When we go to the nursery it is easy to succumb to the temptation of choosing the plant that attracts us the most at first glance, but before we are potentially disappointed by them – or even some left aside – we must take into account several practical advice.
To begin with, each plant has its own needs and not all of them will be happy in just any space in our home. Plus, choosing the perfect plant goes way beyond whether it has pretty flowers or the size of its leaves is perfect for your decor.
Here we leave you a seven-step guide to recognizing healthy, quality plants that really meet your needs.
Before going to nursery
If we want to bring home plants that last more than a month, it is important to analyze some important elements at home:
- The light of our space
We need to know if the space in which we are going to place our plants has good ambient light or, on the contrary, does not receive much lighting. In this case, you will need to look for plants that adapt to these conditions. For example, plants that would normally be seen in shade in nature, such as ferns, calathea or pothos, are ideal for low-light spaces. While others, like succulents and some palms like kentia used indoors, need bright light to thrive.
Once we understand this, we must keep in mind the space we have at home, because while some plants remain mini (like many succulents), others tend to grow tall like the Strelizia Nicolai.
If space is tight, large plants may feel smothered and not thrive, or you may want to consider hanging or wall-mounted species suitable for vertical areas. By measuring and planning, you will avoid the common mistake of purchasing a plant that then has to be moved, with all that entails.
If possible, take a look at the pot’s drainage holes. If its roots show a little, there is no problem, the plant is in perfect condition. Another thing is that the roots that appear have a bad smell or are tangled in tight circles.
How to detect quality plants and make purchases safely
- Differentiate those who can live inside the house from others
As you well know, there are many plants that we can incorporate into our home even if in nature we see them in other conditions. They are called houseplants and in the nursery they are usually placed protected by a roof or in interior spaces. In this first step, it is better not to invent trying to grow an orange tree in the living room or plant calathea on your sunny balcony.
- Examine the leaves and foliage
Although most nurseries have their plants in excellent condition, it never hurts to see if there are insects under the leaves of your chosen plant that you can take home. If you do this without realizing it, it is possible that neighboring factories will end up receiving occasional unexpected visitors. Trust me, this is not something we look for in a healthy plant. Look for an even color, with no odd spots or spots.
- Observe the state of the support
The surface should be damp, but not dripping or dry like cardboard. If it is too wet, the roots may be damaged or rot, compromising the health of the plant. A dry substrate, on the other hand, can indicate a neglected and dehydrated plant.
- Check the roots (if possible)
If possible, take a look at the pot’s drainage holes. If its roots appear a little, there is no problem, the plant is in perfect condition and eager to grow. Another very different thing is that the roots that appear are odorous or tangled in tight circles (spiral), as they can suffer from stress, making it difficult to adapt to your home.
- Evaluate plant growth
Plants that grow haphazardly, with stretched stems and small or pale leaves, may have been poorly located and poorly lit. The best option is a compact plant with uniform growth, which suggests that it has received sufficient light and nutrients.
Remember that a fast-growing plant can take over your space in a matter of months, so you will need to go back to the previous analysis and analyze your space. If you buy a plant that is too large and it grows quickly, you may have to move it in a short time.
- Don’t get carried away only by flowers
Flowering plants are often tempting, but it is best to choose specimens with few open buds and more currently flowering, as this indicates that it is a healthy plant with energy to develop new flowers. In addition, by not buying it in full bloom, the plant will adapt better to the change in environment and last longer in good conditions.
Many of us are disappointed when the flowers start to fall soon after and think we are doing things wrong.
Flowering plants are generally tempting, but it is best to choose specimens with few open buds and more currently flowering, as this indicates that it is a healthy plant with the energy to develop new flowers.
If possible, consult the nursery staff about the care the plant needs, including the amount of light and watering. If when you ask about watering you get an answer like “you need to water it every 15 days”, don’t take it literally. There are a lot of people who go crazy with calendars and water no matter what, even if the plant doesn’t really need it. It’s best to ask questions like:
- What type of light does this plant need? This way you will know if it fits where you plan to place it, whether it is direct light, indirect light or dim light.
- Is it very demanding in terms of watering? This question will help you understand if you can maintain an adequate watering rate based on your habits and availability.
- Does it require a particular type of substrate or fertilization? There are plants like azaleas or camellias that require a special acid-type substrate, so it is important to know this.
- How big can it get and how fast does it grow? Important to anticipate if you will need to repot soon or if it can stay longer in its current pot. Don’t do it as soon as you get home. Remember that prior adaptation is very important before performing this action.
