Choosing the Perfect Plants

Houseplants can transform the look of a room instantly. The simple addition of these living accessories can liven up a space and boost your mood.

One of the most important aspects of owning a houseplant is choosing a healthy plant from the beginning. Looking for a few key features will help you pick the perfect plant and set you up for success:

Find a spot

Think about where you want your plant to go. An empty corner in a low light area? An indirect sunny spot on the patio? Determining where you place your plant will narrow down the lighting and watering needs when searching.

Look at the health of leaves

 Leaves should not exhibit any browning of the edges, a symptom of too much fertilizer or too much heat, and the lower leaves should show no indication of becoming pale or yellow, a sign of improper watering.

Healthy, hardy and strong

 Roots are a good indicator of a healthy plant. Look for a plant with a fine network of roots that are established.

Avoid plants with symptoms of pest infestation

 Look at the undersides of the leaves for tiny spots that are lighter than the rest of the leaf: if you find any, you know that insects have been feeding.

Some common plant pests include:

• Aphids- Tiny green, yellow, pink, black, or brown insects on leaf surfaces
• Spider Mites- Speckled white discoloration of leaves, or webs if the infestation is bad
• Mealy Bugs- White cotton like substance covering leaves and stems

Check out our video on choosing the perfect plants for a step-by-step guide of what to look for and avoid.