Supporting Local Nurseries: Where to Buy Gorgeous Houseplants in South Africa

There’s something magical about walking through a nursery. The smell of damp soil, the sight of leaves glistening in the sunlight, the promise of bringing home a little piece of nature. But in South Africa, visiting a local nursery isn’t just about satisfying your plant obsession—it’s about supporting small businesses, protecting indigenous biodiversity, and making your home look like the Pinterest board of your dreams.

Yes, you could dash into a chain store for a houseplant, but let’s be honest: those sad little plants crammed under fluorescent lights often don’t make it past the first week. Local nurseries, on the other hand, care for their plants like family. They know your climate, your soil, your watering struggles (looking at you, Joburg summers), and can actually give you advice that works.

So, if you’re ready to level up your houseplant game while supporting local businesses, here’s a guide to some of South Africa’s loveliest nurseries—and why they deserve a spot on your weekend to-do list.

Why Local Nurseries Matter

Before we dive into the shopping list, let’s talk about why this matters. Supporting local nurseries means:

• Healthier plants: Locally grown plants are better adapted to South African conditions. They’ve been raised in real sun, not some artificial warehouse.
• Expert advice: Staff often include passionate horticulturists who can actually help you keep your plant alive (instead of shrugging at you in the aisle).
• Supporting communities: Many nurseries are family-run businesses or employ local gardeners and growers. Every rand spent supports livelihoods.
• Eco-friendly shopping: Local nurseries often prioritise indigenous plants, which use less water and support biodiversity.

Gorgeous Local Nurseries to Explore

Here are some favourites across the country where you can shop for houseplants, soak up inspiration, and maybe grab a cappuccino while you’re at it.

Gauteng

Lifestyle Home Garden (Randburg)
This iconic nursery is basically the Sandton City of gardening. Rows upon rows of indoor and outdoor plants, quirky pots, and even a café for your post-shopping flat white. Their indoor plant section is especially dreamy—think monsteras, fiddle-leaf figs, and even rare finds.

Witkoppen Wildflower Nursery (Fourways)
If indigenous is your vibe, this nursery is a gem. Specialising in local plants, it’s the place to go if you want hardy beauties that thrive in South African conditions. Staff are enthusiastic about helping you choose plants that won’t give up on you.

Western Cape

Stodels (Bellville & Constantia)
A Cape Town classic. Stodels has a reputation for being the place where your plant dreams come true. Whether you’re hunting for air-purifying houseplants, funky succulents, or trendy pots, you’ll find it here. Bonus: their team actually knows about pests and watering schedules, so don’t be shy with questions.

Cape Garden Centre (Stellenbosch)
This one is an experience. Huge selection, great café, and often much more affordable than city-based nurseries. It’s worth the drive for a Saturday morning plant-and-coffee outing.

KwaZulu-Natal

Umhlanga Rocks Nursery (Durban North)
Tropical vibes meet ocean breezes. This nursery is packed with greenery that thrives in KZN’s climate. Their indoor plant selection is lush, with plenty of ferns, palms, and flowering beauties.

Shongweni Farmers Market (Hillcrest)
Okay, technically not a nursery, but this Saturday market often has plant stalls selling quirky, homegrown houseplants. It’s a win-win: support small growers while shopping for artisanal bread and biltong.

Eastern Cape

Sherwood Garden Centre (Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha)
One of the oldest and most trusted nurseries in the Eastern Cape. Their indoor plant section is growing, and you’ll also find gorgeous indigenous plants perfect for patios and sunrooms.

Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve Plant Sales
For something truly unique, visit Van Stadens. Their focus is on indigenous plants, and you’ll often find rare gems that chain stores simply don’t stock.

Online Options

Sometimes life is busy (hello, loadshedding schedules), and the thought of driving across town feels like climbing Kilimanjaro. Luckily, several South African nurseries now deliver:

• Plantify (Cape Town-based, delivers nationally): Trendy indoor plants in equally chic pots. Their website is basically the Zara of houseplants.
• LoveGarden (Joburg-based): Specialises in hardy, stylish indoor plants shipped straight to your door.
• Takealot Greenhouse Collection: Not technically a nursery, but increasingly reliable for starter plants delivered with your skincare haul.

