Ordering Live Plants Online: My Experience Buying Plants on Etsy

Ordering live plants online was a new adventure for me. Receiving greenery in the mail sounded exciting, but it also brought concerns. Would the plants arrive safely? Would they thrive? I decided to take the plunge and order from Etsy, a platform known for unique, handmade goods.

I chose Etsy because I love supporting small businesses. The chance to find unique plants from independent sellers made Etsy appealing. After browsing several shops, I selected sellers with strong reviews and healthy-looking plants.

Here’s a look at my journey, from my first order to some unique finds, and how each plant settled into its new home.

The Very First Order: String of Hearts Variegated

May, 2023

My first Etsy plant order was a variegated String of Hearts. One of my favorite local stores carried String of Hearts, but not the variegated variety. I admired this plant and thought it would be perfect for my first online purchase. Succulents like the String of Hearts handle long journeys well because of their ability to retain water.

When the package arrived, I eagerly unwrapped it. Out of the four vines, two looked wilted and eventually died. However, the other two survived and, after some time, began to thrive. Despite the initial loss, the String of Hearts has become a lovely addition to my collection.

Hoya Krimson Queen: My first Encounter with Hoya

May, 2023

Next, I expanded my collection with a Hoya Krimson Queen, marking my first foray into Hoyas. Known for being resilient and easy to care for, Hoyas seemed perfect for a beginner like me. The plant arrived well-packaged, with intact leaves and secure soil.

One leaf showed slight signs of stress from the journey. After placing the Hoya in a bright spot and monitoring it closely, it adjusted well. The Hoya Krimson Queen quickly became a standout in my collection, and I became a fan of Hoyas from that moment on.

Cactus and Monstera Deliciosa: Settling In After a Long Journey

October, 2023

After taking a break from expanding my plant collection, I decided to place another order in the fall. I needed to manage my limited space and ensure proper care for my existing plants. Knowing that summer shipping can be challenging for online plant orders, I waited until the cooler months.

One of the first orders after my break included a cactus and a Monstera Deliciosa. The cactus arrived in good condition, as expected, since cacti are resilient. However, the Monstera showed signs of stress, with a few yellowing leaves upon arrival. I placed it in indirect light and adjusted its care routine. After a few weeks, the Monstera began to bounce back. The cactus, on the other hand, required minimal care and thrived without much intervention.

Back To Hoyas: Unique Plant Finds and Shipping Challenges

February, 2024

Returning to Hoyas, I explored more unique varieties. The Hoya Chelsea arrived quickly, in just four days, along with free cuttings of Monstera Siltepecana and Philodendron Hederaceum Brasil. The shipment of Hoya Linearis took a bit longer, but it arrived in good condition. I’ve been carefully nurturing it for healthy rooting.

However, the Hoya Super Silver arrived wilted, with thin leaves. The seller provided excellent customer service, offering a replacement and explaining the importance of protecting delicate plants during transit, especially in cold weather. Even though the replacement also arrived wilted due to a shipping delay, the seller’s great service made me feel better about buying plants online.

Final Thoughts on Buying and Unboxing Plants from Etsy

Reflecting on my experiences ordering live plants through Etsy, I’ve had both successes and challenges. Most plants arrived in good condition, thanks to careful packaging and resilient plants. Supporting small businesses and discovering unique varieties has been rewarding. While there were challenges, the joy of adding new greenery to my home made it worthwhile. Etsy offers a unique opportunity to find plants not available locally and support small businesses. As long as you’re prepared for the occasional shipping hiccup, ordering live plants online can be a fulfilling adventure.