Whether faux or real, greenery can spruce up any home, and finding the right plant for your space is an important decision.
Although you can buy plants in a local nursery or home improvement store, many online retailers offer an array of choices along with helpful tips and resources to keep the plant thriving months after you bring it home. However shopping for plants online is nothing like the in-person experience, so we tapped the best experts—our team of editors and plant lovers—to learn more about strong indicators of a trustworthy online plant retailer.
The most important factor to consider when shopping for plants online is the retailer's selection. Some are known for certain types of plants, while others have dozens of choices. To make shopping easier, we recommend looking at sites with convenient navigation that lets you filter by plant type, sun exposure, hardiness zone, and more.
We also spoke to Alessia Resta, creator of Apartment Botanist, to learn her tips for sourcing reliable retailers and caring for plants once they arrive at your home. "Every retailer is different, but I always go into [it] knowing that shipping a plant tends to stress the plant out a bit," Resta says, "so I'm never expecting perfection in the leaves. Overall I'm just checking for pest-free and overall healthy plants."
Ahead, you'll find a list of our favorite places to shop online for plants based on inventory diversity, delivery options, price points, and return policies. We also looked at the customer service perks such as easy website navigation features and knowledgeable online staff.
Bloomscape
What We Like
Modern and stylish pots
Easy-to-use site
Quiz to narrow selection
What We Don't Like
Don't accept returns
Bloomscape is a popular choice among our editors because it offers plenty of options for each type of plant parent, including those with pets, homes with low lighting, and more. It even has a plant quiz on the site to help you make the best choice for your particular needs. In our experience, the plants are also high-quality and well-packed to survive shipping.
And since the brand's potted plants make great gifts, you can get suggestions by occasion, such as housewarming, or price, starting at less than $75. You can also search for plant care accessories, stylish plant stands, and pots.
The brand ships throughout the continental U.S. and offers free shipping on orders over $100; otherwise, shipping is calculated based on your order. Customer service is also excellent. We had one plant die during shipping because of a freeze and the brand replaced it immediately once we submitted a photo.
Note that Bloomscape doesn’t accept returns, and its plants are a bit pricey. However, it has a 30-day guarantee and upholds its 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
Tip From Our Expert
Don't panic if a plant you bought online initially doesn't look as perky as the photos! "It will most likely be stressed out and may look slightly down in the dumps before it looks good," says Resta. "It takes time for plants to acclimate to their new environment, so be patient and have fun learning about your new plant." Pay attention to how your plant acclimates over a day or so and reach out to the retailer's customer service team if it ends up in poor condition.
The Sill
What We Like
Carbon-neutral shipping
Live chat with staff online
Nice packaging
What We Don't Like
Plants often sell out
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 and 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.
We love The Sill as another great retailer of high-quality plants with excellent pots as well. The site also offers free online workshops and events perfect for beginner plant lovers or anyone looking to brush up on their plant knowledge. For $29, you can book a virtual one-on-one appointment with an expert for care tips, techniques, and advice on where to start, giving customers an in-person shopping experience in the comfort of their own homes.
The Sill has a 30-day "Customer Happiness Guarantee:" It replaces your order if plants do not arrive in happy, healthy condition. (Photos of the damage are required for the replacement to be issued.) Its site has a gift guide, subscription options, and a curated home and decor section. If taking care of live plants isn’t your thing, there's also 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
The Home Depot
What We Like
Can shop other plant needs
Delivery or pickup available
In-store shopping 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 the retailer has 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. It offers free shipping on orders over $45. (One of our editors bought a potted snake plant, and it's still thriving two years later.)
The plants are also comparatively priced and 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.We also love that you can sort by mature size, giving you an idea of the tallest height your plant will reach (especially great for apartment dwellers).
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
Horti Plant Subscription Box
What We Like
Great gift option
Good for plant newbies & veterans
Thorough plant instructions
What We Don't Like
No individual plant options
Horti is a subscription service that is designed with new plant parents in mind. It has 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.)We were especially impressed with the packaging and terracotta pot when we received a plant. It even survived being left on its side for two days in a mail room.
Horti does not take returns, but if you receive a defective item, take a photo within 3 days of receiving it and email the details. If you follow care instructions and the plant dies within 15 days, it can be replaced as well. It encourages you to become part of the Horti family on social media and join the 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
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 the brand's passion for plants when you access the site. The company collaborates with growers across the country and keeps up-to-date with on-trend favorites through the hashtag #plantsyoulove. You can shop plants by lifestyle, plant types, and even by room.
