When plant stores were forced to close in March because of the coronavirus, many had to get creative so that they could accommodate the soaring demand for plants as people sheltered at home.

For plant lovers who view nursery visits as therapy, it was a major loss. Sure you can buy houseplants online and at big-box stores, but there’s nothing like buying a plant from someone who offers personalized tips on keeping your newly adopted plant alive.

Is your Calathea roseopicta being finicky? Hank Jenkins of the Plant Provacateur has been known to counsel clients after they have purchased a plant from him. “You need to water your ZZ plant every two weeks,” he told a client. “It needs to dry out in between feedings.”

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The Los Angeles retail plant community is a collegial group with a generous spirit that extends beyond its customers. At Folia Collective, owner Danae Horst recommends Leaf and Spine for rare plants. At Leaf and Spine, Ernestine Segura refers clients to Planta for larger containers. Potted’s Annette Gutierrez is a big fan of Jenkins of the Plant Provocateur, who in turn suggests Sunset Nursery for full-sun plants.

Now that stores are beginning to reopen, we decided to list a few of our favorites. Have a preference of your own? Let us know. Because of the pandemic, not all of the businesses on our list will be open, some may have limited hours and some will be offering curbside pickup only. So call or check online before heading out.

Black Raven ZZ plants for Aquarius. Fiddle-leaf figs for Taurus. How to pair houseplants with your sun sign.

Avalon Nursery Maria Luz Lopez built South Los Angeles’ only enduring nursery 33 years ago on a dusty corner lot. 5334 S. Avalon Blvd., South Los Angeles. (323) 234-6762.

Deep Roots This South Bay garden center sells indoor and outdoor plants, natives and floral arrangements. 207 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, (310) 379-3634.

Fig Earth Supply Owner Conor Fitzpatrick stocks a wide variety of houseplants in addition to edibles and herbs including fiddleleaf figs, philodendron and calathea. Fitzpatrick also presents regular classes spanning houseplant basics to cannabis cultivation. And there’s always something lovely in the Domecil store. 3577 N. Figueroa, Highland Park, (323) 224-3938.

Folia Collective Every plant at Folia Collective, from Peperomia ferreyraeto to staghorn ferns, comes with a care card written by owner Danae Horst detailing its specific needs. Staff will ask you questions to help you pick out the perfect plant and offer tips. Horst hosts book signings (including popular plant stylist Hilton Carter), classes, and occasional cutting swaps. 5052 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock, (626) 787-4957.

Greenwood Shop In addition to houseplants, Jaime Curtis stocks ceramics, candles and apothecary items in her Valley Village lifestyle shop. “When we are all vaccinated and can see each other again, I expect a ton of plant swaps and prop[agation] parties to happen, and hope to host them here as well!” she said. 12063 Ventura Place, Studio City. (818) 505-3282.

The Juicy Leaf Houseplants, succulents, cactus, tillandsia, designer terrariums, and planters and macrame hangers — you can find it all here. You can also create your own arrangement or attend a planting party for four to 20 guests. 2614 Arthur St., Suite B, Glassell Park. (310) 907-5019.

Latinx With Plants Andi Xoch started selling houseplants on her Instagram account, Latinx With Plants, which led to the opening of her first plant shop in Boyle Heights. 2117 East Cesar E Chavez Avenue, East Los Angeles. instagram.com/latinxwithplants

Leaf and Spine This tiny store specializes in plants that are hard to find. “We wanted to form a specialty in plants that are really unique,” says owner Dustin Bulaon, who is a collector. Keep an eye out for rare plant sales, which Bulaon announces on the store’s Instagram. 5440 York Blvd, Highland Park, (323) 257-5323.

Mickey Hargitay Plants Mickey Hargitay’s nursery has been a Hollywood fixture for more than 30 years and is the kind of place where staffers will carry your Monstera deliciosa out to your car for you while offering care tips. “We have done our best to keep some of the hard to get plants such as Monstera adansonii, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, string of hearts, various varieties of hoya, Peperomia polybotrya, many varieties of calathea,” says Hargitay. “An occasional variegated monstera might make its way in, but it isn’t too long before it’s sold and off to its forever home.” Potting services are generally free, depending on the plant’s size. 1255 N. Sycamore Ave., West Hollywood, (323) 467-8044.

Planta Nursery Dan Goshin and Jose Chavez’s nursery features an extensive selection of houseplants, some exotics such as Nepenthes, unusual species such as Sansevieria kirkii, and potted succulents. There are large monsteras ($95), baby cactus ($12.50 apiece) and potting services starting at $3 (even if you didn’t buy the plant there). The store hosts regular plant swaps and a zero-waste program where customers can pick up free leftover grower pots, spray bottles, saucers and other items. 6011 York Blvd., Highland Park, (323) 397-8688.

