Why PLANT SHOPS are CLOSING

[@prettyingreen]

GUYS! Follow Amanda’s NEW CHANNEL: kzbin.info/door/0Zw1I9uzwK_N8ipVYDaCBw

[@justinmia0321]

so glaad to see her back omgg

[@jenniferRodgers-fs9fh]

She’s back !!!! Thank you so very much for leaving her link in the comments, I’ve subscribed but she doesn’t have many subscribers yet, so no videos have been posted on the new channel yet idk how that works if maybe she needs so many subscribers before she does content or what but she’s definitely got her channel up!

[@morningstar8187]

All the plant stores that opened in my city were overpriced and were more focused on aesthetic than substance. As a cactus collector, I couldn’t care less about how cute your store is or how many instagrammable overpriced pots you have.

[@plantypittsburgh]

Yes! Okay, cute couch. I'm not here to hang out. Where are the plants? It's frustrating.

[@prettyingreen]

Loll so real

[@prettyingreen]

Hahahahaha

[@kass8008]

I was so excited to go to a plant shop recently, and it was the biggest let down.🥲 So many sad, dying, overpriced plants. Cute decor I guess, lol. I love going somewhere to shop and walking into a chaotic vibrant greenhouse. When the display plants are taller than me, I know it’s going to be a good time.

[@familhagaudir8561]

I tried to get into Streptocarpus hybrids recently after a friend gifted me some leaf-propagated plants that make spectacular bloom in relatively little light ( east window or a cheap grow light = blooms keep comming and comming ). Well, plant shops had none, or a few sad ones. A garden center recieved two varieties last Spring, which of course came with mites that were extremely difficult to eliminate ( systemics are banned here, even for indoor use, to protect all the bees living indoors... ). I will know if the microscopic mites are 100% gone in a few months. It wrecked my nerves. I wanted a stress-free hobby, not a bunch of anxiety-inducing problems. I have an orchid collection in a separate part of the house. I don't add anything to it unless it was quarantined 4 months alone. So one or two plants a year. This problem is really harming the market.

[@gennafer]

Planterina's prices were insane. Only people new to plants would buy from her. I'm surprised her shop lasted as long as it did. I really think plants (house and outdoor gardening) is a hobby so as people get more into it they develop connections and learn how to grow their own plants and source them cheaper than shops can. Plant shops really only cater to people looking for plants as home decor. If you want to make money from the plant hobbyist people you need to sell supplies, more than plants, because that is where the consistent demand is. A shop that sold various sizes of (clear, nursery, terra cotta, hanging, cache) pots, various media, various fertilizer and pest control, humidifiers, greenhouses/cabinets, grow lights, with the occasional newer and classic plants would, in my opinion, make a killing if the prices were right. There really isn't a one stop shop for plant people short of hardware stores and Amazon.

[@AcrylDame]

A lot of shops already do this. And don't forget all the shops who cater to cannabis growers, they have everything even light meters.😅

[@ladylove34]

And nurseries

[@vmvm949]

exactly, in other words a garden center

[@3l3llala13]

Yes, Planterina's prices were insane. Initially the "free shipping" gimmick fooled many people into believing that they were getting a good deal when buying from her. Once she stopped the "free shipping" (without making any announcement about it), it was inevitable that her business would soon die.

[@rdred8693]

Yeah, and the customer service and quality was poor. I don't cheer for anyone going out of business, but I do not feel too bad about Planterina. Ripping people off is lousy.

[@amberloveschicago]

I feel for the small businesses that are losing money, but as a consumer, I also don’t feel responsible to keep their lights on when prices for plants have been astronomical for years. I’m not going to pay $130 for a 4 inch Thai that I can get online for $40. 🙃 Also, if online prices are high, then chances are I’m going to wait it out for tissue culture. That’s just my personal opinion. 😢

[@asmrtpop2676]

Exactly. Also, we have our own jobs too and we also live in this same crappy economy. Sorry not sorry! And when these small businesses go we will still be able to care and nurture plants and get plants from the local community, large stores/grocery stores/nurseries, and online smaller shops/online trade. The majority of my collection as is was free, heavily discounted/on sale, or a cutting I grew.

[@prettyingreen]

It’s a market at the end of the day. I price things on the site sometimes and they SIT. I then understand they are overpriced! Consumers have to be price sensitive. They’ve got their own bills, income, jobs, problems too!

[@sam12587]

I agree. I’ve also had good luck getting “baby plants” at a reasonable price from other enthusiasts in my area on craigs list and next door. I root cuttings in yogurt cups (with drain holes) and sell in September before the cold snaps in.

[@familhagaudir8561]

There is likely a plant-hobby association in a nearby city close to anyone. Trades and cheap plants abound there. Ex : the city's orchid association, your regional outdoor gardening club, etc. Prices in plant shops are usually outside what I can risk on a plant I might have to trash because thrips / mites / scalebugs, etc.

[@familhagaudir8561]

@@sam12587 Making plant babies is fun. I tried with Streptocarpus hybrids, it works great, similar to African violets.

[@marcbrentlee]

Here in the Philippines, when plant sales is getting slow, some of the Plant Shop converted to Garden Cafe (Restaurant/Plant Shop) Alfresco

[@prettyingreen]

This is a great idea!

[@variegated_stingray]

damn thats actually a dope idea!!! then again, I think that only works if the shop is in a good location.

[@ProximaCentauri88]

Yes. A lot of them are in Calabarzon from Silang to San Pablo.

[@ericagreen4015]

There’s a shop in my area that sells, books, candles soaps, does art workshops, and yoga classes on Sunday and Saturday mornings. They definitely diversified and so far it’s working for them.

[@ssoomee]

I came here to say this! There's now a chain of plant stores in NYC that is essentially a cafe with plants (hehe) and it's also really popular as a work spot for people on their laptops!

