Crimson Horticultural Rarities

I came into Crimson looking for a gift for my sweetheart. It was a bit overwhelming seeing all of the succulents and plants. Leticia was working that day and she helped me out a great deal; she answered all my questions fully and helped me choose a great arrangement of different sized succulents and cacti. Thanks so much!

Every time I come to this store, I spend WAY too much time here, and ask a million questions. Despite this, the staff has always been friendly and made me feel welcome to browse and ask (Marc in particular is so so nice, and knows so much about plants!). Something about plants is so calming, and I love spending time here. I highly recommend stopping by if you are looking for a beautiful plant or pot !

I had wonderful service while I put together my succulent garden! I picked a pot and grabbed way too many plants. Then the store clerk helped me organize everything with gravel and soil inside the pot. We had to leave out a couple but it’s good to know that I’m not going to kill the little guys. Great overall experience and I ended up going back and getting more plants. They get shipments on Fridays so going on Saturday they’ll have the most options.

I love this place a bit too much lately. Whenever I’m in the area, I can’t help stopping by to see pretty things they have inside, and I literally cannot leave without buying something. To get a good idea, visit their website. The place is very hipster-​nice and they definitely know what they’re doing. Close your eyes, pick one thing to buy, bring it home and decorate. It’ll instantly make your home styling. This place is THAT good :) It’s located at a cute little local small business shopping area. You’ll have access to great coffee and amazing ice cream while visiting Crimson.
PS. It looks like someone mentioned bad service there. I agree that a lot of hipster businesses generally don’t have good service. BUT, I’ve never experienced bad service at this place. Staffs are very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. So far so good anyways!

It’s common to see reviews complaining about big attitude, unfriendly, hipster coffee or clothing shops where the service is lacking — now you can add a plant store! I’ve been a customer here many times, and experienced all of the above. I’ve tried to ask question about how a woman at the counter was doing a transplanting and received a blank stare and no answer. Other times, they boot clomp on by as if you were invisible. I want to come in and buy more things but I don’t like a shop where they don’t appreciate you. Back when the shop was small, the owner was in here and always said ‘hi’ when you walked in. I now buy my plants at a little shop on Lakeshore Ave. (by Namaste) where they’re less expensive, or go right to the source at SF Foliage.
Update ¹¹⁄₂₀₁₅:
Seems like the sourpuss woman that worked there 2013 – 14 is gone. Much nicer and friendlier staff — what a turnaround! Might buy some plants here again.

This shop is so adorable! I left with a bag full of new baby treasures.
It’s small but stuffed full of gorgeous plants, all of whom looked healthy and happy. They had a really cool selection of ferns in varieties I haven’t seen before. I ended up bringing one called a «silver dollar» home. It’s a beautiful plant! They also had quite a few succulents and the little 2″ tiny plants that just delight me. They’re not aways easy to find.
The prices are slightly higher than somewhere like a Lowe’s garden section but it wasn’t super expensive considering the boutique atmosphere. The plants were much higher quality and the selection obviously hand-​curated so I was pleased with the prices vs. value offered. They had a ton of air plants, which can sometimes be crazy expensive but they were reasonable. I got a couple very healthy small ones for $ 5 to $ 15!
Also, the staff was wonderful! They offered me care instructions for all of the plants I purchased. I described the lighting I have in my home and they helped me pick plants that could thrive in fairly low light.
I loved this place. I’ll definitely be back! A gem.

Hipster plants. That really sums this place up, so I’d almost be ruining the review by saying more!
Lots of tiny potted plants — and especially succulents — that can do well indoors with minimal care. I’m sure that appeals to lots of people. Lots of unusual and semi-​tropical looking things. I’m not a plant expert by any means, but this isn’t your usual run-​of-​the-​mill nursery stuff.
I didn’t look too closely at prices, but they weren’t bargains, and I hadn’t really expected them to be. Certainly somewhere to go if you want something unusual.

I bought some plants from them that were more expensive than other nurseries. I asked them if they can help me put it together in a terrarium. They told me to come back Monday or Tuesday as they would be less busy. When I came back on Tuesday, they told me they will charge me extra. Since I was already there with the material, I agreed. But what Paige put together did not look good. I eventually redid it myself.

