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Because the gardening craze has taken off and connecting with nature has become a trendy priority in home styling, plant subscription boxes have been rising in popularity. With so many options on the market, we decided to try out some of the most popular plant subscription services to determine whether they meet marketing claims.
A plant subscription makes an excellent gift for loved ones who enjoy plants, for those who have recently moved into a new home, and for families to learn firsthand about new plants. Whether someone is new to plant care or is a seasoned green thumb, home delivery of houseplants at regular intervals can be an exciting treat that saves a trip to the nursery.
There are different types of plant subscription boxes in a variety of specialties and price ranges, and that can make it challenging to choose one. Read on to learn about the key features to consider when shopping for a plant subscription, and then explore our picks and detailed reviews for some of the best options we’ve tested.
- BEST OVERALL: The Plant Club
- RUNNER-UP: My Garden Box
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Succulents Box
- BEST FOR PET OWNERS: The Sill
- BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Horti
- BEST VARIETY: The House Plant Box
- BEST FOR GIFTING: Plant of the Month Club
- BEST FOR OUTDOOR PLANTS: Knock! Knock!
- BEST FOR AIR PLANTS: Air Plant Design Studio
Tips for Choosing the Best Plant Subscription Box
Although all houseplant boxes are somewhat similar, there are notable differences among them, and a number of factors can affect which one is right for the consumer.
- Experience level: Keep experience level in mind when choosing a houseplant subscription. Some are better suited for beginners, while others require a more advanced indoor gardener.
- Delivery cadence: Each subscription varies in its delivery cadence. Most subscription plans deliver plants monthly, but some deliver quarterly.
- Home size and layout: Consider the size and layout of a home for the available space and access to light. Some plans include tiny succulents that can simply be placed on a desk or bookshelf, but others deliver larger houseplants that need ample floor space.
- Pet owner: Those with furry friends need to be sure to choose a subscription box that includes only plants that aren’t harmful if a dog or cat nibbles the leaves.
Our Top Picks
Once those factors about plant subscriptions are weighed, it’s time to start shopping. These live plant delivery subscriptions were selected and tested for the quality of their plants, customization options, and plan flexibility. With longer subscription plans, subscribers will pay less compared with the month-to-month option. Whether the subscriber is looking for an affordable monthly pick-me-up or a thoughtful gift for a friend, there’s sure to be a good option here.
Best Overall
The Plant Club
Pros
- Users can pay month-to-month
- Includes decorative planter
- Comes with a customized potting mixture
Cons
- Only one type of box available
- Shipping cost not included
The Plant Club is a popular option that’s well suited for beginners because the company’s customer service team is available to assess photos of sickly plants and make recommendations on how to revive them, completely free of charge.
Each box includes one plant as well as a decorative planter and a customized potting mixture that’s expertly blended to suit the plant’s specific needs. Fun little extras such as stickers, candy, magnets, or pins are included every month as well. The Plant Club offers only one type of subscription box, which varies slightly in price based on the length (in months) of the subscription, though paying month-to-month is also an option for those who aren’t ready to make a commitment.
Upon arrival, the Plant Club box has all the elements of a premium subscription service. First, the shipping box has an attractive graphic design that sets the mood for the expected fun inside. The kits have everything needed to pot a plant and display it immediately. The plant information is detailed clearly on a hand-illustrated pamphlet, and all of the extra treats make the whole kit feel like a luxurious gift (at least for houseplant lovers). The plant selection and quality were top-notch, planters were attractive and ceramic pots have saucers or stands. The Plant Club is our top plant subscription pick for most plant lovers at any level of expertise. (Editor’s Note: At the time of testing The Plant Club operated through its own website. The Plant Club is now a part of the My Garden Box website as an individual subscription.)Product Specs
- Price: Starting at $25 plus shipping
- Delivery intervals: Monthly
- Number of plants: 1
Runner-Up
My Garden Box
Pros
- Seasonal plants
- Unique contents for plant crafts
- Never receive the same box twice
Cons
- Shipping not included
Folks who’d like to take their gardening to the next level with inventive projects will likely love My Garden Box. Rather than a single plant, My Garden Box offers a new DIY gardening experience each month. Its boxes include seasonal plants as well as supplies and instructions to build terrariums, grow bonsai trees, and more.
There’s only one type of box, but subscribers will never receive the same box twice. A month-to-month plan is available, but the price is slightly lower for those who enroll in a longer subscription.
The plant and container quality from My Garden Box were very impressive. Subscription boxes from My Garden Box come with everything needed to pot and display plants as well as extra goodies such as candy and plant-themed knickknacks. The instructions included for the plant crafts are easy to follow. This subscription box is perfect for DIYers or plant lovers looking for more than just a new plant.
Note: One month, a container broke during shipping. A customer-support specialist replied to an email within an hour and a shipment confirmation for a replacement container was received.
