Popular Places To Buy Plants Online, Ranked From Worst To Best

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the volume of online nurseries, you're not alone. There are countless online shops for houseplants, trees, shrubs, and more. However, not all online plant stores yield equal quality and services. Some are more affordable but offer limited selection or inconsistent plant quality, while others specialize in premium plants, exceptional packaging, and expert customer support. Depending on your needs and budget, the best online plant store for you may look very different from someone else's.

We've narrowed down the top 12 best online plant stores. Although they all deserve a spot on the top 12 list, some are more reliable than others. The methodology we used for ranking required us to look at popular houseplant forums on Reddit and Facebook, reviews on Trustpilot and Yelp, and a close look at the unique or extraordinary services the websites offer. This is how we determined which online plant stores consistently exceed customer expectations, and which have some room for improvement. You can find a more in-depth explanation of our methodology at the end of this article. 

Nature Hills describes itself as "America's trusted online nursery," but customer feedback is mixed. The most common complaint across Reddit involves extremely long shipping delays, with some customers reporting waits of several months that were frequently attributed to weather-related shipping restrictions. The company also has a notably low 2.5-star rating on Trustpilot, and a 3.1-star Google Reviews rating. Multiple reviews on Google report issues with customer service quality, and some frustration with canned email responses. That said, not every review is negative. Some recent customers reported good experiences and said they ultimately received satisfactory plants. 

We placed Nature Hills Nursery at No. 12 because the volume of complaints surrounding delayed shipping and its low Trustpilot rating outweigh its strengths. While there are signs that customer experiences might have improved in recent years, the volume of the warnings makes it the weakest option on this list. Some may be willing to take a chance in exchange for a broad nursery selection, but there are definitely more dependable online plant stores.

Leaf & Clay is a specialty site focused exclusively on succulents and was once a favorite in the plant community. However, its reputation changed after it was acquired by Mountain Crest Gardens two years ago. Many longtime customers on Reddit expressed concern over the buyout, especially because Mountain Crest Gardens had previously received criticism for sloppy packaging. Although plenty of users recalled positive experiences with Leaf & Clay before the acquisition, uncertainty surrounding the transition caused many loyal shoppers to move elsewhere. However, if succulents are your primary plant interest, their selection still may be worth exploring — especially if you're looking for statement succulents to add more texture and interest. 

We ranked Leaf & Clay at No. 11 because its reputation has become less certain following the ownership change. While its niche focus on succulents remains a strength, concerns surrounding the acquisition and customer confidence prevent it from ranking higher. However, it's still an option for succulent lovers, and it should also be noted that despite plant buyers on Reddit reporting bad experiences with Mountain Crest Gardens, this company does have a good Trustpilot rating. 

Bloomscape is known for offering a distinctly personalized shopping experience, and customer service is frequently praised by Reddit users. The company is also willing to issue refunds or store credit when customers receive unsatisfactory plants. However, value is Bloomscape's biggest weakness. Its 2.7-star Trustpilot rating reflects frustration from customers who felt the premium prices didn't match the quality of the plants they received. Reddit users also criticized the cost of certain products, including a Bird of Paradise tree listed for around $600. Even so, certain plant enthusiasts describe it as a decent place to start your houseplant journey if you need some guidance.

Bloomscape earns the No.10 spot because its attentive customer support helps balance concerns about pricing. But while many shoppers appreciate the buying experience and responsive service, the high prices and generally negative opinions on value keep it on the lower end of our list. Although customer support may be a priority, there are other companies that offer better overall value.

HeyRooted offers a subscription-based approach that's tailored towards plant lovers looking to grow their collection quickly while enjoying an impressive variety. The concept appeals to many customers, and several subscribers praised the company for responding quickly to problems and sending replacement plants when necessary. However, HeyRooted holds a 3.4-star rating on Trustpilot, with several reviewers reporting that their plants arrived damaged or dried out, raising criticisms about consistency. The Google reviews for HeyRooted show a similar theme, with nearly 50% only giving the company a single star, and recurring complaints of plants arriving damaged. 

We placed HeyRooted at No. 9 because of its unique subscription model (which even includes a pet-friendly option) and responsive customer service, but we couldn't rank it any higher due to the inconsistent plant quality. If variety and convenience are your priorities, it could be an option, but the recurring reports of damaged plants keep it in the lower half of our overall ranking.

The Sill transitioned to an entirely online business in 2024 after previously operating physical storefronts. Around 72% of Facebook users recommend the company, showing that many customers still have positive experiences. At the same time, reviews frequently mention plants arriving damaged, dying, or delayed in transit. The Sill does offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee to address these issues, although several customers noted that customer service responses can sometimes be slow.

The Sill comes in at No. 8 because it offers helpful buyer protections. However, it still seems to struggle with consistency. The satisfaction guarantee is reassuring, but recurring complaints about shipping and plant condition prevent it from competing with the higher-ranked resources on this list. Overall, it is a middle-of-the-road choice for shoppers willing to rely on the company's guarantee if problems arise.

The Tree Center receives generally positive feedback, earning a 4.1-star Google rating and nearly 4 stars on Trustpilot. One of its standout features is a filtering option to help customers choose plants that are well suited to their local climate, and the company backs purchases with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. However, some Better Business Bureau complaints allege that customers were unknowingly enrolled in a paid membership program with recurring monthly charges. While membership isn't required to purchase plants, shoppers should double-check that the fee hasn't been added to their cart before completing an order.

We ranked The Tree Center at No. 7 because its strong ratings, customized recommendations, and satisfaction guarantee outweigh the handful of concerns about its membership program. The reported billing issues are definitely worth watching out for, but they don't overshadow the generally positive customer experiences. As a result, it lands right in the middle of our list.

