ILLExotics

Lewis Daidone

2023-12

I purchased an albino leopard gecko from here, my first reptile! I also got one of their premade bio active enclosures. They were so helpful in educating me how to care for my little guy and are always available with any questions I reached out to them with to ensure I was giving him proper care. Franco is very knowledgeable about all things reptile. Anyone looking to have a reptile of their own must go here!

Nina

2023-05

Bugs, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and weird plants?! I never thought I'd ever find a store that directly catered to all my interests, but here we are!The place is clean too, easy to navigate, and as a 10+ year orchid collector, every time I visit, they have a new one I've never seen before!! Not to mention, all the cool animals and bugs are incredibly well taken care of and in pristine and healthy habitats (unlike some larger pet stores).Also if you're unsure how to take care of your new plant and/or pet, or are curious about getting into the hobby and want some pointers, the team there is super knowledgeable and is great at breaking down everything you need to do to make sure your plants and/or pets thrive!Can't wait to stop by again!!

Evelyn Solomon

2023-08

New favorite store in Philadelphia! Gorgeous aesthetic and interior design along with a knowledgable sales associate and good variety of products. I can't give the store a full five stars because, as an experienced Blue Tongue Skink keeper, I was able to recognize distress in the Northern on display. The husbandry was on point, but the animal was nose rubbing the glass in a familiar way that suggests going stir crazy. I hope he is getting the exercise, interaction and socialization a BTS needs! They'll even 'play' with toys. They are very active and intelligent for lizards. I asked the staff about him and they told me he had been there for a long time and that might explain the stir craziness. At a 500 usd, the boutique is charging $200-250 more than many CBB normal type Northerns on the market, and at such a steep price, I suspect that is the reason the store is having a hard time moving the animal into a more permanent setup. I hope they reassess its situation!

Megan Wilcox

2023-09

Admittedly I can't really afford anything in their store... so they're catered to a demographic that has a lot more than lower middle class money. I don't think in the three years I've ever visited their store that I felt like I could buy anything, but I buy from local competitors from down the street.Updated Review 2023: I stop by ILLExotics every time I'm walking in east Passyunk. Their plants are amazing, they have really cool varieties that can't be found at other local plant stores. I'm always blown away. They also randomly have sales on plants, but in general I've noticed their prices to be pretty good comparatively. I don't know much about the fauna side, but I love looking at them. Definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the area!

Corey Brill

2023-05

If you are in search of rare or top tier tropical plants then you must check them out. The lighting, decor, product selection and the amphibians are such a cool and inviting experience even if you don’t have a green thumb.

B T

2023-07

Incredibly impressive hybrid plant and reptile store in Philadelphia.All animals are captive bred and plants responsibly sourced.Highly recommend!

Shelby Helfrich

2019-05

Awesome shop! I felt like the store was so much bigger than the small space it was due to how much there was to look at! The store ranges from succulents to exotic house plants to reptile supplies and a few reptiles and even arachnids themselves! An absolute slice of the jungle hidden away in center city! I enjoyed talking to the extremely knowledgeable staff and looking at everything! They even had some Amber specimens with various insects inside for sale and on display to enjoy! I will definitely be a return customer in store and online!💚🐢🦎 they also gave me some advice on my picky western hognose snake with some feeding tricks! They provide live and frozen feeders of all sorts for your various types of reptiles! If you have any questions about your reptiles or plants this is your new go to! Well done ILLExotics!

James Rankin

2023-08

Got my first hognose from here. Their store is awesome, setup and ran with passion and care towards reptiles. All their animals are vibrant and healthy. When I took my hognose to the vet, the vet knew he had been up to date on all his checkups by simple fact of where I got him. Staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate. This is not a place looking to sell off their reptiles asap, they take time to make sure each critter is going home with a well prepared owner. One year on from adopting my hognose and he's been in perfect health.

Catherine Cole

2022-05

These people are both kind and knowledgeable! They are happy to stand there and talk about plant or animal care at infinitum. They recently walked me through the process of adopting two poison dart frogs (dendrobates tinctorious “azureus”). They clearly care about the animals they keep and sell and are committed to sustainable practices. I would not go anywhere else for an exotic animal.Their plant prices will seem high if you’re someone like me who is used to purchasing off of locals from Facebook but a look around other shops in the city will show you that they are definitely priced reasonably. They also make sure to rotate stock of plants so there is always something fresh and exciting!And even if you’re not looking to buy you have to at least stop in to see what they call their “ILLirium” which is a huge built in wall of exotic plants!

Jessica Yip

2023-05

I bought an Anthurium Delta Force from Franco online through a Facebook plant group and within less than 24 hours I received the plant in perfect condition at my doorstep (it was shipped across the country the same night). He was friendly, professional, and patient with my questions about plant care. I literally could not be happier with how healthy and GORGEOUS this plant is.Thank you Franco for selling me my dream plant!!

Morgan Jinks

2023-05

This company is amazing. They worked with me all the way until the end and were very communicative about my order. When I had troubles with my delivery and got a DOA (Not thier fault), they worked out something with me and sent me a healthy animal with no problem. They are dependable and thier employees are very knowledgeable on thier policies and care of thier plants and animals. I'm very happy with the amazing service they gave me and I will go to them for all my needs of exotic animal purchases. Happy is an understatement. They exceded my expectations and gave me service I will never forget. Thank you for being an awesome company!

