Buying plants online: Expert tips for the best experience

Buying plants online can be just as simple and rewarding as other types of online shopping. However, there can also be greater risks involved. Here are some expert tips for buying plants online to help you get the best deals and the healthiest plants:

Consider location & season

One of the first things to learn about a potential online plant purchase is where it'll be shipping from. While online shopping makes it easier for people in more remote areas or less favorable climates to buy plants, buying from a source that's too far away might pose issues for your shipment. The longer a plant is in transit, the more potential there is for damage.

It's also important to be mindful of the season when ordering plants online. Many online retailers won't ship during the winter, or will offer extra "winter insurance" for heated delivery. Even if a plant is coming to you from somewhere nearby, shipping in below-freezing temperatures can be lethal.

Know what to expect

Each plant is unique, which is part of the fun of buying them. However, it also means you won't always get a plant exactly like an online photo. Many retailers are careful to include multiple shots of the same plant or many examples, but it's essential to know what you buy will not be perfectly identical to what's on a website.

However, it's reasonable to expect the seller to advertise truthfully. Familiarize yourself with their return policies and other customer service options in case you receive a badly damaged or significantly different plant than the one you ordered.

These are just some of the most important tips for ordering plants online. Keep an open mind but understand your options, and you'll have the best possible online shopping experience.