46 Years of HOUSEPLANTS: Evolving the Business with Steve's Leaves - Ep. 286

It's been 5 years since I've been back to Steve's Leaves and it was exciting to hear his story and learn how much has changed since I was there last. Steve has seen so much change in the world of houseplants and has constantly had to stay on his toes-evolving his business as he grows.
The team was gracious enough to include a 15% Off code for all of the viewers, so you can use code: SUMMERRAYNE15 or click the link: stevesleaves.com/summerrayne15. Auction, sale, and what you see is what you get items do not qualify.
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"Plant One On Me" is a channel produced by Summer Rayne Oakes of Homestead Brooklyn that is primarily focused on houseplants and outdoor gardening. Our mission with the channel is to bring people closer to plants by bringing plants closer to them through engaging, entertaining, and educational content.
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[@marjorie_frst]

I want to thank you so much. I’m a girl from Paris, France. I’m 29 and I got into plants a few years ago when i was passing through a deep depression. I’m now growing about 100 plants I love in my 25m2 life space. I learned a lot watching your videos over the years. Now i’m moving to Rouen, a smaller city in Normandy and in two weeks i’ll be starting a one year degree specialised in horticultural production. This video and his story moves me so much, it’s so inspiring and motivating. I’ll be thinking of you both when i’ll make my first steps into the “Jardin des Plantes” of Rouen greenhouses. I’ll do my traineeship there. You’re a big part of these incredible life changes I’m about to make and i’ll never be able to thank you enough ❤

[@you_r_my-world2288]

I’m glad plants help. It did for me too

[@humairairfan3810]

WoW, such a courageous person with so much love for plants, I wanna say here, "nature never did betray the heart that loved her"

[@mf4450]

Thank you so much I love them

[@JoannaLouise200]

I can't believe 'pay by scan' ever became a legally acceptable business practice! Well done Steve for switching to an online business ~ it must have seemed like 'freedom at last!' What a stunningly beautiful collection of plants ~ if I lived in the USA Steve's Leaves would definitely be my go-to plant resource. Btw Summer...I crave another plant unboxing! ☺

[@damarisvega865]

Aw, hearing him talk about being so close to bankruptcy breaks my heart! He’s so sweet and clearly cares deeply for the trade.

[@emkn1479]

What a guy, what a story, what plants! Great job, this was a joy to watch. I’m so glad he didn’t have to give up on his dream.

[@TheLeafyGeek]

Steve’s Leaves has a customer for life over here 💚 thanks for spotlighting Steve and his awesome team again!

[@joannanovara815]

I love Steve's Leaves! Quality plants, expertly packaged and excellent customer service...I'm a loyal customer!

[@Wendy-zl8kv]

Thank you for sticking it out Steve’s Leaves!! Thank you again Summer for another wonderful video

[@sandragoerlich7134]

So glad he didn’t get discouraged and he’s now triumphant, his plants are soo beautiful , it was nice seeing Kippy, thanks Summer for sharing!!!

[@kathrynrobinson670]

Steve is my hero!

[@QuirkyLemon]

As a small plant grower, seller and youtuber from Canada, this was so inspirational. Thank you for sharing this journey.

[@marypolk9820]

Hope you do great

[@wandashaw3551]

Hello Summer Rayne, thank you for bringing us this amazing story!! I LOVE STEVE'S LEAVES!!!

[@Dixiwonderlandyoutube]

This video was so sweet 😍 Did you do the filming yourself Summer? I loved it! And the editing when you change a plant when the music changed were so spot on! 🥰

[@summerrayneoakes]

ahhh thank you. Yes, flying solo on this one.

[@prettygreenfrogsecretgarde3790]

Yes, your videos bring much satisfying. 💚💚

[@DeeCM58]

Totally agree with you.

[@halestothesea]

The man, the myth, the legend, Steve

[@laurenjohnson5880]

😭💚💜 This was such a cool story, I'm crying with you Steve! Thank you Summer for sharing! I want to add that Steve's Leaves has the absolute best customer service too!