Product Specs
- Price: Starting at $48.33
- Delivery intervals: Monthly
- Number of plants: Varies
Best Bang For The Buck
Succulents Box
Pros
- Affordable prices
- Several subscription options
- Clay pots available
Cons
- Shipping not included
Succulents, which store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, are a good choice for novice or forgetful indoor gardeners because these plants can endure periods of drought. And although most plant subscriptions require a monthly financial commitment of at least $20, Succulents Box offers a range of options starting at just $5.70—another plus for newbies. The most basic plan includes just a single succulent, but there are a variety of plans with up to four plants each month, offering a mix of succulents and air plants.
Plants are typically shipped in standard plastic nursery pots, though subscribers can upgrade to clay pots. The cost of shipping is not included, but it’s available at a flat rate of $5 regardless of the box chosen.
The first box we received came with fun stickers that many plant lovers would enjoy. The plants themselves are small—1-inch starter plants. Each plant has a color ID card that lists the succulent’s variety and care information. The box is pretty bare-bones, but we like that most of the packing materials are recyclable or compostable. Overall, the selection was good, and the plants were healthy. It’s an excellent subscription service to help build up a succulent collection.
Product Specs
- Price: Starting at $5.70 plus shipping
- Delivery intervals: Monthly
- Number of plants: Varies based on plan
Best For Pet Owners
The Sill
Pros
- Shipping included
- Nontoxic plants safe for pets
- Choice of planter colors
Cons
- High price point
- A 3-month commitment is required
- Not all containers have drain holes
Some of the most popular houseplants are toxic to cats or dogs, so pet owners must be cautious when bringing plants into the home. The Sill has a solution with its pet-friendly subscription box, which includes either one 4-inch or 6-inch nontoxic plant with each delivery.
Each plant is delivered with a decorative planter, and shoppers can choose either a black or cream finish to fit with their home’s color scheme. The Sill doesn’t offer a month-to-month payment option, and a 3-month subscription is required; however, after the first 3 months, a subscription can be paused or canceled without penalty.
The Sill sends quality plants not typically found in big-box retail centers. The plants are expertly packed and arrive in great shape. It is an expensive service, but the plants are a good size, and the planter is made from quality, durable glazed ceramic. The only con other than the price point is that not all of the planters came with drainage holes, which is a must for healthy roots on most plants. Those planters need a pebble base or can only be used as a decorative catch pot. Nonetheless, the Sill is a solid, premium plant subscription service that makes a great gift option for plant lovers.
Product Specs
- Price: Starting at $55
- Delivery intervals: Monthly
- Number of plants: 1
Best For Beginners
Horti
Pros
- Pet-friendly options available
- Plant insurance plans available
- Clay pots included
Cons
- Shipping not included
- Decorative paint detail isn’t fully waterproof
Those new to indoor gardening—or those who simply have trouble keeping plants alive—might feel secure subscribing to Horti. On top of the standard subscription plans, plant insurance is available for an added cost. This service includes professional advice to nurture failing flora, and the Plant Resurrection plan guarantees a replacement for a plant that dies despite recommended care.
Horti offers a variety of monthly plant subscription options, including a beginner box and a pet-friendly box. Plants are delivered in painted clay pots as an added bonus, though shipping is not included.
We were impressed with the plant selection offered by Horti. The plants were not the typical commodity plants found at big-box garden centers. The plants were healthy and packed well. In addition to the clay pots, the kit comes with compressed coconut coir potting medium. Although we are fans of terra-cotta pots, the graphic paint detail on the pot looked nice until the plant was watered. The paint bubbled up in spots because terra cotta is porous. The paint should be treated with a waterproof finish to prevent bubbles. However, Horti is a good option for plant lovers looking to build up a collection of unique plants.
Product Specs
- Price: $20 and up
- Delivery intervals: Monthly
- Number of plants: 1
Best Variety
The House Plant Box
Pros
- Wide variety of subscriptions available
- Shipping included
- Option to deliver quarterly
Cons
- Plants come in plastic nursery containers
- Plant selection is not exciting
The House Plant Box offers a variety of plans, including pet-friendly plants, succulents, cacti, and large plants, among others. Each box varies in both price and contents based on the plan chosen, though each one includes one plant as well as a card with care instructions. Those who’d rather not commit to a new plant every month can opt for quarterly subscriptions instead—and shipping is included. There’s lots of variety in the plants, but there isn’t variety in the containers. They come in plastic nursery containers rather than decorative planters.
When we tested the indoor houseplant box, we found that the plants are minimally packed, and the first box we received was a mess. However, the two following boxes were packed much better. The plant subscription box is pretty basic—we received a plant in a nursery grow container. We were disappointed in the plant selection, however. The three we received were run-of-the-mill tropicals such as Lucky Bamboo and English Ivy that can be found in just about any garden retail store. Also, $16 is a bit steep for a common 4-inch plant. We can typically purchase 12- to 14-inch pots of common houseplant tropicals at garden centers for that price. House Plant Box does offer several types of boxes, and it can be a good option for someone who doesn’t live near garden centers or houseplant stores.
Product Specs
- Price: Starting at $15.99
- Delivery intervals: Monthly or quarterly
- Number of plants: 1
Best For Gifting
Plant of the Month Club
Pros
- Includes decorative planter
- Recipient can choose delivery time and address
- Delivery from local florists
Cons
- A 3-month commitment is required
- Delivery not included
Plants often make wonderful presents, and with Plant of the Month Club by 1-800-Flowers’ SmartGift program, recipients can select their own delivery window and location. Each month’s box includes a houseplant with a decorative planter that changes with every delivery.
