Step inside Botaniful, and the first thing you’ll notice isn’t just the plants — it’s the air. It’s light, crisp and a breath of the tropics in the middle of the city. The leafy oasis on 127th Street and 138 Avenue — tucked away on the second floor of Lucky Supermarket — doesn’t just sell plants, it offers escape.
Founded in 2018, Botaniful specializes in indoor tropical plants — everything from lush monsteras to hard-to-kill pothos. While the plants themselves are often native to far-flung places like Mexico or the Dominican Republic, the ones on the shelves are grown right here in Canada, sourced from growers in Vancouver and Toronto. The result is a curated collection of greenery that’s both exotic and climate-adapted.
“We’re more of a boutique store that provides indoor tropical plants,” says Karena Phetlathy, who runs the family shop alongside her parents.
Botaniful began with a simple love of plants. A few years ago, Phetlathy’s stepmother transformed a blank wall in their home into a vertical garden, creating a lush feature wall that sparked something deeper. The transformation was more than just decorative — it changed the way the family experienced their space.
Inspired, they took over what was once a massage studio and turned it into a greenhouse-style boutique with sunlight pouring in and greenery at every turn.
“When customers come in, we want them to feel (like they can) let go of whatever they have going on in their personal life and whatnot; this is like a secret getaway,” says Phetlathy.
And this getaway is not just for seasoned plant parents. Phetlathy is quick to reassure nervous newcomers, to whom she recommends the trusty pothos, a beginner-friendly vine known for its resilience. For those still feeling hesitant, Botaniful offers in-home consultations to help clients pick the right plants for their unique spaces — or even to install grow lights when nature needs a little help.
That thoughtful guidance is part of what makes Botaniful special. It’s not just about buying a pretty plant — it’s about building confidence, creating ambiance and even boosting well-being.
“Plants improve your mood, lower stress, and purify oxygen,” Phetlathy says. “You can feel the difference when you walk in. It’s not just different air quality, — it’s a different feeling.”
While greenery is the focus, Botaniful has also become a gathering place. The store doubles as a rental venue, offering a photo-ready space for private events. With its tropical backdrop and serene energy, it’s been the site of baby showers, bridal brunches and even office parties — a leafy alternative to the usual rental hall.
Botaniful
Baranow | 13851 127 St NW, 2nd Floor, Edmonton | 780.991.9249 | botaniful.ca
