Reviews of Ecouarium Ltd. (Gardener)

Colton Warawa

Ecouarium is an amazing place for indoor plants, made better by an amazing owner. I have recommended this store to many friends already and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The store owner (Mishaal) is very friendly, kind and generous. He has offered to order in plants I have requested (but he doesn’t stock). He even offered to volunteer his time, and expertise to help children to learn about the amazing world of plants. Also, his dart frogs are pretty darn cool, I think they were laying eggs when I was there yesterday. TLDR; I recommend this shop to anyone invested in the hobby, interested in plants, or even just killing time in the area.

Wadd Albanna

Eco-uarium where everything is pure organic and Hydroponic Natural growth of the most rare plants and collectables , Different Organics, Hibiscus & Tamarind Juice ,Plus more ...

Wiktor

Great place for vaverium plants. Mishaal has such a great passion for theses things. Overall great place just the website is a bit confusing. ????

Renée Cabana-Marshall

This is more than a shop, it's almost like a museum. The owner is incredible knowledgeable and keen to share. The love and pride he has for his shop, plants, and crafts is palpable. Edmonton is very blessed to have this space in the neighborhood.

Ashton Kryzanowski

Mishaal is a breath of fresh air to talk to and learn from in regards to his beloved plants. He is a wealth of information and experience! He is even willing to answer random plant care questions when completely unrelated to a purchase, once you establish a relationship with him. He is also very fair with pricing and is reliable with pre-orders and unavoidable shipping losses (when coming in from overseas, to him, to his customers). I've naturally begun to think of him more as a friend than a local business owner/source for rare plants, by virtue of how friendly, interesting, and genuine he is. Not to mention, his plants are awesome and often not found anywhere else in Edmonton. Would highly recommend his store for any house plant person!

Tina Solanki

Wish I could give him 100 stars! First of all, Mishal is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable person. When you buy a plant, he tells you everything you need to know to care for the plant. When I, Aaryan, bought a Nepenthes, he even gave me some powder to put in the water and fertilizer pellets with our Nepenthes! I would totally recommend him to anyone who wants a plant but doesn't know everything about it! He also has some extremely rare stuff like some of the Nepenthes and orchids.

Allison Bailer Anderson

My frog's vivariums are filled with Ecouarium plants! They are beautiful. And growing wonderfully. Love that the Edmonton area has a unique plant store!

Tessa Bogacki

I have purchased multiple plants and experienced great customer service up until recently; I commented on a Facebook post that every plant I’ve purchased has had mealy bugs and my account was locked as well as blocked from the Facebook page. It’s not a lie that the plants have mealies and it’s also not a big deal either. I simply mentioned it to raise awareness as not everyone is comfortable with dealing with bugs, and a customer shouldn’t be banned for giving others a heads up. I even mentioned on the post I was happy that Eco offered to take my plant back and treat it when I emailed about one with bugs. The pickup option has been great and the staff have been nothing but kind so this came as quite a surprise. Pretty disappointed that I’ve spent quite a bit of money here and have been blocked from social media pages and the website for giving a fair warning to others but it seems like this isn’t the first time the store has acted like this. So, warning to everyone, check over your purchases for mealy bugs :)

Allysia Haiste

Mishaal is a very knowledgeable and easy going business owner. I wouldn't say I'm a "plant person" so I am not totally excited about plants, but his passion is absolutely contagious. I've purchased a few little things from his shop in the past year, and when one plant didn't survive - he generously offered me a different plant that would be more resilient to my lack of attention. The customer service and customer experience is unbeatable.

