ILL EXOTICS Philadelphia Plant Shop TOUR - Ep. 270

This Field Trip is sponsored by Birch Living. Visit birchliving.co... for $400 off your Birch Living mattress plus two free pillows.
When I first met Franco at the Mutter Museum back in August 2019, he and his husband, Chris, didn't have their own designated plant shop. But all that changed around the pandemic. Franco encouraged us to come for a tour of their new shop in Philadelphia, but we had never gotten an opportunity to head to Philly. All that changed recently and we were able to ogle over the gorgeous store, plants, and herps!
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[@summerrayneoakes]

Feel free to visit our new sponsor at birchliving.com/oakes if you're looking for a mattress to get $400 off your Birch mattress plus two free pillows. Awesome company and helluva good sleep!

[@14.ghoullz]

I got a ghost mantis and a few plants from there I loved that place and the surrounding area is just amazing.

[@domo_mother_of_plants]

I am LOVING all these tours and plant chats lately. Summer really finds the most interesting planty people to talk to. I love it 🙌💚💚💚

[@illexotics6466]

Thanks for watching Domo!

[@sergiopascale3487]

It's different when the plant shop owner is a real plant/nature geek, he knows every flora & fauna in his shop with tremendous knowledge & experience to share... Love this episode Summer Rayne!

[@illexotics6466]

Thanks for watching Sergio!

[@thespoiledtexan3904]

Agreed!

[@sandragoerlich7134]

This is a plant shop on another level, the plants and reptiles are so healthy and happy, thanks Summer for finding this amazing places, thanks for sharing!!!

[@sillybeeful]

That Man is my Hero 💚🐸

[@paulap7386]

I did not want this to end!!!!! This place , and the passion brought tears to my eyes !!! I can only imagine the love story .Thank you

[@Itachi-xk7gc]

“nature will never go out of style” woow

[@JaxNoodle]

I absolutely love Franco’s laugh, his dedication to his craft, and care for all creatures and plants. May I have the lovey opportunity to visit this shop this growing cycle. Thx Summer Rayne and Sander for making this tour possible for those of us who cannot travel that often.

[@illexotics6466]

Thank YOU for the kind words and for watching! 💚

[@Weirder_the_better]

Franco is absolutely THE BEST and I feel so honored to live close enough to experience this shop in person. My friend and I were drooling over the Illarium and we must've spent at least 40 minutes pointing out every plant we could see. Franco would come by and identify anything we were unfamiliar with and fully enabled our plant addiction, hahaha. You can tell that he has so much love and connection with the plants that he grows and sells. Every single plant in the shop was healthy and thriving and the prices are some of the best in the city. I'm so happy to see IllExotics featured on your channel!

[@illexotics6466]

Thanks so much Bridget! See you soon! 💚

[@francisarevalo6756]

I really love the attitude of the owner❤️❤️❤️

[@Mllascelles1]

They were my favorite plant store. I'm so sad they had to close. I loved the employees and how helpful everyone was at Ill exotics. My favorite babies came from them. I wanted to grab a reptile from them, and the living wall was beautiful.

[@janecurtis5726]

That’s a place to bring a lunch and spend hours!! Love how fauna is incorporated with flora and the integrity and care taken with both. The illarium is amazing! I have seen a cork tree only once at the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, Ma.

[@illexotics6466]

There are plenty of amazing restaurants on our avenue to do while visiting us! 😀

[@stevenappleman3440]

Love seeing the Philly area being represented. I have been to this shop a few times and absolutely love it there! Philly pride

[@illexotics6466]

Woot Woot! Philly proud! 🙌

[@pdiddydiddit]

Not trying to put anyone on blast, but this shop looks super expensive. Is that accurate or do they have reasonable prices? I’m in the DC area and not sure if it’s worth the drive up to not be able to afford anything.

[@Diana-pr5ow]

Omg, absolutely breathtaking. I love all of educational opportunities for the public. It's also very admirable that the owners are so responsible and accountable for the reptiles they care for and sell. Bravooooo! Thank you for the virtual tour and information. I learned so much and hope to visit in the near future. This is a business I would support, 110%

[@illexotics6466]

Thank you Diana! Can't wait for you to see it in person! 💚

[@yerahmlee730]

I can’t get over how knowledgeable summer is

[@marsf4883]

This is my favorite plant shop tour so far! Reptiles and plants, my two favorite things. Such a cool plant shop, so many plants that I’ve never seen here in California. Such a knowledgeable plant shop owner too, and the shop just shows how much he loves plants and nature. Thanks for the tour!

