Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just planting your first seeds in the marketplace, this guide will help you thrive in online plant sales! From vibrant outdoor greenery to DIY gardening kits, the possibilities are endless. We uncover Amazon’s most popular plant categories, related products, and expert tips for finding low-competition niches, navigating regulations, and optimizing your listings.
Popular Categories of Plants and Related Products on Amazon
How to sell live plants on Amazon? With so many plants to choose from, let’s dive into the top categories that are winning over Amazon customers.
Outdoor Plants
Outdoor Plants refer to live plants cultivated explicitly for outdoor environments, such as gardens, patios, or landscapes. This category encompasses a variety of plant types, including perennials, shrubs, trees, and flowering plants designed to thrive outside (for example, agave, cypress, and rose bushes).
Plants, Seeds, and Bulbs
This category on Amazon includes products used for gardening, landscaping, and indoor or outdoor planting. It encompasses live plants, selling seeds for propagation, and bulbs that grow into flowering plants, vegetables, or other greenery. These products are typically intended for customers who want to cultivate their plants at home, in gardens, or on patios—for example, peace lilies, sunflower seeds, and tulip bulbs.
Vegetable Plants
Amazon’s “Vegetable Plants” category includes live plants specifically cultivated for producing edible vegetables. These plants are sold as seedlings, potted, or mature plants ready to be transplanted into a garden or container. This category targets customers who want to grow fresh produce at home, whether in outdoor gardens, greenhouses, or small urban spaces like patios and balconies. Examples include cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, and squash.
Choosing Low-Competition Plant Products for Selling on Amazon
Identifying low-competition niches is critical for success in selling plants on Amazon. This involves selecting plant products that are in demand but face less saturation in the marketplace. Here are several strategies to help you pinpoint these opportunities:
Focus on Unique and Rare Plants
Buyers are often drawn to plants that stand out or are harder to find in local stores. Examples include:
- Exotic Species: Uncommon house plants like Monstera Variegata, String of Hearts, or rare orchids.
- Tropical Plants: Species like Bird of Paradise, Alocasia, or Calatheas add a vibrant, lush aesthetic to homes.
- Carnivorous Plants: Unique varieties such as Venus flytraps or pitcher plants which appeal to collectors and enthusiasts.
Explore Emerging Trends
How to analyze your market? Plenty of analytical tools like Helium 10 help uncover trending products for Amazon. Surprisingly, some shoppers even discover trends on TikTok but choose to buy on Amazon instead, trusting the platform more for their purchases. Still, if you’re already selling plants on TikTok Shop or planning to start, we’ve got the perfect guide for you! Check our blog about Selling Plants & Seeds on TikTok Shop and stay updated.
Meanwhile, there are some ways to find your plant niche among trends:
- Low-Maintenance Plants: Succulents, cacti, and ZZ plants are perfect for busy buyers or first-time plant owners.
- Air-Purifying Plants: Varieties like Snake Plants, Peace Lilies, or Spider Plants are marketed for their ability to improve indoor air quality.
- Small-Space Gardening: Miniature plants, terrariums, or vertical gardening kits cater to urban dwellers with limited space.
Target-Specific Customer Needs
Position your products as solutions for niche markets:
- Pet-Friendly Plants: Plants like Areca Palms or Parlor Palms are safe for pets, making them attractive to animal lovers.
- Seasonal Plants: Cater to specific times of the year with poinsettias for Christmas, tulips or daffodils for spring, and fall mums.
Create Bundles or Kits
Offering plants in bundled sets or kits can differentiate you from competitors:
- Complete Starter Kits: Pair a plant with a decorative pot, soil, and care tools.
- Themed Bundles: For instance, a “Zen Garden Kit” with a bonsai tree, moss, and a care guide.
- Gift Sets: Package plants with a handwritten card, making them ideal for gifting.