Candace t

Highly Recommended!! This shop goes above and beyond and was very patient with my 1000 questions I had about the plants I was purchasing. But it didn’t stop there; they arrived un-potted and that caught me by surprise because I’ve never dealt with that before. So than I had a further 300 questions about how to pot these which they answered promptly with detailed instructions. Now I’m over my fear of potting a plant by myself so I’m happy they came no pot. Customer service was excellent and these guys are very patient and fast to deal with questions. These are my first expensive plants so I was very very nervous, scared I will kill them but they eased my mind about it and encouraged me it will be ok. I do have regular monsteras thriving for a year so I decided I was finally ready to take a step up in my plant game. So the plants are a lot bigger than I had expected, which is a bonus. I really took a chance on that Thai constellation because it didn’t look that variegated on the website but I had a good gut feeling about it so threw caution to the wind and bought it (along with a few other monstera types and my first hoya) I’m so glad I did! In real life it’s got lots of variegation and is stunning. It’s honestly perfect to what I wanted it to look like. Hard to explain but I didn’t want bold bold white but I didn’t want so scarce you can’t see it either. When it grows up I think it’s going to be exactly my dream plant I have imagined. I waited 3 weeks for my plants because I was unsure if a friend was going to Edmonton and could pick them up for me or if I would need them shipped. In the end I chose shipping because she wasn’t going till next week and I felt bad asking them to hold them even longer than originally agreed upon. The shop was so generous to hold them for me this long to begin with. I can see a big growth difference from the picture I was sent from the time my order was placed in the Thai constellation. My friend didn’t think it was the same plant it’s grown so much already! It’s put out a new leaf since the day I ordered. They were well packaged and show no sign of damage or stress. Also shipping only took 1 day. I’m very happy and giving a 5 star review. They are by far my favourite plant shop now and will be my go to from now on for rare plants.

Spencer Mg

great plant shop, sources supplies for terrariums as well as great prices for house / exotic plants

Cheryl Edwards

LOVE this cute little shop! Friendly and knowledgeable service, fantastic selection.

S

Best place for cool plants, especially all kinds of exotic orchids.

John Benesch

Amazing place

John Benesch

Amazing place

Kasia Krygier

Great shop, great selection, gorgeous plants! A definite great place to visit with amazing staff who centre around a genuine love for plants.

BeautyOfGreen

Very Friendly Transaction. Packaged was absolutely ???? perfect. Plants arrived fast and safely.. thank you very much for a very smooth transactions. Cheers ????

Daniel Haley

This is the only place to buy plants the owner is so knowledgeable and kind and will help you along your plant journey.

Desireé Bryant

I love buying plants from Mishal. This shop is amazing. Absolutely very friendly people. The prices are representative of the rarity of the plants in our market.

Sami A.

Beautiful selection of exotic plants

Nobody Everybody

Never had a more knowledgeable and kind sales rep. Mich knows so much about plants he could set my wife and I up with exactly what would work for us.

Lars Peters

I absolutely recommend this store ???? outstanding service!!

Cody T

Mishaal knows his stuff, and I love his passion with plants. I diddnt plan on building a planted 40 gallon on Saturday, but as it would turn out i was very fortunate to find this beautiful shop. Now I have a gorgeous aquarium!

Ashley Chambers

My plant arrived half dead and when it arrived, I was coming off of a 12 hour night shift. I am working the frontlines as an ER nurse. I have never had a company question me, or call me a liar basically. I didn’t worry about this because any other issue or company I have dealt with, helps its customers. They do not retaliate in a childish manor to have me blocked from Facebook groups. I hope you are proud of the service and less than mediocre quality of the plants that your provide to your customers. I will never shop here again.

John M

After considering a purchase this evening for a plant that was priced in my opinion on the high side, I thought I would search through a few FB groups and see some real life experiences. It didn't take long to come across a few recent posts and reviews that were negative and what seemed like this business sensoring reviews. The particular group happened to be run by the this business and the admin/business owner proceeded to remove any comments that he/she did not agree with. The reviews or experiences that were in any way negative but true were deleted. This lead to a few review posts in other groups that the owner of this business is not a part of and couldn't moderate/delete or block comments. In this group that is frequented by a lot of plant sellers and buyers stories came out about the owner from years ago. Everything from being pushy, aggressive, unfair and overpriced. The owner of this business would not be able to see these posts as they have blocked the majority of people who are posting their experiences. These are sellers who have been in business a long time. In the end I decided not to make a purchase and will look locally. I also had a chance to read some.of the negative reviews here on Google. The way the owner replied to the negative reviews here with zero empathy here doesn't surprise me. Another reason I didn't make the purchase from them. All business have bad reviews, it's how they handle them that tells you how the business is. This company doesn't know how to handle bad reviews. Hope this is helpful to future buyers.

