December 2, 2022, 3:57 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
You can buy plants year-round. Depending on their size and type, such a splendid specimen can sometimes be quite costly. The longer you want to enjoy it, the more careful you need to be. What should you consider when buying plants in winter?
Plants can be found year-round in unheated flower shops, drafty supermarket entrances, and outdoor areas of garden or hardware stores. In winter, these locations are far from ideal. myHOMEBOOK explains why this is the case and what to watch out for when stocking up on new plants in winter.
Overview
Plants are sensitive to cold
Most houseplants are exotic and need a lot of warmth, says Isabell Van Groeningen from the Royal Garden Academy in Berlin. “Especially when houseplants like orchids are in full bloom, they are very sensitive to cold, and a cold shock can mean the end of their blossoms.” Sometimes it takes a few days for cold damage to become visible, so you should be particularly vigilant and meticulous when buying plants in winter.
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What to consider when buying plants in winter
Especially in winter, the entrance area of a supermarket is very drafty and cold. Plants usually do not forgive this and wither. Flower shops are generally unheated, or the plants are placed outside. If you still want to buy something, you should look for certain signs. Van Groeningen advises ensuring “that the plant is healthy and robust. Leaves should not be damaged or wilting. Limp leaves can indicate a lack of water, but cold damage can also be the cause.” Once the plant is purchased, you should hurry to bring it into a warm environment.
Also interesting: How to protect your plants from frost
How to transport a plant in winter
Just like us, plants want to be wrapped up warmly, preferably in a protective paper cover, says Van Groeningen. “In a pinch, you should use several layers of newspaper. Paper insulates better than plastic. Avoid spending too much time in the open air. In the car, the plant prefers to ride as a passenger in the heated area rather than freezing with the luggage in the trunk.”