Buying plants online can be an enjoyable experience, with endless choices and the convenience of doorstep delivery. However, purchasing plants online can sometimes lead to disappointments if certain mistakes are made. Here are nine common mistakes to avoid when buying plants from an online nursery, ensuring your plants thrive in your garden.
Ignoring Your Local Climate
One common mistake when buying plants online is overlooking your local climate. Not all plants are suited to all environments. Research your region’s climate before purchasing. This helps you avoid investing in plants struggling or failing in your area. Companies like Platypus Plants are online plant nurseries that specialise in delivering a variety of healthy, curated plants directly to customers.
Not Checking the Plant’s Size at Maturity
It’s easy to overlook plants’ mature size when buying them online. Some plants start small but grow into large shrubs or trees, potentially overwhelming your space. Check the plant’s full-grown height and spread to ensure it will fit your garden’s scale and layout.
Skipping Reviews and Customer Feedback
Online reviews provide invaluable insights into the nursery’s quality and the health of its plants. Look for reviews with pictures and details on the nursery’s packaging, shipping practices, and the condition of plants upon arrival. These reviews help identify reliable nurseries and give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Failing to Review the Return and Refund Policy
Plants are delicate, and sometimes they don’t survive shipping. Before purchasing, check the nursery’s return and refund policy. Some nurseries offer replacements for damaged plants, while others might have a strict no-return policy. Understanding the terms can save you from frustrations if your plants don’t arrive in good condition.
Overlooking Shipping Conditions and Timeframes
Plants can suffer during long shipping times, especially if left in boxes for extended periods. Choose nurseries that offer expedited shipping or are close to your location, as this can minimise the time plants spend in transit. Also, consider ordering in spring or fall, when temperatures are mild, to avoid extreme heat or cold.
Not Researching the Plant’s Care Requirements
Each plant has unique care requirements, including light, water, and soil preferences. Avoid the temptation to buy plants based on looks alone. Ensure the plant’s care needs match your experience level and the conditions you can provide at home. Failing to do so could lead to stress or even death of the plant.
Buying During Extreme Weather Conditions
Ordering plants during extreme hot or cold weather increases the risk of damage during transit. Plants are more likely to arrive stressed or injured if they experience extreme temperatures. Plan your purchases for mild seasons to ensure your plants arrive healthy and adapt well to their new environment.
Not Inspecting for Pests or Disease on Arrival
Plants shipped from nurseries can sometimes carry pests or diseases that could spread to your existing plants. Carefully inspect all new arrivals for any signs of insects or mould. Isolate them for a few days before adding them to your garden, and treat any issues you find immediately.
Choosing the Wrong Potting Soil and Accessories
A common mistake after receiving a plant is to repot it using the wrong soil. Each plant has different soil preferences; succulents require well-draining soil, while ferns need moisture-retaining mixes. Check the soil type recommended for each plant and invest in the right potting mix to give your plant the best chance to thrive.
Conclusion
Buying plants from an online nursery can be a rewarding experience if you take the right precautions. Avoiding these common mistakes will increase your chances of receiving healthy plants that will thrive in your home or garden. Do your research, plan accordingly, and watch your garden grow beautifully!
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