Becky S.

I bought a pricey plant and was warned some others had found mealie bugs. I opted to take the plant. It is lovely, but I've found 5 mealies in the days since. I was offered a full refund if I returned it, but as its hard to find these plants locally I kept the plant and am treating it (i had sone mealies already, so its in quarantine with the others). Disappointed to pay a high price and get a plant with bugs though. A newer collector could have a big problem with mealies. ETA: as you can see in the screenshots attached I found bugs the day I picked up the plant. Not days later. I would not recommend this seller, as badmouthing customers seems to be part of the business model. The plants were on sale when I purchased, which is not the same as discounted due to a known defect.

autumn g

Communication needs to be more effective thus to not lead into any confusion which was the case in my situation. Seller should be more receptive to customer feedback and constructive criticism.

John Lilley

Nice variety of plants that are all appropriate for terraria. The proprietor is very knowledgeable about how to set up and maintain a terrarium including one with frogs. Somewhat overpriced for the quality of the stock but the advice is good advice.

Taylor Bridges

Super friendly and knowledgeable. beautiful bioactive displays.

Anna-Mae Kristine

What an absolutely wonderful and wholesome place! I've never seen someone show such passion, care and excitement as I've seen here. I gained so much knowledge, help and beautiful plants for my vivarium at this amazing gem of a store!

GraNat Marketing

Such an amazing and well knowledged individual with plants. I've always enjoyed visiting this store and think of it often! As I've since moved to B.C. This is by far the coolest plant store I've personslly ever been to :)

Allysa H

Some of my favourite plants I've received from here. Very healthy and continue to grow under my grow lighting. Recommend to shop here he's very helpful and friendly with any questions you might have. Oh and always lots of hoyas :)

Megan Tupper

Worth the Trip! I've found some of my most treasured plant babies here. Mishaal is also so friendly, he gives me great advice about my plants when they seem like they might be floundering in my care. Every trip here is a joy.

Ferdinand Aguillon

A unique mini-greenhouse store specializing in houseplants, succulents, cacti, and orchids. Builds customize terrarium, vivarium, living walls, aquaponics and hydroponics systems PS: Mishaal, the owner is super friendly

Dmitri Ivanovich Shilov

This is an must visit store for any plant enthusiast! The owner and employees are all knowledgeable about their inventory and house plants in general. Every visit is an awesome experience. You will see plants here that are not available anywhere else in the city and possibly the whole province. The owner especially is a treasure-trove of knowledge and his passion for plants is infectious.

Chrissy Garrett

I was sold a sick plant, I took it to a local shop that confirmed it has a bacterial infection. I would 100% not recommend this shop, there are lot of others who actually care about there customers and don’t sell unhealthy stock. I emailed, now you are threatening me instead of taking responsibility. Not professional at all. My claims are not false, and I will get the people at my local shop to speak on my behalf one of whom is a retired botanist.

Kimberly Jones

Sharing the experience I have had. Up until recently, I tried to give the seller benefit of the doubt. He has a horrible reputation in Edmonton for his less that stellar business practices and customer service. I have always tried to support this business and drive business to his store. I recently signed up for the free membership. When I signed up for the membership there was NO mention about not taking screenshot of "copyright pictures". Pictures that he shares on FB. 30 mins after I posted the pictures on my FB in a way to DRIVE interest and customers to his store and to sign UP for the free membership, my account was terminated. Due to the fact of sharing the pictures. As well, he even went to so far to block my IP address. I will be filling a complaint with the province regarding this. I have never dealt with such an aggressive person in my life. I will no longer recommend this seller.

Kimberly Jones

Sharing the experience I have had. Up until recently, I tried to give the seller benefit of the doubt. He has a horrible reputation in Edmonton for his less that stellar business practices and customer service. I have always tried to support this business and drive business to his store. I recently signed up for the free membership. When I signed up for the membership there was NO mention about not taking screenshot of "copyright pictures". Pictures that he shares on FB. 30 mins after I posted the pictures on my FB in a way to DRIVE interest and customers to his store and to sign UP for the free membership, my account was terminated. Due to the fact of sharing the pictures. As well, he even went to so far to block my IP address. I will be filling a complaint with the province regarding this. I have never dealt with such an aggressive person in my life. I will no longer recommend this seller.

