When buying home plants whether it is from Lowes, Home Depot or a local garden center there are several things to consider. Many people just pick up a home plant without giving any thought, especially if the cost is low. But think about this, each home plant you buy can give you years of enjoyment if it is properly inspected before you buy. Take time to select a perfect home plant. If you hastily buy a home plant, it has the potential of causing devastation to your other home plants. And one rule to always stay by is never buy plants when you are in a hurry, that’s a gardening tip everyone should heed.
Take the time to inspect the leaves on the home plant for pests. Aphids, spider mites and scale will not only wreck havoc on this home plant but on your others as well. And be sure to look under the leaves and at the nodes where many pests thrive. Here is what to look for on your potential home plant:
Aphids appear as small green or black insects, usually found on buds and new growth. These insects suck the juices out of home plants, and also secrete honeydew.
Spider mites are small insects, which appear as small white specks, usually on the undersides of leaves, or on flowers of the home plant. Spider mites will form webbing, like a spider’s web around infected home plants. The spider mites will be visible in the webbing as white specks.
Scale looks like tiny, brown, oval-shaped bumps visible on the home plants leaves and stem. The scale is actually a conserving covering which protects the insect. Scales produce honeydew, a clear sticky substance which can be seen on affected home plants.
You might want to search the world wide web for other gardening tips on how to treat these pests if one happens to infect some of your home plants.
If the home plant seems too huge for the container, pass it by, it is likely to be root bound. Remember larger isn’t necessarily better. I always pull a home plant from it’s container to check the root ball; reputable stores should grant you to do this. If the home plant is already root bound you will have to open your notecase not only for the plant but for potting soil and a new container. Then YOU have to re pot it and hope it will continue to be healthy. If you don’t mind this, then by all means buy the home plant. If you are going to re pot you might want to look at the self watering containers that are acquirable now. These are great for someone that travels and isn’t around each day to check the soil.
Examine the container of the home plant for cracks. Be sure the container will harmonize with your existing home plants containers. Try to buy plants by shape and height when using the home plant for groupings in and around your home. Keep the small attach that is attached to the plant in a notebook so you will always have the directions on the plants needs. This is a really good gardening tip!
Now you know the secrets of buying spectacular home plants.
Happy Gardening!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
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