[@illexotics6466]

Thank you for watching! 💚

[@MarcusRichardsonRacing]

ILLEXOTICS is the best!

[@illexotics6466]

Thanks Marcus! 💚

[@j5nephews558]

Beautiful store and video. That man is a gift to nature.

[@bestinshadwell]

Thank you Summer for always bringing us simply exquisite material. Franco! What can one say... I Honour You 🙏

[@raf1717]

I am ever so envious with plants from walk-in plant shops. They’re grown in medium light and humidity but they’re sooo green and lush !!! They’re green house display is a nice idea to have as a display in my house. Glad I stumbled upon this episode ❤

[@dorothymcintosh-sims597]

Hello, thats what I call a true love for his passion of nature. It reflects in every inch of his business. Absolutely the best I've seen & I have seen alot. Bravo, Bravo to the young men & their employees.

[@illexotics6466]

Thanks Dorothy! 💚

[@hana1130]

What a beautiful space! I really love their set up, thank you for the tour ☀️

[@illexotics6466]

Thank you!

[@muilay8187]

We need a plant shop like this in Southern California. What a beautiful space. Enjoying the tour very much 🥰

[@cherylyeo25]

5mins in and I m alrdy loving this video / content with O M G .... Wonderful honest down to earth ppl - lovely couple and the STORE!!!!! Wow Thanks for such content - this and previous on vintage (which will definitely be under my fav Summer content!!) GOLD !!! :) :) :) Enjoying the chill, so grateful thankful and really glad just watching :)

[@joshchicago2008]

Yes, exquisite is the word for this shop! Spectacular vlog again. Thanks Ms. Oakes.

[@amandasalazar9569]

I dont understand how you dont have millions of subscribers. your videos are amazing!!!!!!

[@illexotics6466]

Right? Summer needs more subscribers! Tell all your friends! 💚

[@jacquelinedaniels87]

I find it so refreshing the attitude towards his socialization of the reptiles and stuff. Love his attitude! I will be stopping into the shop when I rake my next trip down to south jersey-cannot wait

[@exploreyelungki9162]

I hope you don't get bored for always being there, have a happy and successful day

[@LReid-po9tl]

11:17 I absolutely loved Summer’s “whaaatt!”

[@lindaholder2222]

What a tour that was Amazing thank you Summer

[@cosmicplanter]

this was awesome! thanks for this

[@AT-jm4dl]

Amazing store. This is probably the best plant store that I've seen featured on utube so far.

[@danielleb.7055]

Thanks for sharing this amazing place. I actually knew about these guys bc of their reptile area. I had no clue that they had all of these gorgeous plants. Some of my 2 favorite things TOGETHER! Amazing EDIT: I truly wish that all pet stores or people who sell animals were this responsible or even half. Beautiful

[@illexotics6466]

Other pet stores need to step it up! We hope to pave the way to responsible reptile husbandry and parenting!

[@QueenAnnesLace13]

What a beautiful soul! Franco has the laugh of life and such a kind spirit, caring for all these animals and plants, such a pleasure!

[@melaniem5971]

Amazing! More of a celebration of life than just a plant shop..Love it !

[@brandyberger8237]

Such a wonderful episode. These guys are really inspiring in their business. Loved their shop, makes me want to move to Philly. So cool that their propagate a lot of their plants and breed reptiles

[@illexotics6466]

Thank you! 🪴

[@pinkyfromhaughtfarms6550]

Please do an in depth video on the thaumatophyllum situation!💚

[@MetrohouseDesigns]

How amazing is this?! Wow...the plants are unbelievable. So wonderful to see someone in their element and full of joy. Bravo to you guys!

[@omg_ew_erica]

Love you Christopher and Franco! Amazing couple, amazing store, amazing concept. It's a tropical destination in the middle of a busy city.

[@illexotics6466]

Love you Erica! 💚

[@dianaloria6883]

Gorgeous shop!! I was transported to a wonderful place for an hour or so! The reptiles were so exquisite!

