Brighten up your space with greenery from these top retailers.
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Best-Places-to-Buy-Plants-RS-tout-b2946b45b0ca42628e125d5f3ab716f0.jpg)
REAL SIMPLE
Decorating with plants is an easy way to bring color, life, and brightness to your home. And since shopping for plants online is pretty easy nowadays, you can update your space with some new greenery without leaving the house.
Buying plants online allows you “to purchase rare plants at a fairly reasonable price that are not readily available in your nearest shop,” says Melvin Cubian, resident botanist at PlantIn, a plant care app. “Plus, it is a more effortless and hassle-free transaction.”
To find the best places to buy plants online, we researched a variety of sites while considering plant selection, shipping and delivery options, return policies, and customer service. In addition to Cubian, we also spoke with Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising at 1-800-Flowers.com, for expert insight on plant shopping.
The Sill
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/The-Sill-ae874317bdde4a07aba6522b78969949.jpg)
THE SILL
Who it’s for: People who want a selection of live and fake plants that come with free shipping.
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t care about extras like workshops.
The Sill offers live plants, faux plants, flowers, home decor, and plant care products. You can sort by size, pet-friendliness, light tolerance, and ease of care, or get matched with a plant through an online quiz. For those who like to see their plants in real life, The Sill also has retail shops in California, Illinois, Maryland, and New York. In addition to buying plants, you can also take online or in-person workshops on skills like plant care and potting. For frequent plant buyers, The Sill has a rewards program where you can earn one point for every dollar spent and enjoy benefits such as access to events, birthday gifts, exclusive sales, and more.
Shipping: Free standard shipping (2–6 days) on most orders, expedited shipping available | Return Policy: No returns or exchanges, 30-day guarantee for damaged orders
Terrain
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Terrain-Aloe-Plant-a4dfe90f7d8c4feab50e1d50ede76724.jpg)
Who it’s for: People who want a statement plant.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a modern pot and planter.
Terrain is a home and garden brand with a similar boho-chic appeal to its sister brands, which include Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologies, and BHLDN. It offers fresh, dried, preserved, and faux plants and flowers for those who want to decorate outside the box. The usual plant favorites—think Monstera, prayer plants, and pothos—can all be found on Terrain to transform your room into a green sanctuary. Terrain has retail locations in California, Connecticut, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, where you can talk to a Nursery Specialist on plant selection and care.
Shipping: Most items ship within 24–48 hours; standard, express, and overnight shipping available (fee varies based on order total) | Return Policy: Replacements or refunds available for damaged plants within 48 hours
Amazon
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Amazon-eca7d27745b1439a85217b01dc4df14d.jpg)
Who it’s for: People who want convenience and free shipping.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a curated selection of plants.
You’d be hard-pressed to not find something on Amazon, and that goes for live plants, too. The plant options on Amazon are plentiful, and you can spend an entire day browsing through indoor plants, outdoor plants, faux plants, succulents, air plants, and more. One of the benefits of buying plants on Amazon is that, if you already are a Prime member, many plants qualify for free Prime shipping, so you can go ahead and add that houseplant to your next restock of household items.
Shipping: Free for Prime members, delivery windows vary | Return Policy: No returns on plants, but you can request a refund or replacement if one arrives damaged
Bloomscape
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/bloomscape-c4839e5ed1324ef7b5c43ee0cdeed884.jpg)
BLOOMSCAPE
Who it’s for: People who want guidance while picking their plants.
Who it isn’t for: People who want to use their own planter.
Bloomscape allows you to sort your plant options based on different preferences. You can filter the options by indoor light (low light to direct sunlight), size, difficulty, pet-friendliness, color, price, and more. In addition to plants, you can pick up pots, tools, supplies, and accessories. If you’re looking to gift a plant, you can get recommendations for occasions such as housewarming, birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. Each plant comes with individualized care tips to ensure it thrives in its new home.
