We Compared Spider Plants From Etsy And Lowes — Which One Has The Cheaper Deals?

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Out of the big stores, Lowe's is often considered a better option for buying plants. It typically offers affordable pricing and a wide variety, which is partly why Lowe's has better deals on houseplants than Home Depot. If you don't have a local nursery, and you want a spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Lowe's may seem like the obvious choice. However, you can also choose to shop at an online-only store like Etsy. But the question is: which is cheaper? After comparing listings and checking out various spider plant sales at both online stores, it became obvious that Etsy was the winner when it came to price. 

On Lowe's website, there are a few options for spider plants, including the 2-inch Pot Ocean Spider Plant Two-Pack for $9.99. If you want a single plant, like one in a 1.3-quart pot, you are looking at about $20 instead. It's also worth noting that unless you are spending $45, shipping fees apply, typically around $6 but sometimes closer to $10.

In comparison, Etsy's search results for spider plants feel like an unlimited buffet. This store is considered one of the places to find the most affordable houseplants online, and for good reason. For example, ThePotSpot513 on Etsy sells a single spiderette without a pot for just $2.50 with a shipping cost of a little over $5.50. You can also find a range of larger, single plants for under $20, even with shipping.

The cost factor isn't the only reason you may want to consider Etsy. Sellers often come with more reviews, allowing you to vet the plant a little better. This may not be necessary at big stores like Lowe's, but it's something that is always nice to have as a reference. Also, you can choose between a variety of sizes, pot types, cultivars, and more. Lowe's, by comparison, offers just a couple of options and no choice for customizability. This means that Etsy is a winner when it comes to giving you the option to choose the best spider plant houseplant variety as well. However, shipping costs vary by seller, so prices can differ significantly. 

There is one notable exception. If you have a Lowe's close to you, you may want to consider visiting in person. If you are looking for a simple spider plant, and not a specific or rare cultivar, sometimes you can find one in-store for cheaper than you can on its website. Not only can this save you some money, but you can actually handle the plant, check how healthy it is, and search for any pests that could be a problem. However, if online is your only option, or you just don't feel like going to the store, Etsy is typically the better place to start.