This post shows you indoor plant shopping tips for beginners!
Shopping for houseplants can be a rewarding or frustrating experience.
Finding a good deal takes some planning, while also leaving enough room to splurge on one-of-a-kind favorites.
Between big box brand retailers wanting to maximize profit on plants and there being so many ads and products crammed in during peak seasons (think spring and summer), it’s easy to become overwhelmed with choices if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
Sound familiar? Because this was me.
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I’ve killed way too many houseplants because I just impulsively fell in love with something that caught my eye, never considering the actual conditions for the plant.
This time, we’re shopping with intention. This post will help know what to consider when choosing your first houseplant.
6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Plant
Let’s break down 6 indoor plant tips for beginners that future plant moms (or dads!) should be looking for when shopping for their first plant.
Location
First, let’s talk about where you live because the amount of sunlight is the biggest factor in how your plant thrives. Southern and Western facing windows receive the most sunlight whereas Northern and Eastern receive sunny rays in the morning.
You also have to consider your planting zone. I live in Florida where tropical plants are easily accessible and thrive, but that might not be the case in colder places like Detroit.
But no worries! Plants can also grow in partial, low, to no sunlight at all and can adapt to a variety of conditions!
No matter what, nature finds a way.
That being said, let’s consider the best way to buy the right plants.
Shopping Smarter
Do you know how to shop for the best value for your money? If not, here are some tips to consider.
- Plants are usually inexpensive unless they’re huge or rare, so don’t pay a lot for them. I believe you can find any good-sized plant for less than $10.
- When buying your plant, make sure the leaves are a deep shade of green and the soil is damp (you can poke your finger in the soil about an inch to check). You don’t want to buy a plant that’s been sitting bone dry in the sun. On the other hand, it is drowning in water, it’s probably watered too much and at risk of root rot.
- Always buy indoor plants. These will be tougher to lighting conditions and can survive without water. Planting outdoor plants in a pot will likely result in a dead plant.
Shop where you’d like but it’s important to be realistic about your expectations because big box retailers can be hit or miss with quality. Their goal is to only maximize profits.
If you’re just starting, I recommend visiting a local plant nursery because you’ll receive one-on-one expert help and guidance for choosing your first plant.
Nursery prices may be equal to or a little higher than retail, but the quality of plants is healthier with a higher growth success rate.
Care
Ask yourself do you have the time to take care of this plant? And even if you do have the time, do you see yourself putting in the effort?
This is something I have to ask myself as I will buy a plant, no questions asked, and deal with the repercussions later.
- Can I give it the light it needs?
- Does it do fine without a humidifier?
- Is the price ok? Subjective to everyone.
- Is it healthy? (No visible signs of bugs or disease)
- Do I like the appearance? My plants need to match my aesthetic. My living room is pink and I love the look of succulents and pink foliage for a whimsical vibe.
Size
One of the most important factors to consider when shopping or even taking care of plants is size.
Many people live in apartments and you want to keep plants designed for your space without making you uncomfortable or crammed.
It’s important to research different plants, varieties, and pruning schedules that make sense to you for longevity and easier transport if you ever decide to move.
Use cuttings for propagation to help keep your plants small and give away the new plants to friends, family, or community.
Speaking of cuttings, you can also cut back the leaves and roots.
The plant may be dramatic about it for a few days but they are resilient and she will adapt to whatever container you put her in.
Animals
Do you have pets? Is the plant toxic to your pets? Many people warn of the dangers of certain plants and how toxic they are to pets. The truth is that only a few types of plants like true lilies, are that dangerous.
The reason most plants are considered “toxic” is because some contain calcium oxalate, which can lead to issues if eaten in large quantities.
There are sprays such as citrus, or cayenne pepper, which can be sprinkled on leaves to prevent pets from eating leaves and experiencing even these minor stomach upsets.
You can research trusted resources or ask your local vet. Having pets shouldn’t be a reason not to keep plants.
With the slightest effort, you can safely keep 99% of houseplants and never have your pets touch them.
Flowers
The last part of your plant shopping journey to consider is what type of plants you like.
I love the look of foliage but a plant that blooms throughout the year looks amazing against my decor.
Spring is the season for color, so there are plenty of options to create beauty in your home or choose for pollinating an outdoor vegetable garden.
Look at easy-to-grow flowers or low-maintenance succulents to add a splash of color indoors.
Some ideas include:
- Bromeliads
- Peace Lily
- African Violets
- Christmas cacti
- Begonias
When thinking about flowers to display indoors, they don’t have to be for a special occasion or holiday.
You can use flowers for a multitude of reasons, just ensure it’s something that fits your aesthetic. For example:
- Center mantlepieces for beautiful living room decor.
- Fragrant-smelling flowers to improve mood and anxiety.
- Sensory gardens for kids, neurodivergents, or people with disabilities.
Play around with different species to see what gravitates towards you.
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This Post Has Shown You Indoor Plant Tips for Beginners
I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared when shopping for plants. Preparation through research helps keep anxiety at bay when you’re knowledgeable instead of playing the guessing game and hoping for the best.
And if worst comes to worse, nature has a funny way of things working out anyway.
Ready? Let’s go plant shopping!