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $150; standard shipping is 3–7 days, expedited shipping is 2–3 days | Return Policy: No returns, but plants come with a 30-day guarantee
Lively Root
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/lively-root-a894796e8b3e43fdbfb47c04e8f8d050.jpg)
LIVELY ROOT
Who it’s for: People who want to build a plant collection with eco-friendly packaging.
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t care about where their plants are grown.
Lively Root has its own nursery in San Diego and partners with other nurseries across the U.S. to deliver handpacked plants to your door. For some guidance, the site allows you to filter by care levels, light and water requirements, size, humidity levels, pet-friendliness, and hardiness zone. (You can figure out which zone you live in on the USDA’s site.) There’s also a jungle calculator to help you get the right number of plants to turn any room into a greenery-filled space. To earn points every time you shop, you can join the Garden Club, which has a standard and VIP tier.
Shipping: $9 flat-rate standard shipping, expedited and rush shipping available | Return Policy: No returns, but plants come with a 30-day guarantee
UrbanStems
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/urbanstems-centerpiece-3fa38886abdc4b248f8e22570c5d35e6.jpg)
URBANSTEMS
Who it’s for: People who want a fun or unique plant for any occasion.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a lot of houseplant options.
Plants make great gifts, and UrbanStems makes gifting them an easy process. It works directly with Rainforest Alliance Certified farms to source its flowers and plants, and all plants come pre-potted and are immediately ready to be put on a table and shown off. Whether you’re looking for congratulations, thank you, a birthday, or just because present, UrbanStems has options galore.
Shipping: Same-day delivery in D.C. and parts of New York, next-day delivery on orders placed before 2 p.m. | Return Policy: No returns, replacements available for damaged plants only within 3 days
Leon & George
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/CAST-IRON-PLANT-92e34505d1dc4f89beec8dbe9733ac92.jpg)
LEON & GEORGE
Who it’s for: People who want handcrafted planters and lifetime plant support.
Who it isn’t for: People who are plant shopping on a budget.
All Leon & George plants are grown in California, hand-selected, and carefully inspected to ensure you get the healthiest picks possible. Plants range from small to extra large (5+ feet tall), and you can opt to receive just the plant or to pair it with a handcrafted ceramic pot. Each plant is treated with a natural soap, fertilizers, and a pest repellent to increase the chance it will live a long, happy life in your home. You can also register an account and get 24/7 access to its Plant Doctors for any questions.
Shipping: 1–3 day standard shipping from $5 | Return Policy: No returns, replacements available if plants die within 45 days
Plants.com
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/plantscom-c52a169aa7e54a9c8c5361e54fd34f31.jpg)
PLANTS.COM
Who it’s for: People who want a wide selection of plant types to select from.
Who it isn’t for: People who are primarily looking for outdoor plants.
As the name suggests, Plants.com is really all about plants. You can buy houseplants, floor plants, succulents, outdoor plants, flowering plants, hanging plants, tropical plants, herbs, trees, and bonsai. If you’re looking for something to fill a particular room in the house, the site has recommendations for your kitchen, bedroom, living room, and office. Other fun features on the site allow you to shop for plants to improve feng shui in your home or plants based on your Zodiac sign, as selected by an expert astrologer. Just keep in mind that the selection of outdoor plants is quite limited.
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $100, orders arrive in 2 days (overnight shipping available) | Return Policy: No returns, replacements possible up to 30 days
The Bouqs Company
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/the-bouqs-company-a1bc15acd2994cbd974c4b80bfc43a38.jpg)
THE BOUQS COMPANY
Who it’s for: People who want farm-fresh plants and flowers.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a low-cost delivery option.
The Bouqs Co. sources its flowers and plants from farms with sustainable practices, so you can feel good about what you’re ordering. The plants come in decorative pots with fun names like Leaf It to Me, Herb Your Enthusiasm, and Show Me the Money Tree. You can see which farm and farmer each plant comes from, giving it a personal touch. The site also offers monthly flower subscriptions that save you up to 30 percent and ensure you always have farm-fresh flowers at home.