[@SSaaNNddYY77]

I placed my first order with Steve's Leaves a few weeks ago and bought 2 Syngoniums! I was a 70s teen that was totally plant addicted and I'm even more obsessed now! Really enjoyed this video!

[@ashleyh.8207]

As someone who lives in Dallas (20 minutes from their nursery) we have the ability to do local pickup. I can't say enough how awesome this Team is here. They have such a "hands on" approach to their business. Their generosity & passion for plants are prime examples of what we all love about the plant community.

[@sharkeyes]

Steve is an icon

[@iamjograd]

Your first Steve's Leaves episode is one of the first videos I've watched when I started nurturing indoor plants at home. Now it's been 5 years. How time flies! Congratulations 🌱

[@anastasiawak894]

Kudos to Steve and his team for his perseverance and success. ♥️

[@vanifon1]

Sumner, I loved your first Steve’s Leaves tour series and this one as well. Such a wonderful conversation!

[@ruthdennisKnits]

I live in Houston Texas and I found out about Steve’s Leaves from your channel and the unboxing you did. I have ordered twice or more from them. Thanks for sharing and working so hard to keep us informed

[@hollyhasegawa6095]

Oh great video Summer, I love Steve's Leaves and have ordered so many beautiful plants from them. I hope that soon I can order some more. Have a great day, sending love and hugs, bye for now. 💜🙌

[@AbbiZika]

Well if it isn't the man who gets a percentage of each of my paychecks 💚💚💚 appreciate everything you guys do over at Steve's Leaves and thank you Summer for giving growers a platform and us a chance to hear their stories. It makes the plants we have from them so much more special!

[@PrashantSharma-vf7vc]

This guy was almost on verge of tears through out the process. That happens when You almost have to let go of love but then somehow you get the chance to keep at it. So lovely to watch.

[@BrigitteCoffman]

Greetings from Tulsa Oklahoma. I have bought lots of plants online. None survived. They would die after 1 month. I thought, I lost my green thumb. Until I ordered from Steve's, after watching Summer unbox from Steve's. That was over 7 months ago, and everyone of my plants from Steve's has survived and I've already propagated a few, successfully! What awesome healthy plants I bought from Steve's. I want to buy more, but the ones I want, are always sold out. Guess I am looking online at the wrong time. But I won't quit! Someday, I'll be able to restock for more! Love you! UPDATE! I just placed an order! 9/22/2022 Thursday night. Got exactly what I wanted! Yipee! Thank you, Summer for the extra bonus discount, I was not expecting! Saved over $25.00!!

[@BrigitteCoffman]

So excited. Can't wait to get my next shipment!

[@anacabrera5617]

This video is sooooooo incredible! The resilient way he fought 💚, I love you're videos Summer

[@RickBrownFloridafriendlyplants]

Great story! We are in business 40 years this month. Lots of parallels. As a HD supplier I can relate to everything Steve said. Thank you.

[@dianemiles2720]

Wow this was so peaceful and inspiring to watch. A+ would watch again. Let's get another follow-up in 5 years

[@heatherstephens9295]

Wow what a hero - the stress he went through is unimaginable. Well done for sticking it out ❤

[@mkuc6951]

Steve's Leaves!!! What a lovely story.

[@deborahmcsweeney3349]

So glad they are still going! The plants I've received are always beautiful! Everything is better when done from the heart!

[@Mama_Toni]

This is such an inspiring video to wake up to, filled with beautiful plants and great life lessons all in one. Thank you!!

[@tessgregory9131]

Loved this video!! I appreciate how you highlighted Steve, the plant community is a community that thrives with folk like you and Steve!! ❤

[@TheTstarz]

This makes me so emotional, good on him for sticking it out and happy he’s been able to benefit from his passion. I have full respect for his struggle! I So inspirational 😮

[@TheSunDancerPlantHub]

Such an inspirational story.. thank you both. Steve, I feel like I must order a plant from you now! 😂❤

[@wingingitsemiretiredlife2981]

What a great success story this warms my heart.

[@theresalucas776]

Thank you Steve for not closing ! I’ve been ordering plants since summers first tour of Steve’s leaves . Steves leaves is the best place to order plants online . Even in the winter. Great selection! Keep up the good work.

