Most people would probably say that they enjoy having a few plants around the house. More than a few of those people would also probably lament not being able to keep plants alive, or not having a green thumb – but what if the problem with dying plants began at the store and not in your house?
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If you’d really like to keep your plants alive for longer, here are some tips on how to pick out the ones that are most likely to thrive.
First, you’ll want to check for signs of insects before you throw them in the backseat of your car. Not only can that damage the plant in question, but if you bring them home, the infestation could spread to plants you already have that are thriving.
Make sure and take a peek at the underside of the leaves to check for the tiniest of specks, be they black, white, brown, or green.
In addition to being free from pests, the leaves should also be shiny and vibrant. Pass on any that have brown spots or that are crispy or curled around the edges, as well, because that’s another sign it’s not in good health.
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The last place you’ll want to check is the bottom of the pot. If there are roots poking out of the drainage holes, your plant might be stressed and needing a bigger container.
These could still be ok to buy, but you’ll want to transfer any root-bound plants to bigger pots with fresh soil as soon as you can.
If you have a plant or plants at home that are struggling, there are apps you can download that say they can help diagnose the issue.
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If you’re more of an in-person type, your local nursery should also be able to help from a picture or a cutting of the affected leaves.
Good luck – a house full of plants is a happy house!
