It used to be that if you wanted to buy a houseplant, you had to go the store, but now all you have to do is surf the web. Before you do however, keep a few things in mind.

There are several options when it comes to buying plants online: Ebay, online florists and nursery websites. Each has  their pros and cons:

Online Florists-these sites, such as Teleflora and 1-800-Flowers, do offer a selection of plants but the prices are generally quite high. This is due in part to both the fancy planters they come in and the shipping or delivery fee they tack on. Another thing to keep in mind is that many times they offer houseplants in a mixed arrangement or dish garden. They may look pretty, but looks can be deceiving. Many florists are concerned with presentation rather than longevity so they’ll group plants together because they look good even though they could have very different lighting or watering needs.

eBay- eBay can be a great place to find houseplants if you are a savvy shopper. A recent search turned up over 3,000 listings! Caution is needed though. Don’t hit the bid or Buy it Now button until you’ve done some research. First, stick with listings that offer plenty of clear, detailed photos and a thorough description of what you’re getting. Read the seller’s feedback, both given and received, and check their shipping fees and refund policies, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Nursery websites-Some nurseries, like Logees and Glasshouse Works, offer a wide selection of beautiful, unusual, and rare houseplants. Be prepared to pay more for such plants and don’t be surprised if the plant you ordered is a tiny seedling rather than the lush full plant on their website. Make sure to look for and read reviews of the site you’re interested in before you order, and check their return policy.

No matter where you order from, there are some things to be aware of. First, if you live in a cold climate, don’t be surprised if some sellers refuse to ship to you until the temperatures warm. Plants are quite perishable and can easily freeze or suffer damage if shipped in frigid temps. Some sellers will ship via an express service using insulated boxes, but naturally this will cost more.

Ordering in the summer months can have its pitfalls too. Plants can easily cook to death if left in 90 degree heat in a mailbox or on a doorstep. When you get your plants, open the package immediately. Many sellers ship bare root to save on cost, so you’ll want to pot and water them right way. Keep them away from your other plants for a few days to make sure they don’t have any disease or insects, and then enjoy!