[@tiffanyi5645]

As a New Yorker, I only go into plant shops for the vibes because I would never actually buy anything for those prices when I can order it from Etsy for way cheaper and way more varieties

[@asmrtpop2676]

Etsy has been fantastic for me for buying cuttings and plantlets.

[@prettyingreen]

lol this is so true

[@stitISH]

@@asmrtpop2676 Etsy shipping fees are a joke , i ordered a cutting with 2 leaves for 10 dollars , they charged me 80 dollars shipping

[@CorbinCopy]

@@asmrtpop2676 The issue with Etsy is scammers. There are a lot of wonderful sellers and then there are the scammers. Etsy hasn’t been good with refunding based on scams either.

[@familhagaudir8561]

Plant shops be like : "Please buy our thrips-infested $18 African violet. Would you like a $15 decorative pot too? Your soon-dead plant will look great in it." Ehhhhh no thanks.

[@emmettrose5960]

Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence across the board. Cupcake shops opened everywhere, but there were too many cupcake shops competing with each other, so most of them shut down. Then it happened with specialty donuts. Then again with cookies, although a decent number of those are still running out here. They're like wind farms--turbines are designed to work by themselves, and they have big "wind shadows." The more you put in an area, the more they block each other's wind. If you want a business that jumps on a trend, you need to be the cheapest (while still keeping the lights on) or the best quality option. Otherwise, it's only a matter of time before you get drowned out.

[@prettyingreen]

Great analogies! That’s exactly what happened with houseplants

[@donnarie101291]

I have always preferred to buy "starter" plants on line and watch them grow. That is where i feel joy with my plants. Just watching them thrive and grow in my care. I could never understand the high prices for a full grown plant from a shop that just sits there.

[@prettyingreen]

Few things are more gratifying than watching small plants become massive in your care 🌱

[@familhagaudir8561]

In a hobby club some friends traded / sold / gave Streptocarpus hybrid babies. It's so much fun, and personally I find the babies which start to bloom cuter than the big mature plants. You have to quarantine everything separately though. That's such a hassle. Got plants with microscopic mites, a nightmare to try and eliminate without systemics ( banned here ).

[@monsteraetc]

Not going to lie, I actually loved Planterina when I first came back to tropical plants. I signed up for their emails and quickly figured out that all I had to do what wait until the end of the month for the 60-80% off prices and I would load up. Honestly, I never really had any issues with their plants or customer service. Given the abruptness of the closure and lack of further updates, I would actually suspect some sort of family or medical issues. Sometimes "life" is just more important than any amount of followers...and as someone who has owned a couple of brick and mortar businesses myself, when "life" happens, it seldom has a manager to take over for you or a buyer to relieve you. You just take the "L" and move on. The comments below show that most people truly do want to support small business, but at the end of the day, this *world* economy is killing everyone but the 0.5%.

[@eggysegg]

My most successful local plant shop sells plants at a decent prices, offers rare plants, and has a pay by scoop custom soil bar. But they also host events, local artists, and offer plant decor services. Retail spaces are super expensive, so you gotta earn a ton of income to uphold the space.

[@AmbersDaintyBush]

Not me drooling over the custom soil bar lol

[@eggysegg]

@nikkireigns The soil bar is one of the best parts, buying bulk soil amendments can suck if you don'thave the space. Especially bc some of their in store plants need to be potted up and they do that there. Nursery pots are free and they have decorative pots for sale. It is such a great idea.

[@prettyingreen]

SOIL BAR IS GENIUS!

[@variegated_stingray]

almost every fancy plant shop in Germany has actually had soil bars for quite some time now.@@prettyingreen

[@khills]

I’d live at a place with a soil bar. I LOATHE having to mix and pray I got it right, which I’ll only find out after watering…

[@hedgewitch59]

My position is, I've always been a plant collector but I'm in the process now of dividing and selling what I've got because I literally have no more room. It's hard, messy work having all these plants. I'm minimising and not buying any more. I'm all planted out!!! 😢

[@emoo2342]

I’ll be honest, I was relieved when Planterina closed-I received several plants either rotted, not well rooted, or with pests from them. I know that’s not everyone’s experience, but I’m sure I wasn’t alone. I got decent pricing as I only shopped when there was a sale (60% off meant that the prices looked like normal plant pricing) -but the quality just wasn’t there for me, so I stopped as soon as I started. I use a combination of Plantstory sellers, Etsy sellers, local nurseries, and big box stores for my plant needs and I think that combo helps to keep proper pricing and quality in mind.

[@prettyingreen]

This was a lot of people’s experience with Planterina it seemed-especially at the end. Are you able to get great deals on plant story app, or what is the draw? Is the live selling fun to participate in?

[@emoo2342]

@@prettyingreen I'm glad I wasn't alone, but that also stinks that so many of us experienced that. You live and you learn, I suppose. I have gotten some pretty good deals there. People sell everything from plants to substrates and custom planters/plant related paraphernalia. There are a few things that I pass on because they are clearly over priced for me. I live in Florida, so there isn't much that I want that I can't get for a reasonable price locally, but I understand that certain things simply aren't easy to get in various corners of the country. Overall I think it's a great experience to just see far more variety than we might see on a regular basis. I purchase occasionally, but I mostly just hang out/chat and oggle at plants/listen for tips. The tissue culture prices seem to be great? I'm too chicken to try unflasking myself, but people go crazy for TC on Plantstory. Aside from that, I have learned a lot. Some of the lives aren't even selling so much as sharing information. For example, rare plant fairy did a live dedicated to tissue culture education/Q&A with their biologists a few weeks ago. It's been a great community to be apart of for me so far.