1-800-Flowers partners with local florists and nurseries, which helps ensure freshness because plants are delivered rather than shipped across the country. There is a minimum commitment required, with shoppers choosing from 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year plans, and the delivery fee is not included.
The plants we received were a mix of indoor and outdoor plants. The plants were healthy and packed well. The containers were flimsy and borderline cheesy in style. However, this service is designed to be “gifty.” Overall, the subscription service delivered what it advertised. However, if the goal is to build a houseplant collection, this is not the best choice.
Product Specs
- Price: $39.99
- Delivery intervals: Monthly
- Number of plants: 1
Best For Outdoor Plants
Knock! Knock!
Pros
- Options available for different lighting conditions
- Plants tailored to the climate
- 2 large arrangements included
Cons
- Planters not included
Even seasoned gardeners can have trouble nurturing plants unsuitable for their area. That’s why Knock! Knock! takes the subscriber’s location into consideration, sending plants in two seasonal arrangements in spring, summer, and fall for display on a front porch. The company chooses plants suited to the subscriber’s climate and light level—full sun, part sun, or full shade—to help ensure that the plants will thrive.
Knock! Knock! is fairly unique in its focus on outdoor plants and the importance subscribers place on porch appeal. Each shipment includes two large plants that will fit in 14- to 16-inch planters, but planters are not included.
This service is wonderful. The plant combinations sent are visually pleasing and smell amazing! There is very little prep work needed—just unpack and plant. The flowers are already arranged in a growing medium and can be easily transferred to a pot. The seasonal swap out is easy once the planters and growing medium are set in place. The flowers filled in nicely and looked lovely all season long.
Product Specs
- Price: $65
- Delivery intervals: Spring, summer, fall
- Number of plants: 2 arrangements
Best for Air Plants
Air Plant Design Studio
Pros
- Variety of subscription options
- Unusual varieties
- Some plants were large
Cons
- Very basic, no extra plant goodies
Air plants, or tillandsia, are epiphytes that live entirely off of nutrients and moisture in the air in their native habitats. They are popular houseplants because they require little to thrive. They come in various colors and textures, which makes them fun to collect.
Air Plant Design Studio offers hard-to-find tillandsia in its online shop. The Air Plant Club is a monthly subscription service that delivers unique air plants. A monthly plan as well as prepaid quarterly or annual plans is available, and subscribers can choose from four tiers: starter, premium, elite, and collector.
We tested the starter box. This level is very basic and includes two air plants per month. The tillandsia arrived wrapped in paper and tagged with their variety name. Each box also contained a simple card with general air-plant care instructions. The plants looked healthy and had no damage. We received several varieties we had not seen in garden centers, and one was ready to bloom! Overall, it’s not an overly exciting service for a plant person looking for a premium subscription service. However, this service is a fantastic way to build up an air-plant collection.
Product Specs
- Price: Starting at $15 per month
- Delivery intervals: Monthly, quarterly, or annually
- Number of plants: 2 for starter box
Our Verdict
We recommend our top pick, The Plant Club, for its high-quality plants, the included decorative planters, and fun plant-themed goodies. Those on a budget will likely appreciate Succulents Box for its affordable prices and diverse subscription plans.
How We Chose the Best Plant Subscription Boxes
Years of experience covering home and gardening products as well as extensive product research and testing went into creating this guide. We explored more than 30 plant subscription options and weighed a number of practical considerations before making our recommendations.
Variety: We aimed to include subscriptions that offered a unique selection of houseplants every month without repetition for at least a year.
Flexibility: Each plant subscription service has a policy regarding the flexibility of its subscriptions. We prioritized companies that allowed users to pay month-to-month without requiring a long-term commitment as well as brands that offer the option to pause or cancel without incurring a financial penalty.
Value: Plant subscriptions vary widely in price, but we aimed to recommend options that are affordable and offer great value based on what is included with each box.
Quality: In testing, we examined how well the plant was packed and how it fared in shipping. Upon arrival, we thoroughly inspected it to see if there were pests or any other damage to the plant.
FAQs
You now know more about plant subscriptions, but you might still want more information about how they work. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about plant subscriptions.
Q. What is a plant subscription box?
Plant subscription boxes are live-plant delivery services that send one or more houseplants to the subscriber’s door at regular intervals.
Q. What’s included in a plant subscription box?
Some plant subscriptions come only with a houseplant in either a plastic container or a simple clay pot, while others include a decorative planter and perhaps additional accessories.
Q. How much do plant subscription boxes cost?
Plant subscription boxes vary in price, ranging from about $5 to $100 per delivery.
Q. What if a plant arrives damaged or unhealthy?
Most companies have policies in which subscribers can report a damaged or unhealthy plant and they can get either a replacement or a refund for that month’s box.
Q. Can subscriptions be paused?
Yes, most plan subscriptions have pause options as needed.
Q. How can a plant subscription box be canceled?
Verify the terms of a specific plant subscription to get instructions for how to cancel.
