Buying plants online: Pros & cons

by John Colby 03/22/2023

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
Author

John Colby

I have lived in the Athol-Orange-Phillipston  area for most of my life. I graduated from the Athol-Royalston Schools and Boston College in 1973.  I have been an active real estate  Broker since 1973.. I have First hand knowledge of all the various aspects of working and living in our area.
For over 40 years I have  maintained a presence in the real estate market through building new homes while buying and selling all types of real estate. I offer first hand knowledge and experience to Buyers and Sellers in our unique market area . I also have a keen interest in Waterfront properties, land and income properties. We are also currently focused on bringing new businesses into our area including  Commercial , Mixed Use and Retail Development along the Rt 2 corridor including into the North Quabbin Business Park and the Greater Gardner to Athol-Orange areas.
   I will to give you the benefit of my training and experience and the most personal service and attention that you deserve.