A strong start makes everything easier, and a few minutes of checking in the shop can save weeks of trouble at home.
Look over the leaves, top and underside, for spots and small insects. Avoid plants that are wilting or show leaf spots, disease or any sign of insect damage. Then look at the surface of the potting mix: it should not be waterlogged or green with algae.
If the shop allows it, gently slide the plant out of its pot and look at the roots. Healthy roots are white and spread through the mix. Grey or brown roots, especially if they smell of decay, are a sign of problems below the surface.
Expect a little adjustment once you get home. The sudden change in light and humidity often makes a new plant yellow and drop a few leaves as it gets used to indoor conditions. Unit 5 covers this settling-in period in detail, including why it helps to keep a new plant apart from your others for a while.
Key points
- Check both sides of the leaves for pests and spots.
- Avoid waterlogged, algae-covered mix.
- Healthy roots are white; grey or brown roots signal problems.
Try this
Next time you visit a plant shop, practise by turning over a few leaves on several plants and looking closely at the undersides, without buying anything.
Check yourself
Read more in the reference
Sources
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