14 Things to Consider

Use the following houseplant buying guide to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality plant. Touch it. Turn the leaves over.

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Every plant has a Latin botanical and common name. Botanical names are unique, like bar codes for plants. However, some plants share common names, which can be confusing.

Plant Names

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1.) Sourcing

Buy from reputable sources. A cheap plant may be costly if it dies after a few weeks.

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Never buy a houseplant displayed outside a shop; in winter, they get chilled, and in summer, they get intense sunlight. Flowering plants are most sensitive to extreme temperatures.

2.) Avoid Outside

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Avoid pest- and disease-infested plants. They usually don’t survive and can infect your other houseplants. Be sure to check leaves, flowers, and stems for signs.

3.) Avoid Pests

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Never buy a plant with roots growing from the pot’s drainage holes. This means the plant needs repotting—possible growth retardation.

4.) Rootbound

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Buy flowering plants with plenty of buds that are ready to open. Full-blooming plants will fade quickly.

5.) Timing

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