Plants are generally expensive, whether you’re buying them online or through local nurseries. Even the seemingly healthy and lush herbs and succulents could develop various problems quickly if you cannot determine their condition beforehand. You wouldn’t want to see them wither and die just days after they were delivered home. However, knowing if they are healthy or not will benefit you in the long run when you have the skills to see if they are healthy.
Learning to see the signs of pests or issues will be the first step to your success. Choosing the best ones will involve looking closely at the various parts like the leaves, roots, and stems from seeing if it’s growing. With some sites like the PlantedPot, you can always get a picture of the lucky bamboo or anthurium before these are delivered to you. This way, you’ll know whether they are a good choice or not.
What to Look For
Growth of Foliage – Healthy orchids or lemon-lime dracaena will have new growth in their leaves. Except for the ones with the variegated or bi-colored leaves, most will display even bright colors. You should avoid the very pale ones. Don’t buy those with brown or yellowing leaves or those that have dry and look brown on the edges.
Some may continue to have a bushy and full growth habit, which is natural. It’s best if you could avoid the leggy and long plants that can be weak at the base. The sturdy and compact ones are better choices, and you should always be on the lookout for those who have been pruned. This can be an indication of damaged stems or diseases that may have been removed to make it look like they are healthy.
Diseases and Pets – You need to watch for signs of diseases and pests. If possible, check the leaves’ undersides and the joints where the stems are attached to them. This is commonly where pests are found. Read more about common diseases in plants when you click here.
Roots – Healthy roots are one of the best indications that you’re getting a healthier plant. It might be challenging to see if they are inside a pot, but you should be able to know whether the ones you’re choosing are rootbound. Pick the ones that have drainage holes, and if you notice that the roots are growing through them, they are an indication that these orchids have been in them for a very long time. Another big sign is those who have been growing on top of the potting mix.
Root bounds are not necessarily bad, especially if the leaves are otherwise healthy. It’s a sign that these are growing actively. However, you may want to report it soon as it might not have enough space.
What to Buy
Golden Pothos
These golden pothoses might seem old-fashioned to someone, but they definitely never go out of style. They are one of the easiest to care for and maintain. They have heart-shaped leaves with white, gold, green, cream, and yellow splashes. They are very tolerant in various conditions and will ensure higher chances regardless of where you put them.
Lucky Bamboos
They would be trendy gifts, especially if your loved ones wanted an accent in the home that lives longer than other species. The bamboo is great for office décor, especially if they are given the best care available. The stems are often twisted into a fun shape like weaves, hearts, and swirls, and they are often considered a work of art. The bamboo doesn’t generally need lots of light, and they are happy to be kept inside a vase that’s filled with water.
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena marginata or the Madagascar dragon tree is considered exotic, but they are the ones that are easy to grow. They have bamboo-like stems with thin pink or purple leaves. They look like pom poms attached to a stick while they are growing up.
When they are young, you can mistake them for colorful tufts of grasses that will make your environment livelier. They require medium to bright lights to bring out their best colors. Get more info about dracaena marginata on this webpage: https://www.thespruce.com/grow-dracaena-marginata-indoors-1902749.
Snake Plants
Regardless of where you live, you can never go wrong with the snake plant. It’s always a popular choice for many people because you can grow them quickly. They need low lights, and they are content even if you forget to water them for weeks. If you’re so busy, this is definitely a must-try for you.
Peace Lilies
The spathiphyllum or peace lilies is another popular option to consider. It grows pretty and white flowers that many people call calla lilies. If it’s the season where the plant is not gracing you with their beautiful flowers, the glossy foliage that’s unique to them will help the room become more attractive. They have a striking touch as indoor décor, and they tolerate low to bright lights. They also need plenty of moisture to thrive.
Ponytail Palms
These palms are often a little rugged, and they are slow-growing trees. They are similar to bonsai, but they have thicker features and trunks. The leaves are thin and strappy and act as an umbrella to the stems. They are trendy when you reside near a tropical beach. If you have a warm spot with plenty of bright lights inside the house, then this is something that you may want to consider.
