Buy plants near you
On Plantative you buy plants from other plant lovers. You'll find houseplants, garden plants, cuttings and seeds, as well as produce from someone's vegetable garden and second-hand garden tools. Whether you're after your first houseplant or have been gardening for years, you can see what each plant needs before you buy it.
Straight from the seller
There's no shop between you and the seller. You can compare what people near you are offering from your couch instead of driving from one garden centre to the next. You also find plants that most shops don't carry, like a cutting of a rare Philodendron. And a plant that outgrew someone else's home gets a second life with you.
Find a plant that suits your home
You can search the marketplace by plant name, by care needs or with a photo. Each plant shows how much light and water it needs, so you know before buying whether it will do well at your place. If you have a cat, you can filter for plants that aren't toxic to pets. For a dark corner, look for plants that cope with low light.
How buying works
When you find something you like, make an offer or propose one of your own plants in exchange. You agree on a time and place with the seller in the chat. Every listing shows whether it's pickup only or can be shipped, and you can sort results by distance.
Can't find the plant you want? Place a wanted ad and we'll let you know as soon as someone lists it.
What to check when you pick up a plant
Take a good look at the plant before you pay. Someone who takes good care of their plants usually won't mind.
- Turn a few leaves over. White fluff, tiny bugs or fine webbing underneath point to pests like mealybugs or spider mites.
- Feel the soil. Soaking wet soil that smells musty can mean the roots are rotting.
- Ask if you can ease the plant out of its pot. Healthy roots are firm and light in colour. Brown, mushy roots are a bad sign.
- If you're buying a cutting, ask whether it has roots yet and how long it's been in water or soil.
Getting your plant home safely
Bring a box or a big bag so the plant doesn't tip over in the car. In winter, tropical houseplants can be damaged by even a short time in freezing air, so wrap them in paper or a plastic bag and don't leave them in a cold boot. In summer, don't leave a plant in a hot car.
After you buy
Keep a new plant away from your other plants for the first two weeks. If it brought any pests along, you'll usually spot them in that time, before they spread. Hold off on repotting too, and give the plant a few weeks to get used to its new spot first.
Add your new plant to your collection in the app. You'll get care tips and a reminder when it needs water. If it still ends up with yellow leaves or spots, ask Plantative Doctor.
Started in Ghent
Plantative started in Ghent, but the app isn't limited to one city. The more plant lovers join in your area, the more you'll find close by. Got plants to spare yourself? Read how to sell or swap your plants.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy from private sellers?
Usually, yes, especially if you pick the plant up and check it first. Meet somewhere you feel comfortable, and only pay once you've seen the plant. You can use the chat to ask for extra photos beforehand, for example of the roots or the undersides of the leaves.
Can I have plants shipped?
That depends on the seller. Every listing shows whether it's pickup only or can be shipped, and you arrange the shipping together in the chat. For delicate plants, and especially in winter, picking up is the safest option.
What if my new plant turns out to be sick?
Let the seller know in the chat. It's often still fixable, like pests you catch early or a plant adjusting to less light. Plantative Doctor can help you figure out what's going on.