Editor’s Note: This story originally ran on July 7, 2022. It has been updated as of January 10, 2024.
Deciding on a new plant is similar to going shoe shopping — because you can never have enough. There is always a new one that you don’t have yet, varying in shape, size, color, height, and texture. Unlike a new pair of shoes, plants are good for your health and the planet—win-win! The next time you’re out browsing for a new plant to add to your personal greenhouse, consider skipping the big box garden center and visit one of these woman-owned local stores instead.
ALICE’S GARDEN
Katherine Barger’s Alice’s Garden opened in the spring of 2023. Named after her mother, who taught Katherine about gardening and nurturing the plants and people in her life, Alice’s Garden carries houseplants and pottery, annuals, perennials, small trees, and shrubs. Additionally, they carry a great selection of gifts and host regular workshops and seasonal events.
Alice’s Garden is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
URBAN HOUSE PLANT COLLECTIVE
In Irvington, Hannah Flege’s Urban Houseplant Collective carries a large variety of houseplants and plant-related products, from the very basics to collector’s wishlists. They pride themselves on the fact that they only carry goods from local artists around Irvington & Indy. These goods include local pottery, macrame, sustainable products, plant jewelry, and more. Additionally, Urban House Plant Collective now offers wedding and event services, residential and commercial plant-styling, and biophilic designs such as living walls & preserved moss walls.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday every week—undoubtedly, you’ll likely be greeted by Cleo & Oliver, the shop dogs, if you stop by during business hours.
ROOTED WITH RUBY
Bri’on “Ruby” Proctor is a plant enthusiast with over 200 plants of her own (and counting). She opened Rooted with Ruby in 2022, the first Black/minority-woman-owned houseplant nursery in Indiana. Located on the far east side of the city, it’s a boutique houseplant, nursery, and horticulture healing space that specializes in natural plant care products, harvest gardening, plant/horticulture healing, and education.
Rooted with Ruby focuses on holistic healing through houseplants and mental and physical stimulation from the energy of houseplants. It offers all-natural product plant care to Indy and is open seven days a week.
THE BOTANICAL BAR
College Avenue is home to the first Black-owned plant shop in Indianapolis, The Botanical Bar. Owned and operated by Victoria Beaty, this woman-owned specialty plant shop offers high-quality and affordable houseplants, pots, soil, seasonal gardening supplies, and unique gifts. One aspect of the shop that Beaty incorporated from the beginning is that women and women of color make everything in the shop.
“Our goal is to inspire people by bringing them a little closer to nature through indoor plants,” Beaty said.
SNAKEROOT BOTANICALS
For those looking for a one-stop shop for all things gardening and herbs, check out Snakeroot Botanicals, a garden and herbal center. Owned by Laura Johns, Snakeroot Botanicals boasts two locations — one in Fountain Square and one in the Nickel Plate District in Fishers.
Snakeroot Botanicals’ storefronts carry an assortment of indoor and outdoor plants, gardening supplies, and tools for all of your indoor or outdoor gardening needs. The garden and herbal center is unique in that it emphasizes gardening specifically as a way to improve the planet and our health.
GROUNDED PLANT & FLORAL CO.
Plant moms who are on the hunt for a new baby to add to their lineup should look no further than Grounded Plant & Floral Co.
Located in the Stutz Building, this plant haven is set apart from other plant shops by its ability to install plants in the home or office. The store also hosts the occasional workshops and events.
“Grounded hopes that all of our customers have an experience when they come into the shop,” said Amanda Griffith, owner of Grounded Plant & Floral Co. “Wandering through our urban jungle, creating some peace and inspiration.”
SERENDIPITY PLANTS
Located in Garfield Park, the newly opened Serendipity Plants offers rare and hard-to-find plants along with tropical plants of all varieties, like Hoya and Philodendron, from all over the world.
The owner, Dayna Thompson, plans to offer classes on basic plant care, seed starting, terrarium building, macrame, and more. Her mission? To make people happy through plants and spread joy through education. Yes, please.
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Samantha Kupiainen is a regular Indy Maven contributor and proud plant mom to far too many succulents.
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