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Plants do more than look pretty — they change the mood of a room, clean the air a bit, and turn empty corners into cozy nooks. Whether you’re outfitting an apartment balcony or planning a backyard makeover, the right greenery can be like a splash of color on a blank canvas. Think of plants as living décor: they grow, respond to care, and reward you with personality. If you’re new to plant parenting, don’t worry — there’s a perfect match out there that won’t bite back.
Shopping for plants has never been easier. From brick-and-mortar nurseries to online stores that ship fully potted plants, options span the budget and convenience spectrum. Below I break down reputable US stores where shoppers commonly find solid selections of both indoor and outdoor plants, along with what makes each one worth a look.
The Sill focuses on indoor plants and delivers nicely packaged, potted options designed for apartment living and desk corners. If you want plants chosen for light conditions and delivered in sizes like 6 inch or 8 inch pots, this is an approachable pick. They also include how-to care tips, which feels like having a small plant coach in the box.
Bloomscape sells larger indoor plants that arrive potted and ready to display. Their selection ranges from 1 foot tabletop specimens to center-of-room showstoppers around 4 feet tall. If you don’t want to fuss with repotting, Bloomscape’s ready-made approach reduces setup time and visualizes how a plant will look in a living area.
Home Depot is a go-to for homeowners who want both plants and landscape supplies. The nurseries inside many stores stock flowering shrubs, small trees, and a rotating selection of houseplants at budget-friendly prices. If you need potting soil bags measured in quarts or 1 cubic foot bags, or decorative planters in 12 inch or 16 inch diameters, Home Depot makes it easy to match plants with the right gear.
Lowe’s offers a similar experience to Home Depot with a strong seasonal selection. In spring and summer you’ll find herbs, vegetable starts, and patio-ready containers; during fall they shift to mums and ornamental grasses that handle cooler temperatures. Lowe’s is practical if you prefer shopping in person and want to see stock before buying.
For gardeners who want to grow from seed or choose varieties bred for US climates, Burpee has decades of experience. Their vegetable and flower seeds are a great option if you enjoy watching a plant’s lifecycle from sprout to harvest. Seed packets list germination times and spacing, often measured in inches and feet, making planning straightforward.
This company balances plant sales with high-quality garden tools, raised beds, and clever planters. If you’re building a pollinator patch or need hardy perennials for borders, Gardener’s Supply Company tends to carry options suitable for sustainable gardens and thoughtful design.
Costco and Target are surprising plant destinations because they combine affordability with decent quality. If you want multiple starter plants for a patio or a cluster of succulents, these stores often sell in packs that save money and look great grouped together. The plants may be in smaller pots — 3 inch to 6 inch — but they’re perfect for containers or starting a display.
Never underestimate the value of a neighborhood nursery. Local growers understand your microclimate and can recommend plants proven to thrive in your area. They also tend to carry unique cultivars, heirloom varieties, and mature specimens you won’t find in box stores. Visiting a local nursery feels like tapping into community wisdom.
Picking an indoor plant is like choosing a roommate; you want someone who fits your habits. Do you have bright, sunny windows or mostly shade? How much time do you want to spend watering? Match a plant’s needs to your lifestyle. Low-light tolerant plants — think snake plant or pothos — are forgiving, while fiddle-leaf figs and citrus trees like brighter spaces and a little attention.
Rather than jargon like “bright indirect,” think of light by how many feet from the window a plant will live. South-facing windows deliver strong light up to several feet into a room, while north-facing windows give softer light that’s best for shade lovers. A good rule: if you can comfortably read a book without turning on a light during midday, you likely have medium to bright light.
Pay attention to pot size and mature plant height. Common pot sizes at stores include 4 inch, 6 inch, 8 inch, and larger. A 6 inch pot is great for tabletop plants around 1 to 2 feet tall, while floor plants that reach 3 to 5 feet usually start in 8 inch pots or larger. Choosing the right pot keeps your plant looking balanced and reduces repotting stress.
Outdoor plants must be chosen with climate and soil in mind. In the US, zones matter — but if you’re not into mapping hardiness zones, consider frost dates and average summer highs in your area. Some stores, especially local nurseries and Burpee, label plants for sun tolerance and expected mature size, which helps you avoid future crowding issues.