[@Yoliplanting]

I hope Amanda is ok heath wise and this was just a business decision that needed to be made. I wish her well. Great video as always

[@prettyingreen]

Agreed! I hope all is well with her and will keep you posted if she responds

[@indigenousscorpio2243]

She seemed really “clumsy” in the last few videos I watched

[@Lewe3]

⁠do you think it could be the stress of what was happening? Behind the scenes hassle ?

[@plantypittsburgh]

I ponder the subject of crowdfunding for established businesses as well. It's a thin line to potentially unethical. Our local bookshop asks for volunteer employees, donations, begs people to buy at least one book a month from them. It just opened a year or two ago. They can't compete with Amazon, so before they open, have a plan that is not reliant on the appeal of the small town bookshop. 🤷‍♀️

[@prettyingreen]

mmmmmm glad I’m not the only one! I hope on their BIG years they donate the profits back to the community then?

[@elinkay4661]

They could try doing events, classes, promos (buy 2 pots get a free plant) or anything before begging their community for cash donation. They’re not non profit organization, this feels very wrong.

[@monas.6839]

This economy is ridiculously tough for everyone, forcing us all to make smarter purchase decisions. That said, there’s no way on earth I’d buy a plant from the most expensive sellers (Planterina, for example) who don’t do anything differently or better when I can get the same plants for far less elsewhere. And if the pink princess or Thai con prices taught us anything, it’s that plant prices WILL come down to fairer pricing - and it’s totally worth the wait.

[@zevra2489]

This!! I really wanted a ficus shivereana in 2021 but they were going for over $100 for a 4" pot in the US. Decided to wait it out and I was able to pick one up for $17 at a local plant shop a couple months back. People learned how artificial and temporary a lot of those high prices are and just aren't willing/able to spend that much anymore

[@AmbersDaintyBush]

There is a family owned plant shop localish to me that my aunts, mom and I make occasional day trips to. It has a boutique, coffee shop, bakery, pots and accessories, classes, meetings, landscaping plants, outdoor items, rare houseplants, and they do a tiny plant sale where starts are $5 (which I love for trying out different kinds). I can’t imagine competing with this place, coupled with Home Depot, Walmart etc with my dinky little collection lol 😅

[@Plantlady77]

At this point, I just hope Amanda is okay! Not like her to say exiting content is coming and then radio silence. 🥺 I truly hope that it was just a business move and what was best for her. If that’s the case, I think everyone would understand. It’s the not knowing that has me worried tbh. I wish absolutely nothing but the best for her no matter what though!! Another great video!! 💚

[@Gee-xb7rt]

My understanding was the shipping and dealing with damaged plants was too much of a hassle. Its probably not an easy decision to shut down, but I think she has kept doing landscape design while running the shop. I assume her husband is fairly well employed.

[@Plantlady77]

@@Gee-xb7rt out of curiosity, where did this understanding come from?

[@Gee-xb7rt]

@@Plantlady77 I don't really have any insider knowledge, I know when she started social media she was a landscape designer. She mentioned constant shipping/damaged plant problems in a video. I don't think she was very hands on with the plant business, I don't know where the greenhouses were in relationship to her home, but they live in the Hampton. Owning a small business and paying someone to run it for you is an expense most people can't afford. I don't think people realize how massive an operation like Costa Farms is, like just google maps one of their many greenhouse locations, that kind of volume is why they get away with selling Philodendron tortum and pink princesses for 20 bucks. They also use immigrant labor on temporary contracts so they don't pay any direct taxes, social security, healthcare, anything but a wage for field/greenhouse workers.

[@3l3llala13]

@@Plantlady77 Amanda made the claim about the hassle of dealing with damaged plants from shipping in one of her videos post closing of her plant site. I personally think it had to do more with the high prices she charged, the additional S&H fee and then just not enough customers to keep the business afloat.

[@prettyingreen]

I agree I hope Amanda is ok too! I reached out a couple times so hoping we can figure out what happened with the shop

[@rosemontez3674]

Love your honesty with your own plant business. Great content, great info as always!

[@prettyingreen]

Thank you Rose. I’m always nervous to share the real parts of it, but I’ll keep doing so 💚

[@stevennguyen4993]

These stores opened and took advantage of a trend, and benefitted from inflated price tags and elevated consumer demand for plants, at the same time that they told consumers to "shop local" and "support small businesses". In reality, there's really no reason to order a $25 ZZ plant and have it shipped for $8, when you can get the Raven ZZ for $20 right at Lowe's. When you market plants for its "easy care", don't think that consumers are only flocking towards your supply.

[@irairod5160]

Oh, no! I purchased one of my favorite plants, a variegated Eliator (Cast Iron) from Planterina. I did not knw they had closed. What a bummer! I hope Amanda continues to film because I find her so entertaining!

[@melanieklarofficial]

And as for planterina-I looked a few times on the website and never bought because it was SO expensive.

[@prettyingreen]

I felt the same way every time I checked the site too

[@Lenra1234]

I live in the Bay Area, and It is undeniable that many people established their stores only budgeted on the short-term pandemic trends and lacked long-term success. When a large number of plants originate from the same few vendors, why would I opt for multiple stores instead? Many plant stores sell identical products, making it difficult to justify spending more at another store with higher prices.

[@teganella]

I got plants from Planterina, riddled with bugs. Sent photos, was mostly ignored and then the customer service rep was really crabby, so yeah, I'm not sad.

[@tim_meister]

Im not super surprised by the planterina thing. When I looked at her shop earlier last year she was selling pretty basic stuff that is sold in big numbers by the big producers. You need to find a market differentiator, like now I see a lot of custom one off anthurium hybrids. Thats compelling as a buyer because that cross might not ever be done again, plus if you are buying a specific plant, it can have traits not expressed by other seedlings. However, I can see the market getting flooded with anthurium hybrids and people just not caring about most of them. Its kind of sad the market has gotten so crazy and volatile because I think that will lead to a big dip and a lot of rarer plants (not expensive or boujie) are not going to be available because sellers will have to focus on the money makers.

