My Favourite Succulent and Cacti Shops in East London 🌵

I pretty much kill every plant I meet, and even succulents don't usually last longer than 3 months in my possession. But it definitely doesn't stop me from trying, and I am always looking to make my room a greener place. How can you resist bringing one of those green cuties home? I've spent many hours wandering around London hunting down places to buy succulents and cacti, so here are my recommendations.

Columbia Road Flower Market in Bethnal Green

First of all, if you want something pretty cheap and VERY London, the Columbia Road Flower Market is obviously the place to be. There is one particular stall on the East side of the market that has all the teeny to medium succulents and cacti you'll need. If you approach the market from that side, you save yourself having to push through the crowd (although admittedly that is part of the charm, really). So next Sunday morning, you know where to go!

If a market is not the place for you, and you're looking to visit some adorable shops with a slightly higher price tag, that also sell beautiful pots, do workshops and will get you some gorgeous snapshots, check out the places below.

Conservatory Archives in Bethnal Green

I came across the Conservatory Archives completely by accident while wandering down Hackney Road one day. This is one of those plant places where every single inch of the place is taken up by leaves. It was pretty busy the day I found it, so I haven't actually fully explored the shop, but as you can see from the picture above, it looks pretty amazing. White walls, a high ceiling with hanging lights, plants as far as the eye can see, and a lovely selection of succulent pots. It feels like one of those places that would only appear at certain times of the day, and would only be visible to you... @conservatory_archives

 

Grace & Thorn in Bethnal Green (and Brick Lane)

I don't know a lot about Grace & Thorn, but from their website it looks like they specialise in bouquets. However, they've got a pretty good selection of succulents and cacti too. I found the Bethnal Green branch on a walk to the Hackney City Farm (would also recommend!) and often pop by the Brick Lane branch on Sundays for a little peek. @graceandthorn

 

Botanique Workshop on Exmouth Market

This used to be one of my go-to spots for succulents, even before it was called Botanique Workshop. It just happened to be a 10 minute walk from my first job in London. Previously selling lots of gift items by small brands inside and succulent outside, it is now mostly dedicated to all things green. The staff is always lovely and they've got a really wide range to choose from. Bonus points for the lovely branding and shop front and the fact that they do weddings! @botaniqueworkshopfront

 

Prick in Dalston

Prick is another Instagram find and it seems to be an Instagram favourite in general! It's a small shop and a little bit too pricy for my personal taste, but the owners are lovely and it's the place to be if you love a funky cactus (up to MASSIVE ones, that I'm always scared to trip and bump into). Apparently they're the very first shop that exclusively sells cacti and succulents in London. You can find them at @prickldn.

 

Flower Warehouse in Hackney

The Flower Warehouse seems to have something in every category. It's gone through a bit of a revamp since the first time I discovered it. They've got a variety of cacti and succulents (plus some giant ones, see picture above), and lots of other plants and flowers. It has a big doorway, windows in the ceiling and many flowers and herbs on display outside along Cambridge Heath Road. It's not the kind of shop that has an Instagram, but they will definitely be there to help you pick just the right plant or succulent for you, with a huge selection of beautiful but affordable pots. Check out their website here.

 

Botany in Hackney

Botany is my most recent discovery and it's a new addition to the neighbourhood where I lived when I first moved to London. It looks extremely pretty inside and they describe themselves as: 'A curated selection of homeware, skincare & plant life. Inspired by nature & beautiful living.' If you're into the plants and skincare combo, make sure to pop into here. You can find more info on their website or on Insta @botanyshope5.

 

Arma Glassworks on Netil Market

This is a bit of a bonus one, as it's only open on Saturdays and plants are not the main focus of the shop, but it's too lovely not to mention it. Arma Glassworks is located in the small but very interesting and rustic-looking Netil Market, very close to Broadway Market. It mostly does glasswork, including succulent terrariums and frames to display single pressed leaves in, but there is also a small selection of small pots and plants. I need to head in next time for a closer look, and I'll report back with more details. Follow the shop on Twitter @armaglassworks. 

Happy shopping and may you find all your perfect plant friends. Do you have any further recommendations? Let me know!