GOING WHERE THE POTTED THINGS ARE
HERE ARE SEVERAL FUN PLACES TO SHOP FOR HOUSEPLANTS
WHEN PLANT stores were forced to close in March because of the coronavirus, many had to get creative so they could accommodate the soaring demand for plants as people sheltered at home.
For those who view nursery visits as therapy, it was a major loss. There’s nothing like buying from someone who offers personalized tips on keeping your newly adopted plant alive.
Is your Calathea roseopicta being finicky? Hank Jenkins of the Plant Provocateur has been known to counsel clients after they have purchased a plant. “You need to water your ZZ plant every two weeks,” he told a client. “It needs to dry out in between feedings.”
The Los Angeles retail plant community is a collegial group with a generous spirit that extends beyond its customers. At Folia Collective, owner Danae Horst recommends Leaf and Spine for rare plants. At Leaf and Spine, Ernestine Segura refers clients to Planta for larger containers. Potted’s Annette Gutierrez is a big fan of Jenkins of the Plant Provocateur, who in turn suggests Sunset Nursery for full-sun plants.
Now that stores are beginning to reopen, we list a few favorites. Because of the pandemic, not all will be open, some may have limited hours and some will offer curbside pickup only. So call or check online.
DEEP ROOTS
> This South Bay garden center sells indoor and outdoor plants, natives and floral arrangements. 207 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, (310) 379-3634
FIG EARTH SUPPLY
> Conor Fitzpatrick stocks houseplants, edibles and herbs including fiddleleaf figs, philodendron and calathea. Fitzpatrick presents classes spanning houseplant basics to cannabis cultivation. 3577 N. Figueroa, Highland Park, (323) 224-3938
FOLIA COLLECTIVE
> Every plant at Folia Collective comes with a card by Horst detailing its needs. Horst hosts book signings, classes and cutting swaps. 5117 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock, (626) 787-4957
THE JUICY LEAF
> Houseplants, succulents, cactus, tillandsia, terrariums, planters and macrame hangers — you can find it all here. You can create your own arrangement or attend a planting party for four to 20. 5725 Figueroa St., Highland Park, (310) 907-5019
LEAF AND SPINE
> “We wanted to form a specialty in plants that are really unique,” says owner Dustin Bulaon. Keep an eye out for rare plant sales, which Bulaon announces on the store’s Instagram, @leafandspine. 5440 York Blvd, Highland Park, (323) 257-5323
MICKEY HARGITAY PLANTS
> Mickey Hargitay’s is the kind of place where staffers will carry your Monstera
deliciosa to your car while offering care tips. “We have done our best to keep some of the hard-to-get plants such as
Monstera adansonii, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, string of hearts, various varieties of hoya, Peperomia polybotrya, many varieties of calathea,” says Hargitay. Potting services are generally free, depending on the plant’s size. 1255 N. Sycamore Ave., West Hollywood, (323) 467-8044
PLANTA NURSERY
> Dan Goshin and Jose Chavez’s nursery features houseplants, exotics such as
Nepenthes, unusual species such as Sansevieria kirkii and potted succulents. There are large monste ras ($95), baby cactus ($12.50) and potting services starting at $3 (even if you didn’t buy the plant there). The store hosts plant swaps and a zero-waste program where customers can pick up free pots, spray bottles, saucers and other items. 6011 York Blvd., Highland Park, (323) 397-8688
THE PLANT PROVOCATEUR
> Jenkins’ boutique has moved online, but he will continue to carry houseplants, exotics, ceramics and gifts. Jenkins will carry on with workshops and rare plant drops, which he announces on the store’s Instagram, @tpprovocateur. 3318 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, (323) 774-4836
POTTED
> Open for more than a decade, this Atwater Village boutique sells indoor and outdoor plants, home decor, planters by local artists and fountains. The store hosts DIY workshops on kokedama and staghorn ferns, lectures on houseplant care and book signings. 3158 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 665-3801
ROGERS GARDENS
> Extensive indoor and outdoor plants, furniture, gifts and planters as well as themed display gardens. Classes on raised bed planting, orchid care and kokedama, among others. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar. (949) 640-5800
ROLLING GREENS
> Two venues carry indoor and outdoor plants, succulents, planters and home decor. Customers can create their own arrangement at the Arrangement Bar as well as attend classes on kokedama, potted herb gardens and floral bouquets. 9528 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City, (310) 559-8656; 7505 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 934-4500
THE SILL
> The popular New York boutique and online seller carries houseplants, planters and gifts. The store offers classes on houseplant basics and kokedama, a plant care bar and potting table as well as a Plant Parent Club. 8125 W. 3rd. St., West Hollywood, (323) 879-9720
SUNSET NURSERY
> This longtime family-run nursery features houseplants, succulents, California natives, edibles and pots. 4368 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, (323) 661-1642
WYLDBNCH PLANTS
> This “creative plant shop” features indoor plants, planters and gifts. 800 E. 4th St., Arts District. (323) 283-9950