[@vmvm949]

this

[@tortyreus2384]

The Anthurium hybrid hype will die down fast. Sure, many are "unique" and may never be produced again but, it's gonna get to a point very soon where uniqueness matters nothing when you have 10.000 unique varieties in front of you, many of which are so similar that it lessens the impact of the word "unique" even more.

[@tim_meister]

@@tortyreus2384 yes exactly

[@renegadetherapist5664]

As a 68 yr old who has been gardening since I was about 5.......my mom let me grow basil in the kitchen LOL, I will not pay crazy prices for plants. It has been such a "trendy" thing. And propagation is wonderful!!

[@greendancingshoes]

I agree. People have shared plants or pieces of them with me, and I do the same. I also carefully choose plants from big box stores, isolate them and watch carefully for a week or more, and add to my collection when all is well. I love propagating for myself and to share . I think that during the pandemic, businesses opened to take advantage of the opportunity and is some cases to earn money because of the limits on what we could and could not do. Some people needed another income to make ends meet. We all coped the way we needed to. I am still propagating, sharing and thankfully accepting snips in return. 😊

[@ellieraggs]

Planterina lost me on the shipping cost. I live in the same state they shipped from and they charged a large flat shipping rate (nearly $20 if memory serves). That was a deal breaker as I could order from nearly anywhere else in the whole country for less, and from my own state for a lot less. I emailed them a message regarding that issue and never heard back.

[@tiffanyi5645]

Planterina really did have their plants way over priced. I agree with the previous comment that only people new to plants would pay those prices only to find out later they were overcharged like crazy lol

[@rdred8693]

@@tiffanyi5645 It's disgraceful. How many new people gave up b/c of her greed?

[@nitewarden]

There's a huge plant store/nursery that opened up in San Diego about a month ago. It has a cute coffee shop inside of it and nice looking plants. It's using a remodeled warehouse as its store and as much as I'd love for it to do well, I'm very skeptical of whether it can last. I'd say the coffee shop was getting more traffic than the actual plant side of the building.

[@familhagaudir8561]

A nearby city garden center opened a restaurent. Lol why add another low-profit-margins side-buisness? The plants and the meals are out of my price range. I have to sell many plants to make room anyway, but the price is definetly scaring newcomers away. Price and bad advice ( ex : Phalaenopsis orchids grown in greenhpuse filtered Sun do great. Costumers told to "never put it in the Sun" and the plants potted in a way that make it easy to rot the roots in a house ( no wind ). The plant slowly dies. Costumer learns "nice plants are too hard" and rarely buy one because it's a perishable gift to them. Meanwhile, my first Phalaenopsis from 10+ years ago is still nice and blooming 8 months a year in a West-facing window. Because I ignored the label and employee instructions.

[@genshinF2Play]

i dont mind paying a little bit more for a good specimen or lush plant that would take years to grow, but i've seen some sellers that really OVERCHARGE like x10 the price of a plant and honestly it turned me off. so i don't really feel sorry for them.

[@themainjam]

I really enjoy all of your content and placed an order in your shop. I am happy to keep supporting small businesses.

[@prettyingreen]

Thank you so much for the order!!! We're looking for a weather window ship everything :)

[@themainjam]

No rush, I don't mind waiting for better weather.

[@john56801]

I also believe that as plant people get better at plant care, they lose fewer plants. At some point their collection goes net positive. I remember my first year, post Covid, I made so many purchases and lost just as many. Now even in winter, my plants keep multiplying and I've run out of space.

[@prettyingreen]

Yup! This is very true. Great point!

[@sonyad.5942]

Two local plant boutiques that opened here during COVID closed in late summer. One said she would go back to selling at festivals after a short hiatus, but, so far, she has not. The other closed abruptly after the Sephora next door offered the owner a manager job. Surprisingly, a third shop that had scaled back their plant offerings towards the end of the pandemic in favor of other gift and home decor has increased them again. It has been the exception as small local plant businesses go.

[@Fabdanc]

Support the businesses worth supporting. If the staff is knowledgeable, they have interesting and unique things that you can't find anywhere else, and they have sound business practices, you should definitely support these places. Spoiler, it is not going to be every small shop you walk in to. Consumers can generally recognize a wolf in sheep's clothing. If it looks gimmicky, the prices don't match the quality of product, and the staff is just punching the clock... chances are it is just someone who thought they can turn a quick buck or someone who thinks they can run a business but actually has no idea how to run a business.

[@gwenncoath8941]

I agree. There’s a local plant shop that I frequent because the quality of her plants is great, the service and knowledge are amazing, and I’ve built a rapport with the shop owner. To me, that means a lot when I can walk into the store and be greeted by my first name. It also means a lot to me when the store owner knows what plants I prefer and keeps me in mind when she has them in stock. I do buy from plant swaps, Etsy, and big box shops, but I always make sure I support the local plant shop!

[@blahdeblaaah9445]

I grew six foot tall zinnias from seed last spring and summer and I’d never grown anything before in my life. Buying from plant stores removes that pride and joy you get between the seed going into the soil and moving the seedling outside. And it’s more expensive. I’ll still buy plants from plant stores, but now that I’m (slightly) more educated on how plants grow (and that I can do it myself), I look at plant store prices differently.

[@xbettalove]

Houseplant prices skyrocketed at the begining on the pandemic. Prices have not gone back down and the quality of plants do not match the prices.

[@deeeno6867]

I used to be an avid “plant collector”, both pre- and post- pandemic, but I probably bought around 4 houseplants max this past year bc I have barely any expendable income. This economy doesn’t allow us to have the privilege of hobbies anymore :’(

[@milesrn2312]

Don't worry you can always propagate them have a tons of plants for free.

