Buying Houseplants

You should use as much care when buying your houseplants as you do for other items that you buy for your home. If you buy plants that only live for a week after you purchase it, the costs can add up fast.

Don't buy plants...

• with roots growing out of the drainage holes

• with wilting leaves - they may have potting soil that is too dry or too wet

• that do not have a "care" label attached

• that are infested with pests and diseases

• that have green moss or slime growing on the outside of the pot

• that have bare stems and very few leaves

• that come in small pots but have large amounts of foliage - or small plants in large pots

When taking your houseplant home...

• get them home as soon as possible - don't leave in a cold or hot car

• place in moderate warmth and out of direct sunlight

• handle carefully so that buds are not knocked off

• make sure soil is moist but not soaked