Finding Houseplants Online: Plant Cuttings & Mystery Boxes

 

We're definitely finding ourselves entering another phase of uncertain times this year. With all the craziness happening around us, I'm continuing to focus on something positive. Houseplants! 

The enthusiasm for houseplants has reached an all time high. This is partially due to plant-centric accounts on social media which have gained popularity since many of us are spending more time at home. 

 

It's just a given fact - houseplants make people happy!

 

In part one of this weekly blog series, I shared how I got started on my houseplant journey. I also shared how you can find local groups through social media to sell, trade or gift plants.

 

Click here for a refresher on part 1 of this blog series

 

In part two of this series, I'll dive a little deeper into what my experiences have been like buying and receiving plant cuttings through the mail.

I'll let you know how to find the specific plant cuttings you are looking for, where you can locate some fun mystery boxes perfect for the beginner and how to purchase everything safely.

 

Who doesn't want happy plant mail?

 

 

Why Get Cuttings?

If you are just getting into houseplants, cuttings are a great way to get a good variety of different plants for a low price point. It's an easy way to see what you like to grow and what works for you.

Sometimes it's better to start off small. Buying a $2 cutting instead of running out to the store and grabbing a whole $20 plant is a good way to get started. It's always better to ease into things while getting a feel for the hobby.

 

 

Find Those Plants...

In part one of this series, I shared with you all how joining different groups, specifically on Facebook, can really help you with your search. There are groups with specific price points as well as groups local to your specific area. 

Once you are a part of these plant groups, you can sift through posts where people will be selling different cuttings or even offering mystery boxes with a set price point. This is great, especially if you are like me and don't know what you are looking for until you see it. 

 

 

If you know what you are looking for, you can make a post to the group of your choice asking for the specific cutting or plant you have on your wishlist. You will get different responses with people offering the plant cuttings, usually with a picture to go along with it. 

If you aren't into Facebook, that's okay! You can also try out Etsy! Many of the sellers I've found through Facebook also have shops offering the same plants over on their Etsy shops. If you are looking for mystery boxes, Etsy definitely has you covered!

 

What's The Price Point?

If we are generalizing, most plant cuttings cost anywhere from 1 to 10 dollars. Most mystery boxes range from 10 to 20 dollars.

The variables that go into this are usually:

- The size of the cutting(s)
- If the cutting(s) is/are rooted or unrooted
- How many cuttings you are getting (a single cutting or a bundle deal) 

Remember, this is definitely generalizing. There are those rare cuttings out there for big spenders like a Pink Princess Philodendron cutting. Those go for big bucks!

If you are looking for a relatively common houseplant or succulent, you won't have to worry about spending a fortune. 

 

 

Shipping & Payment Methods

Once you've contacted the seller and let them know what you are looking to buy through the Facebook post, this is where you switch to a personal message or direct message.

Through DM, payment methods and shipping can be discussed privately. When it comes to shipping, you want to choose either first-class or priority mail. Your shipping cost will vary depending on the seller's location, your location and the weight of the package.

I've always gone with priority mail if given the choice. This means it will arrive within 1-3 business days. I've, personally, had no trouble with shipping so far.

All of the sellers I've dealt with have been very helpful providing me with a tracking code and updates. As of now prices for priority shipping start at $7.50. When buying cuttings or mystery boxes, I have paid anywhere from 8 to 10 dollars. 

 

 

There are three common methods of payment when buying plants through Facebook. These are through PayPal, Facebook Pay and Venmo. I've only used PayPal and Facebook Pay. 

When you use Paypal, make sure you use the paying for goods or services option. The seller will pay a small fee to receive your money. When choosing the goods/services option, your payment is covered by Paypal's protection plan automatically.

I haven't had any issues arise so far, but having the protection makes me feel more secure. 

 

Receiving Happy Plant Mail  

Once I found the plant cuttings I was looking for, I decided to try a few different options. 

The first seller offered a mix and match type of cuttings box. She listed out the different cuttings she had available along with the prices for each cutting. All I had to do was pick each of the cuttings I wanted to include in my box and tell her how many of each. For this box I received 13 unrooted cuttings for $21. 

