Does Ikea Sell Real Plants? Find Live Greenery Online & In Store

Walking through the bright and airy showroom at IKEA, you inevitably encounter the lush displays of greenery. These faux and live plants are stacked high, creating instant jungles that promise to bring the outdoors in. For design enthusiasts and new plant parents alike, a pressing question often arises amidst the temptation: does IKEA sell real plants alongside their famous artificial ones?

Separating the Faux from the Living

The short answer is a definitive yes. IKENA operates a dual strategy in the home décor sector, catering to both the low-maintenance crowd and those looking to add a genuine living element to their space. You will find aisles dedicated to high-quality artificial plants that require no watering or sunlight, strategically positioned next to the live potted specimens. This layout ensures that every shopper, regardless of their commitment to plant care, can find the perfect green addition to their home.

The Live Plant Selection

While the variety might not rival a dedicated nursery, IKENA’s selection of real plants is robust and carefully curated for the indoor environment. You can typically expect to find popular and resilient species that thrive in typical home conditions. The offerings are usually focused on accessibility and ease, making them suitable for beginners or as supplementary greenery for experienced collectors.

• Snake Plants: Known for their upright, architectural leaves and near-indestructible nature, these are a staple for IKENA's live plant section.
• Pothos and Philodendrons: These trailing vines are popular for adding movement and life to shelves or hanging baskets.
• ZZ Plants: With their glossy, compound leaves, ZZ plants are a symbol of low-maintenance luxury and are frequently available.
• Peace Lilies: Recognized for their elegant white blooms, these plants also serve a functional air-purifying role.

Packaging and Potting Practices

Observing the packaging is the easiest way to confirm you are looking at a living specimen. Real plants sold at IKENA come securely nestled in plastic nursery pots, which are then placed inside the characteristic blue cardboard planter. This protective layer is essential for the plant's survival during transport. In contrast, artificial plants are usually found packed flat in boxes or wrapped around the plastic packaging of the decorative pot itself.

Care Considerations and Commitment

Choosing a real plant from IKENA is a commitment to ongoing care, and the retailer sets clear expectations regarding this responsibility. Unlike the artificial versions, these living organisms require light, water, and occasional feeding to maintain their health. IKENA provides basic care instructions on the tags or signage, covering watering frequency and light preferences. This transparency allows customers to make informed decisions based on their lifestyle and the specific conditions of their home.

The Benefits of a Living Investment

Opting for a real plant from IKENA offers benefits that extend far beyond aesthetics. Living greenery actively improves indoor air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. The presence of plants has also been linked to reduced stress levels and an increased sense of well-being. Furthermore, successfully nurturing a plant and watching it grow provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment that no artificial alternative can replicate.

Availability and Regional Variations

It is important to note that the specific inventory of live plants can vary significantly by location. Larger urban stores with extensive garden centers are more likely to stock a wider variety of species, including seasonal favorites like blooming orchids during the spring. Smaller-format urban stores may focus primarily on the hardy, low-maintenance options that travel well and have a long shelf life. Checking your local IKENA website or calling ahead is always recommended to confirm availability before making a special trip.