Visiting a plant store is always an exciting experience, whether it’s a spontaneous trip or a planned outing. There’s a special thrill in picking out new plants, especially when making impulse purchases. However, what’s far from thrilling is bringing home a plant, only to watch it wither and die soon after.
I have always enjoyed buying plants so much that, despite my love for greenery, I once managed to kill two fiddle leaf figs within just 48 hours of bringing them home. Yet, that didn’t stop me from continuing to add more plants to my collection.
Over time, I’ve learned the hard way that purchasing plants without considering their specific needs can be a costly mistake. After wasting money on plants that never thrived in my home or garden, I realized that the most important thing you can do before heading to the plant store is a little bit of research.
Start by assessing the lighting conditions in your home or garden. Consider how much space you have available for plants to grow and determine whether the temperature and humidity levels in your environment are suitable for the plants you want to bring home. Take the time to read about the needs of different plant species so that you can make informed decisions.
It’s always a good idea to go into the store with a plan.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t be excited about buying new plants—by all means, keep your enthusiasm! Adding greenery to your indoor or outdoor space is incredibly rewarding. However, educating yourself beforehand ensures that you choose plants that will thrive in your specific environment, reducing the chances of them ending up in the trash.
I understand that doing research before shopping might take away some of the excitement that comes with retail therapy. But in the long run, you’ll appreciate the effort when you find yourself surrounded by healthy, flourishing plants.
Once you’ve done your homework and are ready to head to the plant store, keep these seven essential tips in mind to select the best plants for your space.
Plant Buying Tip #1: Buy Locally Grown Plants
Choosing plants that have been grown locally significantly increases the chances of their success in your garden. When you shop at a local nursery instead of a big box store, you are far more likely to find plants that have been cultivated in your region and are already well-adapted to the local climate.
Plants sold at large retail stores often have to travel long distances before they reach the shelves in your area. During transportation, they may experience significant stress due to changes in temperature, humidity, and handling, which can make it harder for them to thrive once you bring them home.
Locally grown plants, on the other hand, have not been subjected to the stress of long journeys, making them better suited to your garden conditions. They are already acclimated to your area’s weather patterns and soil conditions, giving them a better chance at thriving with minimal extra care.
Another great reason to shop at local nurseries is the opportunity to find native plants. While you certainly don’t have to limit your plant choices to natives, incorporating them into your garden is a great idea. Native plants require less water and maintenance because they are already perfectly suited to the climate and soil in your area. Plus, local wildlife—such as birds, bees, and butterflies—will benefit from their presence, making your garden an even more vibrant and ecologically beneficial space.
By choosing locally grown plants, not only are you giving your garden the best possible chance at success, but you are also supporting small businesses and nurseries in your community.
Plant Buying Tip #2: Pick Annual Plants That Haven’t Bloomed Yet
Imagine you’re shopping for snapdragons to add a splash of color to your flowerbeds. These beautiful ornamental annuals thrive in cooler seasons and can even withstand a bit of frost. As you browse the selection, you might feel drawn to the plants already in full bloom, showcasing their bright and vivid colors. However, when it comes to buying annuals, it’s actually best to choose plants that have not yet bloomed.
It may seem counterintuitive, but plants that have not yet started flowering will perform much better in your garden. Plants that are already in full bloom have already exerted a significant amount of energy in producing flowers. Since annual plants have relatively short lifespans, selecting one that hasn’t flowered yet means you’ll get to enjoy its blooms for a much longer period.
This same rule applies to flowering vegetables as well. If you’re picking out tomato plants for your vegetable garden, opt for the ones that haven’t started flowering yet. If you do end up purchasing a plant that already has flowers, pinching off the blooms can help the plant focus its energy on establishing strong roots before diverting nutrients toward fruit production.
By selecting younger, non-flowering plants, you’ll ensure that your garden is bursting with color and life for as long as possible.
Plant Buying Tip #3: Choose Younger Plants
When given the choice, it may seem logical to purchase the largest, most mature version of a plant available. After all, a bigger plant appears more established and gives the impression that it will thrive in your garden right away. However, the best strategy is actually to select younger plants instead of fully matured ones.
