The best places to buy philodendrons are specialty plant nurseries, garden centers like Lowe’s or Home Depot, local plant shops, and online retailers such as Etsy, Amazon, and The Sill. You can find common varieties almost anywhere, while rare philodendrons are easier to find through online specialty shops or plant swaps.
Getting a new philodendron isn’t rocket science. They’re everywhere if you know where to look. The tricky part is finding the right plant at a fair price without getting ripped off. Some shops sell sad, bug-ridden plants for crazy money. Others offer healthy specimens that won’t die on you next week.
Key Takeaways
- Local nurseries often have the healthiest philodendrons with knowledgeable staff to answer questions
- Big box stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart) offer the cheapest prices but variable quality
- Online specialty shops provide the best selection of rare varieties not found in physical stores
- Plant swaps and Facebook groups can be goldmines for uncommon varieties at great prices
- Garden centers typically have better quality than big box stores but higher prices
- Etsy and eBay sellers offer wide selection but require careful vetting of sellers’ ratings
What to Look for When Buying Philodendrons
Shopping for your leafy friend requires some know-how. Don’t just grab the first green thing you see. A good philodendron has bright leaves, no brown spots, and no bugs hiding underneath. Plants that look sad in the store will look worse at your house.”I check the roots first,” says Maria Chen, plant expert at Greenthumb Nursery. “Healthy roots mean a healthy plant. If they’re brown and mushy, walk away.”
Look for new growth – it means the plant is happy. Small leaves unfurling at the top tell you it’s growing. No new growth might mean a plant is struggling or dormant. Either way, not ideal when buying.When shopping for a philodendron with specific light requirements, make sure to ask the seller about the plant’s history. Was it grown in high or low light? This matters for how it will adapt in your home.
Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
Local plant shops usually win the quality game. The plants don’t travel far, so they aren’t stressed. The staff usually knows their stuff too. They can tell you if that beautiful Philodendron Birkin needs special care.Prices at local shops run higher than big box stores. You pay for quality and knowledge. Worth it if you don’t want to kill your new plant friend in a week.
“Local nurseries often have unusual varieties you won’t find at chain stores,” says plant collector Tim Rodriguez. “I found my variegated philodendron at a tiny shop in my neighborhood after searching big stores for months.”Many nurseries also offer guarantees. If your plant dies within a certain time, they’ll replace it. Try getting that deal at Walmart.
Big Box Stores
Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart sell philodendrons cheap. That’s the good news. The bad news? Quality control isn’t their strong suit. Some plants look great. Others look half-dead.Go early after shipments arrive. The best plants go fast. Weekday mornings usually mean fresh stock and fewer shoppers grabbing the good stuff.
Common varieties like heartleaf philodendron and philodendron Brasil show up regularly at big box stores. Don’t expect to find a rare Philodendron Gloriosum there, though. They stick to the basics.Big box stores often mislabel plants too. That “philodendron” might actually be a pothos. If you’re a beginner just wanting something green and hard to kill, no big deal. Plant nerds should shop elsewhere.
Online Plant Shops
The internet changed plant shopping forever. Now you can buy a philodendron without putting on pants. What a time to be alive.Popular online shops include:
- The Sill – Sleek, beginner-friendly, slightly overpriced
- Steve’s Leaves – Plant collector heaven with rare varieties
- Etsy – Individual sellers with everything from common to unicorn plants
- Amazon – Convenient but hit-or-miss quality
- Logee’s – Old-school but reliable with good selection
Shipping plants seems risky, but most good shops have it figured out. They pack with heat packs in winter and ice packs in summer. Plants arrive looking surprisingly good.”I ordered a philodendron micans online that arrived better than any I’ve seen in stores,” says houseplant enthusiast Sarah Lopez. “It was wrapped like a plant burrito and perfectly healthy.”
Online shops have the best selection of uncommon varieties. Want a Philodendron Verrucosum? You’ll likely need to go online. Physical stores rarely stock the weird stuff.
Plant Swaps and Facebook Groups
The cheapest philodendrons come from other plant people. Plant swaps happen in most cities now. Bring plants you don’t want and trade for ones you do. Simple.Facebook plant groups work similarly. People sell cuttings or whole plants for less than retail. Local pickup means no shipping damage.
