Plants are an easy thing to overdo. I’ve certainly spent more than enough time trying to reconcile myself with the expense of a rare monstera or orchid. But sometimes the budget simply doesn’t have room for another anthurium. If you’re trying to source new plants on a budget, you’re not alone. 

Acquiring new plants doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. In fact, there are several ways I can think of to get them for free! True, you may not be able to be as selective. But sometimes the ones we stumble upon fortuitously end up being our favorites. 

Some of the most cherished cultivars in my collection cost little to nothing. Sometimes these things fall into your lap unexpectedly, which is delightful. However, sometimes we have to be creative and look for them. Here are some of the ways I find new plants without breaking the bank.

Propagate

Plant multiplication starts with a single stem or leaf cutting.

The most cost-effective and straightforward way to multiply your plants is through propagation. For many of our favorites, this is as easy as cutting off a leaf or a stem and putting it in water for a few weeks. Others are more complicated, but in general, this is an easy way to get new plants on a budget. 

If you have one at home that you love, there is no harm in taking a cutting to see if you can get some roots growing. Some even do the job for you by producing offsets. You can separate these and pot them up, voila! 

Propagating succulents is almost too easy. Most of them will grow from a simple leaf cutting. Orchids are a bit more complicated, but time is money in this case. You can save a lot by putting in some effort. 

Propagation is an excellent way to create more plants from the ones you already have. It’s virtually free except for the potting mix, and you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home. 

Plant Swaps

Garden swaps let everyone find something unique and exciting.

Plant swaps are another great way to find new plants on a budget. These can be informal gatherings or organized events where fellow gardeners come to share their plants. You don’t need money at all for this, unless you count gas money to get you there, and maybe a pretty new pot. 

Participants come to swaps with healthy plants that they’ve propagated or thinned out from their own collections. The objective is to find someone who wants what you have and something you want in return. Sometimes you may have to make a couple of swaps to get the plant you have your eye on. 

Swaps are a great way to discover new and beautiful varieties, as well as diversify your garden. They also connect you with other plant lovers, promote sustainability, and reduce waste. You might even learn something new about a plant you already have. 

Check with your local garden club, community center, or online groups to find out when and where the next event will take place. You can fund a wide range of items at the swap, including tools, seeds, cuttings, divisions, and mature plants. 

Harvest or Purchase Seeds

Seeds sown right in the garden grow strong and resilient.

A great way to grow more new plants on a budget is to start with seeds. A packet of seeds may cost as much as a single plant, but it can produce dozens of plants. It also gives you access to a wider variety of cultivars, including heirloom, specialty, and rare types. 

Starting from seeds gives you more control over the growing process. You can ensure your plants get off to the right start by providing them with the best possible conditions. Seeds that you sow directly in the garden will even be better adapted to your climate. That makes them stronger and more resilient. 

It’s also incredibly fulfilling to watch those tiny seeds grow into big, beautiful, healthy plants. There are many places to acquire seeds. You can collect them from plants you have at the end of the season. You can ask a friend to save you a seed head of something they have. 

There are also lots of great online retailers where you can find high-quality seeds at a reasonable price. Growing plants from seeds is economical and fulfilling, and always fits into the budget. 

Trade With Friends and Family

Offsets from friends often turn into the best new treasures.

Like many plant lovers, I’m always propagating. Little glass jars in every window mean that I always have plants to share. I just love it when plant-loving friends come to visit, because it means I have someone to share them with. Then I can start new ones! 

Most plant lovers end up with offsets that they eventually don’t have room for. These people are the best resource for new plants when your budget doesn’t budge. Next time you’re having dinner at a friend’s house, take a moment to admire their plants. I can almost guarantee you’ll go home with at least a cutting. 

If your mom is a gardener, this is the real jackpot. I love to shop my mom’s garden for orchid cuttings, succulent offsets, and especially plumeria cuttings. The longer a person has been a gardener, the more they will let you pull up because there simply isn’t room for more. They get to share their loved garden or collection, and you get new plants on a budget.

Shop the Clearance Rack

Some clearance finds turn into the garden’s biggest surprises.

I’ve found some beautiful plants on the clearance rack at the home improvement stores. This is always a great place to look, as they have many options, but the care habits aren’t always top-notch. Those plants may look like they’re on death’s door, but a little TLC goes a long way. 

I won’t say it’s common, but I’ve seen five-foot fiddle leaf figs on those racks for $20. All they needed was some sun protection and pruning. I’m often surprised by the selection at those larger retailers. This is an excellent source for new plants that fit your budget.

If you see something that you want, and the price is right, I say go for it! Check for signs of root rot and fungal disease, though, as these are hard to beat. You don’t want to introduce harmful pathogens to your other houseplants or into the garden.

Whenever you bring something home in less-than-stellar condition, it’s a good idea to isolate it. Keep it away from your other plants for a couple of weeks to make sure that it’s not suffering from pest or disease issues. 

Volunteer at Gardens

Helping out at gardens sometimes leads to surprise plant gifts.

Do you have a local botanical or public garden? Volunteer to help tend the garden, and you might just find yourself on the receiving end of some freebies. I can’t make any promises on this one, but it certainly can’t hurt to try. In the worst-case scenario, you get to spend time tending to a beautiful garden.

Check Online Marketplaces

Local online groups are treasure troves for unique cuttings.

I’ve gotten some wonderful cuttings and rescues from local online social media groups and marketplaces. If you haven’t discovered these yet, I highly encourage you to take a look. Gardeners love to talk about their passions, and much like your friends and family, they often want to share.