We especially love the "plants by zodiac" section which chooses a plant based on your star sign, taking the overwhelming choice out of your hands (we personally love the variety) and instead, looking to the stars for guidance. With such a large collection, we recommend relying on the multiple filters at your disposal, taking advantage of sales, and reading the plant care guides.
Plants.com has a 30-day guarantee and will happily send you a replacement if a plant 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: 2 days | Return Policy: Not listed | Customer Service Options: Email, track your order online, chat, phone
Leaf & Clay
What We Like
Focus on succulents
Nice packaging
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. There's even a page affectionately named "weirdos" for unusual-looking succulents looking for a home. The brand ships across the country and offers free shipping on orders over $59.
You can also join the Succulent Club—a four-pack succulent subscription—that 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. It does not offer returns on live plants.
While Leaf & Clay does not accept returns or provide refunds for live plants, it is happy to issue store credit for damaged goods if reporting less than 48 hours after receiving your plant.
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
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. It offers a selection of perennials, bushes, flower bulbs, and fruit trees. You can create an account online or order over the phone, and the plants ship directly from the nursery to your doorstep.
The retailer sells plants for as low as $5 but adds a shipping/handling fee of at least $19 to every purchase. However, the site has a permanent buy one, get one free section for several varieties. We really like that you can 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.) The site also has a blog with #ProPlantTips, where you can find several 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
UrbanStems
What We Like
Great gift packages
Unique plant, succulent options
Varied subscriptions offered
What We Don't Like
Options are frequently sold out
If you’re looking to send a plant as a gift, Urban Stems has something for every occasion. The site specializes in flower bouquets for every occasion and several gorgeous houseplants in charming planters. When gifting, filter by occasion, price, or category. Some flower gifts come bundled with extras, including candles and bath bombs.
We recommend creating an account to place an order so you can track it. The brand ships nationwide, but make sure you select your delivery date and location when you log in and it shows you available bouquet options (multiple major cities offer same-day and next-day delivery.)
Your order arrives in a nice package, another reason we love it as a gift option.Despite the large selection, popular blooms often sell out or are only available for a limited time, so be sure to act fast, especially for seasonal collections.
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 the original shipment date | Customer Service Options: Email, phone line
The Bouqs Company
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 to a loved one in a different state. This company has a curated collection of plants with unique names and fun pots. This is a flower destination, so don't expect a large selection of houseplants. Instead, you'll find gorgeous bouquets, beautiful bundles, and pretty planters.
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, select the desired delivery date and continue through checkout.
The shipping charge changes depending on location and how quickly you need the order. It offers delivery throughout the continental U.S. If you create an account, weekday delivery is only $15. It also has 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: Email, phone, log in to track your order
Etsy
What We Like
Access to a variety of products
Vast number of search filters
Personalization available
What We Don't Like
Quality varies by seller
Etsy is probably not your first thought for 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.
Because Etsy is not solely a plant website, we recommend using the site only if you know exactly what you want. There aren't various filters to choose from; you'll have to use the search bar to find your perfect plant. We also recommend looking closely at reviews for individual sellers before purchasing.
Etsy is also likely a place where you can find cuttings and propagated seedlings from larger parent plants. However, we wouldn't recommend beginners purchase these as they can be challenging to establish in soil without prior experience. You'll also likely see sellers for plant seeds. "For 'rare' seeds, there are a lot of scammers out there, Resta says, "so I wouldn't order seeds and instead look for a rooted plant."
Returns vary by seller on Etsy, so be sure to read the policy before purchasing. Delivery timelines depend on your location and the seller’s location but expect to wait a few weeks for your package. 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
What We Like
Variety of plant types
Loyalty program
Can shop in-store or deliver
What We Don't Like
Only basic options
Tractor Supply Company may not be your first thought when going to buy plants but it has a good mix of indoor plants, succulents, and outdoor plants. You can filter by sun exposure, watering requirements, hardiness zones, availability, and much more. This is also one of the only options on this list with a large range of trees available for purchase. 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 it often has sales going on. Tractor Supply Company also sells pots, planters, potting soil, and everything else you need to start planting. Plus, the brand's loyalty program lets you earn points with every purchase.