A joy to visit (- the doll heads, which are a bit creepy). I’ve found plants here I never knew of previously that now cover my home. Thanks for turning my thumb green, Crimson!

I am scent sensitive (since hitting the big «M») and cannot tolerate most perfumes or lotions that are perfumed… much. It grieves my heart, as I used to adore finding unique scented lotions (and some perfumes) that were off the beaten track. That said, I knew I was in for some peace and a breath of fresh air when I first walked into this shop, lots of years ago, when it occupied a much smaller space in the alley (where the Cro is now, I think) and I knew I was not being knocked out by the scents in there, but intrigued by them!
Now that Crimson is in the first position in the alley, much larger space, I float on in whenever I am down there window shopping/​espresso/​donut runs, etc, and let myself gaze on the beauties here. I love succulents, and made my first air plant purchase here as well. Picked up a small «hand» to hold my air plant, and have continued buying these little gems on a somewhat irregular basis… along with some cute containers from Cactus Jungle, I am all set air-​plant-​wise!
Today I found myself on a mission, thinking I’d find the right scent to dabble on, if only I persisted in sniffing around. Ha! And lo and behold, I did just that… called «Desert Man», a tiny roll-​on bottle sitting on a shelf near the register. Unique scent, reminded me of better days growing up in the 70’s in LA… of course, not inexpensive, but mostly did not give me an insta-​headache upon application! Sold!
Today, something new I’d never seen in the shop before: a beautiful display of fly trap plants. Healthiest plants I’d ever seen! had a quick chat about that with the 2 ladies manning the register counter… I’d of course had numerous fly trap plants for my 2 sons while they were growing up, but none looked anywhere near the quality as these did. I would purchase one myself, but am out of room with indirect light in my house. I hope to be able to move soon to a place where the heat will not kill most everything lovely to grow, and add one of these little plants to my collection!

Air plant. Someone please tell me what this magical plant lives on without roots. And why have I only heard of it today?
Earlier today, while in Golden Gate Park and headed to breakfast on 9^th and Irving, T and I discussed the merits of a cheaper gym membership. «I can’t go there anymore. That place is more like a nursing home than a health club. Plus I’m paying too much.» I said. «I can go to a very nice gym and pay a fraction of what I pay now, saving over $ 200 a month and I don’t have to deal with the horrific people there harassing me.» I tried to do the math in my head. «You should. I think you should. It will be a lot less mental stress and you’ll feel safer. Plus think all those rare plants you can buy with the money you save.» That made me think about Crimson. I had heard of the magical place called Temescal Alley just a couple of days ago from another hipster friend who told me that everything artsy is moving to Oakland from San Francisco and that I must, I must head over there like he did to check it out. Granted, he was in Oakland to meet a Tinder date, I was more intrigued by the possibility of finding new clothes shops. Instead, I found Crimson online and the photos mesmerized me.
Air plant. That’s all I could think of.
Sunday afternoon. Arrived at Temescal Alley. There it was. It’s nothing like I’d ever experienced before. It’s like Diagon Alley for plants. Venus Fly Trap. Rare succulent that even the shop keepers had not seen before. Weird hanging plants draping from pots hanging down from the roof. Endless Air Plants. One of a kind sculptures, cards and metal paper weights that you really don’t need but you absolutely want.
Mesmerized and unable to contain myself, I did a very shopaholic thing: I bought a few plants and I put them in the car. Then, I returned empty handed and bought a few more.
My friend T’s right. That future gym membership fee savings can buy a lot of rare plants. And I’m giddy with the possibility of acquiring as many air plants as possible in my future trip returns.

Cutest plant store ever! Not very cheap but the two plants I got here are doing really well! I wanna come back and buy more. The guy working here was super helpful too. They have ferns, air plants, even the sensitive plant that closes when touched. Lots of cute décor and small knickknacks like soaps too.

Super, super neat horticulture nestled in Temescal Alley. I wish I could take everything home, but just took an air plant. The staff were helpful to make sure I was informed of caring for my first air plant (watering once a week, and making sure the water isn’t caught in the core of the plant, since it can rot), and were friendly to water mine before checking out!
They also have several eclectic indoor plants, not the kind you would see everyday. You know, for those who want a more unique one in their workspace :)
Definitely check out the store while you’re getting ice cream, or window shopping in other areas. Well worth a visit, and a plant friend to take home.

