Buying plants online can be a fun and convenient way to add to your garden or houseplant collection. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. If you're interested in buying plants online, here are some basic pros and cons to be aware of:
Pros
Wider selection
Certain areas of the world have a much higher concentration of rare and beautiful plants. While you might not have many local opportunities to purchase from a wide selection of plants, buying plants online offers you a world of possibilities. You can find some more common options at better prices, and more exotic and uncommon varieties not sold nearby.
Order from experts
There are myriad options for online plant sellers who are experts in their field. If you are interested in a particular type of plant, like begonias or aroids, you can easily find the best possible selection sold by professionals who know every detail about the product. Smaller nurseries and retailers who specialize in certain plants are much easier to connect with, learn from and buy from when shopping online.
Cons
Every plant is unique
One of the joys of plant shopping is choosing the perfect plant from among the group. Each plant is a bit different, and even when cultivated and grown to exact specifications, the plant you order online will never exactly match what you might find on the website. Buying plants online has a necessary element of surprise, which can be fun—or frustrating, especially if you value the ability to find the perfect specimen.
Travel damage is common
Unfortunately, even the most carefully packed and shipped plants can sustain damage in transit. When ordering online from a seller far away, you always run the risk of receiving a plant that's been stressed or damaged by the journey. While most plants bounce back and adjust to their new homes within a few weeks, some more delicate varieties are more susceptible to harm on the way to your door.
Buying plants online can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, it's important to understand the inherent risks and downsides. Keep these tips in mind when shopping for plants online.
About the Author
Diana Hellman
Diana Hellman's passion for Larchmont inspires her more than 20 year real estate practice. As a certified buyer's representative, "The development of a solid and trusting relationship with my buyers and sellers is what I strive for." This success, primarily built on client referrals and repeat business, comes from her knowledge of what makes Larchmont unique: it's school system, recreational facilities, services and the special qualities that pervade this village's atmosphere. A former educator with a background in psychology, Diana knows that people don't want a sales pitch, but rather reliable, timely information. She and her husband have been residents of Larchmont for over 40 years. Her 3 children have attended the Mamaroneck Public Schools. She can give you expert advice with the sale or purchase of your home. Awards/Distinctions Multi-million dollar club- Westchester Board of Realtors International Diamond Society (8 million plus in sales), 5-Star agent in 2024. Gold Award- WBR (5-8 million dollars in sales) Silver Award – WBR (3-5 million dollars in sales) Memberships National Association of Realtors New York State Association of Realtors Westchester Board of Realtors Westchester Multiple Listing Service Community Former executive board member of the Central School Former selection school delegate for election of school board candidates Former executive board member of the Friends of the Emelin Theatre Former executive board member of the League of Women Voters