Shipping: $15 delivery fee with a registered account and $25 without an account. Additional $12 for Saturday delivery, and free shipping with a monthly subscription | Return Policy: No returns, but refunds are available for damaged or wrong orders
Horti
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/horti-plant-f07cf709c0c44b099515b896db5818b5.jpg)
HORTI
Who it’s for: People who want a plant subscription.
Who it isn’t for: People who want only a few plants.
Horti is a plant subscription service that even beginners can appreciate. You can choose among month-to-month, six-month, 12-month, and six-month rare plant subscriptions. A quarterly subscription that ships every three months is also available. Horti eases you into your plant journey, starting with hard-to-kill plants and adding more unique species over time. You can specify if you’re new to planting, looking for something pet-friendly, or interested in Horti’s picks. You can skip or cancel subscriptions as well.
Shipping: Shipping costs are included in 6 and 12 month subscription plans; $10.50 per month for month-to-moth and quarterly plans | Return Policy: If your plant doesn’t last the first 15 days, Horti will replace it
Home Depot
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/home-depot-indoor-plants-b965bf6cac8b43a5b165d6572df497bb.jpg)
Who it’s for: People who want garden experts to help them buy plants.
Who it isn’t for: People who want to shop somewhere dedicated to plants.
Home Depot is the go-to place for home improvement, and what better way to upgrade your space than by adding some greenery? The indoor plant selection at Home Depot includes everything from bonsai trees to pothos plants, so you can find something suited to your home. You can sort by non-flowering and flowering plants, mature height and width, light requirements, and other features (drought tolerant, dog/cat safe).
Shipping: Free shipping; In-store pickup and curbside pickup available | Return Policy: No returns, replacements are available within 3 days
1-800-Flowers
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/1-800-Flowers-Delightful-Gardenia-Plant-04508b41506d48c7a49357c310aee88b.jpg)
1-800-FLOWERS
Who it’s for: People who want to shop for plants, flowers, and gifts.
Who it isn’t for: People who want an online store exclusively for plant shopping.
You may have ordered a bouquet or two from 1-800-Flowers.com for birthdays, anniversaries, or other celebrations. But the site offers more than just flowers: You’ll also find flowering plants, seasonal plants, cacti, terrariums, house plants, and outdoor plants. The site also offers same-day delivery on select plants and flowers in case you need a gift in a pinch. You can also pair your plant with a gift basket and food (sister companies include Harry & David and The Popcorn Factory).
Shipping: Shipping fees depend on the order amount, international delivery available | Return Policy: Not listed
Etsy
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/etsy-plant-store-960d34e2c30e4b4ab0266f4b8a3fb3fd.jpg)
Who it’s for: People who want a wide selection of plants.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer one centralized seller.
Etsy has active sellers all over the world, and its plant collection includes houseplants, succulents and cacti, air plants, flowers, bonsai, trees, herbs, and grasses. The selection is vast, so it’s best to read seller reviews or have some idea of what you’re looking for. You can get single plants, succulent cuttings, and everything in between. And while you’re on Etsy, you can also pick up a hand-painted pot and other decor to accompany your new plants.
Shipping: Varies by seller | Return Policy: Varies by seller
Leaf & Clay
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/leaf--clay-a06319974e6744d7a99738a1d5d0b132.jpg)
LEAF & CLAY
Who it’s for: People who want to bundle their houseplants or succulents.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a lot of large houseplants.
Leaf & Clay offers houseplants and succulents with self-explanatory categories like easy care, pet friendly, rare, low light, and bright light. You can stock up on singular plants—if you buy three houseplants, you get one free, and there are options to buy six or 12 packs of succulents. Leaf & Clay has monthly plant subscriptions, too: The Succulent Club and The Houseplant Club offer month-to-month plans or 3-month and 6-month prepaid plans.