Jon Sweitzer-Lamme

2024-01

Staff was helpful and friendly, and made figuring out what I wanted really easy. The space is gorgeous and so fun to explore. The animals are active and look healthy, and the terrariums are extrar

Susie Mizelle

2022-05

We adopted a Ball Python as a family pet, and I’m so impressed at the professionalism and care that all of the staff there put into their work! Our new snake friend is in a beautiful setup at our house now- they helped us figure out exactly what we needed. They have rules about proving that the snake is moving to a good habitat, so you know they really care about these beautiful creatures! All of their plants and animals are exceptionally well cared for! A++++ shop!

Eric Harker

2023-05

They care for the reptiles! Best place I have ever been to. To purchase a reptile you have to go through a process, we love it. Making sure the reptile will be taken care of. We are happy to have purchased a hognose from you!

Chris Mixon

2022-05

Man am I so happy I got to finally make it here the prices are pretty good too and the setups they have are amazing...

S McClellan

2024-01

Fiance purchased a mister from this company last week and it was defective. I went in to exchange it, The sales guy told me they accepted no returns or exchanges and insinuated that I might have broken it and if I wanted to exchange it that I could contact the manufacturer. Will never go back. Buyer beware!

aronoiiel

2022-05

Had an absolitely beautiful and healthy captive breed emerald tree skink shipped to me from this wonderful shop. He arrived very safely packed. Excellently packed wonderfully material inside with him to keep him safe and keep his humidity good. Franco is incredibly knowledgeable and very easy to work with getting ypur herps taken care of and settling a new pet into your home. Thank you for my healthy alert soon to be happy skink! Highly recommend them!

Lauren Oliver

2023-05

I live up in Alaska, so I was over the moon when I picked up my cb emerald tree skink from ILLExotics on a -3F morning safe and sound. He alert and healthy, and acts as confident on day 1 as my other skinks I've had for months. Recommend!

Allie Boehm

2023-09

Best quality plants, creatures, and advice. It’s been our weekly stop to feed our frog as well as to add magic to our tank (many fun colored cherry shrimp). They always have amazing advice for setting up our bio active tank.

Roxy B.

2021-05

I love that we have a local spot that represents rare plant collectors! It’s literally made 2020 so much more bearable. I’ve purchased some very lovely plants from ILLExotics and looking forward to more in the future!

Joseph Iacovazzi

2023-11

I can't recommend ILLexotics enough! The store has a mind-boggling amount of interesting plants and animals and the owners are incredibly helpful! Entering the store is such a cool experience and you feel like you are in an inviting tropical rainforest! Definitely stop in!

Brad Latimer

2023-09

Amazing store! Staff was incredibly knowledgable and helpful in our purchase of a tortoise. Also, the store itself is absolutely beautiful and a must-see if you are in South Philly. Highly recommend!

Alex

2020-05

I am not one to usually do reviews even if I have a wonderful experience but I must share that this place is everything and then some. I recently came in to purchase some things to create a bioactive terrarium for my possible Bearded Dragon and Franco was simply wonderful with his suggestions and was happy to answer any questions if I had any. Not to mention while I was there he showed a wonderful and happy Beardie & after going home and setting everything up, I called back 2hrs later and Franco remembered my name and said they still had him available and of course I drove right back to get him. Thank you. I’ll be back for some plants now.

Ryan Echols

2021-05

This place is a national treasure. Have picked up 2 red eye tree frogs off of them and 3 whites tree frogs as well as all supplies and feeder crickets and have had nothing but happy, healthy, animals and plants and exceptional service. They have an inventory of flora and fauna that is unmatched in the city and are so helpful and knowledgeable.

Benjamin Cardenas

2023-05

This place IS the Disneyland of the Northeast!!! SUCH a beautiful place. The team there were super nice, professional, and personal! I can't wait until my next visit to ILLExotics!!

Jill

2021-05

Best customer service ever. I ordered my first plant from them in winter last year, and they shipped it out promptly via USPS Priority. Unfortunately my Anthurium Vittarifolium fell victim to The Dead Mail Plants of 2020 after arriving at my door as a crispy pot of dirt, 16 days after shipping. IllExotics kept in contact with me through the process of filing a claim with USPS (still unresolved). They ended up sending me a replacement via UPS and it arrived in 3 days in perfect condition!! I will be ordering again :)

Brooke R.

2021-05

Franco was very knowledgeable and patient as he matched us with our newest and smallest family member, a chocolate fat tail gecko. Highly recommend!

Kenzie Paige

2023-05

Drove over an hour to visit this shop because I couldn’t find any other places near me selling isopods or spring tail cultures. Beautiful shop with a wide range of gorgeous plants. The best part was the range of captive bred, well taken care of reptiles. Will definitely be coming back for future purchases.

Brian Huang

2020-05

Amazing store with friendly staff and many beautiful animals and plants. Would definitely suggest anyone drop by and visit!

Lawrence Misialek

2023-05

I just received my frog. I am very happy with my purchase. ILL Exotics goes to great lengths to ensure the safety of their animals, as they cannot speak for themselves. It was well worth filling out the forms and sending photos. I will gladly do business again with them. I am touched at how much they really care about the animal’s welfare!