L ook for plants with a healthy root system. Gently lift the plant from the container and make sure the roots are not mushy or diseased. L ook to see that the roots are not tightly bound or wrapped in the shape of the container. Don t buy plants that are top-heavy or too large for their container. This may be an indicator of an unhealthy root system.
C heck to see that the soil is moist neither dry nor soggy.
Look closely for signs of disease. S tay away from plants that are limp from water stress, that have mushy, discolored, misshapen or dried leaves. L ook for insects in the undersides of leaves and on the new growth. S tay away from plants with bugs, webbing, cottony patches, curled leaves or spots. B uy plants with buds and don t be tempted by large blossoms that may be approaching the end of their bloom.