30 days with proof of purchase | Customer service options: In-store garden experts

Lively Root

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (16)

Lively Root plants are nursery grown and carefully packaged, and the San Diego-based seller offers one of the widest varieties of plants online in all sizes and price points. They offer seasonal options, culinary packages, plant subscriptions, blooms, house plants, pots, accessories, and more.

The seller guarantees the healthiest and happiest plants: lovingly grown, hand-selected, and carefully packed from the nursery to the customer. Their vision is for every plant to have a name, building a bond between people and plants. Lively Root says they are committed to sustainability and inspiring modern gardeners to create their own green spaces.

Types: House plants, outdoor plants, subscriptions, blooms, accessories | Delivery time: 1-7 days (3 options available) | Return policy: 30 days from purchase | Customer service options: Social media and email

What to Look for in a Place to Buy Plants Online

Type

Make sure you select the right type for its designated space. If you rely on expertise from the retailer, it’s best to look at specialty plant stores that have staff who can guide you toward the right choices. Retailers also may specialize in specific types of plants, and the quality may be better.

Delivery

Plants need to travel and arrive at your doorstep in good shape. Check to make sure the retailer delivers to your area, and if so, how long the plant may take to arrive. (Certain plants may not withstand extreme temperatures.) Some retailers offer free shipping, while others charge a fee. Many offer to waive shipping charges if the order meets or exceeds a dollar figure.

Return Policy

Most online plant retailers don’t accept exchanges or returns except for plants arriving damaged. Understand the retailer’s return policy—generally listed on its website—before you order. To exchange a damaged plant, you most likely need proof of purchase, perhaps a photo, a copy of your receipt, and must satisfy the return window considerations (generally, a matter of days). Big-box stores are usually more lenient with returns compared with the smaller specialty shops. For such stores it may be easier to return plants in person than through the mail.

Customer Service Options

Many retailers have online chat capability, where you can talk with a person in real time. Others prefer to answer questions via online forms, and some accept phone queries. If contact is particularly important to you, shop online at a big-box store website and make your purchase in person, where you may be able to talk with knowledgeable staff.

FAQ

  • Can you buy plants online in winter?

    Retailers often delay shipping plants if they are aware of bad weather. (This is more common for specialty plant stores than big-box stores.) It’s best to opt for sturdier plants that can withstand the elements. But most stores stand by their products and guarantee they are delivered in good shape or offer replacements.

  • Can you confidently buy plants online?

    A credible retailer details its shipping policies on its site, describing how they package and ship its plants. If you can’t find this information, you may want to choose another option.
    Each retailer packages their plants a little differently, but the goal remains the same: Keep the plants alive. Usually, perennials are usually shipped by removing the container and wrapping the soil in plastic to keep it moist. If the plant is in a planter, it’s in a cardboard box, often with bubble wrap and a plastic bag that wraps around the soil. Small, unpotted plants are often individually boxed in cardboard, with the soil wrapped in shrink wrap to keep moist, and plastic air pouches for added care.

  • What size plants can you buy online?

    Many retailers offer tall and large plants you can buy online that ship to your door and arrive in great shape. You may have to pay extra to ship large plants, but many retailers offer free shipping once you hit a dollar value, regardless of plant size.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Deanna McCormack, a contributor for The Spruce, who has years of experience testing home and outdoor products. She is a passionate plant owner and regularly shops online for plants for gifts, her office, and her home. To narrow down the best places to buy plants online for this article, she reached out to contacts in the industry and made selections based on what they suggest to look for: variety, care, and maintenance information, customer service, plant health, and ship times.

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As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics, including buying plants online. I can help you understand the concepts mentioned in this article. Let's dive into the details!

Types of Plants

When buying plants online, it's important to consider the type of plants you're looking for. Different online retailers specialize in various types of plants, such as house plants, outdoor plants, succulents, or specific plant varieties. Some retailers may have a wider selection of certain types of plants, while others may focus on specific categories. For example, Bloomscape offers options for different types of plant parents, including those with pets or homes with low lighting. The Sill has a variety of house plants and faux plants, while Nature Hills specializes in outdoor plants, perennials, bushes, and bulbs [[1]] [[2]] [[5]] [[9]] [[11]].

Delivery Options

When purchasing plants online, it's crucial to consider the delivery options. Check if the retailer delivers to your area and how long it may take for the plants to arrive. Some retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, while others may charge a fee for shipping. Delivery times can vary, ranging from next-day delivery to several business days. It's also important to note that extreme temperatures may affect the shipping of plants, and some retailers may delay shipping during unfavorable weather conditions [[1]] [[3]] [[4]] [[6]] [[7]] [[8]].

Return Policy

Most online plant retailers have specific return policies, especially when it comes to live plants. Generally, returns and exchanges are not accepted unless the plants arrive damaged. It's essential to understand the retailer's return policy before making a purchase. Some retailers may require proof of purchase, such as a photo or a copy of the receipt, and have specific timeframes for returns. Big-box stores often have more lenient return policies compared to smaller specialty shops. In some cases, returning plants in person may be easier than through the mail [[1]] [[3]] [[4]] [[6]] [[7]] [[8]].

Customer Service Options

Customer service is an important aspect to consider when buying plants online. Different retailers offer various customer service options, such as online chat, email support, phone assistance, or in-store consultations. Some retailers have knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance and answer questions about plants. If having direct contact with customer service is important to you, consider shopping at a retailer that offers the desired communication channels [[1]] [[3]] [[4]] [[6]] [[7]] [[8]].

These are the main concepts discussed in this article. If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask!

The Best Places to Buy Plants Online that Offer A Wide Variety (2024)

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