Collecting Houseplants on a Budget

One of the first surprises I had when I first started collecting houseplants is that it is quite a bit more pricy than I would have ever guessed! Not only can certain plants be expensive (especially if you are drawn to “rare” or “uncommon” plants), but the supplies to care for them and display them can add up as well. I am all about finding deals and doing things cheap, so I am going to share with you some ways that I continue to grow and care for my collection spending less money.

Local Facebook Groups

Facebook Marketplace is a great place to look for plants, but I have found that there is pretty much a Facebook group for ANYTHING, and there are TONS of Facebook groups out there for gardeners, plant collectors, and the like. I typically try to find local groups first so that I can arrange a meetup and see the plants in person rather than having to deal with shipping. However, there are plenty of groups that are not bound by location which have tons of collectors looking to buy, sell, and trade. A bonus is that these groups are great resources for learning about the plants you already have based on what people share, and you can post questions about your plants and get feedback from other enthusiasts who often know a lot and are happy to give advice! Some groups also coordinate meetups and events where you can find new plants and share yours!

Prop & Trade

Have you been propagating some of your plants and are happy to part with one of your baby duplicates in exchange for a new-to-you plant? Find people who would be willing to trade one of their props for yours! This could be friends, neighbors, or fellow collectors in Facebook groups or at events.

Buy & Split

Somewhat similar to the prop and trade method, if you find a potted plant that you know could easily be split into two or more pots, go in on it with a friend or someone else who is interested, split the cost, and repot the plant into two separate containers. Now you have your plant for a fraction of the price!

Etsy - Especially Bundles

I know there are many growers selling on Etsy, and this can be a way to support small businesses and get a potentially better price on your plants. One recent discovery I made (this may just be new to me) but some growers will sell propagation bundles, so you get multiple starter plants at a discount price. If you are feeling really adventurous, search for mystery bundles. I recently ordered a mystery bundle of philodendron cuttings, and it was such a fun surprise to open the package when it arrived!

Big Box Stores

I know I might get some criticism for promoting big box stores, but this can sometimes be a more economical way to find plants if you are on a tight budget. Don’t skip over the clearance section, because sometimes you can find a good rehab plant at a discount price, but do be careful because you definitely do not want to spend money on a diseased plant or one that will introduce pests to the rest of your collection. If you go this route, inspect the plants VERY closely and be mindful of the risk. Another tip: keep an eye out on the floor for plant pieces that might have fallen off but could be propagated. I have found that big box employees in particular don’t care if you take them, I always ask first but I have never been told no. On that same note, there are a few times where I have brought a non-discounted plant to the counter and shown the employee a leaf I was concerned about, etc. and they have given me a discount.

Start with a cutting rather than a mature plant

If you have some patience (a lot, because some plants can grow pretty slow!) consider starting with a cutting rather than a mature plant. This could be for plants you are interested in trying out but don’t want to make the big investment on. Maybe you have a friend willing to give you a cutting for free, or there is someone in a Facebook group or on Etsy trading or selling cuttings for less than the mature plant.

I hope these tips help! Getting new plants is always exciting, and when you can find them on a budget it’s even better! Do you have other tips? Reply to this email to share with me!

Want some inspiration on what plants you would like to add your collection? Peruse my Pinterest board of my Houseplant Wishlist for ideas on houseplants you would like to keep an eye out for!

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