[@TheMillennialPlantDad]

This was such a wonderful and wholesome interview. His plants look so immaculate. Wish I could shop and visit!

[@lindapease620]

I love Steve's Leaves! I have always been delighted with every order. The care that goes into the packaging and shipping is unsurpassed. Also the quality of the plants I've gotten is stellar. Thank you for this interview. It really does prove that adaptation and perseverance is so vital.

[@havetohavehoya4598]

Wow, that was fun!!! I got the most beautiful Hoya lacunosa ‘Snowcaps’ from Steve’s Leaves-a perfect purchase in every way- was packaged beautifully and the plant was healthy and full-so happy!!!

[@BRANDYSTOTLER]

I get so excited when I see you have a new tour, but especially excited over Steve’s Leaves, & yes you definitely introduced me to him, & online plant buying.

[@janecurtis5726]

Loved hearing the story behind the success! Very heartening to know that it’s more important to follow your passion.

[@tannertheplanter4213]

The plant world thanks you for sticking it out, Steve!

[@Gigi-pf6ik]

Such a beautiful story!! I enjoyed watching you and Steve talk.

[@brooklin_bernek]

He deserves all The success he is getting plus more

[@SparkleInMoonlight]

It is really nasty how the big box stores treat the producers and the plants. They have the black maranta 😍

[@cherylyeo25]

Thank you Steve and Steve Leaves love the music with those flash of plants oh so lovely began my begonia love / collection due to this channel, watching begonia from steve leaves - just pure beauty

[@sylviagutierrez7676]

A very nice story of such love to the planting world👍,and what came from it👍 💚🌵☘️🌱

[@JaxNoodle]

What an amazing story and fascinating journey for Steve Rosenbaum and his business. I live in a big metro area and surprised how the local market is not at pace with the quality and variety offered by Steve’s Leaves including the price point. I salute him, his family his team and Summer Rayne and her team for providing us the shared wisdom of the toll on self and family to really follow your passion and a kind reminder that it is absolutely all worth it. Marry for Love not $$, was on point!

[@antonenero]

So nice guy ❤️❤️to know how much he loves a plants .. he don't want to give up.. and continue his fashion.. I love you guys love from Philippines 🇵🇭 ..

[@BankableChannel]

Omg have you watched your channel for THIS long. I remember Everything

[@traviskiller3039]

Awesome to hear his story. always love your videos. So much can be learned from people like you and him. I began watching your videos after losing my 16-year-old daughter back in Jan 2017, after the funeral I was left with some plants people had brought to the services and needed help in figuring out how to care for them. Little did I know I would learn and grow so much personally from that one internet search. Over five years later that handful of plants had grown to about 100 in my little 2-bedroom apartment in a small rural town in Arkansas. They helped me through all the depression and along with your very intuitive videos kept my mind and body busy so that I could find peace and work my way out of the depression. Not to mention I've learned a lot not just about how to keep my brown thumb green, but about the environment and my effect on it. Yes, I've also purchased some wonderful begonias from Steve's leaves too. Thank you both so much.

[@iddybiddyladybugleeza262]

I love Steve’s leaves! I’ve been ordering from him since I first saw you do an unboxing s few years back & I’m always happy with his plants!

[@summerrayneoakes]

He's really the best, and you can see the care they do with their plants behind-the-scenes. More to come!

[@annacostello5181]

Steve’s Leaves is the ONLY place I buy begonias (I have many. Lol) They also have some really interesting plants 🪴 at reasonable prices. The care they take packaging is clear.

[@iddybiddyladybugleeza262]

@@annacostello5181 I’ve never been disappointed in the packaging or quality of the plants! My love for philodendrons must be like yours for begonia’s 😉

[@torontoworstdrivers6861]

What an inspiration he is...."my heart couldn't do it".

[@ayyyecraig]

I helped merchandise plants for home depot in the beginning of the pandemic---- the amount of plants thrown away everyday was grossly, because they where "leggy" or no longer in bloom or just had no room, so much plastic, nutrients wasted, I could no longer work the job. This video brings such a light to that.