[@shahana_style]

4:55 The most PHILLY description ever 💗💗💗

[@AroidDistrict]

Oh Wow! Aroids and Vivariums! two of my favorite hobbies. This has to be my new fave field trip. I just got that new "Apoballis" plant and its very little info out there on it, but so far easy care.

[@illexotics6466]

Thanks for watching! Happy growing!

[@catherinestugmyer4449]

Omg!!! This is a dream destination! Beautifully done! Thank you for sharing! 💚💚💚

[@illexotics6466]

Thanks for watching!

[@catherinestugmyer4449]

@@illexotics6466 omg. I enjoyed every moment!!!! You guys are amazing!!! 💚💚💚

[@sphynxinthejungle]

My favorite place! I travel about an hour to visit here often. It is always a pleasure talking to Franco and learning, he cares so much about what he's created and sells. A place you must stop by if presented the chance!

[@illexotics6466]

Thanks Jacque! Love watching your babies from us grow. Thanks for the support! ☺

[@vannee2426]

Coffee and Summer Thank you It’s going to be good day

[@summerrayneoakes]

thank you! enjoy!

[@wandashaw3551]

Such an amazing shop, so elegant yet natural at the same time. I love it. Thank you again for taking us along with look. P.S. And the ORCHIDS!!! OMG!!

[@mohammadgm8463]

I’m happy that people like him & Summer do exist 💚 you can feel how passionate they’re & that’s giving me hope because people like them could literally save an entire ecosystem 🌴🦎🐢🐍🌱🍄 thanks for everything

[@illexotics6466]

💚💚💚

[@jayenneB]

Truly out of this world 😮

[@alvaferjoe2117]

This is such a lovely tour! My goodness 💚🍀💚

[@GrowingGreenNZ]

Those plants at the end of the video are insane!😍 and of course the reptiles but wooow

[@rons3236]

Thanks Summer! These guys are just over my backyard fence! What an awesome space!

[@DianeWeigel]

Excellent !! Enjoyed this sooo much !!!

[@marigene8265]

What an awesome plant tour! One of the best, yet.

[@Rae_Rae25]

This is my favorite tour. I love the combination of plants and reptiles. I also agree, the natural colored ball pythons are the best, and mine is 20 years old! Keep up the great work guys, I hope to visit one day💚

[@aplegasto4859]

Love this video! I learned a lot, thank you 💖!

[@greenleaves6340]

Everything looks so perfectly clean and healthy👍Amazing talents you got guys🤗. Thats a genuine plant☘🌿🌱 and animal 🦎 care🥰. If ever Im in the area I would love to visit🤗

[@Suzyq6131]

I found that Dracaena Surculosa at a Lowe’s one day. I saw it and I loved the foliage on it and the feel of it is so delicate and light. I said to myself that I have too many plants, I’m not going to buy another one this month. It was on my mind all that week and then by mid week, I went back and bought it.

[@jamiewestmoreland6289]

Great video, Beautiful plants 🌞❤️ Summer I love these videos they teach me so much.

[@wyntersteele1a]

This is absolutely beautiful. His store looks put together without being to display like. It still has a touch of home and the personal to it. I would love to walk through and browse the items and pets that he has. He and his husband did a fantastic job with the space.

[@MaddieYchama]

this was such an educational and pleasant tour!!!! Came here for the plants but ended up loving all the reptiles, theyre so cute!!

[@ozonejamnerd]

Another great episode! Love the Flora x Fauna combination. Also, the great conscious CSR in selling and doing business with the reptiles adds just the perfect touch. More power to Ill Exotics! Thanks for sharing them to your viewers

[@illexotics6466]

Thank you for your kind words Enzo!

[@throneslegacy]

I feel so inspired on the Illarium! This is such a treat of a video ✨

[@HookedOnTXMusic]

This guy is an absolutely wonderful human!

[@Wendy-zl8kv]

They have such a gorgeous place! Thank you for sharing it with us! Thank you for all the ideas 🤗💚🍃

[@marciajackson6874]

Love this episode so much. Very beautiful shop!

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

Wow, I love this store and its owners. Kudos to them for a job well done!

[@nancycordray8826]

Love, love, love this. Beautiful shop with amazing things. Thank you and Franco for this tour. Love all I learn from your channel.

