Choosing a Houseplant

Many times houseplants are impulse buys. You may see a beautiful plant and before you know it, it is in your cart, paid for at the checkout and in your car on its way to your home. The best way to ensure the longevity of your houseplants is to think before you buy. By simply taking a few minutes to think about what you want from that houseplant and what it will need from you will greatly increase the odds that you will bring home a houseplant that you can enjoy for years to come.

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right houseplant for you:

• Go to the store prepared. Know which directions your rooms face and how much sunlight they each get. Light is the key to growing all plants, so knowing the intensity of the light that shines through your windows is very important when you are selecting houseplants that are appropriate for your home.

• Be sure that you know the temperature of your room—both daytime and nighttime.

• Consider the amount of space you have for your houseplant. Don’t choose a plant that will outgrow your available space too quickly.

• Be honest with yourself about the time and care that you will be able to devote to a houseplant. If you know that you will not be watering your houseplant regularly, then choose the plant accordingly. There are several houseplants that will be forgiving and will grow anyway.

• If you don’t know, then ask. Many garden stores or florists will have staff available to answer your questions. Take advantage of their knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask what you may feel is a stupid question. Most of the time you won’t be asking anything that hasn’t already been asked. The staff is there to help. Use them.

• Choose your houseplants according to their light requirements. Different houseplants need different amounts of light. Read the tags and follow the suggestions you find there.

• Closely inspect the leaves of the houseplant for general health.

• Look closely for any pests or blotches that may indicate fungal or bacterial problems. Generally, the leaves of the houseplant should look shiny, and not dull, dusty or covered in residue.

• Look for any new leaves on the houseplant. At times it is difficult to distinguish a new leaf from an older one, but the color of the leaf is a clue.

• Check for buds on flowering plants. Plants need to be healthy to support bud production. An abundance of buds is a great indicator that the plant isn’t under any stress.

• Ask about delivery services. It can be difficult to transport large houseplants, so take advantage of any delivery options that may be available.

Choosing a houseplant can be fun if you have taken the time to think about your purchase before you make it. By taking a little time before, you are sure to choose a houseplant that will make you and your home happy. What are some of your favorite houseplants and why?

Photo provided by jmbrice