Buying guide in a nursery: what to ask and how to choose so that your plants last

When we go to the nursery it is easy to fall into the temptation of choosing the plant that most attracts us at first sight, but before we are potentially disappointed with them – even some of them falling by the wayside – we should take into account several practical tips.

To begin with, each plant has its own needs and not all of them will be happy in any space in our house. Furthermore, choosing the perfect plant goes far beyond whether it has pretty flowers or whether the size of its leaves is perfect for your decoration.

Here we leave you a seven-step guide to recognize healthy, quality plants that really meet the needs you need.

Before going to the nursery

If we want to take home plants that last more than a month, it is important to analyze a couple of important things at home:

We must know if the space in which we are going to place our plants has good ambient light or, conversely, does not receive much lighting. In that case, we will need to look for plants that adapt to these conditions. For example, plants that we would normally see in nature in the shade, such as ferns, calatheas or pothos, are ideal for spaces with limited light. While others, such as succulents and some palms such as kentia used indoors, need bright light to thrive.

Once we are clear about this, we must keep in mind the space we have at home, since while some plants remain mini (like many succulents), others tend to grow in height such as the Strelizia Nicolai.

If space is tight, large plants may feel stifled and fail to thrive, or you may want to consider hanging or wall-mounted species that are suited to vertical areas. By measuring and planning, you will avoid the common mistake of purchasing a plant that will then have to be moved, with all that this 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 safe purchases

As you well know, there are many plants that we can incorporate at home even though in nature we see them in other conditions. They are called indoor plants and in the nursery they are usually placed protected by a roof or in indoor areas. In this first step, it is better not to invent trying to grow an orange tree in the living room or plant some calatheas on your sunny balcony.

Although most nurseries have their plants in excellent condition, it never hurts to see if there are any bugs under the leaves of your chosen plant that you can take home. If you do it and don’t realize it, it is possible that neighboring plants end up having the occasional unexpected visitor. Believe me, it is not something we look for in a healthy plant. Look for a homogeneous color, without strange spots or spots.

The substrate should be moist, but not dripping or dry like cardboard. If it is too wet, the roots may be damaged or rotting, which would compromise the health of the plant. A dry substrate, on the other hand, may indicate a neglected plant that has suffered dehydration.

If feasible, 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 and eager to grow. Another very different thing is that the roots that appear are smelly or tangled in tight circles (spiral), since they may be suffering from stress, making it difficult for them to adapt to your home.

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 enough light and nutrients.

Don’t forget that a fast-growing plant can invade your space in a few months, so you will have to go back to the previous analysis and analyze your space. If you buy a plant that is too big and it grows quickly, you may have to move it in a short time.

Flowering plants are often tempting, but it is preferable to choose specimens with few open buds and more in the process of flowering, as this indicates that it is a healthy plant with energy to develop new flowers. Furthermore, by not buying it in full bloom, the plant will have a better adaptation to the change in environment and will last longer in good conditions.

Many of us are disappointed when the flowers begin to fall shortly after and we think that we are doing things wrong.

Flowering plants are usually tempting, but it is preferable to choose specimens with few open buds and more in the process of 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 a response like “you have to water it every 15 days,” please don’t take it literally. There are many people who go crazy with calendars and water no matter what, even if the plant doesn’t really need it. It is best to ask questions like: