The Ultimate Checklist for Plant Shopping
Everything You Need to Buy Healthy, Thriving Houseplants!
PlantyShanty.com
4 min read
Introduction
Ready to expand your indoor jungle or buy your very first houseplant? Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned plant parent, knowing what to look for when buying houseplants can make or break your indoor gardening experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step checklist to ensure you select only the healthiest plants, along with must-have supplies to keep them growing strong.
1. Research Your Space and Lighting Needs
Why This Matters
Not all plants thrive under the same conditions. Determining how much natural light you have—bright, indirect, or low light—helps you choose the right species.
Action Steps
Assess Sunlight: Observe how many hours of direct or indirect light each room gets.
Check Humidity: Some plants (like Monsteras or Alocasias) prefer higher humidity.
Make a Wish List: Jot down a few plant types that can thrive in the environment you have.
Pro Tip: If you need extra support for lower-light corners, invest in LED Grow Lights (Affiliate Link) to replicate sunlight.
2. Decide on Easy-Care or Advanced Plants
Why This Matters
Beginners may want to start with forgiving species, while experienced plant lovers might enjoy a challenge.
Action Steps
Easy-Care Favorites: Snake Plant, Pothos, ZZ Plant, Spider Plant.
Intermediate/Advanced: Fiddle Leaf Fig, Calatheas, Alocasia Polly (African Mask).
Look for Labels: Most nurseries or online shops specify care levels (beginner-friendly, moderate care, etc.).
Pro Tip: Consider purchasing a 3-pack of easy-to-grow air cleaning plants (Affiliate Link) if you want to start a collection hassle-free.
3. Inspect Leaves and Stems
Why This Matters
Healthy leaves signal a vibrant plant. Yellow, brown, or wilted foliage may indicate pests, root rot, or disease.
Action Steps
Check Leaf Color: A bright, even color is ideal. Avoid large brown spots or excessive yellowing.
Look for Pests: Examine leaf undersides for spider mites, mealybugs, or other insects.
Inspect Stems: Stems should be firm, not mushy or broken.
Pro Tip: Bring a spray bottle of mild neem oil solution when you shop; a quick spritz can reveal pests as they react to natural insecticides.
4. Examine Roots and Soil
Why This Matters
Roots give critical insight into a plant’s health. Root-bound plants may need immediate repotting, and poor-quality soil can harbor fungus or pests.
Action Steps
Gently Lift the Pot: Look for roots growing out of the drainage holes—this can signal the plant is root-bound.
Soil Texture: Avoid soggy or foul-smelling soil, which often indicates poor drainage or rot.
Root Color: Healthy roots are typically white or light tan.
Pro Tip: For stress-free repotting at home, grab Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Affiliate Link). It’s specially formulated to retain moisture without over-saturation.
5. Check Pot Size and Drainage
Why This Matters
A plant can suffer if it’s housed in a pot that’s too small, too large, or lacks drainage holes.
Action Steps
Adequate Drainage: Pots with holes prevent overwatering and rot.
Proper Fit: The current pot should allow some room for root growth.
Avoid Over-Sized Pots: Too big, and soil stays damp for too long, inviting fungus or rot.
Pro Tip: If you need decorative containers, place the nursery pot inside a Utopia Indoor Drainage Pot (Affiliate Link) for function and style.
6. Transportation and Handling
Why This Matters
Even a healthy plant can get damaged en route to its new home if it’s mishandled.
Action Steps
Protect Leaves: Wrap large leaves or delicate stems with paper to avoid breakage.
Upright Placement: Keep the pot level to prevent soil spillage and root disturbance.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Transport plants in a climate-controlled vehicle if possible.
7. Stock Up on Essentials
Why This Matters
Having the right care tools at home ensures a smooth transition for your new plant.
Must-Have Supplies
Watering Can – A narrow-spout can for controlled watering.
Plant Fertilizer – Grow Queen (Affiliate Link) offers a bioactive, odorless formula suitable for beginners and advanced gardeners.
Soil Tester – A 4-in-1 Multifunctional Soil Tester (Affiliate Link) to check moisture, pH, temperature, and light.
Digital Thermometer & Hygrometer (Affiliate Link) – Monitor temperature and humidity accurately.
8. Aftercare Checklist
Why This Matters
Your newly purchased plants may need a brief quarantine to ensure they don’t introduce pests or diseases into your existing collection.
Action Steps
Quarantine: Isolate new arrivals for about a week.
Check Daily: Monitor leaves for any signs of pests or wilting.
Adjust Watering: If the soil was moist at purchase, wait until it dries a bit before watering again.
9. Bonus Tips for Online Plant Shopping
Why This Matters
Buying plants online is convenient but requires additional precautions.
Action Steps
Check Seller Ratings: Ensure the shop has good reviews and a reputation for healthy plants.
Shipping Method: Opt for expedited shipping if possible to reduce transit stress.
Refund/Return Policy: Reputable sellers will often replace damaged or unhealthy plants.
Pro Tip: Visit PlantyShanty.com for curated lists of trusted online plant suppliers and exclusive deals.
10. Final Thoughts: Shop Smart, Grow Happily
Shopping for houseplants is a fun and rewarding experience—provided you know what to look for. By following this ultimate plant shopping checklist, you’ll minimize the risk of bringing home pests or sickly plants, and set yourself up for success. Remember to invest in quality supplies like organic potting mix, proper pots, fertilizers, and testing tools for long-lasting plant health. With the right preparation, you’ll find it’s easy (and exciting!) to fill your home with lush greenery.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us continue creating valuable plant care guides and product recommendations for the PlantyShanty.com community. Happy plant shopping—and may your indoor garden flourish!