Plant basics2 min read

How to pick a healthy plant

What to check at the store, and why new plants need a quarantine

Start with your space

Before you fall for a plant, think about where it will live. How much light does that spot get, how big can the plant grow, and do you have pets or small children? Read the label, or look up its needs, before you buy.

If you don't know the plant, make sure it comes with a proper label, so you know exactly what you're taking home and can look up its care.

Check it over

Give every plant a quick inspection.

Shape: full and stocky, not leggy, sparse or lopsided.
Leaves: good color, with no yellowing, brown edges, spots, tears or holes. Variegated leaves still patterned.
Undersides and leaf joints: no webbing, cottony tufts, bumps, tiny insects or sticky residue.
Soil: no weeds, and no little flies rising from it.
Roots, if you can slide it out: white or tan and firm, not dark, mushy or smelly.

Skip these

Pass on plants that are wilting, especially wilting in wet soil, which points to root trouble. Plants polished with leaf shine and plants with thick roots pushing out of the pot are second choices, too.

For flowering plants, choose one with plenty of unopened buds. It will stay in flower longer at home. Bargain plants can be good buys, but check them extra carefully for pests.

Get it home safely

Many tropical plants are damaged below 50°F (10°C), and the damage can take weeks to show. In winter, wrap the plant, warm up the car first and never put it in the trunk. In summer, don't leave it in a hot car.

Quarantine new arrivals

Keep each new plant away from your others for at least 3 weeks, and up to 6 if you can. Check it weekly for pests, looking under the leaves with a hand lens. Treat gifts and plants coming back indoors the same way.

Expect some leaf drop or yellowing at first while it adjusts. Keep it out of hot sun and hold off on feeding for now.

Sources

General guidance, not a diagnosis. Written by PlantWiz in our own words from the sources above.