This roundup of the best plant stores in New York City was written by Alejandro Beltran, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps) and a NYC local.
If you’re looking for the best plant stores in New York City you’ve come to the right place. I was a botanical bro long before the plant boom and have spent years cultivating relationships with my local plant shops in NYC. I’ve found the stores with the most knowledgable staff, widest variety of plants and the best pots. In this article I’ll share my favorites, so let’s dive in!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Plant Stores in New York City
Table of Contents: Where to Buy Plants in New York City
Greenery Unlimited
Website: Greenery Unlimited
Neighborhood: Greenpoint
Address: 91 West St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Greenery Unlimited is the most beautiful plant store in New York City. There, I said it. It’s not a giant shop, but there’s a solid blend of common and rare plants to choose from. Furthermore, It seems half the time I visit there’s some sort of sale going on so leaving empty handed is a rare occurrence.
They can be a little pricey but shelling out the extra cash has always been worth it to me. These are some of the healthiest plants you’ll find in the city. The care they give each plant is evident which is why I consider it one of the best plant stores in New York City.
Moreover, this NYC plant shop also gives back to the community. They donate plants and supplies to community gardens, nursing homes and schools making sure everybody can enjoy the greenery.
Union Square Green Market
Website: Union Square Green Market
Neighborhood: Union Square
Address: Union Square W &, E 17th St, New York, NY 10003
Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday there’s a greenmarket on the north end of Union Square Park, full of vendors that provide some of the best plant shopping in New York City. The selection is wide enough to warrant a visit, and (most) of the plants are sold at a reasonable price.
There is something so serene about a weekend stroll through the market, fresh snack or coffee in hand, as you peruse the greenery. Two of my favorites vendors at the market are Petal Plants and Fantastic Gardens. The plants they sell are healthy and thriving, just waiting for somebody to bring them home.
Rosecrans
Website: Rosecrans
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Address: 7 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014
Rosecrans combines two of my biggest loves: plants and coffee. The cafe in the Greenwich Village doubles as one of the cutest plant stores in New York City. Upon entry guests are greeted by incredible floral scents, and in the back of the shop coffee fills the air. It’s like a rollercoaster for your nostrils.
Impressively, Rosecrans fits a good selection of indoor house plants into the small shop. Just because its not the biggest doesn’t mean it isn’t filled to the brim! Admittedly though, this is one of the best plant stores in New York City for window shopping: the prices can be a little too rich for my blood. I rather just order a cup of coffee and spend my time perusing the shelves.
Chelsea Garden Center
Website: Chelsea Garden Center
Neighborhood: Red Hook & Williamsburg
Address: 444 Van Brunt St & 87 Havemeyer St
Okay before you hop on the subway to Chelsea, I want you to know that the Chelsea Garden Center is actually in Brooklyn… okay, glad we caught that. Being in Brooklyn (where real estate is a lesser premium than Manhattan) the Chelsea Garden Center is one of the biggest plant stores in NYC.
This means that not only is there a wider variety of large plants, there’s also usually more than one of any particular species. This way you can dig and find the healthiest, happiest houseplant to take home with you. The Chelsea Garden Center is also one of the best plant stores in New York City because they’re one of the few to offer outdoor gardening equipment and plants.
Tula House
Website: Tula House
Neighborhood: Greenpoint
Address: 59 Meserole Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Carrying all the basic plants plus a few rarities, where Tula really sets itself apart is in their dedication to quality. They mix their own custom soils and sell them to the public! By keeping production in house they guarantee the highest quality and freshest products. No bugs or bacteria here, folks.
Also worth mention, every Thursday Tula hosts an event called Tula Trade. New Yorkers are welcome to bring in unwanted houseplants in exchange for store credit (they don’t accept every plant, though). It’s a great way to swap plants that no longer fit the space or aesthetic for new ones.
GRDN
Website: GRDN
Neighborhood: Boerum Hill
Address: 103 Hoyt St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Made for “the urban gardener” GRDN is breath of fresh air in the bustling city landscape. Everything seems to slow down in this NYC plant store, leaving plenty of time to smell the roses, literally. Besides selling plants, the store is a charming florist.
I never pass the opportunity come home with fresh flowers. Plus, the store is well stocked with gardening tools, planters, soils and supplements. They even have a small home and apothecary section that’s worth checking out during a visit.
Dahing Plants
Website: Dahing Plants
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Address: 289 Grand St, New York, NY 10002
Dahing Plants is a store that classifies their houseplants in tiers like full size, large, and huge. They really mean it when they say huge! Plus, the New York City plant store offers free delivery on orders over $75 which makes getting that big plant home considerably less daunting.
The plant shop also has a great website, the option to “show inventory photos” has proven invaluable. This way you get an actual visual on the plant you’ll be receiving rather than shooting in the dark with a stock image. Who knew you could enjoy one of the best plant stores in NYC without leaving home?
Natty Garden
Website: Natty Garden
Neighborhood: Bed-Stuy & Prospect Heights
Address: 383 Marcus Garvey Blvd & 636 Washington Ave
This black-owned plant store in New York City is the quintessential neighborhood nursery. Both locations are staffed with knowledgeable and welcoming folks eager to help. Owner Glenroy Mahfood channels his Rastafarian roots into the store, and it’s visible from the logo to the name. He believes that we should all aim to live a healthier lifestyle and uses plants as a means to help New Yorkers do that.
Encouraging locals to grow their own produce, Natty Garden sells a variety of fruit and vegetable plants. They even makes custom planters, so no matter how small your apartment is there’s no excuse not to garden. They have two locations in Brooklyn ready to fulfill New Yorkers gardening needs.
