Alternatively, you could market plants as a creative product by arranging them, possibly with cut flowers, in an attractive pot, basket, or unique handmade container.  This venture gives you an edge over traditional florists or other retail shops, because your creation may be one of a kind, possibly even custom made to order. 

 What you need for your plant business depends on what you will be growing, how many you will grow at one time, and anything else you will add to the presentation.  At the very least, you’ll need to find an inexpensive supplier of starter potting soil, small plastic pots or plant trays, plant food, and identification tags.  If you’re going to grow more than a few plants, unless you already have a sunroom in your house you might consider building a greenhouse or investing in a system of shelving and fluorescent lights.  Some other possible necessities include a system to provide bottom warmth for germinating seeds, rooting hormone for cuttings, and craft supplies for dressing up your product. 

Why would people buy from you instead of the grocery store, local nursery, or floral boutique?  This is the essential question you must answer before beginning, and one that only you can answer.  Perhaps you will be growing unusual plants that aren’t readily available at retail outlets.  You may be adding value to the plant by selling it in a beautiful container or providing detailed care information that plants in retail shops often lack.  Perhaps your edge is simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time.  

Where is the right place, and what is the right time?  That will depend on your product, and what opportunities for selling are in your area.  You could begin by simply putting a sign in your front yard that says “houseplants for sale”, but it’s unlikely anyone would bother stopping to ask about them.  Flea markets and yard sales are good places to offer your plants.  You can only have so many yard sales of your own, but perhaps friends or neighbors will be willing to offer you space in theirs.  If your product is creative and not just a collection of plants in pots, you might sell at area craft shows.  Privately owned gift shops or other businesses might be willing to offer you some space on their shelves, if you offer a commission.  An ad in the local newspaper can inform the public about your unique business.  Houseplant starts also make great products for fund raisers! 

The Internet also provides many opportunities to sell your plants.  Consider setting up your own website with an online catalog for your offerings, and use plenty of photographs.  Auction sites such as eBay always have a lot of houseplant starts for sale, so perhaps this method will work for you as well. 

Whatever you choose to sell or how you present it, there are a few things to consider before you begin.  Zoning regulations may determine the scale of your new enterprise, since some areas do not allow residential owners to operate a home business.  You may need to obtain a business license before you are legally allowed to sell your plants, obtain a tax I.D., permits, and other formalities.  Keep careful records of all expenses and income for tax purposes. 

If you have some spare time, or are looking for a way to earn some extra income, you can turn your houseplant hobby into a lucrative home business.  It may take some creativity to come up with a product that will lure purchasers away from ordinary retail outlets, but it’s possible.  The trick is to offer something they can’t – a superior product, a unique product, personalized service, and enthusiasm!