Buying plants online has its quirks, but I’ve discovered it comes with a host of benefits too. Let me share my personal journey and insights to help you decide if online plant shopping is right for you.

• Convenience

I remember the days when I’d spend entire weekends hopping from one nursery to another. Now, thanks to eCommerce, I can browse through a jungle of options without leaving my couch. Just last month, I was looking for a rare monstera variety. Instead of driving around town, I simply opened my laptop, viewed the plant options from all angles, and read about its care requirements – all while sipping my morning coffee.

• Variety

While I love the experience of visiting nurseries, I’ve found that buying plants online often offers me more variety. Once, I was searching for a specific cultivar of philodendron. My local nurseries didn’t have it, but an online store not only had it in stock but also offered three different size options!

You can also search different retailers to know which one offers more variety. Searching is easier as you can just type keywords and open different tabs to compare different Plants Online sellers. The only difference with visiting a nursery is that you get to touch, feel, smell and experience the plant in person. 

• Pricing

I used to pride myself on my bargaining skills at local nurseries. However, I’ve realized that online shopping often beats even my best haggling efforts. During a recent online sale, I snagged a collection of succulents for almost half the price I would have paid at a physical store. Plus, comparing prices across different online stores is a breeze – something I can’t do easily when physically store-hopping.

So, the best strategy would be to do some online research to finalise a handful of nurseries you would like to visit. 

• Doorstep Delivery

The convenience of doorstep delivery has been a game-changer for me. Last winter, when it was too cold to venture out, I ordered a beautiful indoor fern online. It arrived carefully packaged, with clear care instructions. When I had a question about its watering needs, the online customer service was prompt and helpful – much easier than trying to call a busy local nursery.

With online sellers, the plants are always delivered to your doorstep and you can contact them in case of any confusion or query. The response handling is better with online plant sellers as the majority of their business is dependent on online selling, and they are used to many more cases.  

• Size and Exact Specifications

I’ll be honest – this aspect of online plant shopping took some getting used to. The first time I ordered a “medium-sized” pothos online, I was surprised to find it was smaller than I expected. However, I’ve learned to read descriptions carefully and check the dimensions. Now, I’m usually spot-on with my expectations when I order online.

If you want to be fully satisfied and aware of the plant that you are buying, it is always better to buy plants from a nursery. The images you see online might differ from the actual plant. Be it the colours, texture or size – the only way of getting everything right is by visiting a nursery. You can still buy plants online if you already know a lot about the species or have purchased plants online in the past. 

Conclusion

After years of experimenting, I’ve found that the best way to buy plants is a mix of online research and nursery visits. I often start by browsing online to get ideas and compare prices. Then, for plants I’m unsure about, I’ll visit a local nursery like Hello Hello Plants (open year-round except for Christmas) to see them in person.

If you’re new to online plant shopping, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service with questions. In my experience, most online plant retailers have knowledgeable staff who are happy to help.

Remember, whether you’re buying online or in-person, the joy of bringing a new plant home is unmatched. Happy planting, everyone!