Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery

A beautiful store. They not only have a unique selection of plants, but they display them in a very artsy décor way that brings a new light to what house plants can do for your home. I recently attended a houseplant class, which for the cost of the class, I received a gift card to spend in the shop and get started. The owners are knowledgeable and friendly, and willing to help you find the right plant to suit your vibe, in a range of prices. I am thinking I will be a regular here!

Stunned. Simply stunned… and entranced. This was my impression upon entering this earthly paradise (and plant/​art/​indoor plant supplies store) named Cultivate Urban Rainforest.
Imagine the most beautiful, exotic plant and art-​filled sunroom of some fairy tale castle in England, and plop it down on Main Street in Evanston, Illinois. Add a bit more jungle and a lot less English stuffiness, and you have this delightful place.
I was lucky enough to be assisted by Louise, the owner, while I picked out my completely unexpected purchases. She is extremely cool, funny, friendly, and of course, helpful. In addition to helping me find just the right plant (Leslie was the winner!) she also told me about the art program she’s set up with amazing artists in the space. Beautiful stuff! The environment couldn’t be better for this gorgeous work!
To wrap this epic up, let me just say that you will be well served in making the choice to visit this store. It’s simply magical.

This place is so special. It’s really an art gallery of house plants. But they take house plants and elevate them to a new level. Look closely. The owners hand-​pick every single plant, and each one is presented like a work of art in hanging displays and all kinds of cool ways. Sounds expensive? Actually I was surprised at how reasonable the prices were. Totally on par with standard nurseries.
So when you look closely at each plant, it’s like you can see the personality, heart, and soul… The nuances. The plants I’ve purchased here have also been incredibly healthy and staying gorgeous.
I bought two hanging plants last night — the owner offered to remove the plastic arms and add fishing line hangers to make it prettier. Heart.
They have all kinds of cool furniture for sale, too.
These folks are the house plant geniuses of the universe. I will never buy a house plant anywhere else, ever. Go support this small business!