Question
After moving into a house with large,south-facing windows, I decided to try houseplants for the first time.  I bought Janet Craig, several different Dracaenas, various ficus and scheffleras from a florist shop, nursery, and a big box store. All of the plants looked beautiful and out of ignorance, I didn't examine them  closely.  When I started having problems like excessive leaf drop, brown tips, curling tips, etc.,I decided to try repotting and was shocked at what I found.  The $120 Janet Craig from the florist was potted in a mix that was about 50% fertilizer pellets and had very few healthy roots.  What looked like a healthy Dracaena at the store had no roots! All plants from the nursery were potted in muddy clay and rocks (with lots of bugs!)and so rootbound, the roots were growing around in a circle. Every pot was loaded with an insane amount of fertilizer pellets.  These were also pricey.  They didn't start exhibiting symptoms until after the 30 day return period.  I've repotted, switched to distilled water and hope they all survive.  Darlene,is there any way to purchase plants in better condition?  Can you tip a plant out of its pot in the store to check?  Thanx for your help,  Patricia

Answer
Patricia,

If the store has nothing to hide they should not object to you very gingerly removing the plant from the pot and taking a look at the roots. What you should be seeing is enough roots to somewhat hold the rootball together. They should be firm and very wiry looking. There should be no soft mushy roots. The soil ssould be light and airy. It should be a mix of potting soil and perlite (little white volcanic pellets that hold more oxygen in the soil, they do not deteriorate over the years) not vemiculite because it deteriorates.

All your plants should always be in pot with drainage holes and drain trays under them. Do not use self watering pots, they keep the soil too wet and cause the roots to rot. After you water you should always go back in a half hour and empty excess  water out of the drain tray. If it is too heavy to pick up you can empty it with a turkey baster. Do not water it again until 2/3rds of the soil in the pot is dry. The best way to tell that is to insert a long bamboo skewer like you use for shish kabobs into the soil cutting it off 1/2 inch above the soil surface. When you think the plant needs water pull the skewer out and check it. If it is only wet 1/3 up from the bottom you can water it. If it is wet 1/2 way up let it go a few more days. This lets you know you are not overwatering and rotting the roots. Tropical houseplants are not swamp plants and cannot stand constantly wet soil. That can rot the roots in as little as a month. Roots need to be moist and dry alternately so the roots have a chance to breath between waterings. Distillled water is a goo idea for draceanas. They can't stand flouride that can be in your water. If you have more questions write  again.  Good luck.

Darlene