What a cute and eclectic little shop. We stopped in when I saw air plants in the window. We stayed just long enough to buy too much.
Easily the best place for air plants/​terrariums in town. Huge selection, and very reasonably priced. If you look online, you’ll typically see $ 10 on the low end. I bought a few between $ 3-​$ 5. The terrarium I picked out was $ 5. Plus, the staff is super helpful.
They also have soap and lotion and all kinds of gift-​shop stuff, but go for the plants.
The good: the selection of air plants was top-​notch.
The bad: there can be a lot of people milling about in there. Watch out for their glassware and make sure you or bag don’t hit it.

Incredibly nice staff selling all things related to making your home an air plant haven. Not personally what I am into, but a nice shop to peruse while visiting this hipster Temescal alleyway.

My wife and I hired Alison and Lonna (the owners of Crimson) to do the flowers for our wedding and I can’t say enough what a wonderful experience from start to finish working with these two ladies was.
They really listened to what we were looking for in terms of the look and feel of the flowers. We had a tight budget and they worked with us to create beautiful flowers that still fit into what we wanted to spend. They made the trek all the way out to Sacramento (where we were getting married) beforehand to see the site so they could create arrangements that fit with the location.
When it came to executing the flowers, their work was unbelievable. It bears mentioning that we gave them pretty much free reign to create whatever they saw fit and what they came up with was just beautiful. The flowers were unique, the colors were vibrant, and the arrangements were more lovely than we could have ever dreamed of.
If you’re looking for a wedding florist who is talented, affordable, and amazing to work with, look no further!

Reason for visit: in need of succulents
Visit date: December 8, 2014
First time? Yes.
Crimson Horicultural Rarities is an eye-​pleasing place to visit. There are many unique finds every where you turn. On this visit, I was in search of a succulent plant small enough to use for a tiny cork planter. And though I probably could have purchased the same plant from another establishment for much less, the experience of Crimson is unlike any other. Plus, the workers knew their stuff! I explained what I wanted to do with the plant and the woman at the counter gave me a brief lesson in succulent care. So useful! Also, good to note, is that Crimson is open later than your regular nursery, which is a total plus in my book since I get out of work after those regular nurseries close.
But what else can you find at Crimson, you ask? Fancy perfumes, airplants and moss, cute vases and jars, candles and soaps, ornaments, gardening tools, and art! It’s a great place to find a one-​of-​a-​kind gift for a friend or for yourself!

I’m a sucker for succulents. These little beauties always manage to pull me in whenever I happen to spot them. I got pulled into this shop when I saw their succulents window display. We went in there to browse and to find and buy a small pot of Lithops but there were none to be had. However, I got a beautiful fern plant that I can keep on my desk in my classroom. I do not get much sunlight at my desk, so I need a plant that survives with little light. One of the wonderful sales ladies suggested the fern and repotted it for me in a bigger pot which allows drainage. The beautiful pot and my new plant only cost around $ 20. Not a bad deal!
They have quite a selection too of hanging plants. Glass and ceramic pots, and garden décor – all the things that enhance the beauty of any garden can be had here. This place is small, but there is so much to be discovered. We will definitely to return in a couple of months to see what’s new.

If you’re in the neighborhood and you also have a fascination with cute little succulents, air plants, moss and the like, this is your one stop shop.
For whatever reason I can never convince myself to actually set up a little succulent garden but if I ever did, this is where I would try and source those little nuggets of cuteness.

Duh… so…how do these things grow? No really, airplants? Love it! No water needed? No soil? What about sunlight? Momma didn’t raise no green thumb.
Air plants and succulents are perfect for those with a fear of houseplants –that be me! it’s easy to grow and care for air plants!
Love the idea of growing greens in any container, wooden boxes, glass containers, bottles, any old item in the house, old frames, driftwood, get creative… really!
Lots of really neat and cool stuff. This place rocks, it inspires my inner interior designer. Channel your inner nate berkus… Who knows it may inspire yours.