Los Angeles Plant Business Expands via TikTok
A local greenhouse is now processing 1,000 daily orders through live auctions, offering gardeners a new way to shop.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Gardening
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After losing his job in 2020, Brandon Hurst transformed a small plant venture into a multimillion-dollar operation based in Los Angeles. The business, which moved into a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse in the San Fernando Valley in February 2026, now manages thousands of orders weekly.
Why it matters
Hurst's growth reflects a broader trend of leveraging social media platforms like TikTok Shop to scale niche gardening businesses into high-volume commercial enterprises. This shift provides home gardeners with direct access to specialized plant varieties through interactive digital storefronts.
The Los Angeles-based operation currently processes approximately 1,000 orders daily and supports 24 employees. The business sold more than 100,000 plants in 2026, with individual specimens reaching price points up to $200.
The players
Brandon Hurst
An entrepreneur who built a multimillion-dollar plant business in Los Angeles after losing his job.
TikTok Shop
An e-commerce platform integrated into social media that allows businesses to host live auctions and process orders.
The details
Hurst builds his customer base by posting instructional gardening videos on social media to drive engagement. Sales are facilitated through an auction model hosted on TikTok Shop livestreams, where the company maintains a following of over 268,000 people. Operations are centralized at a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse facility in the San Fernando Valley.
Timeline
2020: Brandon Hurst started his plant business after losing his job.
April 18, 2023: Hurst hosted his first TikTok Shop livestream.
February 2026: The business rented a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse in the San Fernando Valley.
2026: The company sold more than 100,000 plants.
The Home Front
This business model represents a departure from traditional local nursery commerce by utilizing live-streamed social media auctions to reach buyers. It mirrors the broader shift toward digital-first plant retail that allows collectors to source specialized greenery from centralized facilities.
If you are interested in sourcing plants through social media, verify the seller's return policies and check user reviews on the shop profile before participating in auctions. Always research the specific care requirements for premium specimens to ensure your home environment can support them.
The takeaway
The success of digital-first plant retailers highlights how social platforms can provide hobbyists with immediate access to a wider variety of plants. Consider following verified accounts on TikTok Shop to stay updated on upcoming inventory drops and live auction events.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in plant care and cultivation in our Gardening section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Economic Times.
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