Flowering perennials and many shrubs need full sun — typically 6 or more hours of direct sun — while ferns and hostas prefer shade. Plant labels often give spacing in inches or feet; follow those numbers to prevent overcrowding. Think of spacing like giving each plant its own living room: too tight and everyone starts competing for resources.
Not all soil is created equal. Many outdoor plants prefer well-draining soil amended with compost or peat moss. If you’re putting in a raised bed or container, choose potting mixes rated for outdoor use and match the soil to the plant — cacti and succulents like grittier mixes, while vegetables enjoy richer, moisture-retentive blends.
If you want beauty without daily chores, go for resilient species. Snake plants (Sansevieria), ZZ plants (Zamioculcas), pothos, and certain philodendrons forgive missed waterings and low light. Succulents and cacti need bright light but little water. These plants are excellent for busy people or apartment dwellers who want green with minimal fuss.
Never underestimate drainage. A planter with a hole and a saucer in the right size keeps roots healthy. For indoor plants, a 6 inch pot with drainage is often a safe starting point. If you love décor but hate drainage holes, use a double-potting method: keep the plant in a nursery pot and slip it into a decorative container — just take it out to water and let it drain into the sink for a few minutes.
For outdoor spaces that don’t require constant care, choose native plants, ornamental grasses, sedum, and drought-tolerant shrubs like lavender. Native plants are adapted to local rainfall and soils, so they often require less supplemental watering once established. Ornamental grasses add texture and movement, and they’ll stand up to wind and heat better than more tender annuals.
Early spring and early fall are ideal for planting many outdoor perennials because cooler temperatures reduce transplant stress. If you’re in a warmer region, autumn planting gives plants a head start before summer heat. Always check local frost dates and plan around them so young plants aren’t surprised by a hard freeze.
Online plant shopping is convenient and offers curated selections, but images don’t always convey plant size or condition. Stores like Bloomscape and The Sill ship ready-to-display plants and provide size details in feet and pot diameters. In-store shopping lets you inspect foliage for pests, get hands-on help, and avoid shipping stress. Consider a hybrid approach: order specialty houseplants online and pick up seasonal outdoor stock locally.
When you’re in the nursery aisle, do a quick health check: look under leaves for pests, check soil moisture so it’s not bone dry or overly soggy, and examine stems for firm texture. Healthy roots may slightly show at drainage holes in pots, and leaves should be vibrant rather than brown at the edges. Think of it like a plant’s wellness check before you adopt it.
Want to green your space without breaking the bank? Shop seasonal sales at big-box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, and Target. Propagate cuttings from purchased plants to expand your collection for free, and swap plants with friends to diversify your palette. Buying seeds from Burpee or starter packs from local nurseries is another cost-effective way to scale a garden.
Propagation is the secret weapon of plant lovers. Many indoor plants propagate from stem cuttings placed in water or soil, and succulents can multiply from leaf cuttings. Learning a few basic propagation techniques turns one $10 starter into a dozen friends for your home or gifts for neighbors.
Look for nurseries that use sustainable practices — minimal plastic, locally grown stock, and organic soil amendments. Choosing native plants reduces water use and supports pollinators. When possible, bring reusable bags and choose biodegradable pots or double-pot instead of single-use plastics to lower your environmental footprint.
Buying local does more than reduce shipping emissions; it invests in your community and keeps unique genetics in circulation. Local growers can recommend plants that flourish where you live, and often they’re the best source for rare cultivars that perform reliably in your yard.
Care routines don’t need to be complicated. Start with the right plant for the light, use an appropriately sized pot, water based on soil dryness rather than a strict schedule, and fertilize lightly during the growing season. Keep tools simple: a watering can, pruning shears, and a moisture meter if you’re a worrywart. With a few habits, your plants will reward you with lush, lasting growth.
Now go pick that plant that’s been calling your name. Whether you shop online for a ready-to-love fiddle leaf fig, swing by a big-box store for budget-friendly annuals, or support a local nursery for a rare specimen, there’s a leafy companion waiting to brighten your home or garden.
Buying indoor and outdoor plants in the US has never been more accessible. From curated online shops like The Sill and Bloomscape to heavy-hitters such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and value options like Costco and Target, you can find plants that fit your space, skill level, and budget. Remember to match plant needs to your environment, consider pot and soil choices in inches and feet, and lean on local nurseries for climate-savvy advice. With thoughtful selection and a few basic habits, your home and garden can become a thriving green retreat.
