Growing a houseplant usually begins with its purchase, which is the easiest step. But if you’ve ever tried to find a particular specimen at a particular time, you probably know the choice is not easy. The plants are alive, perishable, and the supply often varies depending on the season and what horticulturalists decide to bring to market. Of course, you will always find basic plants, but original or less common specimens are offered only in small quantities or for a short time. This, however, adds to the pleasure of researching and finding the rare plant.
1. Avoid plants that are too sensitive to cold
Market states and displays outside stores are often attractive, and plants there are less expensive than in a garden center or florist, but be careful. In summer, you are hardly at risk (unless it is very windy), but during other seasons avoid buying plants sensitive to cold.
Plants such as poinsettias and crotons may appear to be in great shape for a few days, but the cold causes their leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. Usually these places do not sell exotic plants, but you will find the most common, that is, the most resistant.
2. The environment, an important criterion
When possible, buy your plants in a place where the environment favors their growth, heat, protection against winter frosts, high humidity (this is not important for cacti and succulents) and good light are essential.
Be aware, however, that sunlight should not be direct, and that strong artificial light designed for plants is preferable. Also watch out for signs of good treatments, a good store never leaves a dry, diseased or dead plant lying around.
3. Check the roots
Always look under the pot if you suspect that the plant is lacking in food or that the soil is overgrown by roots. It is normal for a few roots to pass through the drainage holes if watering through esparto hair, but a large amount of long roots indicates that the plant probably should have been repotted. It may then be that it lacks food or that its growth is slowed down.
4. Be aware of possible illnesses
Always check the plant for signs of disease or pests. Always lift one or two leaves to see if insects are hiding underneath.
5. Buy your flowering plants at the right time
Do not take them when they are in full bloom, but prefer those that have only a few flowers and many buds not yet open. Indeed, a plant in buds will give you several weeks of flowering more than a plant already at its peak.
6. Plastic packaging: beware!
Beware of plants packed in plastic packaging. These come in handy for bringing the plants home, but make sure beforehand that they don’t mask any disease or other problems. Slide the plant you want to buy out of its packaging and look for any signs of rot, fungi, or pests, which can grow quickly in these confined environments.
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