[@SmackMyWitchUp]

His personal story where he was struggling made me tear up. I have never heard anything bad about him, and I hate that he was treated that way by Home Depot. It's stories like his that encourage me to shop at small businesses, and less because of my low income, but appreciate the love from these small owners. I have bought from him a couple of times, had one time where it came dead on arrival, and the team was so incredibly helpful. He is such a great business to highlight, and can not wait to order more from him in the future. May his family and business be filled with health, happiness, and prosperity, as well as yours. Love your channel!

[@SamanthaJee]

I love Steve’s leaves !! So nice to hear the history! I will continue to support them even more now !

[@lyndseyb3869]

It was so good to meet you at Steve’s! Thank you for bringing my plants out! I felt so honored! Love this video

[@Durburger316]

My favorite plant I own came from Steve’s Leaves. It’s getting ready to bloom again. Every year is a treat ❤️

[@summerrayneoakes]

His plants are really a delight. 10 years of buying from him: not disappointed.

[@annetteprice]

@@summerrayneoakes One of my favorites I bought from Steve’s is one you had that inspired me, Summer - the cissus adenopoda. It has now taken over my entire living room window!

[@thatscool1550]

this was so informational. I have bought from Steves leaves, and I was happy. my string of pearls died. (totally my fault) but my last was my syngonuim albo, we are still learning eachother. lol big box stores make me cry bc they employees are not aware of plant care. i have rescues from lowes and home depot, WATCH FOR PESTS!!!!!! ugh thank you Steve for your love of plants and business!

[@vanessacarol793]

Love this Summer!!! Can we do in-store shopping for Steve's Leaves??

[@nancy-mu6kz]

maybe is just me but this episode made me cry happy tears.

[@dr.niluferrahman8524]

Thankyou so much to both of you.god bless you both..

[@rhondafannin4953]

I first heard about you from watching unboxing videos from Nick Pileggi. I had been very skeptical and cautious of ordering plants online, worried they wouldn't survive. Seeing the care with which you packed and wrapped your plants and how well they looked upon arrival in so many videos, made a believer out of me. I looked you up online and fell in love with the mother of pearl begonia. It has taken me a long time to get it, and in the meantime I have ordered other plants from you which all arrived in perfect condition and are all continuing to thrive, that MOP begonia is absolutely gorgeous!! It is one one my favorite plants. Thank-you for staying with your dream and sharing it with all of us.

[@teresaminnick2252]

You can feel his LOVE for plants beyond just business! I love plants

[@desereesantillanes-torrez6823]

I love Steve! Most of my prize plants are from him. I'm happy that he doesn't have to go in everyday. That he has a wonderful team behind him is one of the many reasons why he has the most beautiful plants in the business!

[@MD-hellodarkness]

Love Steve's leaves!! Always A++ plants!

[@jayholmes46]

Really great plants, always! I go back to Steve's Leaves over and over.

[@matthewkizziahcuzia...gott9632]

Thank you for this. I'm going through one of those dark times. Trying to find the strength and listening to what I feel.

[@vanessap.4810]

I'm glad they stuck around. I loved the videos about the begonias. I love them but I ain't a natural with the rex ones. Steve taught me so much I've kept 3 alive so far! I hope you keep going, we need you!

[@elsao1690]

I am glad you kept the business going Steve. ;)

[@ByBrittanyG]

Thanks so much for sharing this story, Summer. Sharing in our large houseplant group...this is such an important interview for all of us plant lovers to see!

[@daisyinthewild]

What an amazing story and individual.... Love always wins in any form ❤️ to much more success in the future for Steve's leaves you have a customer for life

[@susancheer5981]

What a beautiful vldeo Summer; the chat, the music and the editing. I had no idea about the 'pay by scan' business practice and thanks for highlighting that. My mom always used to tell us, 'good things come to those who wait', and boy they sure did for Steve. A very inspiring story and thanks for all of your interviews. There has not been one we haven't loved.

