Choosing Healthy Plants at the Nursery: A Buyer’s Checklist

A lush nursery plant can hide problems. Knowing what to inspect ensures you bring home vigorous, pest-free specimens that thrive.

What to Check

Foliage

• Bright, even green color (except variegated types).
• No yellowing, browning, or crispy edges.
• Full, bushy habit—not leggy or sparse.
• Avoid plants that appear recently hard-pruned (may hide disease).

Pests & Disease

Inspect leaf undersides and stem joints for:

• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Scale
• Mealybugs

Roots

• Check drainage holes: roots emerging = rootbound.
• Roots circling on soil surface = rootbound.
• Rootbound isn’t fatal if plant is otherwise healthy, but plan to repot soon.

Select compact, sturdy plants with clean foliage and no visible pests. A careful choice saves money and frustration later.