[@tortyreus2384]

I live in Sweden and plant prices here are 3-4 times higher on average than when I buy them from Holland, my homeland. It's sad that plant stores close but hey, why would I, or anyone, buy triple the price for the same plant just because it comes "locally"?

[@Lyryn2214]

Here's my thought on the matter....the specialty stores are very expensive (and high quality with clean plants and tons of variety) but if I want a particular plant, I can go to an online store. I have noticed that in our FB house plant group, people are getting together to place orders. The phrase "plant purge" is common in the plant group and on FB marketplace as a whole., I noticed this summer that every garage sale had at least a few plants and most had a solid 12-20. I loved my local plant store but 3 of them opened during/after the pandemic. Our community isn't big enough (30,000 folk and everything comes by plane or boat) to sustain one store let alone 3. .

[@prettyingreen]

🎯

[@Winstonsmom]

There are only so many plants a person can own, and there are only so many people interested in plants. Once the market is saturated, then what? It’s too bad. I was enjoying the influx of new and interesting varieties, but again, I’m saturated so…

[@Fabdanc]

Totally... And tropicals... Get big. What starts off as a node with 2 leaves in a cute pot can turn into a massive plant that takes up tons of space in just a few years. It is a lot of maintenance to keep tropicals in check. If you're not willing to regularly resize your plants... It gets out of hand fast.

[@vaderladyl]

Meanwhile Home Depot, Lowes , Walmart and Ebay, to name the well known brands, had been selling plants since they opened doors the first time in a very understated manner, covering the need for people to have a place to buy plants.

[@liriodendronlasianthus]

As a person in Southeast Asia, I end up getting plants from a nursery or cuttings online. Sometimes I get grocery store plants, if I feel like it!

[@kaylablack2012]

As an online seller, I’ve mainly been doing cuttings and starter plants. It’s true that the country-wide hype is gone, but there are still ppl who love to buy, trade and share locally which has been a really nice experience. I’ve always been cheap (definitely not the type of person spending $50+ for one plant), but it has gotten to the point where the supply is outweighing the demand.

[@UniWizDom]

As sad as it is, this was bound to happen. If you know a bit about how the economy and trends work, you could see this one coming. One thing I have learned is that once something becomes 'popular', it's on its way out. It's like the beginning of the end in a way. Because usually, once something becomes popular, more people/companies will participate, more competition will follow, prices will get lower and so on. This will eventually result in too many sellers, less demand per seller and less profit per plant.

[@plantypittsburgh]

In my area, I think there is totally room for a plant shop that deals in plants that people actually want. All of the plant "shops" around here are going for some kind of cool aesthetic with couches and crap. I don't need a couch. I want plants. And they all rely solely on deliveries. Nobody props, grows, tissue cultures, etc. Nobody is importing the latest from Thailand. The nearest "local" with a tissue culture lab is 45 minutes away. Nurseries locally sell houseplants, but you'll never see any cool, harder to find plants. No variegation. Just slightly more interesting than big box stores.

[@amberb071]

I work at a garden center and when builders storm in and clear cut land leaving deer homeless and hungry they eat people's landscape plants. People don't want to keep replacing them.

[@breezykneezy7290]

Planterina was always overpriced. I’m actually surprised it didn’t tank sooner.

[@ddc2343d]

Funny i was into plans for about the last 10+ years. When the pandemic came, everthing got too expensive for silly common plants. It kind of sucked the fun out of it. I still have a lot of plants but i no longer chase the next thing.

[@kyrad6543]

Even in the pre-pandemic, independent nurseries were dropping like flies. Some had been in business for 60+ years. They were not as profitable and someone offered them millions of dollars for their land, and with no young relatives interested in the businesses, they just decided to give in to the offers. It's heart-breaking to those of us who have been obsessed with plants (both indoor and outdoor) for years. The big box stores make it hard on them too.

[@eviltwinnancy4561]

I'm not gonna lie, despite being a huge plant enthusiast for years, I got sucked into buying over priced plants off of Etsy habitually when the craze started. But I have found very large supposedly "rare" specimens for a lot cheaper at the big box stores. Plus, I know what I am buying up front, I don't have to worry about damaged or late deliveries, the frustration of being deceived or having to pay ridiculous shipping fees. I will still purchase on-line but only for small terrarium plants that I know I will never find locally.

[@trishy47]

Wow! I loved Plant Theory, it was my fav plant store to go to after work. Sad to see them close.

[@megasocky]

Theres soo many both in person and online plant stores that sell super common plants for covid prices still and no one visits. The one "bougie" plant store where I live is thriving because of the vibes (really good drinks/staff) and theyre the only place that sells rare plants and their prices have honestly matched what you'd get online. The other actual nurseries (does landscaping/in house prop) are still a little expensive but not focusing on houseplants allows them to still be around Also the said bougie houseplants has a community with other small stores where they often do events together. I think that also contributes to it

[@prettyingreen]

This sounds like the only real option for brick and mortar: competitive pricing with some added service of drinks, books, coffee, etc… you gotta build community if you want to stick around

[@deltatango6793]

I have been saying for a long time how I love going into plant shops, and walking around and every once in a while, I am enticed by something more often than not, but I think it would be awesome for two businesses to team up in the same space… What do I mean? I mean a Cocktail bar or a coffee shop or a lunch spot or something of that nature and a plant shop… You basically get customers coming in for drinks or food… Or even a used bookshop?! Something… Anything… Bring people in… And they can buy a plant that they happen upon… This way you have two businesses sharing rent and you have doubled your foot traffic.

[@deltatango6793]

How about a healthy drink and snack spot.. and it can be called “Green”. Lol Also, pastry shops are great for this, because people often pop into a pastry shop to get a box of goodies when they are going to visit someone’s home… Get them a box of pastries, and a tiny plant?! Why not?!