“I’ve found the plant community incredibly generous,” says hobby grower Jeff Smith. “I got philodendron cuttings for free from someone who just wanted to share the plant love.”Many rare philodendrons enter the market through cuttings. Someone buys one expensive plant and sells cuttings to recoup costs. This makes even uncommon varieties more affordable.
The catch? Plants from swaps might have pests or disease. Quarantine new plants away from your collection for a few weeks. Better safe than sorry.
Specialty Plant Shops
For the plant obsessed, specialty shops are paradise. They focus solely on houseplants and know their inventory intimately. The staff can tell you why your philodendron leaves are turning brown and how to fix it.
These shops cost more than anywhere else. You pay premium prices for premium plants and service. Worth it if you’re beyond beginner status and want something special.Specialty shops often get first dibs on new or rare varieties. If you want the latest trendy philodendron, these shops will have it first.
“I visit my local plant boutique monthly just to see what’s new,” says interior designer Maya Williams. “They know me by name and set aside philodendrons they think I’ll like. That personal touch matters.”
Rare Philodendron Varieties and Where to Find Them
The hunt for rare philodendrons feels like searching for treasure. Common varieties live everywhere. The special ones play hard to get.Rare varieties include:
- Philodendron Spiritus Sancti – The holy grail, extremely expensive
- Philodendron Pink Princess – Pink variegation makes it popular
- Philodendron Jose Buono – Large leaves with striking variegation
- Philodendron Ring of Fire – Orange and red new growth
- Philodendron White Knight – White variegation on dark leaves
Finding these beauties requires patience and deep pockets. Import groups bring plants directly from their native countries. Specialty online shops like NSE Tropicals or Gabriella Plants occasionally stock rarities.Plant auctions on Instagram or Facebook groups often feature rare philodendrons. Prices can get crazy, with some specimens selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
“The rare plant market follows trends like fashion,” explains plant collector Anna Chen. “What’s expensive now might be common in a few years as growers propagate more. I bought my Pink Princess philodendron for $200 three years ago. Now small ones sell for $50.”
Buying Philodendrons Online: Tips and Tricks
Ordering plants online feels like gambling sometimes. Will it arrive alive? Will it look like the photo? Follow these tips to win the online plant lottery:
- Check seller reviews – Look for specific feedback about plant quality
- Read shipping policies – Good shops have heat/cold guarantees
- Ask questions – Reputable sellers answer promptly
- Order in spring – Not too hot, not too cold
- Unbox immediately – Don’t let plants sit in dark boxes
Many sellers take their own photos of actual inventory. Avoid shops using stock photos – you don’t know what you’ll actually get.”I always ask online sellers when they’ll ship and what their packaging looks like,” says experienced plant buyer Mark Johnson. “If they can’t answer basic questions, I shop elsewhere.
“Some online shops offer “mystery boxes” of philodendrons at discounted prices. Good for adventurous types who enjoy surprises and want to build a varied philodendron collection.
How to Transport Your New Philodendron Safely
Getting your new plant home safely matters. All the research and money means nothing if you kill it on the way home.In winter, wrap plants in paper bags or plastic. Even brief exposure to cold air can damage tropical philodendrons. In summer, don’t leave plants in hot cars – they cook quickly.For online purchases, unbox plants gently. They may look sad after shipping but usually perk up with water and light. Don’t repot immediately – plants need time to adjust to your home first.
“I made the mistake of immediately repotting a shipped philodendron,” admits houseplant enthusiast Lisa Park. “It dropped all its leaves from stress. Now I wait at least two weeks before disturbing the roots.”If you’re bringing home a large philodendron, protect the foliage during transport. Leaves break easily and won’t repair themselves. Use paper sleeves from the store or make your own from newspaper.