Plants experience stress whenever they are moved from one location to another, and transplanting a more mature plant can be particularly challenging. Older plants have more extensive root systems that may struggle to adapt to new soil conditions, whereas younger plants can adjust more easily to being relocated.
Additionally, younger plants are often more affordable. Since they require less time and resources to grow before reaching the store, they typically come with a lower price tag compared to their mature counterparts.
So, whenever you have the choice between purchasing a plant in different growth stages, opt for the smaller, younger version. These plants will establish themselves more successfully in your garden and provide you with longer-lasting results.
Plant Buying Tip #4: Opt for More Compact Plants Instead of Taller Ones
Just as it’s best to choose younger plants over older ones, you should also prioritize plants that are bushier and more compact rather than those that are tall and leggy. While taller plants might seem more robust, their height is often a sign that they have experienced stress.
When plants don’t receive enough sunlight or when they are overcrowded in their growing space, they tend to stretch upward in search of light. This results in leggy growth, which leads to weak, spindly stems that have difficulty supporting flowers or fruit production.
Leggy plants tend to have fewer branches, which ultimately means they produce fewer flowers and a lower yield if they are fruit-bearing plants. In contrast, compact plants with sturdy, well-developed stems are much healthier and will perform better in your garden over time.
Whenever you’re selecting plants, choose ones that have a dense, full shape instead of those that have grown excessively tall. This will ensure that you’re bringing home plants that are strong, well-developed, and ready to thrive.
Plant Buying Tip #5: Ask How the Plants Have Been Grown
I once came across a selection of the most beautiful, vibrant herb plants I had ever seen at a local nursery. Excited, I eagerly filled my cart with rosemary, basil, and thyme, imagining how lush and fragrant my herb garden would be. As I made my way to the checkout counter, I asked the employee, “What do you do to these herb plants to make them look so incredible?”
She pointed to the ceiling. “See those little hoses in our greenhouse? Those are filled with Miracle-Gro.”
That’s when I realized why these plants looked so exceptionally healthy. From the moment they had sprouted, they had been given a constant supply of synthetic fertilizers.
There are two major concerns with this. First, if you prefer to grow organic produce, purchasing plants that have been fed synthetic fertilizers like Miracle-Gro may not align with your gardening goals.
Second, even if you don’t mind non-organic fertilizers, these plants have become dependent on a specific chemical mixture. Unless you continue providing them with the exact same nutrient cocktail, they might struggle to adjust to your garden’s natural conditions, resulting in poor growth or even plant failure.
To avoid this issue, always ask how the plants you’re purchasing have been grown. If the nursery uses a fertilization or treatment method that you don’t want to maintain at home, it’s best to leave those plants behind and look for alternatives.
Plant Buying Tip #6: Scan the Leaves of the Plants for Signs of Issues
Before purchasing any plant, take a close look at its leaves to check for potential issues. Healthy plants should have vibrant, shiny green leaves that are free of discoloration, wilting, or damage.
Leaves that appear yellow, drooping, or dried out could indicate that the plant has experienced stress due to improper watering or a lack of essential nutrients. While some plants may recover over time, starting with a healthy specimen gives you the best chance of success.
Be especially cautious about signs of pests. Look for small holes, sticky residue, or tiny insects on the undersides of leaves, as these could indicate an infestation. This is particularly important when buying houseplants or herbs that you plan to keep indoors. Bringing home a plant with pests could quickly spread problems to your existing plants, causing widespread damage in a short amount of time.
Taking a few extra minutes to carefully inspect the leaves before making a purchase will help ensure that you bring home plants that are healthy, strong, and ready to flourish in your garden.
Plant Buying Tip #7 Examine the Plant’s Roots
Once you’ve found a plant you feel good about purchasing, there’s one final step before making your way to the checkout counter—check the health of its roots. Gently lift the plant out of its container and take a close look. If you notice the roots tightly wrapped around the bottom, forming a dense, circular pattern, this is a sign that the plant is root-bound, meaning it has likely been sitting in its pot for too long. Root-bound plants often struggle to absorb the necessary nutrients and water, which can hinder their growth once transplanted.
Additionally, pay attention to the color of the roots. You want to see fresh, white, and healthy-looking roots, as this indicates a thriving plant. If the roots appear brown, mushy, or brittle, it’s best to leave that plant behind and choose a healthier option.