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The Plant Provocateur Hank Jenkins’ tiny Sunset Boulevard boutique has moved online, but he will continue to carry a wide variety of houseplants, exotics, ceramics and gifts. Additionally, Jenkins will carry on with workshops and rare plant drops, which he announces on the store’s Instagram. 3318 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, (323) 774-4836.

Potted Open for more than a decade, this Atwater Village boutique sells indoor and outdoor plants, extensive home decor, planters by local artists and fountains. The store also hosts regular DIY workshops on kokodema and mounting staghorn ferns, lectures on houseplant care and book signings. 3158 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 665-3801.

Rogers Gardens Extensive indoor and outdoor plants, furniture, gifts and planters as well as themed display gardens. Classes on raised bed planting, orchid care and kokedama, among others. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar. (949) 640-5800.

Rolling Greens The garden and home design store features two venues that carry indoor and outdoor plants, succulents, planters and home decor. Customers can create their own arrangement at the Arrangement Bar as well as attend classes on kokedama, potted herb gardens and floral bouquets. 9528 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City, (310) 559-8656; 7505 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 934-4500.

Sarah Cotta Plants Expect houseplants both familiar and exotic at Sarah Bazik’s boutique plant store in Glendale. 401 N. Verdugo Rd A, Glendale. (818) 245-6505.

The Sill The popular New York plant boutique and online seller carries houseplants, planters and gifts. Plants are displayed according to lighting, water and pet needs and start at $5. The store offers classes on houseplant basics and kokedama, a plant care bar and potting table as well as a Plant Parent Club. 8125 W. 3rd. St., West Hollywood, (323) 879-9720.

Ten months ago, Tommy Engström quit his job in ad sales, packed up his Chicago apartment and drove to Los Angeles.

Sunset Nursery This longtime family-run nursery features a wide variety of houseplants, succulents, California natives, edibles and pots. 4368 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, (323) 661-1642.

Tansy Owners Shawna Christian and Colette Fowler offer a wide variety of home goods at their Burbank store including plants, home decor and pots. Before the pandemic, the store also served as an event space for fairy garden planting parties, wreath design and sustainable living workshops. 2120 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. (855) 270-0958.

Wyldbnch Plants This “creative plant shop” in downtown’s Arts District features indoor plants, planters and gifts. 613 S. Central Ave, downtown Los Angeles.

We asked nine L.A.-based artists to illustrate their favorite plant in the city. On the list of shout-outs: Melrose Place, Sawtelle and the Chateau Marmont.

Readers weighed in with their favorites on our Instagram @latimesplants:

Cactus Store Rare and unusual cactuses from around the world. 1505.5 Echo Park Blvd., Echo Park. (213) 947-3009.

Desert Creations Cactuses, succulents and gifts. 18161 Parthenia St., Northridge. (818) 482-8795.

Francis’ Cactus and Succulents Cactus, succulents and houseplants. 10552 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood. (818) 423-6369.

Hashimoto Nursery Enormous nursery with a greenhouse filled with indoor plants including monstera, pothos, fiddleleaf figs and fittonia. Huge selection of succulents and pots. 1935 Sawtelle Blvd., West Los Angeles. (310) 473-6232.

Jay’s Plants Small shop in the downtown flower district specializing in orchids, succulents and houseplants. 714 Wall St., downtown Los Angeles. (213) 612-0353.

La Belle Plant Indoor and outdoor plants and pottery. 3113 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 399-1145.

Plant Material Indoor and outdoor plants, natives and gardening accessories. 3350 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 474-6842.

Rainbow Plants and pots. 821 N. Spring St., Chinatown. (213) 687-7098.

Rainforest Flora Tillandsia heaven. 19121 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance. (310) 370-8044.

The Tropics Rare plants, exotics and trees. 7056 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. Open by appointment. (323) 469-1682.

Venice Plants A large selection of succulents, tropical, hanging plants and pots. (310) 880-7923.

Wild Flora Full-service florist with houseplants, succulents, tillandsia, terrariums and gifts. Workshops on wreath making and crystal sound bath and intention flower bundles. 12313 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 754-1188.

Worldwide Exotics Drought tolerant perennials from around the world including tropicals, sub-tropicals, flowering perennials, cactuses and succulents. 11157 Orcas Ave., Lake View Terrace. Open Saturdays only. (818) 890-1915.

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Lisa Boone is a features writer for the Los Angeles Times. Since 2003, she has covered home design, gardening, parenting, houseplants, even youth sports. She is a native of Los Angeles.