purchasing succulents

Buying succulents is one of the most exciting parts of creating a succulent garden. There are so many gorgeous options to choose from. However, it can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a novice gardener. Where should you go to buy them? What varieties should you choose? The following tips should help make your buying experience simple and fun.

local options

Regardless of where you live, you’ll likely be able to find succulents locally. The selection may be limited, but you should be able to find something. Stores such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Walmart have a surprisingly good selection of succulents, especially during the summer months. Succulents tend to be grouped with tropical and indoor plants, so start by looking in that area. Most of the prices at these big-box stores will be pretty reasonable.

During the summer, you’ll likely be able to find succulents at your local nursery. They generally carry only a few varieties, but they may be larger than the box stores and at a better price. You can also look for a specialty store to find more unusual succulents. This will likely be the most expensive option, but if you’re looking for a specific plant and want to buy locally, this may be the best option.

There are several advantages to shopping locally as opposed to ordering online. I prefer shopping locally whenever possible because I can pick the exact specimen I want. Also, you don’t have to pay for shipping, so the plants are generally less expensive than they are online. It’s also nice to be able to talk with a salesperson and ask questions about the plants you’re buying.

A disadvantage to buying locally is the lack of selection. Unless you live in an area that is ideal for growing succulents (such as Southern California), the selection available may be limited to the more popular succulents. If you’re looking for something specific, you may have a hard time finding what you want.

online options

Selection is the major advantage to buying online. Between specialty online shops, Etsy, Facebook groups, and major online nurseries, you’re almost guaranteed to find what you want. The downside is they tend to be expensive, especially when you factor in shipping.

Shipping and delivery of succulents also introduces some risk. Packaging varies from store to store, and it’s hard to know what you’ll get. I’ve received fragile succulents in perfect condition, but I’ve also received pretty tough succulents in less than ideal condition. Reading reviews about the seller will help you determine how well the plants are packaged.

It can also be hard to know exactly what you’re getting when you’re buying online. Most places show a generic picture of the plant but not the exact specimen you’ll be receiving. Some sellers, such as those on Etsy or in Facebook groups, may be able to send you a picture of the exact plant you’ll be getting. If you’re just looking to start your own collection, it’s not as important that the succulent be in perfect condition. If you’re doing a boutonnière or giving succulents as a gift, not knowing the exact state of the plant can be a risk.

Buying succulents online is very convenient. While there are some challenges, most of these can be overcome once you’ve found the right seller. Check the “Resources” section for some of my favorite places to buy succulents online.