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 — you simply cannot have enough. There is always a new combination of plants out there that you don’t have yet, varying in shape, size, color, height, and even texture. The next time you’re out browsing for a new plant to add to your personal greenhouse, consider changing up your usual shop and visiting one of these local woman-owned plant stores in Indianapolis instead.
ALICE’S GARDEN
Katherine Barger’s Alice’s Garden opened just this spring of 2023. Named after her mother, who taught Katherine about gardening and how to nurture the plants and people in her life, Alice’s Garden carries houseplants and pottery, annuals, perennials, small trees, and shrubs. They also carry gifts for yourself and your loved ones, with a goal to expand their offerings to include more items created by local artists and artisans. They plan to also offer classes and workshops to stay tuned.
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. What’s more, Urban House Plant Collective now offers wedding and event services, residential and commercial plant-styling as well as biophilic designs such as living walls & preserved moss walls.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday every week, if you stop by during business hours you’ll likely be greeted by Cleo & Oliver, the shop dogs.
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 everything in the shop be made by women and women of color.
“Our goal is to inspire people by bringing them a little closer to nature through indoor plants,” Beaty said.
Psst! Want to see just how talented Beaty is? Stop by Maven Space to see some of her plants thriving outside of her store.
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, as well as a variety of gardening supplies and tools needed for all of your indoor or outdoor gardening needs. A unique aspect of the garden and herbal center is that it places an emphasis on gardening being a way to improve the planet as well as our own 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.
Recently moved to their permanent location at the Stutz Building, this plant haven is set apart from other plant shops by its ability to do plant installations in either the home or office. The store also hosts the occasional workshop and event.
“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 harder to find plants along with tropical plants of all varieties, like Hoya and Philodendron from all over the world.
Owner, Dayna Thompson has 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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