Mistake: Purchasing unhealthy or
diseased plants
Solution: Leaves can tell you a lot about
the health of the plant. Avoid picking
specimens with brown, yellow, or wilted
leaves which could signify poor health. Give
yourself a fighting chance to have the plants
survive by starting with the healthy one.
Mistake: Choosing flowers in full
bloom
Solution: Don't be seduced
by pots with abundant flowers. Instead,
look for healthy foliage and plump
buds to be your guide. Let the plants
peak in the ground at your home,
rather in pots at the nursery.
Mistake: Picking plants with poor root
systems
Solution: Steer clear of anything that
is root-bound (you'll notice a mass of roots
coming out of the bottom of the container),
because tangled roots can suffocate and rob
the plant of its nutrients. Also leave those
with underdeveloped roots (ask a nursery
employee to check) to mature longer at the
nursery.