[@illexotics6466]

Thank you Nancy! 💚

[@tinakon4386]

I helped my mum plant and take care of orchids when I was a small girl till my late teens. I am a senior now and I grow leafy plants(not orchids)in my very very small garden. Its nice to see the variety of plants and such in your vids and recognising some plants and orchids in your show. this shop/museum is very interesting to watch, thanks you!

[@illexotics6466]

Nature is amazing! Thanks so much for watching.

[@cynthiaarmstronghopefulhom9672]

I live right here in Philadelphia and had no idea this place even existed. Thanks so much for sharing.👍💞😊

[@pennyfenner1354]

How stunning!

[@Greenleaves]

Fantastic and fresh plants 🪴 Thanks for sharing 👍 Have a good time ~~♡

[@skeletonqueenie5269]

Ooooh man all the tiny vining/shingling plants were grabbing my attention! Extra cool ones you never see!

[@kennedythecosmetologist4787]

Omg this is my dream!!!! Someday I’ll be in a good enough mindset to live this!

[@erinlisette]

I’m late to this video but it was so lovely! I like playing your longer vids while I do my own plant care and research. Thank you!

[@lindaleal809]

This store could be a vacation destination! Thanks for a really interesting tour.

[@RobertSmith-ii2xb]

Now that was really something. Thank you.❤

[@mlvalero2037]

Every time you have a field trip about botanical garden... Make me inspires a lot.. Thank you for sharing.. God bless

[@StrangeDisposition]

I had a very positive experience buying a Philo lynamii in the mail from here but I didn’t know the story about the shop and people. Makes me want to support them even more, I love that they propagate their own plants! 💙

[@illexotics6466]

Thank you for your support and happy growing!

[@kelvinyin8352]

Pretty cool shop. Would be lovely to see how the indoor plant cork wall is constructed!

[@johnpatterson9219]

OMG, this was the BEST/MOST DOPE/SICK/ILL video and plant/reptile store EVER! The reptiles looked so amazing and healthy! Plus, the business ETHICS/ETHOS - WOW!

[@illexotics6466]

Thank you!!!!!!! 💚

[@jcbueno369]

I am late for work ! I just couldn’t pause this show , so many awesome plants very knowledgeable and informative shop, One of a kind.

[@dawienatral7083]

knowledgeable dude ,so many people seem to get into things where they think they can make a buck without knowing anything ,BIG BIG MISTAKE,END UP mislabelling plants, and often far worse.

[@sal9842]

I just loved this video… wow can’t wait to see the next .. I learned so much . Thanks 😊

[@jxiongpiano]

Just discovered this video and I'm so sad to find out this store has been closed......

[@hulsephoto]

The first time I’ve been tempted to visit Philadelphia. Awesome shop! Awesome interview!

[@laurapearson3370]

What an amazing place

[@venamerino2377]

I really really reaallly want to go visit so many places you’ve shared with us, both from present and past videos! Thank you so much🌱💚🌱

[@icemancometh8679]

Shout out to the biosphere she took us to and everybody wanted to live in LOL!

[@Alejandro96JAC]

I look at you from Argentina I love your work thanks for teaching us so much!

[@kimmy6304]

whoa! absolutely amazing! I'm speechless!!!

[@YogiHai]

Such a great story. Thanks For sharing Summer

[@iamjograd]

That Illarium is just wow!

[@pvbloville]

Huge fan of the space. I'm a Veiled chameleon owner with a sh*tload of plants at home, and this episode really got some gears turning for what I could do with my own space.

[@tanyal7122]

Now I want to go to Philly. What an amazing retail experience. ❤

[@illexotics6466]

Thank you! Philly is a great place to visit!

[@Peter-qh6np]

Amazing place loved it.

[@IsshaGreenThumbing]

Oh my goodness!! Drooling!!

[@jamalwalker2104]

Such a beautiful shop

[@olivierolivier6874]

So wow,wow wow... love it thanks

[@kailenngrenier9171]

Thank you to share with us :)

[@lorellstoneman74]

Love this.

[@yeahivekilledthat719]

Finally....a complete tour of this place. It's like a candy shop for plant lovers. Thanks so much for spending the time to show us the shop!

[@JANESLIST]

Unbelievable - I thought nothing could be better than the Victorian Conservatory Episode - But both were amazing - Franco is wonderful wish I lived in PhILLLY to visit and spend money at his shop!