[@vmvm949]

thats happening a lot, specially in asia

[@rdred8693]

That's a dream of mine! A combo used bookstore, coffee shop and plant store. Your idea is excellent

[@deltatango6793]

@@rdred8693 maybe the forgotten public libraries should make annex spaces with plant shops 🤔

[@eviltwinnancy4561]

@@deltatango6793 Maybe used book stores can sell cheap plant purges or rehabs that people have brought in for a little cash?

[@letsclimb5828]

I wish you did long form content! I could listen to you talk about plant stuff all day!

[@prettyingreen]

Really? Maybe I’ll do longer plant topic chats 🤗

[@Plantlady77]

I second this!!!

[@Txlawngirl]

It’s nice to have something informative instead of “big box store plant shopping “ videos.

[@lvbaum3]

We have two little local plant shops where I live. One just announced they will be closing Jan 14th. She was the more expensive out of the two.

[@marierejoiceinjesus3846]

This seems to be happening to hydroponics stores also. Well, I do see constant articles about all types of businesses closing in the Chicago area.

[@letsclimb5828]

Happening in Northern Michigan also

[@prettyingreen]

Yup! I remember the hydro closure in 2012 in CA when the Cannabis world slowed down

[@skylarmickel]

Great video! I have sold tons of plants through Facebook for almost 7 years. Would definitely never open a brick and mortar shop honestly it's hard for me to believe some people are still trying to open new plant shops.

[@2close2themoon]

Prices are too high and TC is undercutting that by increasing supply. However, there are also too many sellers, primarily on Etsy, letting go of weak TC babies. I'm an experienced plant grower but when I get a relatively basic Aglaonema, Philodendron or Syngonium (versions that have plenty of green anyway; I don't do the pale pink/mostly white stuff) and they never thrive past that initial plug they come in, I don't want to patronize those businesses anymore. It's very frustrating right now.

[@rcastells]

You hit all fair points as to why this is happening to plant stores, I also think that this is something affecting many more industries and it is in my opinion a normal realignment with current times. Btw, I have not seen any plant stores going out of business here in Florida, I do still shop locally.

[@iansimpkins2570]

I recall seeing a store in Seattle last year that was selling 6 month old common Philodendron and pothos starts in plastic production pots for well over $100. Why would I pay that? Especially if there is no service, welcome, or knowledge provided to me it makes no sense. If I want something I go on Ebay, Etsy, or FB. It's 1/3 or less of the cost and it isn't much smaller than what I see the B&M stores selling.

[@kass8008]

I love your content! I try to only buy from sellers in my state aside from a couple of sellers in PPUSA. I’m pretty spoiled location wise, though. I live close to an incredible Hoya grower, and have somewhat close markets that I can attend.

[@CandraLH]

I live close to Philly and everyone told me to visit Ill Exotics. Vibes were great but the plants were way too expensive for the sizes. I left with nothing, went across the street and got a pedicure instead.

[@prettyingreen]

Price is SUCH an important variable, if not the MOST important in how people decide to purchase or not-especially in a competitive industry like plants.

[@FrauYaU]

Another issue is if your customers are good at caring for their plants, then they’re plants are growing and they only have so much space in their house for plants. I bought several little Monstera Adansonii a couple years ago and now I have vines all over the place. As much as I love adansonii, I definitely won’t be buying anymore. Even if I wanted more, I could just propagate them from one of my many vines. Plant stores are selling a product people can only buy so many of, as opposed to an item you have to rebuy regularly.

[@arihikes]

This video was so spot on. I couldn’t understand how new plant businesses thought it would look after people returned to work. Can you give some insight?

[@prettyingreen]

Honestly I think it’s like any rush. 2020 we sold more plants than ever before-that brought in lots of gold miners. And most were too late to the game, and brick and mortar can’t compete in price with online only shops. Honestly I think it was just good old greed…

[@desertflower9557]

I found Planterina in 2023 I believe. I did get a chance to see her first announcement when she found out from her business partner that Planterina would be going away. I came searching for her yesterday, trying hard to remember her name because, she said that she would be coming back under something, hopefully under her own name. I’m glad you got pushed out for me to find out any updates re: Amanda and the close of Planterina. I had printed out a list she had provided of all the Calathea, Stromanthe, etc Prayer Plants. I pray the best for her.

[@katyalupochev9589]

I feel like your point about big business catching up was super accurate. Even in my country, supermarket chains used to just have cut flowers and maybe some planted daffodil bulbs in spring. Now almost every major chain has sections with Hoya, peperomia, monstera, you name it. I even see fancy philodendron and stuff in chain hardware shops. Don’t see how one small business can compete long term with the sourcing, consulting, and bulk discounts of big chains

[@OkikaHawaii]

The end and flow of the plant business world does this. Historically it tends to only leave those who know how to grow really well and cut costs. Usually means having your nursery on site with where you live.

[@ericcesarmorales1195]

Illexotics was a beautiful place to visit, and they had a great display at the Philly Flower Show too

[@AcrylDame]

This is truly sad. I too hope to leave my 9 to 5 one day and sell plants instead but interest on cuttings and plants I post seems low. I might instead start selling rare chile plants and the like since I have experience in growing tomatoes and so on from seed.

[@AmbersDaintyBush]

Smart! Perhaps you could have like a garage sale but with veggie starts in spring?

[@AcrylDame]

@@AmbersDaintyBush In spring there are events called "young plant market" were people sell veggie plants. I will try to participate.

[@tiffanyi5645]

The best brick and mortar plant shops are the ones that are not trying to look like an instagram photo…the random discount/plans stores in China town, and Ridgewood (in Queens) are good…my favorite place near me is called Knotty Gardens, they have 2 locations in BedStuy good prices and great selection for a brick and mortar shop

[@Suzyq6131]

Part of the problem with Plantarina is that when people started going back to work, the plant boom stopped. The other reason is that if you read BBB complaints, they charged a lot for plants and they arrived in bad condition. I remember hearing that before they closed.

