Social media users were whipped into a frenzy last week when Amazon launched its online plant store, selling everything from bonsais and orchids to lemon trees and Venus fly traps.
The launch of the new store means green-thumbed shoppers can have plants delivered direct to their homes, with Prime-eligible products promising to land on your doorstep within just two days.
But in case you don’t know your potted plants from your perennials or your succulents from your shrubs, we’ve called in the help of model Summer Rayne Oakes, founder of Homestead Brooklyn and the Houseplant Masterclass.
Model gardener: Summer Rayne Oakes, 33, cares for nearly 700 houseplants in her Brooklyn apartment, and is committed to bringing more green into people’s homes
Having turned her Brooklyn apartment into a jungle of greenery with more than 670 houseplants, Summer, who trained as an environmental scientist, is committed to helping city dwellers become more attuned to nature.
Here, she shares her recommendations from Amazon’s new offerings.
Best for under $20
Premium Pastels Succulents, $18.99
Summer says: ‘I like how you get an assortment of four plants—not just one—and if you have good light in your home and tend to be a more “hands off” plant parent, these are a good option.’
Most Instagrammable
Summer says: ‘The fiddle leaf fig has not waned in popularity, especially now that it’s sporting its own hashtag #FLFFriday.’
Easiest to keep alive
Sansevieria Snake Plant, $29.97
Summer says: ‘You can’t go wrong with a Snake Plant, which is also known as “Mother-in-law’s tongue”. It’s able to withstand a range of lighting conditions and watering regimes, though I should say that it appreciates light – it’ll grow faster and look better.’
Best for a gift
Summer says: ‘There are so many beautiful bonsais! What a marvelous little gift for those who live in tight quarters.’
Best for outdoors
Summer says: ‘ [It’s] always cool to grow citrus, even if you’re in more northern climates. Generally you can stick your lemon tree outside on your patio or balcony in warmer weather and then bring it indoors during the colder climes.’
Best for a splurge
Blooming azalea bonsai, $690.32
Summer says: ‘Forget cut flowers that lose their luster in less than a week! Why not splurge on a quarter century old mini azalea that will bloom year after year – provided that you give it great care!’
Best for green thumbs
Summer says: ‘Carnivorous plants like the Venus fly trap are not difficult to take care of, but they can be a challenge if you slip up. For one, you’ll want to keep the light high, the humidity high, and water it with either rainwater or distilled water.’
Best for showing off
Summer says: ‘I chose this because it has some eye-catching curly leaves that draw any onlooker in for a closer look!’
Best for low light
Summer says: ‘This is a particularly resilient plant when it comes to lighting conditions as well as watering conditions. It’s always one of my top three choices for people who are newbie plant owners!’
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