Tips for Buying Houseplants from Local Nurseries

• Check the roots: Healthy plants have firm, white roots—not brown, mushy ones.
• Look for new growth: Tiny leaves or shoots mean the plant is happy and thriving.
• Avoid pests: Turn the leaves over and check for suspicious spots or tiny bugs.
• Ask questions: Nursery staff love sharing knowledge. Don’t leave without asking about watering schedules and light requirements.
• Bring your own boxes or bags: Many local nurseries appreciate eco-conscious shoppers.

Supporting Local = Growing Beauty

When you shop at local nurseries, you’re not just buying a plant. You’re investing in a story—a grower’s love, a family’s business, a community’s livelihood. And in return, you get a plant that’s healthier, hardier, and way more likely to survive your beginner mistakes.

So next weekend, skip the mall and spend an hour wandering through a nursery. Pick up that glossy monstera or cheerful African violet, chat with the staff, sip a coffee under the trees, and know you’ve made a choice that’s good for your home and good for South Africa.

Because honestly? Gorgeous houseplants are great. But supporting the people who make them thrive—that’s even better.

Gauteng & Surrounds

1. Schäffler’s Nursery & Under the Trees (Johannesburg / Parktown) — garden + nursery + café 
2. Schӓffler’s Garden Nursery (Johannesburg) 
3. CND Nursery (Gauteng) — wholesale & public-facing 
4. Windy Willows (Honeydew, Johannesburg) — wholesale nursery 
5. Garden Mecca (Pretoria / Gauteng) — big garden centre & plant supplier 
6. Palm and Plant City (near Hartbeespoort, Gauteng) 
7. Haakdoorn Nursery (Pretoria / Johannesburg area) 
8. Petal Faire Nursery (Colbyn, Pretoria) — exotic + indigenous plants 
9. Sun Trees (Johannesburg) — specialises in large trees & shrubs 
10. Little Austria Nursery (Henley-On-Klip, Gauteng) — from African Advice listing 
11. Divas & Daisies Nursery (Vanderbijlpark) 
12. Pin Oak Tea Garden (Unitaspark, Vereeniging) 
13. Eidelweiss Nursery (from “Ferox Nursery” listing) 
14. Lifestyle Garden Centre (mentioned in “Ferox Nursery” list) 
15. Keengro Garden Centre (from “Ferox Nursery” list) 

Western Cape & Surrounds

1. Stodels (multiple branches in Western Cape) 
2. Cape Garden Centre (5 stores in Western Cape) 
3. Mooisig Nurseries (Cape Town area, indigenous & waterwise plants) 
4. Gardeners Corner Nursery (Somerset West) 
5. Robertson Centre (Robertson, WC) 
6. Tom’s Nursery (Plettenberg Bay) 
7. Hedges Garden Centre (Knysna) 
8. Super Plants CC (Sandbaai, Hermanus) 
9. Sheilam Cactus Garden & Nursery (outside Cape Town, succulent specialist) 
10. Duckitt Nurseries (Darling) 
11. Ludwig’s Roses (Winelands) 
12. Kirstenbosch Garden Centre (Constantia / Newlands) 
13. Trees & Hedges Nursery (Hout Bay) 
14. Fernkloof Indigenous Nursery (Hermanus area) 
15. Little Orchard – Waterford Nursery (Klapmuts / Cape Peninsulas) 

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)

1. Halls Garden Pavilion (Kingsburgh / Amanzimtoti) 
2. Fig Tree Indigenous Nursery (Westville / Berea) 
3. Driefontein Garden Centre (Umhlali) 
4. Bundu Nursery (Richards Bay) 
5. Reservoir Hills Nursery (Westville) 
6. Boulder Hill Indigenous Nursery (Ashburton) 
7. Fernleigh Farm Nursery (Kloof) 
8. Greenfingers Nursery (Hillcrest) 
9. Joymac Hibiscus Paradise Nursery (Uvongo) 
10. Garden Hub – Nursery & Garden Centre (Kloof) 
11. Hazeldene Nursery (Himeville) 
12. Ray’s Palms Nursery (Pinetown) 
13. Misty Heights Nursery (Pietermaritzburg area) 
14. Oribi Nursery (Margate) 
15. Paradise Plants (Ramsgate) 

Eastern Cape

This province is less well-documented online in terms of large nurseries, but here are known ones and regional options:

1. Sherwood Garden Centre (Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth)
2. Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve (near Uitenhage / PE)
3. Floradale Nurseries (East London)
4. Rose Garden Centre (Port Alfred)
5. Indigenous Plant Nursery (Jeffreys Bay)
6. Sutherland Seedlings (Eastern Cape / KZN border for seedlings & cuttings)

LotsOfLove, SL