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
What We Like
Frequent sales and promotions
Committed to sustainability
Multiple subscriptions available
What We Don't Like
Limited delivery options
Lively Root plants are nursery-grown and carefully packaged. The San Diego-based seller offers one of the widest varieties of plants online in all sizes and price points. It also offers 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. Lively Root's vision is for every plant to have a name, building a bond between people and plants. It says it is committed to sustainability and inspiring modern gardeners to create their own green spaces.
Providing the feel of a specialty store, Lively Root has a "garden club" shoppers can join for special perks. Also, if you refer a friend, you both get $15 off your next purchase. There are multiple delivery options available based on when you need the plant to arrive (as a gift) or when you'll be home to receive it. We will note that the plant packaging may not be consistent. We received a plant that was barely in its pot still with loosely packed dirt throughout the packaging.
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
Lowe's
What We Like
Good selection
Can pick up or have delivered
In-store garden experts
What We Don't Like
Not all plants available for delivery
Lowe’s is known mostly in the home renovation and decor category, but it also has a great garden center. You can shop in-store with retail locations nationwide; if you prefer to have your plants delivered, it offers 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, its in-store garden experts are knowledgeable and can assist you with any questions. The site lets you filter by "low maintenance" plant options (a great option for beginners) and watering requirements.
For those on a budget, Lowe's has over 100 plant options between $5-10. It refunds 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
Amazon
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. It has various plant options, including real or faux houseplants and outdoor garden plants. If you know which plant you are shopping for, use the search bar at the top and select the one with the best reviews, or one of its best sellers.
No matter what you're shopping for on Amazon, the filter options are endless. Sort your options by hardiness zone, expected bloom season, special features, rating, price, or discounts. One of the biggest benefits of Amazon is the plethora of customer reviews, so you can reach real experiences and view real photos of customers who bought the plant you're buying.
Amazon is 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 its best sellers or a product that has a good number of positive reviews. It offers 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
Walmart
What We Like
Generous return policy
Easy navigation by zone, lighting, etc
Can buy planters, soil, and more
What We Don't Like
No expert advice
Walmart is an amazing resource for buying potting soil, gardening tools, and more for your plant babies, but now you can also purchase live houseplants on the site for fast and seamless delivery. Walmart makes it easy to navigate by hardiness zone (guidance by the USDA for which plants will thrive in your area), sun exposure, type of plant, brand, and more. On the same landing page, you can buy soil and planters, so you have everything you need to get started.
Shipping takes about a week, longer than the traditional 2-day shipping for most Walmart items, but still quicker than other retailers. Plus, it's free. As expected, Walmart has several affordable options with frequent sales and promotions and most of the plants can be returned in-store or by mail for up to 365 days after your purchase.
Types: House plants, outdoor plants, bulbs, bushes, blooms, accessories | Delivery Time: 3+ | Return Policy: 365 days from purchase | Customer Service Options: Phone
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 the retailer's expertise, it’s best to look at specialty plant stores with staff who can guide you toward the right choices.
One such store is Nature Hills, which has endless helpful information and tips on its website. Retailers also may specialize in specific types of plants, and the quality may be better.For example, Leaf & Clay specializes in succulents.
Delivery
Plants need to travel and arrive at the doorstep in good shape. Check to make sure the retailer delivers to your area and, if so, how long it 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.The Home Depot offers free shipping on orders over $45, while Amazon offers free 2-day shipping on most products for Prime members.
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 (required for The Sill), or a copy of your receipt, and must satisfy the return window considerations (generally, a matter of days).
Big-box stores, like Walmart, 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 capabilities, like Bloomscape, 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, like Lowe's, 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 it packages and ships its plants. If you can’t find this information, you may want to choose another option.
Each retailer packages its plants differently, but the goal remains the same: Keep the plants alive. Usually, perennials are 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.Resta also advises keeping new plants separate from your current collection when they arrive. You'll want to make sure its in good health and pest-free.
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 Julia Fields, associate editor for The Spruce. 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 consulted our team of editors (fellow passionate plant parents) and contacts in the industry. She made selections based on what they suggested to look for: variety, care, and maintenance information, customer service, plant health, and ship times.
Our Experts:
- Alessia Resta, creator of Apartment Botanist
- Emma Phelps, associate editor at The Spruce
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