Hey everyone! I'm curious about the proper etiquette when shopping for plants at big box stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, or Walmart. I know there's a specific etiquette for visiting nurseries, but what about these larger stores? I have a few specific questions:
- Is it okay to lift the pot and check underneath for signs of health, like roots coming through the drainage holes?
- Can I move the leaves around a bit to inspect for dead material in the center?
- Is it acceptable to poke the soil with my finger to check its condition?
- Am I allowed to smell the plant soil?
- If there's an inner pot, can I lift it from the outer pot for a better look?
I'd love to hear your tips or things we should avoid while trying to pick a good plant! Sometimes there are things I miss that I only notice after bringing the plant home.
1 Answer
Absolutely, you can inspect the plants! Just make sure to put everything back neatly without spilling soil everywhere. I like to check between stems for pests too. A good feel for the plant's texture can tell you a lot about its health. My tip? Just be gentle, especially with delicate plants. Don’t stress about checking things out!
For sure! I always check succulents by feeling them carefully. The middle sections can hide dead parts, and that's the last thing you want to miss!