Looking to add to your garden? Make sure you are buying a quality plant by studying these signs of a healthy plant before you go to the nursery.
Houseplant sales reached $1.7 billion last year, in the United States.
Indoor and outdoor plants are a common way to decorate and keep the air we breathe in, clean.
If you don’t want to waste your time or money on unhealthy plants, you need to know what signs to look for.
Continue reading to discover how to identify a healthy plant before buying, along with signs that the plant is dying.
- Blooming Buds
One of the biggest signs of a healthy plant is seeing unopen buds.
Even if the plant has few flowers, it could still be healthy if it is full of buds. Buds are a sign that the plant is healthy enough to grow and will be blooming soon if given proper treatment.
- Consistent Color
Healthy plants, tend to create newer and brighter foliage.
If the plant you are considering is consistent in color and not patchy, it’s more than likely healthy. Bright green that is slightly lighter in color, is often the newest growth on a plant. If you see this, your plant is healthy and growing.
- Properly Shaped
If you are wanting to only buy quality plants, you should also take a look at the shape of the plant.
Plants that are evenly growing in height and width are typically good options. The fuller the plant appears, the more foliage and growth it should have. You should also look at the branches as well, if they are oddly shaped, they may need more space to grow properly.
- Sturdy and Full
Sturdy plants that have been trimmed are a sign of health.
A sturdy plant may be shorted, however, they typically grow fast because of the trimming and are fuller. If the plant you are considering has gaps in the middle or sides, it may be a sign that it was infected or not getting enough light.
- Perky Leaves
Perky leaves on plants are a sign that they are healthy.
If the leaves are drooping, they likely aren’t getting enough water or sunlight. When the plant is at it’s healthiest, it is at it’s tallest. Make sure you choose a plant that is reaching for the sky.
Signs of an Unhealthy Plant
If you notice that the plant is dull, or turning yellow or brown, you may want to pick a different option. This could mean that they are either getting too much water or sun and are dying at the roots.
Another sign of unhealthy plants is seeing holes or spots on the leaves. Holes often indicate that pests or disease have damaged the plant. Many times, plants that look oddly shaped signify that damaged parts of the plant have been cut off.
Check for signs of damage before making a purchase, to avoid bringing home a dead plant.
Save Your Money and Buy a Healthy Plant
One of the most frustrating things after buying plants is discovering that they are dying.
Utilizing the guide above can help you pick out a healthy plant that won’t shrivel up by the time you make it home. Perky, full, and consistently- colored plants are some of the best to choose from.
Be sure to check out our blog for the latest home and outdoor tips and tricks, that will help save you money!
