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Buy houseplants- Some tips for getting the right plant
Posted On 2008-02-11 , 10:04 PM
Buy houseplants- Some tips for getting the right plant.
We can buy houseplants from many sources including grocery stores, dollar stores, big box stores, garden centers, nurseries, greenhouses and online merchants. Good plants can be found from all these sources if we know what to look for.
Garden centers, nurseries and greenhouses probably have the most knowledgeable staff, however the big box stores are striving to hire staff with knowledge in the area of the store in which they work. With online merchants, check return and refund policies. The best have excellent policies in place and have solid shipping and delivery systems in place.
We have decided on a particular houseplant or maybe a choice between two or three varieties based on the location in our home we want the plant to grow, the light, temperature and humidity of the location and the size we want the plant to be. With this knowledge we go to buy a houseplant.
In this decision, we have also considered that many houseplants are poisonous to pets and children. We have considered whether pets or children will be able to access the in their display location.
Firstly check the general condition of the houseplants available. If the condition is good, look further. If not choose a different supplier.
Then look to see how the houseplants are displayed. Don't buy a houseplant that is displayed near a large automatic door that opens frequently allowing a cold blast of air ( in winter) to blow onto the plants. This condition will undoubtedly have an adverse effect on the houseplant that may only become apparent after you get it home. The houseplant you buy should be kept in conditions approximating what they will find in your home.
Examine the plants to see if they have been properly watered. Both under watering and over watering will damage the plants. Over watering may result in root rot, fatal for most plants. Under watering will result in the plant wilting. Not all plants will recover from this without damage.
Examine the plant's roots. If the roots are showing the plant is pot bound and may need repotting, with the additional investment in a new pot and soil as soon as you buy the houseplant.
Also, check if the soil smells of mold or fungus. This is a warning of problems with mold or fungus infestations if you buy that houseplant.
Check the leaves of the houseplant for signs of disease or pests. Check both the undersides of the leaves and the nodes on the stems. Never buy a houseplant that shows signs of disease or insect infestations.
Check for damage to leaves and stems. Some damage does occur in shipping and handling, but damage should be minimal and not visually apparent to the casual viewer.
Check houseplants for yellowing leaves or brown tips, both indications the plant is not in the best of health.
The houseplant you buy should also show new growth. If it is a flowering plant it should have several flowers in bloom and several new buds developing.
If you take these precautions when you buy a houseplant, your houseplant should provide you with a pleasing display to enhance your room.
Some people also prefer to buy a houseplant when it is very small and enjoy watching it as it grows to a mature plant. This allows you to purchase your plant when it is very inexpensive and over time produce the impressive houseplant you see decorating offices and public spaces.
To add that finishing touch to your room, buy a houseplant.
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