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $59 | Return Policy: No returns or refunds, store credit may be available for plants damaged in transit
Easyplant
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Easyplant-The-Lucky-Charms-9a8c39b949d94c7e9347c72e4dcf96c8.jpg)
EASYPLANT
Who it’s for: People who want low-maintenance plants.
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want a self-watering feature for their plants.
The indoor plants at Easyplant include self-watering pots to make things easy for novice plant owners, so you can give your plants a better chance of survival. Simply fill the reservoir once a month and the plant drinks water as needed, making it less likely to become over or underwatered. Decide what size plant you want (options run from small to huge, like a majesty palm), and choose from an array of colors of pots to match your decor.
Shipping: Free shipping with arrival time in 4-9 days | Return Policy: No returns, but refunds or replacements within 90 days
Lowe’s
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Lowes-Costa-Farms-Air-Cleaning-Foliage-Plant-Mix-9eab8d13a8d54bf5bca9fce87ca17c40.jpg)
Who it’s for: People who want to shop for plants and home improvement products.
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a dedicated plant shop.
Whether you’re looking to build your garden or add some indoor plants, Lowe’s has you covered. Its Garden Center has trees, annuals, vegetable plants, house plants, perennials, edible gardens, succulents, tropical plants, and more. For indoor plants, you can peruse a selection of low-maintenance, pre-potted, low-light, direct light, and pet-safe options—plus tools and other accessories. In addition to shopping online, you can find a Lowe’s in pretty much any state.
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $45 | Return Policy: 90 days; 1-year guarantee with receipt for trees, shrubs, and perennials
Nature Hills
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/nature-hills-6932f787fe83491f9ee6dc3a658eb5b2.jpg)
NATURE HILLS
Who it’s for: People who want to build a glorious outdoor garden.
Who it isn’t for: People who only want indoor plants.
Nature Hills ships plants directly from the nursery to your home. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced gardener, Nature Hills has a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials for you, but you can also buy houseplants, too. You can categorize the plants with compatible zones and regions so your pick will thrive wherever you’re located. Once you have your plants, you can load them into a digital garden and get weekly care tips on your phone. If your plant or tree doesn’t survive the first year, you get a credit of up to 50 percent of the price paid.
Shipping: Shipping fee varies depending on order total, plants ship in 7–10 days | Return Policy: 1-year replacement policy
Succulents Box
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Succulents-Box-Mini-Cactus-Pack-2622f1fc9b0a4572bcb51a14a559bc8d.jpg)
SUCCULENTS BOX
Who it’s for: People who want succulents.
Who it isn’t for: People who want outdoor plants.
If you prefer low-maintenance plants, succulents are the way to go. Succulents Box has over 300 succulent varieties grown in Southern California and options for monthly subscriptions. Shop by genus if you know it, or by characteristic, such as rosette-shaped, trailing, rare, colorful, and pet-friendly. Not sure what you want? There’s a quiz for that. You can also shop for air plants and other houseplants to round out your growing succulent collection.
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $59, plants ship within 3–5 days | Return Policy: No returns, refunds and replacements on damaged plants
Rooted
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Rooted-Red-Prayer-Plant-347803d54cc94eb2a93a4090aef8219f.jpg)
ROOTED
Who it’s for: People who want rare or unique plant species.
Who it isn’t for: People who want an included pot.
Rooted plants are grown at its greenhouse in Florida and shipped to you, along with educational content to help you care for them. There’s a quiz online to help guide you to recommendations based on the light in your home, whether or not you have kids or pets, and if you travel frequently. Otherwise, the selection is nicely curated, with herbs, desert plants, tropical plants, and rare plants (like a Madagascar Palm or Fishbone Cactus). You can also buy planters, supplies, and other merch, like a plant-lover t-shirt.
