Profitable Plants to Grow in Your Greenhouse

High-Value Greenhouse Crops

Selecting the right plants maximizes greenhouse profits. Here are proven sellers:

Philodendron & Pothos

Heart-leaf philodendron (green) and marbleized pothos are staples. Southern growers dominate small-plant markets, but northern growers can profit by propagating specimens. Philodendron pertusum (split-leaf) matures into dramatic cut-leaf forms. Check local competition before large-scale production.

Pilea

Perfect for 2-inch pots. Varieties include artillery plant (P. microphylla), friendship plant (P. involucrata), and aluminum plant (P. cadierei). Fast-growing in 60–70°F, medium light, moist soil. Propagate from cuttings or basal shoots; January cuttings sell by May. High retail markup potential.

Plectranthus (Spur Plant)

Rapid grower from Australia/Africa. P. oertendahlii has hairy silver-veined leaves, red stems, and mauve flowers. Unidentified fragrant varieties offer niche appeal. Sow seeds in January for July blooms. Feed dilute fertilizer every 10 days after 6 weeks.

Prayer Plant (Maranta kerchoveana)

Striking foliage folds upward at night. Grow in peat-loam mix, warm, well-drained. Propagate by division.

Rivina humilis (Rouge Berry)

White flowers, red berries. Successive sowings yield year-round sales, especially fall/winter. Seeds germinate in 10 days; fruit in 4 months. Pinch tips for symmetry. Direct pot from flats to 2-inch pots.

Royal Poinciana

Grown from seed into ferny shrubs for dish gardens. Seeds sprout in a week. Needs ample water. Leaves fold at evening.

Ruellia macrantha

Olive leaves with white markings, rosy-purple blooms. Cuttings root in 3–4 months. Monthly liquid fertilizer enhances beauty.

Sansevieria (Snake Plant)

Tough, low-light tolerant. Many improved varieties. Check market saturation. Profitable in affordable combinations with spider plant and Chinese evergreen for budget-conscious buyers. Propagate from 2-inch leaf cuttings.