The second and third seller offered mystery boxes. When you find mystery boxes, sometimes the seller will offer you an idea of what's inside. Other times it's a complete mystery. The first box I purchased was 3 cuttings for $5 rooted. The second box contained 8 cuttings for $10 unrooted. 

I had originally contacted the fourth seller about some aloe plants. She offered me 8 large succulent cuttings along with the aloe plants I was buying for $15 unrooted. 

 

A look inside

 

Mix & Match Plant Cuttings Box

Number of Cuttings: 13
Rooted or Unrooted: Unrooted
Price: $21 + Shipping

 

My experience with the first box I received was excellent. I was apprehensive about how the cuttings would do traveling all the way from the West coast to the East coast. The seller did a thorough packing job, and all my plant cuttings arrived in great shape.

WARNING TO NEWBIES: When you purchase unrooted cuttings, you are definitely taking a chance that they might not root.

I like to propagate cuttings in water and not soil. That's usually the method I tend to be more comfortable with. No matter how hard you try, a cutting may not thrive and start to rot. It's unfortunate and usually can be prevented, but it's still the risk you take.

The cuttings I chose here are definitely intermediate. All of the cuttings shown above have developed roots except for the ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) cuttings. I'm not quite sure why they haven't, but they are still alive and doing okay.

 

Cuttings That Are Great For Newbies - These plants all root quickly and easily.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), 
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata),  Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides),
English Ivy (Hedera helix), Philodendron and Tradescantia

 

 

Mystery Plant Cutting Boxes

Number of Cuttings: 3
Rooted or Unrooted: Rooted
Price: $5 + Shipping

 

I was super excited to get some mystery cuttings! The seller was very professional, helpful and her packing job was top notch. I love how she wrote out the names of the mystery cuttings for me. She also offered me a 3 for $10 deal on plants, so I took her up on that offer!

 

Everything arrived happy and healthy. The ZZ plant had a little yellowing on the bottom leaves, so I just snipped those right off.

I really enjoy purchasing from someone who really loves and cares about plants. It's always really nice to connect with like-minded plant enthusiasts. 

Make sure to follow May over on Instagram for all things plant related. 

 

Mystery Box #2

Number of Cuttings: 8
Rooted or Unrooted: Rooted
Price: $10 + Shipping

 

Mystery box number two had more cuttings than the first box I received. I was really curious to know what I was going to get. The seller added such a wide variety of different cuttings.

I was unfamiliar with Bloodleaf (Iresine herbstii), so that was very exciting! The Baby Bunny Bellies (Tradescantia chrysophylla) are super charming. 

All of these cuttings arrived looking great, and the packing job was exceptional. The seller was kind enough to send a thank you card and a fun little Halloween decoration! Little extras like that are always thoughtful.

Make sure to visit the sellers shop, Cindy's House Plant Haven when you get a chance!

 

Succulent Cuttings Box

Number of Cuttings: 8
Rooted or Unrooted: Unrooted
Price: $15 + Shipping

 

I had originally contacted the fourth seller about some aloe plants she had for sale. She was so considerate while working with me that she actually offered me a bunch of healthy succulent cuttings. Like the mystery boxes, I didn't know what I was getting but I was delighted to see. 

I was in absolute awe of the size of the cuttings she provided me with. They are all such gorgeous plants. She took extra care while packing, and everything looked great when it arrived. I was thrilled to see the Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) and the Campfire (Crassula capitella).

The second picture below includes the three different types of aloe, blue agave and a variety of cotyledon. All these plants have been potted up and are doing excellent. 

 

 

Next In This Series

Each Saturday, I will share with you different plants I've received as well as my personal experiences with acquiring plants through the mail. I cannot wait to share more with you all!

Tune in next week - I will be sharing all about participating in plant purges! 

 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on mystery boxes and plant cuttings.

Specifically - Do you propagate plant cuttings? Do you have a method that works best for you?

As always, thank you for reading and happy gardening. See you next week!

 

 

 

If you enjoyed reading this post, you might also like these:

• Finding Houseplants Online - Buying, Swapping, Gifting

• Guide To Gifting and Growing Amaryllis

• Starting a Winter Vegetable Garden