You may have found the plant on your wish list, or maybe you’re buying your first houseplant. But, before pulling out your wallet. Spend some time with your new prospect.
Use the following houseplant buying guide to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality plant. Touch it. Turn the leaves over. Inspect the stem and roots. (Like checking under the hood when car shopping) Really get to know it.
Leaves: Check the leaves to ensure the plant’s leaves are green if it’s supposed to be green. Bushy? Vibrant? Also, avoid plants with wilting, torn, or notched leaves, all signs of pests.
Grow Pot: You want a plant that’s proportional to its grow pot—not too big, not too small. Next, check the bottom for root growth. If roots are coming out of the drainage holes, the plant may be “root-bound.”
Flowers: Look for ripe buds, not fully open blooms. So, you can watch the plant grow and enjoy the entire bloom period at home.
Give your new plant some protection before leaving the store. For example, wrapping a houseplant in paper insulates it from cold and protects its leaves from bumps and bruises (the salesperson should be able to do this for you).
Houseplants are a diverse group, ranging from desert to jungle plants. Some are seasonal, while others bloom year-round.
Choosing and buying houseplants requires care for long-lasting displays. Garden centers, nurseries, florists, and main-street shops sell houseplants. Regardless of the source, inspect the plant before buying it.