Key Considerations for Selling Plants on Amazon
Understanding Amazon Fees
On Amazon, you can choose between two plans tailored to your needs. The Professional Plan ($39.99/month) offers powerful tools for growing businesses, while the Individual Plan ($0.99/item) is ideal for under 40 monthly sales. You can switch or cancel anytime. You should try selling as an individual on Amazon if this marketplace is new for you and your present small-sized business.
In comparison, setting up a TikTok Shop seller account is free, but transaction fees apply, including an 8% referral fee on completed orders. New sellers benefit from a promotional rate of 2% plus $0.30 per order for the first 60 days, up to $500,000 in sales.
Meanwhile, eBay’s Individual Account offers 250 free listings per month, with additional listings costing $0.30 each, and charges a 12.9% final value fee plus $0.30 per order. For Business Accounts, optional Shop subscriptions start at $21.95/month for a Basic Shop, $59.95/month for a Featured Shop, and $299.95/month for an Anchor Shop (annual commitment rates). Business accounts include more free listings, reduced final value fees, and additional tools to support professional sellers.
| Platform | Plan Type | Fees | Additional Benefits |
| Amazon | Professional Plan | $39.99/month | Advanced tools for growing businesses |
| Individual Plan | $0.99/item (for under 40 monthly sales) | Best for small-sized businesses or new sellers | |
| TikTok Shop | Seller Account | Free setup, 8% referral fee on completed orders | TikTok Shop offers Co-Funded Free Shipping, a bonus for sellers with good ratings to boost their sales effortlessly |
| eBay | Individual Account | 250 free listings/month, $0.30/additional listing, 12.9% final value fee + $0.30/order | Basic tools for casual sellers |
| Business Account – Basic | $21.95/month (annual rate), reduced final value fees | eBay provides a variety of powerful tools for sellers, like the Best Offer feature, Discounts Manager, and more | |
| Business Account – Featured | $59.95/month (annual rate), reduced final value fees | ||
| Business Account – Anchor | $299.95/month (annual rate), reduced final value fees |
Amazon Selling Plant Policy Overview
Compliance with Laws and Regulations:
- Federal Laws: Sellers must comply with all applicable federal laws when selling plant and seed products.
- State and Local Laws: Compliance with state and local laws is required for the jurisdiction into which products are sold and the jurisdiction from which they are shipped. This includes obtaining necessary licenses and permits.
Import Restrictions:
- Plants, plant products, and seeds may not be imported from outside of the United States. Sellers must source these items domestically to comply with Amazon’s policies.
Prohibited Listings:
Certain plants are prohibited from being sold on Amazon, including:
- Species designated as “noxious” by the USDA or similarly classified by applicable state or local government authorities.
- Plants under federal, state, or local government quarantines.
- Items that are dangerous or fatal when touched or consumed.
- Plants, plant products, and seeds are imported from outside the U.S. or sold by non-U.S. residents.
- Items not in compliance with all other legal, regulatory, and licensing requirements.
Approval for Specific Products:
- You must have Amazon approval to sell live or fresh-cut Christmas trees and greenery, such as Christmas wreaths and garlands, on Amazon. Only certified vendors are eligible to list these items on Amazon.
Restricted Categories and Import Regulations
Plants, seeds, and related products fall under Amazon’s Restricted Categories, meaning sellers must meet specific requirements to list them. Here’s an overview:
Restricted Category Requirements
- Approval Needed: Sellers must apply to sell plants, seeds, and similar items. This involves providing documentation such as invoices, permits, or certifications to prove compliance with regulations.
- Compliance with Amazon Policies: Products must meet Amazon’s safe and legal distribution standards. Listings are subject to review and can be removed if non-compliant.
Import Regulations
- Prohibited Imports: Plants, seeds, and plant-related products cannot be imported into the U.S. from other countries unless explicitly authorized. Similar restrictions apply in other regions, such as the EU and UK.
