The lush, verdant world of San Francisco gardening is wilting faster than an unwatered succulent. What once seemed like an unstoppable trend during the pandemic has dramatically transformed, leaving local plant stores struggling to survive.

During the height of COVID-19, garden stores experienced an unprecedented boom. Flora Grubb Gardens in Bayview saw crowds lining up before opening, eagerly purchasing plants and creating home sanctuaries. But as society reopened and work patterns shifted, the plant obsession quickly evaporated.

Local sales tax data reveals a stark reality: the horticulture industry has dropped to its lowest point in 15 years. Factors like reduced gardening interest, a sluggish housing market, and unpredictable weather have contributed to this decline.

The national landscape mirrors San Francisco’s challenges. U.S. spending on flowers, seeds, and potted plants stagnated in 2024 after over a dozen years of consistent growth. Employment in garden equipment sectors has also decreased, with businesses scaling back seasonal positions.

Several beloved local plant stores have already shuttered, including The Sill, Little Trees, Plant Therapy, Terravita Plants, and Succulence. Some entrepreneurs, like David Gray of Hortica, attribute their closure to competition from online plant sellers who captured market share during the pandemic.

However, not all hope is lost. Emerging businesses like The Plant Lady SF see potential opportunities. Founder Jeannie Psomas believes economic uncertainty might drive people to invest in home improvements instead of travel, potentially reinvigorating the plant market.

Industry analysts also predict that potential housing market growth could benefit garden stores, as new homeowners invest in landscaping and interior plant design.

The message is clear: the days of plants selling themselves are over. Surviving in this market now requires strategic marketing, understanding customer needs, and adapting to rapidly changing consumer behaviors.

As San Francisco’s plant market continues to evolve, only the most innovative and resilient businesses will continue to bloom.