Buyer's guide: how to buy a healthy Christmas plant
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Christmas wouldn't truly be Christmas without poinsettias. At this time of year, many shops and supermarkets turn into florists, competing with your favourite garden centre with their beautiful displays of Christmas plants.
It's hard to pass them by without being tempted. Unfortunately, due to the care they have (or haven't) received, some are already doomed… before they even reach your home. This guide contains practical tips for assessing the freshness and quality of a plant during your next visit to the store.
1. Observe the overall appearance of the plant
The foliage… Choose a plant with bright green leaves, without brown spots, yellowing or signs of wilting.
Flowers… If the plant is in bloom (e.g., poinsettia, amaryllis, Christmas cactus), choose a specimen with flower buds that are still closed or barely open. You'll enjoy its flowering at home for longer.
The stems… Check that they are strong, firm and without any soft or damaged parts.
2. Inspect the underside of the leaves
Look for signs of pests, such as small insects, tiny black dots, webbing, eggs, sticky or silvery spots. Even mealybugs, which are particularly difficult to eliminate, can be detected if you know what to look for. Learn more in this article.
Clean, dust-free and spotless foliage is generally a sign of good health!
PRO TIP: Once home, treat your new plant with insecticidal soap even if you haven't spotted any insects. It's your best guarantee. Learn how to do it here: 7 Tips to prevent a pest infestation.
3. Check the soil and the pot
The pot must have drainage holes. If the plant is sold in a pot cover without drainage holes but appears to be in good condition, repot it once you get home. The pot that comes with the plant can be used as a pot cover for another plant.
The potting soil must be slightly moist, without any musty or rotten smell, and without any signs of rot or algae (green film on the surface of the potting soil), which indicates that the plant has been overwatered.
If possible, gently remove the plant from its pot to inspect its roots. They should be white or light-coloured (not brown or mushy) and should not have a foul odour. Ideally, they should not form a tightly packed mass. This indicates that the plant is cramped. However, this problem can easily be remedied by repotting the plant once you get home.
4. Choose a plant adapted to its future environment
Before buying, find out about the light and water requirements of the plant you choose. If you are often away from home, opt for a plant that doesn't require frequent watering. The plant you choose must also be able to thrive where it’ll be placed (ideally away from drafts, heaters or cold windows).
5. Opt for quality packaging
Avoid buying plants exposed to the cold without protection, especially in winter: thick paper packaging or a temporary plastic cover protects the plant during transport.
Tip for the ride home
Bring your plant home promptly after purchase. Don't leave it in the car while you run other errands to avoid thermal shock.
Choosing a beautiful Christmas plant is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and brighten up your decor. Read our article to learn how to care for your plant and discover tips to help it bloom again next year.
Looking for inspiration to decorate for the holiday season? Read here.
