How to Buy an Indoor Plant (What to Look For)

When purchasing an indoor plant, you should examine the leaves, stems, and roots in person. Research the plant before going to the store so you know distress signs relating to the species. Don’t be afraid to ask the florist or nursery worker for advice. 

This article will cover what you should do to prepare and common things you should look at when you are out shopping for your new plant. It is especially aimed at novice green thumbs, but experienced indoor gardeners may learn something as well.

If you know the type of plant you would like to purchase, research it before you go to the nursery, florist, department store, etc. 

Make sure that the plant you wish to purchase will grow well in your home. Some indoor plants require more sun, water, humidity, or a certain temperature to grow well. You should also make sure you have adequate space for the plant. After you’ve determined that a plant would be a good fit for you and your home, look for common ailments of that variety.

While there are certain things you can check on any plant, some signs of distress may be more or less serious on certain greens than others. Learn the typical problems with the variety and how they can be treated. With this knowledge, you can comfortably go into the shop and browse the selection for your perfect indoor plant.

Is the Houseplant Leggy or Floppy? 

If your houseplant can barely stand upright on its own, it’s a good sign that it may not have received the care it’s needed for quite some time. While it is possible to return a plant to its former glory, it can be disheartening to go through the process with a new plant, especially for beginners. Unless you are willing to undertake some difficult work, you should seek out a different plant. 

One of the most common indoor plant problems is insect-infestation. Many plants are frown outdoors before they are exported to your area for sale. Houseplants may also be stored outside during the summer or warmer times in the year. Here are a few tips you can use to check your houseplants for common pests:

• Inspect the Leaves and Their Axils

  Check where the stems meet the leaves for signs of insect activity. If there are bugs, this is typically where you will find them.

• Sticky, WHite Residue

  This residue can be a sign of mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, or scale. If you find signs of these creatures, do not purchase the plant as it can infect your other indoor plants. In the event that you’ve already purchased the plant, you may be able to remove the pests with insecticidal soap.

• Flying “White Flakes”

  To check for whiteflies, you can gently shake the plant to see if they take flight. Look for flying “white flakes” that resemble dandruff.

• Eaten Leaves

  You can also often tell if there is insect activity if the leaves have been eaten or damaged by them.

One of the easiest ways to determine the health of a plant is by studying the leaves. If they are bright, cheery, and don’t droop, the plant is probably healthy overall. Here are a few things that can alert you to possible signs of distress:

• Brown Tips

  If the leaves have brown tips, it may be a sign that the plant hasn’t received adequate care for a long period. While some plants may recover in time with tender care, it can take a lot of effort and know-how that can frustrate most beginners without the know-how.

• Leaf Spots

  Depending on the variety, leaf spots can be a sign of disease. Often, however, spotting can occur from physical damage from being moved and handled a lot (which is common in nursery or flower shop). In these cases, the plant will eventually grow new leaves to replace the damaged ones. If you’re unwilling to be patient, look for a plant with less leaf damage.

• Discolored Leaves

  If you find one or two discolored leaves, it isn’t a big deal, especially if they are toward the bottom of the plant. If a large percentage of the foliage is discolored, the plant may be diseased or distressed. Find a different plant to take home with you.

• Loss of Leaves

  As with discolored leaves, if there are a few missing, the plant will likely recover, but several missing leaves are a bad sign.

The roots are the lifeblood of your plant. If the roots aren’t healthy, the rest of the plant will suffer. Spend a fair amount of time examining the roots of the plant before you purchase one to make sure you get one that will thrive in your home. 

• Roots Emerging From the Drainage Hole

  Look at the bottom of the plant to see if the plant’s roots are sticking out of the draining hole. If they are, the plant could be underpotted. Ask the clerk to carefully remove the plant so that you can check the roots. If there is an excess of fully exposed roots, or if they are wrapped around the soil tightly, the plant could be stressed. Try to find a plant where the root ball holds together but the roots aren’t fully exposed.

• Smell the Soil for Root Rot

  Hold the plant up to your nose and sniff. If the soil smells “spring-like” or fresh, it is probably helpful. If the soil smells like rotting food, there is a good sign that it suffers from root rot. Choose a different plant.

• Gently Shake the Plant

  If the plant moves around a lot or seams unsteady, it might not have a developed root system. Make sure that the roots and soil work together.

• White Fluff

  If you see white fluff in the soil, it could be a sign of mealybugs. Look for other insect activity. The white fluff can also be perlite, which is often used in potting soil, so don’t be alarmed if this is the only evidence you see.

• Examine the Roots

  If you have the chance to examine the roots, make sure that they are firm throughout the plant. The tips of the roots should also be paler in color to other parts of the root system.

When purchasing a flowering houseplant, it is nice to buy one that will flower for a while before losing its blooms. The key is to find one with a few blooms, but several unopened buds. After you’ve taken it home, it should bloom in a few days, giving you a longer period to enjoy the majestic colors. 

This rule doesn’t apply to some flowering houseplants, such as miniature roses or chrysanthemums. These plants won’t bloom unless they have enough sun, which means you won’t be able to enjoy their blossoms. Again, research the individual plant before you go to the store or ask the florist for advice. 

Many people successfully purchase plants online. This is perfectly acceptable. While you can generally get a better feel for a plant when you purchase it in person, there are many situations where that can’t be done. Here are a few things you should do when purchasing a plant online:

• Buy from a Reputable Dealer

  Make sure that the business has great reviews and good customer service in case you have any issues.

• Read Customer Reviews About the Plant

  Go through as many as you can. Pay close attention to any reviews left by people in your area or a similar climate.

• Measure out the Approximate Plant Size

  It is hard to really gauge the size of a plant by looking at a picture. If the site provides approximate sizing, use a measuring tape to estimate how it will look in your home.

• Research How it Will Be Shipped

  Find out how the company ships the plant and what they do to take care that it won’t be damaged or die during transit. Consider paying extra for expedited service.

• Take Note of their Return Policies

  Make sure that you can return the plant if you have issues with it right away. Try to find a company that gives you around a month to get back to them.

• Reach Out to a Representative

  If you have any questions or concerns about the plant that you’re purchasing, don’t hesitate to reach out to a company representative. They should be able to give you details about the houseplant that isn’t available online.