The plant sector is projected to expand by almost $31 billion by 2032 as people embrace greenery for décor, wellness and more, according to market research from Technavio. Scroll through Instagram and you’ll frequently land on a houseplant showcased in a cozy interior, and garden centers seem to have taken the place of the old frozen yogurt shops that dotted every corner.
That said, houseplants can be relatively pricey. Costs fluctuate based on size, maturity and availability. If you want your living spaces filled with plants, you could wind up spending a tidy sum — unless you shop intelligently. Below are strategies for finding inexpensive plants online or at physical stores.
Looking for Cheap Plants? Here’s How To Get Started
Here are four steps to take as you begin searching for indoor and outdoor plants.
See If There’s a Guarantee
If you’re new to gardening, consider The Sill, recommended David Shell, founder of TradesmenCosts, a London-based home and garden publication. Every plant sold through this online retailer includes straightforward care guidance and a 30-day guarantee, Shell noted.
Figure Out What You Like
Try Bloomscape. Their plants ship directly from the seller’s greenhouse.
“The vendor simplifies finding what fits you best, making it ideal for novices,” Shell said. “They’ll guide you in selecting plants by difficulty level, your climate zone and whether you have children or pets.”
Give Yourself Choices
Looking for a broad range of affordable plants, not just the usual house greenery? For avocado trees, ferns, rose bushes and more, explore Nature Hills Nursery. They carry a wide assortment of lawns, flowering plants, fruit-bearing plants, perennials and trees. They ship nationwide and provide storage, planting and maintenance directions, Shell said.
Look for Budget Buy Houseplants
Resilient houseplants are some of the most budget-friendly options while you figure out your preferences. Chrysanthemum reigns as a fall garden favorite, Shell said. It’s affordable and presents vivid seasonal hues like pink, lavender, red, orange, yellow and white. Their roots spread and they’re tolerant of winter conditions.
In late summer, consider Helenium, also called Helen’s flower.
“It’s easy to cultivate and boasts a long bloom time,” Shell said.
Helenium displays lovely autumn tones such as mahogany, amber and gold.
If you want an exceptionally hardy plant, try the Jerusalem artichoke. It’s a perennial sunflower with edible tubers. “The sunchoke is one of the most striking flowers when in bloom,” Shell noted. It can reach heights up to 8 feet during the growing season.
Where To Buy Cheap Plants
Ready to shop? Here are top places to buy inexpensive plants in person — and what to watch for.
Your Local Nursery
“I prefer to shop at local nurseries over big-box retailers for my plants,” said Haeley Giambalvo, a certified Texas Master Naturalist and owner of Native Backyards, a site about the benefits of native species.
“If you track their weekly deals, you can often snag plants at excellent prices,” she said.
Local garden centers and nurseries typically stock a broader selection of native plants. Bonus: Because these plants evolved in your region, they tend to have higher survival rates, delivering more value for your money.
Big Box Stores
Ikea features a largeplant departmentwith both real and faux options. You can pick up theSansevieria Trifasciata(snake plant) for $14.99 or aFicusfor about $24.99. They also carry very affordable pots to complement the plants. Trader Joe’s is another retailer that frequently stocks plants, with a rotating selection.
Local Markets
Have a local farmers market nearby? Alongside produce vendors, you’ll often find plant sellers offering native species. (If you visit near closing time, you might be able to negotiate on price.)
Some cooperative extension offices also run plant sales where master gardeners sell plants at steep discounts.
Clearance Sections at Home Improvement Stores
Home improvement chains like Lowe’s and Home Depot often have clearance areas for plants with great bargains. Sometimes those plants look a bit neglected. But if you know how to revive them, they can be an easy comeback. Use your judgment when choosing.
Your Neighbors
Live in a green neighborhood? Organize a plant exchange. Another way to score free plants: stroll the streets before trash collection day. We’ve found perfectly usable plant cuttings left at the curb.
Cheap Plant Shopping Tips
Want to stretch your plant budget further? Use these pointers.
Check the Condition Before Buying
When purchasing in person, inspect the plant’s condition, advised Rachel Brown, who helps run DIY Garden, a project focused on sustainable garden care.
Leaves should look green, glossy and healthy. “Avoid plants that are wilting or yellowing, as stressed specimens may not bounce back,” Brown said. Also check the plant’s form — it should be compact and full, showing multiple stems. Taller isn’t always better; it may indicate a plant stretched for light and become leggy. If the stem is thick or woody, ensure there are no cracks or scars, since previous damage can weaken the plant and invite pests or disease, Brown warned.
Look for Unopened Buds
While it’s tempting to buy a plant already in full bloom, those with buds will transplant and establish better than plants that have finished flowering, Brown said. Seek plants with only a few open blooms and many unopened buds for longer-lasting enjoyment.
Pick Plants for the Right Season
Found a clearance plant at the home improvement store? Confirm it isn’t discounted because its growing season is ending or has passed.
Keep Growing With These Pro Tips
Scoring a bargain is just the beginning. Here’s how to pick healthy plants, care for them and expand your collection without spending more.
Dirt Is Key
Ordinary garden soil often harbors pests, fungi and weed seeds, Shell cautioned. Potting mix contains organic matter and peat moss. Investing in quality potting soil will help your plants reach their potential.
Start From Seeds
Purchasing seeds is far cheaper than buying established plants — you can start a meadow with a $3.49 seed packet. Once flowers set seed, you can collect them to sow next year for free. Giambalvo’s top online pick is Native American Seed, a Texas company specializing in 100 percent native seeds.
Consider Composting
Composting not only creates nutrient-rich soil for your plants, it can also act as a seedbed for new growth.
Those older tomato seeds you saved could sprout new plants in your compost heap.
And the best news? You don’t need a yard. Here’s a helpful guide to composting.
Use Cuttings From Friends and Neighbors
You can easily propagate houseplants from cuttings taken from other plants.
Place a cutting in water to root it, and consider using products like rooting powders (around $7 on Amazon) to boost success, Shell said. Let the roots adjust to water before moving the cutting. Gradually introduce soil to help acclimate it to its new environment.
“Use a plastic zipper bag as a mini-greenhouse for your rooting cuttings,” Shell advised. “Put the plant inside and only seal the bag partway — moisture will circulate while keeping a favorable microclimate for your cutting.”
Rely on Free, Local Resources
Don’t hesitate to tap local resources about affordable plants. Your localuniversity extension officeis a trove of guidance on food safety, nutrition, fitness and more — including gardening help like soil testing, lawn care and design, pest management and beekeeping.
Danielle Braff is a contributor to Savinly. Freelance Editor Katie Sartoris contributed to this post.