Leon & George specializes in premium houseplants and pairs them with high-quality ceramic planters, making it a solid option for shoppers who value presentation as much as the plants themselves. Despite frequent comments on Yelp and Reddit about the company's expensive prices, many customers believe the quality justifies the extra cost. Leon & George also maintains an average 4.3-star Yelp rating, although some reviewers mention customer service issues.

Leon & George takes the No. 6 spot because it consistently delivers high-quality products, even if they're priced well above many competitors. It might not be the most affordable place to find houseplants online, but shoppers looking for upscale plants may find the extra expense worthwhile. The high-end planters might be a notable draw if presentation is important to you. And, fun fact, there is an unexpected benefit of buying stylish planters for your houseplants: You might take better care of them when they are displayed nicely.

California Tropicals has built a strong reputation across multiple marketplaces, selling through Etsy, Amazon, Walmart, and its own website. Its Etsy store boasts an impressive 4.8-star rating based on more than 54,000 reviews, and several Reddit users recommended it when discussing the best places to buy houseplants online. Customer feedback is mostly unanimously positive, with users on Reddit and Facebook and buyers on Amazon reporting receiving healthy plants in excellent condition. However, there are some reports across these platforms of plants arriving damaged or bedraggled. 

We ranked California Tropicals at No. 5 because of its accessibility and overwhelmingly positive marketplace reputation. The mildly mixed experiences prevent it from breaking into the very top tier, but its large availability and consistently strong ratings make it one of the better online plant retailers. If you do opt for this online marketplace, make sure to review the rules on how to settle in your new tropical plant so it doesn't just survive — but thrive.

Fast Growing Trees has earned a strong 4.4-star Google rating from more than 58,600 reviews, making it one of the most widely reviewed retailers on this list. On the whole, customers praise the company for delivering healthy plants, honoring warranty replacements, and providing helpful customer service. Some Google reviews list issues with plants arriving late or dying, but these unhappy reports are relatively rare. One Reddit user reported disappointment when their trees arrived much smaller than expected, arguing that the company's marketing photos created unrealistic expectations by showcasing mature specimens rather than the younger plants customers actually receive. However, for trees, listing photos that show mature specimens aren't uncommon, and act to illustrate what the fully grown tree looks like. 

Fast Growing Trees ranks No. 4 because its overwhelmingly positive customer experiences outweigh the complaints. Occasional issues around shipping come with the territory of buying plants online, and if buyers understand they'll receive the gallon pot size listed in the description, they'll likely be satisfied by the result. Also, the company's strong customer service and warranty support make it one of the most dependable options available.

Conifer Kingdom specializes in conifers, Japanese maples, and other rare ornamental trees that are difficult to find at traditional garden centers. Its niche selection has earned praise from bonsai enthusiasts on Reddit, who compliment the healthy, well-packaged plants. Customers on Facebook also appreciated the added value of receiving free fertilizer, free shipping, and other complimentary extras with their orders. Although the selection is focused on a relatively narrow category of plants, customer satisfaction is consistently high, and Conifer Kingdom has a 4.7-star rating on Google. Numerous reviews report that trees are very carefully packaged and typically arrive in great condition. 

We placed Conifer Kingdom at No. 3 because it excels within its specialty and overall service. While its inventory won't appeal to every type of gardener, the consistently positive customer feedback, careful packaging, and generous perks make it one of the strongest online nurseries for shoppers seeking unique ornamental trees. If you're considering Conifer Kingdom with a view to making bonsais, here's our guide on how to grow and care for a bonsai tree.

Almanac Planting Co is a family-run nursery hailing from Pennsylvania with an exceptional reputation across multiple review platforms. It holds a 4.8-star rating on Judge.me, 4.9 stars on Etsy, and has earned Google's "Top Quality Store" badge. Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive across reviews. One Reddit reviewer noted that their plant arrived smaller than expected, but it was healthy, and the overall buying experience was excellent. As with many online nurseries, customers should remember that product photos often show mature plants, while the plants shipped are typically young specimens.

Almanac Planting Co snags the No. 2 position because of its consistently outstanding customer satisfaction and strong reputation across several different review platforms. The only potential drawback is that product photos could create expectations of larger plants, but the quality customers receive more than makes up for it. It just misses the top spot only because our highest-ranked retailer offers an even more distinct specialty.

Rare Plant Fairy has become one of the most respected online nurseries for collectors seeking unusual houseplants. As its name suggests, the company specializes in rare plants, particularly unique mutations with striking colors and patterns that are difficult to find elsewhere. It maintains an outstanding 4.9-star Google rating across more than 1,500 reviews, and Reddit users regularly recommend the company for its quality and reliability. Although some customers mention the higher prices, many agree that the exceptional plant quality and unusual selection justify the premium. Get some rare plant inspiration from these unique-looking houseplants that could be statement pieces in your home.

Rare Plant Fairy earns our No. 1 ranking because it combines an outstanding reputation with one of the most distinctive plant selections available online. Its prices may be higher than average, but consistently excellent customer feedback and its focus on rare specimens set it apart from every other retailer on this list. For tropical plant collectors searching for something extraordinary, we think it's the strongest overall choice. 

To determine our rankings, we reviewed customer experiences across popular houseplant communities on Reddit and Facebook, analyzed ratings on platforms including Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google Reviews, and considered each retailer's overall reputation for plant quality, shipping, customer service, and reliability. We also evaluated what makes each company stand out, including specialty plant selections, satisfaction guarantees, subscription services, and other unique features that distinguish them from other online nurseries.