Steve’s Leaves is an online plant nursery specializing in rare and unusual houseplants. It is considered a reputable source for unique specimens, providing healthy options for collectors and hobbyists.
What is Steve’s Leaves?
Steve’s Leaves is an online nursery in Lewisville, Texas, growing exotic tropical plants since 1976. They cultivate over 1,000 varieties in their greenhouses, including aroids like Philodendron, Anthurium, and Hoya species, and a selection of Begonias. They propagate most plants from their own mother stock, overseeing the process from cultivation to shipping. This in-house cultivation helps maintain plant quality.
The Buying Experience
Plants are purchased through Steve’s Leaves’ online store. The nursery operates on a weekly restock schedule, typically clearing their website’s current inventory on Fridays at 11 AM Central Time and reloading new plants at 4 PM Central Time. Due to demand for rare offerings, checking the website promptly during these restock periods is advised. For highly sought-after specimens, Steve’s Leaves also conducts weekly auctions, featuring new items every Tuesday and Friday at 10 AM Central Standard Time. Customers can sign up for email or text notifications when out-of-stock items become available.
Once items are added to the cart, it is advisable to have payment information ready to complete the transaction efficiently. The website is designed to be straightforward, allowing users to browse categories or use a search bar to locate specific plants. Some rare finds may be reserved for the auction platform rather than general stock.
Shipping and Receiving Your Plants
After an order is placed, Steve’s Leaves typically ships plants the following week, Monday through Friday. Transit time usually ranges from one to three business days, depending on the destination. They utilize both FedEx and USPS, though FedEx is recommended due to potential USPS delays. For orders placed within the same week with matching names, shipping addresses, and email accounts, the nursery automatically combines them into a single shipment when feasible, issuing a partial shipping refund via gift card for any excess shipping costs.
Upon receiving a plant package, unbox plants immediately to prevent prolonged confinement and potential damage. Plants are securely wrapped in plastic and newspaper to protect them during transit. Inspect the plant for any signs of stress, such as broken stems, wilted leaves, or yellowing foliage. It is normal for plants to show some signs of transport stress, like slight wilting or minimal leaf loss, after their journey. Any damaged or yellowed leaves should be removed using clean, sharp tools.
Acclimating Your New Plant
Helping a newly arrived plant adjust to its new environment is a crucial step in its long-term health. Upon unboxing, if the soil feels dry, provide a thorough watering to rehydrate the plant; however, avoid overwatering if the soil is already moist. For plants that appear significantly dehydrated, a temporary soak of the root system in water can aid recovery.
Place the new plant in a sheltered location with indirect, ambient light for the initial few days, as it has been in darkness during transit. Direct sunlight should be avoided immediately, as this can shock the plant further. Maintaining a warm and humid environment, ideally between 65-80°F (18-25°C) with 60-75% humidity, can aid the plant’s recovery, especially for tropical varieties. Avoid immediate repotting, allowing the plant one to three weeks to settle into its new surroundings before introducing the additional stress of a new pot and substrate. It is also beneficial to quarantine new plants away from existing collections for a few weeks to monitor for pests.
Customer Support and Community
Steve’s Leaves maintains a commitment to customer satisfaction, providing support for orders and plant-related concerns. If a customer is dissatisfied with a purchase, they can submit photos to the support team for evaluation, potentially leading to a replacement or store credit. This policy is applicable within a 30-day warranty period, provided the specified “What to Do When Your Plant Arrives” instructions have been followed. Due to the delicate nature of live plants, direct returns are generally not accepted.
Beyond direct customer service, Steve’s Leaves fosters a community around its brand. Many plant enthusiasts share their experiences and tips related to the nursery’s plants through various online platforms, including social media groups and YouTube unboxing videos. This informal community provides an additional resource for customers seeking advice on plant care or looking to connect with others who share a passion for rare houseplants.