Quebec’s growing Illegal plant trade a problem: study

Quebec's illegal plant trade has grown in recent years, and many buyers find few obstacles in obtaining poached succulants and cacti.

Succulents and cacti are some of the top sellers at Serres Lavoie in Laval.

Jérémy Bélanger, who sources and imports the plants, said some of the reasons are that they’re diverse, beautiful and low maintenance.

“They’re pretty trendy right now,” he said. “People want a small plant that is easy to take care of.”

Importing the plants is more labour-intensive, according to Bélanger, since one plant can require three separate permits.

Permits to import plants and plant products are regulated under Canada’s Plant Protection Act. It’s not only to prevent pest risk, but to ensure that plants aren’t being illegally harvested or poached.

Bélanger said most of the plants they import come from South and Central America and South Africa. He said if buyers see a mature plant at a low price, there’s a good chance it’s been poached.

A Université de Montreal (UdM) study found buyers looking for rare succulents and cacti are willing to flout the law, and it is easy for them to do it.

“Plants are really available on common platforms, such as eBay or Etsy, so it’s really easy to access for everyone,” said Léanne Vincendon, the study’s author.

As a plant lover herself, Vincendon said she was interested in wildlife crimes and what motivated people to purchase these plants online. She said in many cases, price and variety were big factors, and added that those who bought these plants often went against their own values to protect and nurture the environment

“Consumers use many justifications, for example, they may say that everyone does it and authorities make it difficult to obtain the permit,” she said.

Vincendon said there’s no real deterrent against buying illegal plants, since online platforms don’t require sellers to have permits, and buyers will take the chance that their packages will pass through customs without detection.

Data from Interpol show worldwide, the illegal plant trade has skyrocketed, with 10 tonnes of plants and plant materials seized in 2025.

Environment and Climate Change Canada confirmed that in the last five years, 655 protected plant species were detained or seized by its officers, most of which were cacti or succulents.

While it may seem like an innocent crime, ultimately, Vincendon said it causes environmental harm.

“It’s certain that the demand for certain species can stimulate poaching and illegal harvesting,” she said.