7 Places To Buy Plants From That Aren't Expensive

Collecting plants can be a costly hobby — especially if you have a taste for rare, expensive houseplants. From the coveted Monstera obliqua to the jaw-dropping variegated cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation'), there are plenty of treasures to collect, and the bill can be pretty steep if you can't stop amassing more. Even adding common houseplants to your growing collection can get expensive over time. Luckily, there are some places, such as Home Depot and Walmart, where you can buy plants with a more reasonable price tag.

Savvy plant owners are well aware of the benefits of propagating from cuttings for a virtually unlimited supply of new plants. However, you're limited to plants you already own. If you're in the market for a new plant, you'll need to outsource. Sometimes you can score some pricey houseplants for less at local plant swaps. But you might not always find the exact plant you're on the hunt for. Here are some places to search that offer the best prices possible for all the plants on your wishlist.

Home Depot is a great place to check regularly for new houseplants. They tend to always have timeless favorites such as peace lilies and snake plants available, but sometimes you can find more trendy plants like Swiss cheese vines or velvet anthuriums. It's definitely worth taking a stroll down the plant aisle to check their inventory periodically. 

Another home improvement store with a deceivingly impressive plant selection is Lowe's. They offer all the classics you're looking for and more. You can also find plants in aesthetically pleasing pots, ready to display with the rest of your collection. Just like Home Depot, they do have some rare finds from time to time, so add Lowe's to your plant shopping rotation.

Before you turn your nose up at the notion, don't dismiss Walmart as a source for plants that aren't expensive. While they may not carry the rarest plants on your wishlist, they do offer plenty of timeless favorites such as money trees and an array of succulents. The prices are certainly compelling if you're watching your wallet. Be sure to give Walmart a try when searching for new plants.

You'd be surprised how many of your neighbors also collect houseplants. Some of them have so many that they might need to part ways with a few of them. Facebook Marketplace is an incredible treasure trove of great finds. String of pearls, birds of paradise, hoya plants — you name it. There are so many plants and cuttings that people in your area might be selling, and you can often get a bargain by cutting out the middleman (the garden center!)

If you strike out on Facebook Marketplace, give Nextdoor a try. There are tons of people who either need to rehome plants or even run a small plant business on the side with listings on this app. Sometimes you may be lucky enough to find a plant you have your heart set on for a super low price or even for free. You can even set notifications for when houseplants are listed so you never miss a bargain.

If you're looking for a hyper-specific houseplant, turn to Etsy. There are countless online boutiques offering everything from philodendron 'White Princess' starters to pink lady turtle vines for a reasonable price. Don't fret if you've never purchased a plant online. These sellers are pros at carefully wrapping their plants so they arrive with you safely.

When all else fails, farmers markets and flea markets won't let you down! You can find plants that are typically pricey for a steal of a deal hidden amongst the different stalls. Some sellers may be willing to haggle with you if they want to make space for new stock or make a name for their new venture. You get to save some money while supporting a burgeoning business. It's a win-win!