How to make living with plants extra-easy for urbanities? In an already overgrown industry, Justin Mast saw a new way in: fast, affordable delivery of mature potted specimens in sizes small, medium, large, and extra-large.
Above: Plants arrive in cardboard packaging that Mast developed using his family’s years of R&D. Refreshingly simple—and plastic-free—it keeps the pot and plant secure and at the right temperature. Shipping typically takes less than a week and is free for orders of $50 and up, with a flat fee of $7 for all else.
Mast is a fifth-generation plantsman: On his father’s side, his Rotterdam-born grandparents worked in greenhouses, and his mother comes from a family of florists. Growing up, he worked in his parents’ Michigan nursery that catered to the trade, then went on study architecture and design. He’s now back in the business: His just-launched company, Bloomscape, sends “living-room-ready” potted plants from the greenhouse to your door, candid care requirements and a help hotline included. The business is based in Detroit—with backing from Shinola’s former marketing chief, among others—and is much like The Sill, jungle version. Join us for a look.
Chinese Fan Palm
Above: The Chinese Fan Palm falls under Bloomscape’s categories of extra-large plant, safe for cats and dogs, and relatively low maintenance; $195.
The company differentiates itself by shipping healthy, mature plants straight from the greenhouse. (The greenery at big-box stores, they point out, spends weeks languishing in trucks and warehouses before being sold: See our Insider’s Guide to Getting First Dibs on the Best Ikea Houseplants.) And unlike many nurseries that send baby versions of what’s pictured in their catalogs, Bloomscape’s plants are fully grown.
Sansevieria
Above: A lot of Bloomscape’s offerings are easy care and ideal for beginners, such as this 32-36-inch-tall [product id="1004101"]Sansevieria[/product]; $150.
Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Above: By popular demand, they also carry the finicky [product id="1004103"]Fiddle-Leaf Fig[/product]; $195. If you’re considering one, read The Fig and I and 7 Secrets: How to Save a Dying Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree, and Lessons Learned: The Two Fatal Mistakes I Made with My Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree.
Hedgehog Aloe
Above: Meet a small (by Bloomscape standards) and “very forgiving succulent”: the [product id="1004105"]Hedgehog Aloe[/product]; $35. All plants come in terracotta planters with saucers—grower’s pots, Mast points out, are only meant to be temporary and aren’t at all protective.
Ponytail Palm
Above: The extremely resilient—and Dr. Seuss–like—[product id="1004107"]Ponytail Palm[/product]; $65.
Above: Orders arrive with well-presented instructions and are guaranteed for 30 days. The “Talk to Plant Mom” hotline is manned by Mast’s own mother: Send her a photo of your situation via Twitter (@bloomscape_) or Facebook, and she’ll respond within 24 hours.
Peruse our guide to Houseplants 101: A Field Guide to Planting, Care & Design for more inspiration, including: