Why Impulse Buying A Plant Is A Terrible Idea

It’s almost impossible – and perhaps undesirable – to avoid all impulse purchases. But it’s wise to limit it to the occasional sweet from the bakery or clothing item from a store that accepts returns. When it comes to buying plants, impulse buying is almost always a mistake. Read on for more information about sustainable shopping for plants for the home and garden.

Most of us would agree that a healthy plant adds enchantment to a room or garden bed: color, focus, charm. But plants are more than decor. They are living beings with particular cultural needs. And when those needs are not met, they don’t stay healthy and beautiful very long.

That’s why it is important to think of plants from a gardener’s perspective, not as a plant collector.

“Retail therapy” is a real thing, and sometimes a quick shopping trip is what you need to help you make it through the night. But unplanned, spontaneous shopping trips don’t work out for the best in some cases. For example, almost everyone agrees that buying a live animal on the spur of the moment (“Oh! Look at that adorable kitten!”) can be a very bad idea both for the buyer and the new pet.

Similarly, impulsively snatching up a gorgeous houseplant or blooming shrub in the garden store can prove to be a mistake. Some would argue that plants, like pets, are sentient beings and deserve a home where they can have their cultural needs met. But you don’t have to go to that extreme to find good arguments for shopping sustainably for plants.

Seasoned gardeners know what kind of climate, soil, sun exposure, and site space they have to offer to an indoor or outdoor plant. They will select a plant based on these factors. It’s always important to consider the mature size of the plant, not the size of