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $85, plants ship within 2–4 days | Return Policy: No returns, 14-day guarantee
Modern Sprout
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Modern-Sprout-29872af1c4634a2fa3fbcd300306aad0.jpg)
MODERN SPROUT
Who it’s for: People who want to grow their own indoor plants, herbs, and more.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a big selection of plants.
While Modern Sprout offers a smaller selection of plants, it sources domestically, partners with local companies in its hometown of Chicago, and has sustainable practices. Plants come with a care card, and you can also try growing your own little indoor garden. There are Grow Kits, which include self-watering herbs in mason jars, or Playful Planting, which has seed lollipops designed to be planted into the ground or a container.
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $149, live plants ship in 3–5 days | Return Policy: Varies depending on item
How to Shop for Plants Like a Pro
Plant Types
You can shop for any indoor or outdoor plant from the comfort of your home, and most retailers offer a selection that appeals to different preferences and lifestyles. Many sites will help narrow your choices with filters around the size of your space, how much light you get, and how much care you want to put into your plants. And if you want someone to do the guesswork for you, some retailers have online quizzes that recommend specific plants based on your answers.
Because shopping online doesn’t allow you to see your plant ahead of time, there are a few things to consider when picking your stems. Palomares suggests answering a few questions ahead of time to help guide your decision:
- Do you have time to tend to plants? Some plants require a lot more work than others. If you’re going to have trouble squeezing in time for your greenery, a low-maintenance option is probably the best bet.
- Do you have some experience as a plant parent? Or are you willing to learn about plant care? If not, you should look for beginner-friendly plants that are easier to take care of.
- How big is your living space? If you live in a small home or apartment and don’t have enough space for a floor or table-sized plant, Palomares suggests a hanging plant.
- Do you have any pets or children? “Some plants are not pet- or child-friendly and should be kept out of reach, as they could be toxic or cause irritation if ingested,” he says.
- What type of environment do you live in? Depending on temperature and humidity, different plants will thrive more. For example, Palomares says succulents do well in dry climates, the calathea rattlesnake will be happy in a room with higher humidity, and an olive tree will make a good backyard addition if it gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer.
Delivery Options
Shipping a plant is trickier than shipping regular products, but most retailers can ship your plant within a few days of receiving the order. For any sites with fresh flower bouquets, you can usually find an expedited shipping option for an additional charge. Shipping costs vary by plant type and size, and if you reach a minimum order value, some places will waive the fee. Not all plant retailers ship outside the contiguous 48 states, or may not ship every plant to your location, so check the shipping FAQs before you order.
Return Policy
Most retailers don’t allow for returns, exchanges, or refunds unless your plant is damaged in transit, and in those cases, you usually need to send a photo as proof within a few days of delivery. However, there is often some type of guarantee to ensure you’re happy with your new purchase—for example, big retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer guarantees on select live plants for up to a year.
Customer Service
Plant retailers often have good customer support options, whether it’s through email, chat, or a phone call. Many can help you handle any concerns with shipping, delivery, or general questions. Some sites also have plant experts that you can tap for any questions on caring for your plant collection.
Sustainable Practices
Before adding any plants to your cart, Cubian recommends looking at whether a site is authorized or licensed to sell plants locally and internationally. “Usually, there is a strict protocol to meet to avoid spreading plant diseases and pests that can be a massive blow to the local agricultural industry and native flora if accidentally introduced, which you don’t want to happen,” he says. “Also, check how they propagate plants; if they employ a sustainable practice (propagating plants with seeds, cuttings, tissue culture, etc.) rather than poaching exotic botanic life from the wild.”
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Lesley Chen, a contributing writer for Real Simple who covers commerce, home, and lifestyle stories. To compile this list, she thoroughly researched places to buy plants and rounded up the best options based on selection, shipping and delivery options, return policies, and customer service. For expert advice, Lesley spoke to Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising at 1-800-Flowers.com, and Melvin Cubian, resident botanist at PlantIn, a plant care app.
