Best Plant Tag Printers for Nurseries and Greenhouses (2026 Guide) - McAuley Labels

Labeling in nurseries and greenhouses isn’t just about organization. It’s about presenting a professional, durable tag that lasts through watering, UV exposure, and handling.
Whether you’re labeling seedlings, trees, or retail plants, the right plant tag printer can save hours, reduce waste, and improve brand presentation.

This 2026 guide highlights the top GoDEX printers — RT700i+, ZX420i+, and HD830i+ — trusted by horticulture professionals for reliability and clarity.


🌱 Why Invest in a Plant Label Printer?

Plant labels do more than identify species. They carry care instructions, barcodes, and branding. For nurseries, this information needs to stay visible despite:

  • Constant watering or humidity

  • Sunlight and UV exposure

  • Dirt, fertilizers, and chemicals

  • Frequent handling and transport

Inkjet and laser printers fail in these conditions. That’s why thermal transfer printers are the industry standard — using resin ribbons and synthetic materials to create waterproof, fade-resistant tags.


🖨️ 1. GoDEX RT700i+ Compact and Reliable for Small Nurseries

The GoDEX RT700i+ is the go-to choice for small nurseries and garden centers looking for a desktop-friendly plant label printer.

Key Advantages:

  • Resolution: 203 dpi (300 dpi optional) for sharp barcodes and plant text

  • Print Method: Direct Thermal & Thermal Transfer

  • Connectivity: USB, Serial, and Ethernet ports for easy setup

  • Ideal For: Stick-in tags, small pots, and barcode care labels

  • Ribbon Capacity: 300 m (standard resin or wax/resin ribbon)

Why it’s great for nurseries: Compact, efficient, and affordable. Perfect for printing short runs of durable polyester or vinyl labels.


🌿 2. GoDEX ZX420i+ Mid-Range Workhorse for Greenhouses

If your greenhouse operation demands speed and volume, the ZX420i+ provides the perfect balance of power, precision, and connectivity.

Key Advantages:

  • Resolution: 203 dpi / 300 dpi for flexible print quality

  • Speed: Up to 6 ips (152 mm/s)

  • Print Width: 4.25″ (108 mm)

  • Ribbon Support: Up to 450 m, 1″ core

  • Connectivity: USB 2.0, Serial, Ethernet, and optional Wi-Fi / Bluetooth

  • Ideal For: Tree tags, vinyl pot wraps, greenhouse barcode systems

Why it’s great for growers: High-speed output with industrial reliability and sharp print clarity for outdoor signage or care tags.


🌻 3. GoDEX HD830i+ Wide-Format Powerhouse for Professional Growers

When you need extra width or custom tag designs, the HD830i+ stands out. This 8-inch wide-format printer handles large, waterproof tags for nurseries, botanical gardens, and landscape suppliers.

Key Advantages:

  • Resolution: 300 dpi for photo-quality graphics and branding

  • Print Width: 8.5″ (216 mm)

  • Housing: Rugged metal frame for industrial use

  • Material Compatibility: Synthetic, waterproof, tear-resistant labels

  • Connectivity: USB, Serial, Ethernet + optional Wi-Fi / Bluetooth

Why it’s great for horticulture: Print wide loop tags, care signage, and large outdoor plant markers that withstand sunlight and rain.


🧾 Feature Comparison Chart

Feature RT700i+ ZX420i+ HD830i+
Print Width 4″ 4.25″ 8.5″
Resolution 203 / 300 dpi 203 / 300 dpi 300 dpi
Print Speed 5 ips 6 ips 4 ips
Ribbon Capacity 300 m 450 m 450 m
Connectivity USB, Serial, Ethernet USB, Serial, Ethernet, Wi-Fi (optional) USB, Serial, Ethernet, Wi-Fi (optional)
Best For Small nurseries Mid-size greenhouses Large farms & botanical gardens

🪴 Choosing the Right Model

Application Recommended Printer
Small plants, pots, or seedlings RT700i+
Tree tags, garden stakes, barcoded wraps ZX420i+
Large outdoor or landscape labels HD830i+


🧠 Pro Tip: Use GoLabel Software for Custom Plant Tags

Every GoDEX printer includes GoLabel Software, allowing you to:

  • Add logos, QR codes, or SKU barcodes

  • Save templates for different plant types

  • Integrate care instructions and branding

  • Print multiple designs at once with data import

👉 Download GoLabel Software

Label printersPlant label printerPrintersThermal printers