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Sep 15, 2023

Houseplant Shopping Guide: Cleveland’s Professional Plant Parents Keep Flora Thriving

Remember in 2020 when we all got really into plants? Or maybe sourdough bread was your thing? We’re checking in: How’s that fickle fiddle-leaf fig or monstrous monstera doing? Whether you’re a

Remember in 2020 when we all got really into plants? Or maybe sourdough bread was your thing? We’re checking in: How’s that fickle fiddle-leaf fig or monstrous monstera doing?

Whether you’re a notorious killer of plants or you just need help keeping your green thumb going strong, renew your spirit for growing and get some practical pointers by visiting these popular plant enthusiast spaces in Cleveland.

The first step for any Clevelander looking to grow some green in their space is finding plants that you can manage on a schedule that fits your life and your level of expertise. If you’re a first-timer, you might want something more manageable like a pothos or snake plant, both popular beginner picks. Or, if you like a challenge, take on a rare plant that requires lots of love like the notoriously picky ficus types.

For one-stop shops near you, visit a few stores for plants, pots and expert advice tailored to you and your space.

(Photo courtesy Urban Planting CLE)

Urban Planting CLEAt either of Urban Planting Cleveland’s two stores, you’ll find a broad selection of both common and rare picks that are sure to spruce up any space. Between Elio Calabrese, the owner and founder who specializes in plant design, and Monica Nessel, shop manager and “resident macrame teacher,” you’ll find anything and everything you need to know about how and where to keep your little jungle thriving. Visit the blog on their website for even more care tips. 10908 Clifton Blvd, Cleveland; 2410 Scranton Road, Suite 2, Cleveland; urbanplantingcleveland.com

(Photo courtesy Stump)

StumpStump, located in the Shaker Heights Van Aken District, specializes in tropical and desert plants and one-on-one plant care education. Whether you shop in-person or online, need some tips on a plant you already own, or don’t know what you want yet, Stump’s got your back with articles and plant care cards that help you stay in the loop about your purchase’s tailored needs like watering schedules, troubleshooting common plant issues and sunlight preferences. Stump also collaborates with several Ohio ceramic artists, so be sure to check out their wares and equip your new plant babies with comfortable homes. 3398 Tuttle Road, Shaker Heights, stumpplants.com/cleveland

(Photo courtesy Lori Switaj, Recreational Pots and Plants)

Recreational Pots and PlantsOn Lorain Avenue in Ohio City, you’ll find Recreational Pots and Plants, a quirky and cozy plant shop founded in 2020 with a “green agenda” to make caring for plants accessible and enjoyable. Owner Lori Switaj sources their plants from four Northeast Ohio-certified nurseries and one larger Florida-based nursery. They aim to create a storefront filled with easy-to-care-for houseplants and Ohio-based, artist-made terracotta and ceramic planters. The shop also offers other home items like soaps and bath bombs from STEM Handmade Soaps. 4736 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, recreationalpotsandplants.com

(Photo courtesy Lakewood Plant Company)

Lakewood Plant CompanyLakewood Plant Company, located on Detroit Ave. in Lakewood, offers a wide array of tropical plants like diverse types of philodendrons and monsteras, stylish pre-potted plants, bonsais, and uniquely designed moss art pieces. To jump into the action, visit their website and view their calendar for upcoming workshops that cover topics like terrarium-building, repotting and D.I.Y. moss art builds. 15612 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, lakewoodplantcompany.com

If you didn’t already find everything you needed from shopping in-person, beyond the plants themselves, you’ll need to get some gear. From clippers to watering cans, and macrame to new-age wall hangers, there are plenty of artists and makers in Cleveland who specialize in plant design and accessorizing.

Variegate DesignShop online or in-person at Variegate Design for wares from Cleveland-based plant stylist, blogger and designer Lindsey Krivenki. To visit in person, you can find their shop inside the arts complex at 78th Street Studios. To shop their online storefront, visit their Etsy page or Instagram link tree @VariegateDesignShop. They’ve got you covered for all the things a trendy plant parent could need, including stickers, T-shirts, bandanas, tote bags and much more. 1300 W. 78th Street, variegatedesign.com

(Photo courtesy HomeOniShip)

Visit HomeOniship Art Deco on Etsy, another Cleveland-based online boutique, that specializes in hand-crafted planters, yoga mat bags and plant-forward prints.

For whimsical handmade propagation stations, visit Cleveland-based Genmarie Stiber’s shop RootsPlantRooters on Etsy or at plantrooters.com. Visit their events calendar on their website to also check out their arts and craft show schedule.

(Photo courtesy Hendricks Design)

To find modern and innovative planters, check out HendricksDesignUSA on Etsy or visit their Instagram page @hendricks_design. Brian Hendricks, a Cleveland-based maker, uses biodegradable bioplastics to create 3D-printed designs for plant pots in several sizes. They also plant a tree for every sale they make through their Etsy storefront by making a donation to the National Forest Foundation.

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