Melissa

Please be patient with Mishaal during this time, as he is a one man show! I was honestly not happy with the response time, until I was able to make an appointment to go into the store. In the first 15 minutes, he had 3 phone calls and a curb-side pick up. He is EXTREMELY busy. Meeting him in person makes it completely worth the wait! Mishaal is a very personable, knowledgeable, and attentive person. I ended up purchasing 5 Hoyas from him. I will definitely be back, especially when all the exotic Hoyas can finally make it through the border! Ps. you have to be QUICK with the rare plants, as he sells them quite quickly! Currently, with the covid situation, he is not able to bring in any plants from Asia.

Happy ToBhere

Some delicious plants for sale here! Mishaal will wow you with his knowledge and his down to earth style of delivering that knowledge to you.

Jessica Banks

So happy with the hoyas there! Shipped all the way to New Brunswick. They are true to what they sell and Mishaal is amazing. Will be back. Thanks Eco-Team! :)

Kristin Garfield

Fair prices and fast shipping. Usually an awesome place. My most recent order was shipped in water logged dirt and I am fighting a battle against root rot. Cut all the roots off my most recent plant and I am hoping to the gods it roots and lives. I'm a little nervous to make another purchase. ????

John Ernest

Best place in Canada for rare plants. Love this shop!!!

Jason Laluk

Extremely important store for people who want , specialized, unique exotic hard to find plants . The owner is very friendly , knowledgeable, and helpful. Five plus stars !

Jessica LaPointe

I love going to Ecouarium for my plant needs & for advice. All my plants purchased from Mishaal are thriving. Mishaal also gives the best plant advice! I always feel welcomed there & look forward to plant shopping soon :)

Alexander Cartier

Mishaal has great knowledge and a passion for his plants and vivariums. Great place to shop for exotic plants and get advice!

Nadine Clements

The only company that bad mouths any other plant companies within their vicinity. We see you, we think it's unattractive and disgusting. I have actually ordered from this place, unfortunately. I had to supply them with my own shipping label and the prices are sky high. Once I found out about how they have called the CRA on another business in Edmonton, now I'm seeing fake reviews. Classy.

Carol Newsom

Ecouarium is a fantastic house plant distributor; not only do they have rare and amazing plants you don't see anywhere else, but they ship and my plants arrived in the dead of winter so well packaged (including a heat pack that I didn't even have to pay extra for) that they are even more beautiful than the photos posted from their shop before I bought them! Awesome store, awesome service, very fast shipping.

Non B

To be honest, this place is ridiculously overpriced. For some plants that you can order from Thailand for much cheaper, he sells for $90+. Go elsewhere. Support honest businesses - there are so many small Canadian plant shops you can find online!

steven flisberg

Best selection of exotic plants. The owner is a plant nerd and knows alot of valuable information.

Barry Slaney

Great store with a knowledgeable owner... some great exotic plants and beautiful terrarium choices.

Ailam Halabi

Ecouarium is my fav place to go. Excellent plants and very fair prices for all the work the owner puts into them. I highly recommend them. I love the fact I get access to hard to find rarities I can't find from anyone else in North America. Thank you to the amazing folks there! Love my new plant.

Douglas Fargo

Best place in Canada for rare plants. Will come back again,

Kelli Reimer

Waited a month for an order, the customer service is snippy at best, then when I told them I was not Impressed by their service and asked for a delivery time frame they cancelled the order the day before it was supposed to be delivered, JOKE of a company.

R S

Excellent shop. Always a go to for hard to find plants. Owner is very knowledgeable and friendly.

Pauline Pozsonyi

Absolutely fanstastic customer service, If you love plants this is a great place to shop!