Casey’s Flower Studio
Website: Casey’s Flower Studio
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Address: 1 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014
More florist than plant store, Casey’s Flower Studio draws folks in off the street thanks to a vibrant display of greenery out front. At its core Casey’s Flower Studio is a family owned florist with a focus on events and special occasions. Those looking for wedding flowers (congrats!) need look no further.
Over the course of their 35 years in business Casey’s Flower Studio has developed relationships with horticulturists all over the world. Having such a wide reach means they can fulfill unique requests and make that special day a little more memorable.
Urban Garden Center
Website: Urban Garden Center
Neighborhood: East Harlem
Address: 1560 Park Ave, New York, NY 10029
Throughout their 60+ years in business the Urban Garden Center has grown a loyal following that has forced them to move to bigger locations. Their current home in Harlem boasts 20,000 square feet of luscious greenery. The size of this NYC plant store allows them to stock bulky products other shops don’t have the space for. It’s one of my preferred spots when looking for organic soil and fertilizers.
In their third generation of ownership it’s safe to say the folks at the Urban Garden Center know what they’re talking about. I never hesitate to ask for help or recommendations since they’ve never steered me wrong! With such expertise behind the wheel I have no doubt the Urban Garden Center will continue to be one of the best plant stores in New York City for years to come.
PlantShed Cafe
Website: PlantShed Cafe
Locations: Five Plant Cafes in Manhattan
Fair warning: PlantShed Cafe won’t be the cheapest plant shop in NYC you visit, but their beautifully curated collections warrant a visit. Most of these NYC plant stores aren’t that big but they’re able to fit a shocking amount of plants, and with five locations in Manhattan finding an outpost isn’t a problem.
They also double as one of the best florists in NYC, catering weddings and corporate events. There are bouquets and individual flowers as well for those in search of something special before a special occasion. The popular New York City plant store even offers flowers by subscription programs!
The Sill
Website: The Sill
Neighborhood: Upper West Side & Brooklyn
Locations: Three plant stores in NYC
The Sill was founded in 2012 in tiny Chinatown walk up, and has gone on to sprout locations in 4 different states. The woman-owned NYC plant store is the best for those just beginning to dabble in plants. They attach labels like beginner friendly, pet friendly, and low light tolerant making it extremely easy to find plants that fit your needs.
And for those of you who don’t have enough time to scroll through all the options there is an online quiz that helps you find your perfect plant match. Think of a teenage magazine quiz, but made for plant ladies and botanical bros.
Living with Green
Website: Living with Green
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Address: 324 E 81st St, New York, NY 1002
Living with Green is a New York City plant store located on the Upper East Side that serves as your friendly planty neighbors. They make themselves incredibly helpful, offering a dedicated email you can send photos of unhappy plants to. This way they can help you troubleshoot the problem.
And for the serious buggers they even do home visits and consultations. They’ll come over to help with something as simple as re-potting a big plant or something as complex as assessing your apartment’s lighting to find the best collection for your space.
Plant District on 28th
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 28th St between 6th & 7th Ave
If you only have time to visit one plant shop in NYC, may I suggest all of 28th St? A gang of the best plant stores in New York City line the block between 6th and 7th Avenue, in what’s called the Flower District. The experience is like speed dating houseplants. There are times I have to say no to a plant I like because I think to myself, “what if I find something better beyond store #3?”.
Since the shops are in close proximity to each other they all have to keep prices at a competitive rate. There’s no way they can charge a ridiculous price if the store down the block has the same plant half off. And with the sheer volume of plants on the block New Yorkers are all but guaranteed to find whatever they’re after. Its a hotbed for rare and unique houseplants.
Within the flower district some of my favorite stores include Jamali, Tropical Plants & Garden, Foliage Garden and Foliage Paradise.
Tips for Plant Shopping in New York City
- For those just starting out in plant parenthood, Home Depot, Lowes & Trader Joes will be the most cost effective plant stores in New York City. They generally stock basic plants, but gems can be found randomly and sporadically.
- Check for signs of unhealthy plants before taking them home! Bugs and over-watering are the two biggest issues to look out for. Generally, new leaves coming in are a good indication the plant is healthy and growing.
- Be patient: Plants can be expensive, especially the “trendy” ones from cute, specialty plant stores in New York City. Facebook marketplace, sales, and markdowns on plants needing a little TLC are great ways to save some coin.
Best Plant Stores in New York City (Post Summary)
In a short, list-form here are the best plant stores New York City has to offer
- Flower District
- Greenery Unlimited
- Living with Green
- The Sill
- Tula House
- PlantShed
- Urban Garden Center
- Casey’s Flower Studio
- Natty Garden
- Dahing Plants
- GRDN
- Chelsea Garden Center
- Rosecrans
- Union Square Green Market
Frequently Asked Questions: Interesting New York City Plant Stores
The cost of buying plants can vary, but online options may sometimes offer competitive prices due to direct-to-consumer models, while in-store purchases might involve additional costs associated with maintaining physical locations. The downside to this is you can’t see the plant in person.
In general, plants at a nursery might have a higher price point due to specialized care, while big box stores may offer more budget-friendly options, but it can depend on the specific plants and their sizes.
Yes, Trader Joe’s is known for offering affordable and budget-friendly plant options.
Common houseplants in NYC apartments include pothos, snake plants, ZZ plants, and succulents, known for their adaptability to indoor environments and ease of care.
New York City Plant Store Guide (Map)
More Helpful Related Links:
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Where to Find Tulips: 10 Best Spots to See Tulips in New York City
For My Fellow Leaf-Peepers: 10+ Breathtaking Spots for Fall Color in New York City
And there you have it my friends, my list of the best plant stores New York City has to offer.
Hope you enjoyed the list, cheers!
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