[@Ruby-wt6bf]

Some plant stores are too expensive, but others aren’t unique at all. I’ve visited many, many, many local plant shops and it’s always the same variety of plants. Some plant shops will/would sell “rare/uncommon” plants, but for crazy prices. Some plant shops didn’t care for their plants correctly….ect, ect. I’ve only been to two plant shops that genuinely bring something to the table and are worth driving to.

[@jayogee913]

The rents are just out of control. Straight up price gouging from the property owners. Even small little one window/one door spaces in my flyover state suburb wants thousands and thousands per month in rent. I don't get how any kind of business makes it, much less plant stores. They're going to have to come up with some kind of solution like having hybrid spaces, maybe partner with a clothing store or bakery/coffee shop and have both products in one space and split rent? Also maybe just having seasonal sales, such as at farmers markets in the summers, and holiday markets for the holidays, during those times when sales are usually highest anyway.

[@arthurtang951]

The businesses that continue to thrive are growers, like StevesLeaves, Logees, etc. They don't just rely on buying wholesale then selling, but the majority of their plants are grown in their own greenhouses. The houseplant industry have always belonged to the growers, not the sellers. Plant shops that don't grow their own plants cannot solely sell plants, they have to sell other things like ceramics, decor, household supplies etc.

[@amberisthecolor3551]

I love plants and have a small collection but yes some plant store prices are insane for most peoples budgets. I’m lucky to live in an area that has a plant store with super affordable prices and great plants so I can support their small business but I tend to buy from Lowe’s or home depo.

[@cattuslavandula]

Also, a lot of great channels on KZbin have stopped producing new content since the pandemic has eased. Others have cut way back on the numbers of videos they make. Some of my favorite plant channels have just vanished or are mostly abandoned.

[@biteofdog]

Even big box stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, Trader Joe's, and grocery stores jumped in on the houseplant craze during the pandemic. A boutique store that I used to love going to in Seattle changed to a houseplant store with ultra-rare plants, it was bizarre, I miss the way it was before the pandemic. I'm sad Planterina is not around anymore, her videos were amazing.

[@richardmahogany2778]

As a covid plant daddy myself and it may be that I'm from central FL, but many of my local wholesalers have monthly and quarterly open houses and provide far more variety and lower costs than any of the local stores.

[@hawkstar1233]

I live in the Midwest and our nurseries are still high in terms of buying plants. I go to a local ish nursery and they still think they can get the hype Covid price for the plants and they are not worth nearly that much. It’s sad that it’s going this way but it is the times now.

[@BeckaBomb]

I tried to support a local small plant store that just opened. Horrible customer service with even that I bought 2 plants. The costs were way over market IMO. The 2 plants I bought ended up being mid cuttings with hardly any nodes. I will not be back

[@rdred8693]

Isn't that sad? You do the right thing, and they didn't deliver quality service or a product. I make sure my customers feel welcome and happy when they come into my work place. It might be the only positive interaction that person has all week.

[@valerieclark5695]

Thanks have always been curious about Planterina but I don’t think there is a correlation between video watches and likes and subscribers on KZbin and plant buying, or Instagram. I follow people in other countries and who sell plants I don’t have the facilities to grow - cold growing orchids for example. I hope your business can keep going as I really enjoy your content. Has anyone tried pop ups as a compromise as brick and mortar is too expensive?

[@prettyingreen]

Yeah we did about 15 pop ups in 2023! Some of them great, other times tougher sales with tons of cost and effort. It’s definitely a shifting market

[@shannonh425]

I get most my plants from grocery outlet bargain market they sell small plants for 4.95$ sometimes I go to the plant nursery there about 19.95 a plant there but it’s a rare variety . Sometimes I Exchange clippings with friends.

[@DeborahVerret-yp9fp]

I don't buy from those that sell online, with the exception of one. Which is in my state so it's quick shipping. I got burned on plants more than once. I'm afraid of doing it again.I wish those that have lost their business the best of luck.

[@bethlovesthings]

Where i am (Perth, WA) most of our plant stores (that aren't full on nurseries) are transitioning to hybrid models (aka plant shop cafes). I do think the 'trend' is over for many because at the end of the day they are living breathing things that require maintenance so a lot people i know killed their houseplants and are no longer interested in replacing them. Personally I got into plants around 2015 and will still be into plants in 2025 and beyond 😂

[@nancyk8153]

it's because during the pandemic the prices of plants were sky high and now Costa Farms are selling the same plants at Home Depot and Lowes for 70% less

[@prettyingreen]

Yup!

[@VioletGraces]

During the pandemic, my husband and I chose two small family restaurants to support. Our few lunch and dinner purchases did not keep them in business during those hard years, but it helped. Sounds like plant shops are in the same position now. As consumers we have the choice of who we can support. I have been so impressed with the quality of plants that I have received from Pretty in Green. Come spring I will be ordering exclusively from you. And this winter I will make the choice to not buy from Home Depot or Lowe’s.

[@prettyingreen]

Linda don’t make me tear up on a Saturday nowwwww 🥹 Our little 3 person team sees you and appreciates you so damn much 🙌💚💚💚 Thank you for supporting us!

[@paulacothren3591]

Planterina customers realized how propagation works, and grew their own instead of continuing to pay Planterina prices, which were outrageous.