[@juniper754]

Steve, I wish your business flourish more.. the plant trends keep shifting every few months, as a grower it must have been difficult for you all ! I never knew HD has this pay by scan system and you guys don’t get paid if it’s not sold.. well they have so much incompetent people looking after the plants , so much water or no water or getting burnt in sun.. they don’t even discount those plants.. they just toss it to trash.. as a hobbyist it breaks my heart.. a lot of people grow these plants with love… I am local to you and I have purchased many times from you… I even got a sneak peek to your green house few years back.. you guys are very caring and plant quality is top notch ! I will continue to buy from you in future as well. And I can vouch for their plant quality as a regular buyer !

[@yeahivekilledthat719]

So glad he stayed with his passion. Have ordered from his company and will continue. Mainly because of your original tour video. Thanks for the revisit!

[@janicemartinezdavis5020]

I'm glad you didn't give up what you loved ❤️ I would be with you with the plant's so beautiful 💕 💖 never let go

[@laurawelsh-davidson4844]

I have the most gorgeous begonia theimei from Steve’s Leaves. Such amazing quality and plants. Love this video!!

[@country_boy_zone6b]

Another winner everyone...we all love what you do and who you are!!!!🧡🍁🌻🌜🎃🍂💛

[@paulacheca9183]

This video is beautiful. All your videos are but this is very special. Made with so much love and respect. Congratulations. Massive hug from Spain !

[@GreenhornBonsai]

Great video! Thanks for the history and the graph of houseplant sales over the years. So interesting to see how it has steadily climbed, but with a big jump a few years ago. I grew up surrounded by my grandmother's love of houseplants and she got them mail order so she could have the most unusual varieties.

[@raf1717]

Their plants are soo packed but looking healthy and clean..

[@anairizarry5280]

I really do love Steve’s leaves they are great family business and there plants and packaging is the best ❤

[@emilyf19]

I love Steve’s leaves!!! This video is so sweet.

[@keystonegundogs9565]

I've bought from Steve before and love all of his plants! Just ordered a Philodendron gloriosum! This plant has been on my wish list and now with Summer's discount it was affordable! Thank you both Summer and Steve!

[@joshmichaels269]

Love this video! Thanks for going back.

[@trayvixk4642]

It's kinda random but Jenna Marbles (with +20 million subscribers) a couple of years ago also had a video showing her plant collection and mentioned Steve's Leaves as a online store she loved to buy from. I remember this because I was also so scared to buy plants online at the time.

[@PlantBuildThrift]

Thank you Steve

[@tammyreed6088]

I love to order from Steve's Leaves!!!!!

[@juliavanbuskirk1573]

This is incredible to watch. I’ve been in love with Steve’s leaves since I found my first ever adonsii at a Home Depot in Dallas in the mid 2000s. I would always check for the brand because they had the coolest plants. Fast forward and I’m still a regular online customer. Steve, you are an inspiration. Your story is amazing to hear. Thank you so much for getting me into houseplant collecting. My early house plant loves were all from Steve’s Leaves. ❤

[@happyhouseplants6959]

Love this story. Can relate to running a plant shop. Some amazing highs but it’s tough. This is such good content Summer, you do it so very well. Well done ❤

[@summerrayneoakes]

Glad it's something you can relate to and enjoyed. important to hear people's stories in the face of challenges. Steve's definitely been there, done that!

[@ceciliasalcedoelizondo7118]

Great inspirational video to start the day!! 🌱 Thank you ☺️.. I love Steve’s leaves and Summer’s KZbin plant one on me and flog finger lakes ☺️..

[@avaf1084]

Congratulations, Steve!!

[@slamrock17]

Those wire pot hangers are awesome! I need some!

[@melvinhoyk]

I'm from Malaysia and I have known Steve's Leaves from various US plants person unboxing for their healthy, big and reasonable varieties plants.

[@sadiasalam64]

Al kind of LOVE, LOVE & LOVE.

[@doyouzgot2knw]

LOL not me ordering plants off the website as I’m seeing the plants I want on his table! haha

[@platitudestern5149]

I do LOVE steves leaves. How incredible, fascinating. I will buy from them with a little more appreciation 😍🥰

[@annahanna5247]

Beautiful plants!