1) Know the location where the plant is going.It’s best to do this before going on a random buying spree!
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2) Research what plants would do well in that location.Do some poking around online to determine your options and get a jump up on the selection process. The right plant in the right location is what you want.
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3) Start with a “tried and true” plant.A Maidenhair Fern or a Prayer Plant can be much harder to keep alive than reliable standbys like Pothos, Snake Plants, Hoyas, and ZZ Plants.
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4) Know what level of care you’re willing to give your plants.Are you going to be a doting plant parent or is your style more “water and ignore'”? Some plants take more attention than others.
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5) Consider starting with smaller plants.They’re much less of an investment than a larger plant and you won’t be out too much if they don’t make it.
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6) Not all plants grow at the same rate.A Pothos grows much faster than a Kentia Palm. One type of plant might outgrow a location fast whereas one may not reach the size you desire for years.
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7) Shop at a specialty nursery or independent garden center if possible.They usually have one or two people responsible for the buying, caring of and advising about houseplants.
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8) If you buy from a big box store (Home Depot, Lowes, Trader Joe’s, etc), be picky and check the plants.Don’t just buy the one closest to you on the bench.
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9) Look for the name of the plant on the pot if you’re not sure.Most indoor plant growers stick a label on the side of the grow pot with the name of the plant and maybe even a few care points.
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10) Check the overall health of the plant.Is there a good amount of foliage? Are the leaves looking good? If you buy a healthy plant, it has a much better chance of staying healthy.
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11) Check the soil too.Is the soil level way down in the pot? Ideally, you want the soil level to be near the top of the grow pot. Is there white, moldy stuff on the surface?
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12) It’s fine to buy plants online, especially if you know what you’re looking for. Companies like Bloomscape and The Sill have filtering options like “low light”, “pet friendly” and “beginners”.
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13) Unless you’re willing to gamble, it’s best to avoid snap decisions.That pretty, little plant that catches your eye might not be long-lasting or be able to survive in your home’s conditions.
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14) Be willing to learn how to properly care for your plant.You shouldn’t need to water your houseplants as often in the winter as in summer. And, in the darker months, you might need to move your plant to a location with more natural light.