Philodendron Care After Purchase
Bringing home your new green friend starts a relationship. Keep it alive with some basic care:
- Quarantine – Keep new plants away from others for 2-3 weeks to watch for pests
- Don’t repot immediately – Let it adjust to your home first
- Follow light requirements – Most philodendrons like bright, indirect light
- Water when top inch of soil is dry – Overwatering kills more plants than underwatering
- Clean the leaves – Dust blocks light and photosynthesis
“The biggest mistake new owners make is changing too much at once,” explains plant shop owner Delia Greene. “Let the plant tell you what it needs rather than imposing a strict schedule.”Learn how to properly propagate your philodendron once it’s growing well. One plant can become many, giving you more greenery for free.
Different philodendron varieties have slightly different needs. Some, like the Silver Sword philodendron, want more light than others. Research your specific variety or check our guide to lighting conditions for philodendrons.
Seasonal Availability and Pricing
Philodendron shopping follows seasons. Spring brings the best selection to stores. Plants grow actively, so growers ship more inventory. Summer has decent selection but watch for heat damage in transit.
Fall and winter mean less selection and more shipping problems. Cold damage kills plants quickly. Smart online shops pause shipping during extreme weather.
Prices fluctuate too. New trendy varieties start expensive, then drop as more hit the market. The Philodendron Birkin cost $100+ a few years ago. Now you can find small ones for $15.”Plant pricing makes no sense sometimes,” laughs longtime collector Jaime Rodriguez. “I’ve seen the same philodendron variety selling for $20 at one shop and $75 at another across town.”
Holiday seasons sometimes bring sales, especially at big box stores. January through March usually has the worst selection as growers prepare spring inventory.
Common Scams to Avoid When Buying Philodendrons
The plant world has shady characters too. Watch for these common scams:
- Fake variegation – Painted leaves sold as naturally variegated
- Misidentified plants – Common varieties mislabeled as rare ones
- Photoshopped images – Online pictures showing colors that don’t exist
- TC plants sold as mature – Tissue culture babies sold at adult prices
- Unrealistic prices – Super cheap rare plants (if it seems too good to be true…)
“I almost bought a ‘Pink Princess Philodendron’ with pink paint splattered on the leaves,” remembers plant enthusiast David Chan. “Luckily, another customer warned me before I paid.”Ask for additional photos when buying expensive plants online. Reputable sellers happily provide them. If someone refuses or gets defensive, walk away.
Some sellers import plants illegally, bypassing agricultural inspections. These plants might carry pests or diseases that could threaten your collection or even local ecosystems.
DIY Propagation: Creating Your Own Philodendrons
Why buy more philodendrons when you can make your own? Most varieties propagate easily from stem cuttings. Free plants just require patience.Basic propagation steps:
- Cut a stem with at least one node (the bumpy part where leaves emerge)
- Remove lower leaves, leaving 1-2 at the top
- Place in water or moist soil
- Wait for roots (2-4 weeks in water)
- Pot in well-draining soil once roots reach 1-2 inches
“I started with one heartleaf philodendron and now have seven plants from cuttings,” says apartment gardener Mia Johnson. “I haven’t bought a new philodendron in years – I just trade cuttings with friends.
“For faster results, try air layering to propagate climbing philodendron varieties. This method lets roots form while still attached to the parent plant.Once you master propagation, you can join the plant trading community. Start with common varieties, then work your way up to rarer types through strategic trades.
Cost Comparison: Where to Find the Best Deals
Philodendron prices vary wildly depending where you shop. Here’s how they stack up from cheapest to most expensive:
- Plant swaps/cuttings – Free to $5 for common varieties
- Big box stores – $5-20 for common types in 4-6″ pots
- Grocery stores – $10-25 for common varieties
- Local nurseries – $15-40 for common types, better quality
- Online general retailers – $15-50 plus shipping
- Specialty plant shops – $20-100+ for common to uncommon types
- Rare plant websites – $50-1000+ for collector varieties
“I price check everywhere before buying expensive philodendrons,” says budget-conscious collector Tara Smith. “I’ve saved hundreds by being patient and watching for sales.”Some shops offer price matching if you find the same plant cheaper elsewhere.
Doesn’t hurt to ask, especially for pricier specimens.Garden centers and nurseries sometimes have end-of-season sales to clear inventory. September and October can be good times to find deals before winter sets in.