Brandi Kelly

I absolutely love this place. Only open for curbside pickup appointments, but it's almost better that way because the staff are so friendly and helpful and willing to show you new stock and give tips and swoon about the beauties they put so much time and effort into growing. Their passion for the hobby shows, and is well-worth the prices that people might say are high, but that hobbyists who have looked into it will recognize are actually quite fair for what they are getting. I love everything that I purchase from here, and it's become the very source of my philo addiction!

Emma McCallum

Cute plants, great prices! ????

Jay Abdul

Amazing service and knowledge staff!

Natasha Ivoshik

They raised the prices before giving a 10% off. Very shady. They revoked my friend's access to the website for calling them out on Facebook, so use another name for the reviews. I bought a hoya eskimo which is supposed to be a H. Krohniana and I received a Lacunosa Silver. It was triple the price of CSN and the wrong specie. Very unsatisfied with them.

Melissa Cooper

I purchased a plant through here and can confirm it did have mealy bugs, I never thought to email as it didn’t seem like a big issue but after seeing his poor attitude toward paying customers I need to speak out as well. You can even see bugs on the pictures ecouarium posts on their Facebook page and the fact that they ban anyone who mentions it is bizarre. I will not be spending another dime at this store and hope he takes up some customer service training before he bans all his customers for simply mentioning a bug infestation

Amanda Bryanton

Amazing customer service!!! He was super helpful with any questions I had regarding my order, even looking for some other things on my wishlist. Plants were packaged perfectly, not one damaged leaf and everything was even better than I had imagined! So so happy!

Sam Palmer

The only spot I'll ever go to purchase plants and get advice. Mishaal is very knowledgeable, kind and patient. He has sold me a few plants that are just thriving in my house.. His prices... Best in town and his warm welcoming attitude is one like no other. I hope his shops is around for many years to come.

Ben Stevenson

Fast and incredible service and I really like how they package their plants and show so much care! Love my new Philodendrons! Thanks guys for being rock stars in plants.

Nafy

Extensive selection of rare plants and vivariums hard to find anywhere else in this city. The owners are very kind, knowledgeable and helpful.

elaine gorman

Fabulous selection of plant's and the owner so knowledgable and welcoming with good help on what's ailing a few plants at home.

Dayna T

Great plants, high quality and very helpful.

Silver Anvil

Absolutely the best plant store I have encountered in Canada. Going back again!

Lizell Ortega-Palma

I have nothing but good things to say about this company. The owner is extremely professional and knowledgable. He quickly responded to all of my questions. The plant that I bought was in perfect condition when it arrived. I’m so happy with my purchase and I will definitely order again.

Lois Crawford

Mishaal is amazing! He knows and cares about his plants and about you- that you get the plant that’s right for you. He is passionate about his plants and his clients and only wants the best! There is no quick trip lol you will visit for hours talking plants, enjoying the company!

Janice Boston

I freakin love this place and Mishaal!!!!!!!! He is so good to me and was able to let me reschedule my appointment and held my plants for me when the weather was horrible on Saturday. I love this little gem of a place in Sherwood Park. So cool here!

Steven Pearce

Great place and very knowledgeable.

John M

After considering a purchase this evening for a plant that was priced in my opinion on the high side, I thought I would search through a few FB groups and see some real life experiences. It didn't take long to come across a few recent posts and reviews that were negative and what seemed like this business sensoring reviews. The particular group happened to be run by the this business and the admin/business owner proceeded to remove any comments that he/she did not agree with. The reviews or experiences that were in any way negative but true were deleted. This lead to a few review posts in other groups that the owner of this business is not a part of and couldn't moderate/delete or block comments. In this group that is frequented by a lot of plant sellers and buyers stories came out about the owner from years ago. Everything from being pushy, aggressive, unfair and overpriced. The owner of this business would not be able to see these posts as they have blocked the majority of people who are posting their experiences. These are sellers who have been in business a long time. In the end I decided not to make a purchase and will look locally. I also had a chance to read some.of the negative reviews here on Google. The way the owner replied to the negative reviews here with zero empathy here doesn't surprise me. Another reason I didn't make the purchase from them. All business have bad reviews, it's how they handle them that tells you how the business is. This company doesn't know how to handle bad reviews. Hope this is helpful to future buyers.