- Regulatory Compliance:
- U.S. sellers must adhere to USDA regulations, including plant pest control measures.
- In the EU, sellers must follow plant health laws and obtain proper phytosanitary certificates for eligible items.
- Quarantined and Prohibited Plants: Some plant species are prohibited due to their potential to introduce pests or diseases. Always check the USDA’s or local government’s list of noxious weeds and restricted items.
Labeling and Shipping
Let’s start with the fact that sellers can’t use Amazon FBA for live plants since Amazon won’t store them in their warehouses. Still what options do you have? Instead, you’ll need to handle shipping yourself through Amazon FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant). The best thing here is to start with your local market—it’s simpler and avoids the complexities of cross-border logistics. What else should you keep in mind about plant shipping?
Accurate Labeling: Sellers must clearly label the origin of plants, seeds, or bulbs and include any required import/export details.
Packaging Requirements: Ensure plants are securely packaged to avoid damage or spread of pests during transit.
Follow Shipping and Labeling Requirements:
Each shipment must include:
- The name and address of the shipper or owner.
- The name of the recipient.
- The origin of the contents (country, state, or territory).
- A statement detailing the contents.
State and local governments may have additional requirements for interstate and intrastate shipment and labeling of certain plants, plant products, and seeds.
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- Import existing listings or create new ones effortlessly.
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Listing Optimization for Plant Products
How to post items on Amazon? Let’s start with key requirements for product listing.
Product Title: Use a clear, keyword-rich title highlighting the plant’s type, size, and benefits. Example: “Snake Plant – Indoor Air Purifying Houseplant | Easy Care, 10-inch Pot.”
Bullet Points: Highlight key features and benefits:
- Plant type and size (e.g., “Mature 12-inch plant in eco-friendly pot”).
- Care instructions (e.g., “Thrives in low light, minimal watering needed”).
- Usage suggestions (e.g., “Perfect for bedrooms, offices, or patios”).
ASIN Compliance
- Use Existing ASINs When Applicable: Before listing a plant product, search Amazon’s catalog to determine if an ASIN already exists for your product. Avoid creating duplicate ASINs to comply with Amazon’s policy.
- ASIN Variations for Plant Products: Group size, pot color, or bundle options under a parent ASIN with appropriate child ASINs.
- New ASIN Creation: If your plant is a unique variety or bundle not listed in Amazon’s catalog, ensure all details are accurate and meet Amazon’s product detail guidelines.
High-Quality Images
Include multiple photos showing the whole plant, close-ups of leaves/flowers, and packaging. Also include size comparisons and staged setups (e.g., “Perfect for patios or kitchen windows”).
Keywords and SEO
- Research and incorporate trending keywords like “low-maintenance plants” or “indoor succulents.”
- Ensure keyword placement aligns with Amazon’s search algorithm guidelines.
Pricing and Reviews
- Keep pricing competitive by researching similar ASINs in your category.
- Deliver quality plants to encourage positive reviews, which enhance visibility.
Add Value with Care Instructions
- You can include plant care instructions with your product—customers will definitely appreciate it.
FAQs
What is a Noxious Plant?
A noxious plant is a species that poses a risk to health, safety, or the environment. According to Amazon’s policies, plants classified as “noxious” by the USDA or designated as such by state or local authorities are strictly prohibited from being listed on the platform. This ensures compliance with regulatory standards and promotes safe trading practices.
Is It Possible to Import Plants from Outside the United States and List Them for Sale on Amazon’s US Marketplace?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Amazon’s policies prohibit selling plants sourced from outside the country on its US platform, ensuring compliance with strict agricultural regulations and plant health standards.
Conclusion
Selling plants on Amazon is more than just a business—it’s about bringing life and beauty to your customers’ homes and gardens. By focusing on trending categories, low-competition niches, and top-notch compliance, you can cultivate a thriving business that stands out in the marketplace. Start planting the seeds of success today, and watch your sales grow!