[@aplantprocess]

So many great points. I think part of the problem is, not all plant shops have been or are managed well. I’ve seen some with plants that are dying, that have pests, are being damaged by too much sun because they are too close to a window, etc. I think we all want to visit spaces that feel inspiring and too often it’s depressing. But I get it. These cute shops typically don’t have a ton of employees and there are only so many hours in the day. I’ve purchased clothing or other planty stuff to show support in those cases when I know the owner(s) are trying but even that’s tough because I know the same products are available for less online and it feels inevitable that there shop won’t last. People have moved on from plants but there are many of us that still love this hobby and want to see this community thrive. Sadly, there are just fewer opportunities to learn and grow 😉 and there’s a lot of talk about the down side of this hobby (which I think puts people off overall). Not criticizing you or your content, it’s a reflection of what’s happening everywhere. Where do we go from here? I think there was this idea of limited supply and it felt fun to be “on the hunt” but the market reset makes plants feel more like a commodity than an amazing find. Maybe there’s space for collaborations so that spaces people visit have nice plants for sale but also brings people in for other compelling reasons too?

[@Chaos3183]

Thanks to this video I was able to get a few plants from illexotics on sale. But now I have very little in the way of plant stores In the area beyond home depot and lowes. Their prices were a bit on the high side but I also like browsing in person. It sucks overall.

[@prettyingreen]

Good on you for supporting them. Shutting doors is always rough

[@Chaos3183]

@@prettyingreen yeah I could tell after talking with the owner. They seemed down and I dont blame them. The only thing I coul dthink is the area they are in is an expensive area god knows what it costs to rent the space they did on that street. Must have been crazy. I hope they are able to find a way to come back.

[@richardr5878]

Always appreciate the insight. Love your channel for this type of content and information. Very surprised about Planterena. Super big following and I bet a partner wanting to divest is likely. Seen so many good business and restaurants close due to things like divorce. IMO, I also think big shops like this did not pivot fast enough. Seems cursed between being big as a wholesaler, but not priced as one, and also not stalking enough exotics that you can’t find in the big box stores you mentioned. I find my online purchases are more from Etsy shops, but I’m also a more niche shopper. It feels like so many of the brick and mortar stores also put themselves in the same plant+social niche and now that space is very over run with the theme making no one unique. I’m not sure a “tropicals only” is a sustainable, large model. The trend for brick and mortar stores I’ve seen blow up in the past couple seasons- gardening nurseries that also carry trees adding an exotic plant shop. I was pleasantly surprised to see this when I was getting my veggies last spring. Although they are not my first thought if I was looking for a Thai Con, with the right marketing and desire to compete in this area, they could make that model a year round destination and some are beginning to do so.

[@prettyingreen]

Great point about nurseries bringing in diverse plants from trees to tropicals to veggies! Always appreciate you watching and commenting!!! 🙌

[@khills]

Yep; several of my local nurseries in Northern MA have large tropical departments every year… they close them out as winter comes, and bright the merchandise back in the spring. And while they’re still expensive, they’re much cheaper than most of the online stores I’ve checked for similar plants.

[@carolstuff]

It’s sad to see small plant stores closing. Thanks for sharing!

[@prettyingreen]

Thanks for watching, Carol!!

[@prettyingreen]

This Saturday’s video will address Planterina removing all videos ❤ (vid drops Jan 27)

[@shanemaloy]

Whoaaa

[@mattm5174]

I just saw that today and even their IG

[@milianebertrand3328]

We are experiencing the same in France : 4 shops closed in the past 6 months, some of them were open before the pandemic. This is so sad

[@SorcererDragon]

It’s a shame, after I graduated college in 2020 I worked at a nursery and that changed my life. Working at a garden center again is my back up plan and I’m scared that’s not gonna work out now.

[@chrysteldespain143]

Thank you as always for the great insights

[@prettyingreen]

I appreciate you watching!

[@Chrispyoy]

almost skipped the video because of the red thumbnail frame lol it makes it look like a watched video

[@prettyingreen]

OH DAMN! Great insight 🙌 I will never do that again hahahaha

[@tristenhunt8400]

Now with shops closing what is the outlook for TC plants? I know you can get cheaper prices for TC plants but its not like there is really a TC company that has a general store front. it seems people do some TC on etsy, but people who dont do plant TC have misconceptions about TC plants.

[@shirleymoore3706]

I think plant owners are also reducing their collection. I gave away more than half of my collection back in November.

[@prettyingreen]

Absolutely

[@alex_la_fantastica1632]

I support my local plant shops as much as I can. And yes I do buy from big box stores as well but I don’t want the small shops to get hurt. I also bought from Planterina a few years ago I like her channel. I paid a lot for a small common plant but I’m sad to learn she had to close her shop.

[@thegomez5385]

If more people could see the science or link to plant ownership and better health maybe the market would change drastically. People spend extra on Whole Foods, Organic and fresh because they want to be healthy. Mental health is also positively affected by being around plants.

[@prettyingreen]

This is so true. Tons of studies on how plants are good for mental health (and obv the oxygen)

[@L_MD_]

I go to the markets or local nurseries to buy my plants. Never purchased online and never would

[@JustinHancockGardener]

Though they're not really considered a small plant shop, The Sill also did the call for their customers to help fund them as they lose access to some of their venture capital sources. And while we're seeing it with small plant shops, there's increased pressure through the entire industry, even on big growers with companies like Altman Plants, Danziger, Monrovia, and Proven Winners getting into the space. If we have another year or two like 2022/2023, I'm afraid we'll likely see mid-size growers fade away.

[@prettyingreen]

That’s so interesting! I didn’t know that but just saw the crowdfunding page where they raised $1.7M I also hope we have a rebound in the industry, but The Sill, Bloomscape, George and Leon are all notoriously overpriced, and customers will choose to shop elsewhere. Appreciate the insight, Justin!!

[@shanemaloy]

And The Sill said it was all funding towards an acquisition!

[@elinkay4661]

@@prettyingreen$1.7M?! Some people have too much to spare! Wow I wonder what motivated people to donate to a pretty sizeable for-profit business?

[@prettyingreen]

@@shanemaloy no way!!! I didn't know this!