Growing plants indoors brings the feel of the lush outdoors into your home. This is particular beneficial in the winter months when many feel “cabin Fever.” Plants that may require more care or a controlled environment will also do best in an indoor environment.
Plants are also known for adding enjoyment, beauty and health benefits to your home. And yes, plants help to improve the air quality in your home.
When carefully chosen and strategically placed, plants will add ambiance and warmth to any room or business.
How to Purchase an indoor Plant
The most important thing to remember when purchasing plants is that the plants you select must be compatible with the environment you provide.
- Lighting must be considered along with temperatures and any draft conditions.
- Time for maintaining a plant must also be thought of. If you have a busy office or travel you will not want a plant that needs to be fussed over to survive.
Choose plants whose foliage is rich green and uniform in color. Any plant that has broken stems, yellow or brown leaves, looks wilted or has sad looking soil should be avoided.
Inspect the plant for pests, such as mealy bugs, spider mites and worms. A sign of insects would be yellow leaves, sad looking soil, any odor or worn leaves.
Check the pot the plant is in. Is the pot clean and the right size for the plant? Does is have proper drainage? You may want to purchase a new pot if you answered no to any of these questions.
You may also want purchase a pot that will match the décor of your home or office. Many planters or pots that has a watering tray included, which is beneficial to the plant and in watering.
Check the label for the mature height of the plant. Make sure that it is not too tall for the location in your home. I have found that grouping a few plants makes a very attracting arrangement and will add depth and flow to a room. If you decide to group several plants in one area you will want to select plants of different heights.
One last consideration in purchasing a plant is to look for healthy new growth. New growth will let you know the plant has not been forced to grow quickly and that the soil and roots should be healthy.
Note: Bargain plants look attractive but check the plant over well to see if it has been neglected, as a pest problem or poor soil. Bringing home a plant that can infect your healthy plants or that may require a lot of attention may not be a bargain.
A plant or group of plants will last for years if properly maintained and the benefits to your home and office will be immeasurable.
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