Are you considering adding plants to your home décor but not sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve bought plants before, but they didn’t turn out too well. When buying plants, it is easy to make mistakes that can cost you a lot of time and money.
In this article, we listed some of the most common plant buying mistakes, so that you can avoid them and get plants that will thrive in your home or garden!
Table of Contents
Not Checking for Pests and Diseases
One of the most common mistakes people make when buying plants is not checking for pests and diseases. It can lead to problems down the road, so take a few minutes to inspect your plant before buying it. Here are some things to look for:
- Pests: Look for small insects or eggs on the leaves or stem of the plant. These can be difficult to see, so you may need to use a magnifying glass. If you see any pests, it’s best to avoid buying that plant.
- Diseases: Inspect the leaves of the plant for signs of disease, such as discoloration, spots, or wilting. Again, it’s best to avoid buying a plant that looks sick. Avoid plants with white powdery mildew or obvious browning stems and leaves.
If you take the time to inspect your plant before buying it, you’ll be much less likely to have problems down the road.
Buying From an Inexperienced Seller
There are a few things to look for when buying from an inexperienced seller so you can avoid making this mistake.
The first one to look for is whether or not the seller is a professional. There’s a possibility they didn’t care for the plant properly or neglected it. If they do not seem to know much about the plant you are interested in, it is probably best to move on. Same if the seller is trying to pressure you into buying the plant, it is probably best to walk away.
Finally, buy plants from a reliable source. There are a lot of plant sellers out there, but not all of them are created equal. Do some research on the seller before you purchase to ensure that you get a quality plant.
By taking the time to find a reputable and experienced source, you can be sure that you will get the best possible plant for your money.
Not Asking Enough Questions
Another error you can make is not asking enough questions. It can lead to buying a plant that isn’t suitable for your needs or one that won’t thrive in your climate.
Before buying a plant, ask plenty of questions. Here are some examples:
- What type of plant is it?
- What are its growing requirements? (Sunlight, water, etc.)
- Is it frost tolerant?
- What is the expected lifespan of the plant?
- How fast does it grow?
- Does it need pruning?
- What pests or diseases is it prone to?
Asking these questions will help you choose a plant that is right for you and your garden. It’s also important to remember that no plant is perfect, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t find one that meets all of your requirements. Just do your best to find one that comes close!
Not Checking the Roots
Often, the roots of a plant are hidden from view and can be damaged easily. It can lead to several problems, including:
- The plant may not have enough roots to support itself, leading to it dying soon after being purchased.
- The roots may be damaged or rotted, which can cause the plant to become stressed and more susceptible to disease or death.
- If the roots are too big for the pot they are in, they may start to crowd out the other plants, leading to them all dying.
To avoid these problems, always check the roots before buying a plant. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Lift the plant and look at the roots. They should be white or tan and healthy-looking.
- Avoid buying plants with crumbly or brown roots, as these are signs of stress.
- If the roots are wrapped in plastic, carefully unwrap them to check their condition.
- If possible, try to buy plants that come in pots with drainage holes so that you can check the roots more easily.
- If the smell is terrible it’s best to put the plant back – this can be a sign of root rot.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that the plants you purchase are healthy and will flourish in your home.
Not Researching the Plant
Before heading to the store, take some time to research the plant you are interested in. Consider its light and water needs, and whether it is ideal for indoor or outdoor growth. Once you better understand the plant’s needs, you can purchase one that is more likely to thrive in your space.
Additionally, avoid impulse buying by making a list of the plants you need before heading to the store. It will help you stay focused on what you need and prevent you from buying plants that you may not have room for.
Check Before You Buy!
Plants can brighten up a room and make your home feel more like a sanctuary, but it’s important to avoid common plant buying mistakes if you want them to thrive. By following the suggestions we included, you can select plants that will flourish in your environment and add some life to your living space.
Do you have any tips or tricks for choosing plants? Let us know in the comments below!
