Andy C.
Total loss despite refund. Ongoing infestation weeks later.
I ordered 6 plants for over $400 in early December 2024. I've had to throw out 5 of them, and weeks later I'm still dealing with fungus gnat infestations that have spread to my other household plants. The one plant I managed to save is now rotting in multiple places due to pests. What happened: Multiple plants arrived with active fungus gnat infestations... adults flying out during unboxing, larvae visible in soil, and gnats of varying sizes caught on sticky traps (indicating active breeding cycles, not random bugs). These shipped in separate boxes, so this wasn't isolated to one batch. Plants were also physically damaged: broken branches, torn leaves, and covered in dirt from being tossed around during shipping. I immediately isolated everything and spent weeks on treatments (sticky traps, bottom watering to keep soil dry, constant monitoring). Despite all this, the gnats spread to my other household plants. The plant I thought I'd saved is now rotting. The real cost: The Sill refunded most of the purchase after I sent documentation, which I appreciate. But a refund doesn't come close to covering: - Ongoing pest treatments for my entire home - Weeks of time spent researching treatments, isolating plants, daily monitoring - Risk to my other plants that are now infected despite my isolation efforts - The Isabella planters they shipped don't even work properly (the drainage holes are raised somehow, so water pools around the edges instead of draining). Bad quality. What I didn't know: I researched extensively before ordering. Their online reviews were exceptional, which is why I was willing to pay premium prices. Turns out The Sill closed all 12 of their physical stores in September 2024 after reporting millions in losses and switched entirely to shipping-only right before my order. The reviews I read were probably from when they had local delivery and stores where they could inspect plants before they went out. That company doesn't exist anymore. Multiple boxes across different plant varieties all arrived infected, so this seems like a bigger problem with their current operations, not just bad luck. What I learned: I should've gone to a local nursery where I could inspect plants myself, avoid shipping damage, get healthier stock, and skip the mountains of packaging waste. Lesson learned the expensive way. The refund doesn't undo the damage or the ongoing problems this caused. No one should have to deal with weeks of pest management in their home.