Location: 1401 S St. NW
Readers’ pick: Salt and Sundry

While 14th Street has become a busy street for shopping at retailers like Madewell, Trader Joe’s and Lululemon, you can wander off the busy main drag to find Little Leaf, a locally-owned plant shop.

Plant shops may not seem like a go-to destination, but Little Leaf’s whimsical vibes and impeccable aesthetic has attracted the attention of locals.

From the moment you step into the shop, you will be greeted with a friendly hello by a worker and your eyes will fall upon a mass of green, which is a fresh change from the District’s urban streets. If you’re lucky, the plant shop’s 10-year-old pug Bronson may even come and greet you with a lick or two at the door.

Even if you are a new plant owner, the Little Leaf employees will gladly answer any of your questions, and each plant purchase comes with a tiny card that explains how to properly take care of your plant with appropriate water and sunlight recommendations.

The prices for 2-inch succulents and cacti are $6, 3-inch succulents are $10 and air plants range from $6 to $14. The shop also stocks intricate ceramic pots to house your purchase, like a pink-and-white speckled terracotta pot ($16) or a white-and-gray marbled planter ($28).

If you don’t have a green thumb, Little Leaf also has non-plant items on its shelves like a slew of colorful locally-made greeting cards ($5.50) and a Little Leaf-branded black tote bag ($15) adorned with a large coral leaf.

With a helpful staff and a wide range of plants to choose from, Little Leaf is the perfect shop for beginner and well-seasoned plant owners alike.