Ott's Exotic Plants — Local services in Perkiomen Township

Heard a lot of hype about Ott's from other local plant enthusiasts. The koi pond and tropical garden is incredible and it was fun to walk through tons and tons of aisles of plants, they have a decent variety or annuals, perennials, and most common houseplants. Some fun and unique planters, too!

I would give Ott's a higher rating, but it was disapppointing to see multiple areas of the greenhouse that were neglected, with obviously ill/unhappy plants laying about. Gigantic 25+ year old plants with no pricing that are just pushed up against a window instead of being repotted or given additional supports to stand up properly. For Ott's being advertised as an "exotic" plant seller, I also wish they had more consistent identification tags on their plants. For example, the succulents had a large part of the selection just labeled as "succulent" - ID's can be tough, but a simple "echeveria" or "sedum" label would probably be helpful to new gardeners or to the greenhouse staff for when customers have questions. Most plants had some form of ID, but others did not.

It does not look like they have a discount section, so there are random straggler plants that have lost labels and are showing signs of etoliation, under/over watering, etc. but you can't tell if they are for sale or on a discount. It makes parts of the greenhouse look very unorganized when there are struggling plants next to the healthy ones, or half empty pallets of plants that could be combined. On the topic of pricing, Ott's is significantly more expensive than other greenhouses I have gone to. Plants that I would estimate retail at $30 at other sellers were priced at Ott's for $50+. These are not legacy plants or hard to grow plants, but are just popular mid-sized hanging plants. Starter succulents that would retail around $4-$5 are being priced closer to $7. I am guessing the price spike is to offset costs for maintenance of the space, but as mentioned, I feel like maintenance of the plant life could be improved. I did not buy anything because I knew I could get a better deal elsewhere, with a similar amount of variety to choose from.

All in all, I am thankful that spots like Ott's exist as it becomes more and more difficult to find in person retailers as online shopping becomes more popular. I would consider coming back in the Fall to see the mums and walk around the space again to see what...

Ott's is a great place to find a wide variety of plants. Their selection of unique garden and landscape plants is one of the best. They don't always get a lot of each variety, so good stuff can go quickly, but youre guaranteed to find a unique plant for your yard or patio. Their fall mums selection is most definitely the best around.

The selection of houseplants and succulents is also pretty good, with a good selection of basics and the occasional rare and hard to find. But the condition of the plants is often horrible. You see lots of dying and neglected plants, often in the wrong medium.

Pricing contributes to the lower rating - its all over the place. Some of their prices are ridiculously high. Its not uncommon to see a small $15-20 common house plant priced at $75-80. Or a succulent that you can have shipped from a small nursery in Arizona on Etsy for $10-20 priced at $50-60 or more. It's clear they aren't aware of the changing nature of local nurseries shipping nationally for affordable prices OR worse, they are doing it with purpose. I want to support them but can't justify their prices when I can order from a small nursery online for significantly less.

Watch out for infestations! Their nursery plants are often infested with bugs, molds, slimes, mosses, lichens, weeds, etc. Seriously. Their fungus gnat situation is out of control. Isolate anything you bring home, spray it immediately, and watch it a few days for infestation. Unpot everything and toss their cheap nursery medium.

Ott's has the feeling of past glory in rapid decline. Like people who inherited something and now dont care or are overwhelmed. It's more of an interest to walk around and look at the greenhouses and NFS plants on the margins. The buildings looks like they're falling apart, covered in plastic now for years. Rusted and dirty. The big central greenhouse looks overgrown and neglected. The selection of kitch in the cave-like gloomy cash register area is tired and sad. Their selection of pots and soils are overpriced and minimal.

Regardless of the downsides - go! It's a visual wonderland for plant lovers and youre sure to find...

I stopped in on a whim during a day trip focused around my husband. I needed plant therapy and, boy, did Ott’s deliver!!! As soon as you walk in, you are surrounded by lush tropical foliage stretching to the sky and you immediately hear the pounding water from the waterfall inside. The entrance reminds me of an aviary or butterfly house. I was waiting for a tropical bird to sail by! After taking in the entrance, you can proceed right or left and view bromeliads, orchids and pitcher plants. Further on, are cacti and succulents, timely annuals, fruit trees, etc. I was told by staff they were greatly understocked and I was flabbergasted! I have traveled to Logee’s in CT and Ott’s is just as fantastic. They had all the things you need too: potting soil, pottery, etc. Prices vary from typical to high but you have to consider a plants rarity, growing needs and time to propagate. I found an excellent hanging Lifesaver plant, Bat Flower and a Mangave. All in great health and priced well. If you’re a plant enthusiast you will be thrilled! If you’re “meh” about plants, slap on your best jeans and give it a chance. You WILL NOT go home empty handed!! P.S. I read the poor reviews. There are many OLD cacti which look OLD. I believe they are not for sale. Maybe propagating or any sort of use you can think of. Perhaps the staff could clean them up but they probably have another purpose. The plants I did buy were just the right dampness and NOTHING appeared burned, diseased or pest riddled. I’d give them A+ quality and I examine plants thoroughly before I but them for root bound, mites, dry damage, overspent buds, etc. I’ve battled them all at one time snd can’t say I’m suspicious of the plant’s health at all. Also, I love animals. I saw one fat grey cat amongst the cacti relaxing and getting some sun. It looked fine. No obvious visual issues. This was my first visit so I can only tell you...