So I’ve given you all of the reasons why not to buy a plant at the grocery store. But there you are, exhausted from working all day, dragging yourself through the supermarket at 6 o’clock at night; when you see this adorable little plant in the floral section. The impulse to buy it is just too great. You don’t need it but you really want it. Better yet, as you walk past the floral section, you see this pitiful half dead plant. How can you not take it home and try to bring it back to life? It’s a living thing; it deserves a chance! If you must have it, you must have it; but follow a few precautions when you bring the plant home. (In truth, it wouldn’t hurt if you followed these suggestions no matter where you but a new plant.

Keep the plant away from your other plants for a couple of weeks. Shake off as much of the existing soil as possible and replace it with a high quality premium soil (Miracle Grow soil always works for me). Do not repot the plant it into a different size container unless the roots have already taken on the shape of its current pot. Repotting at this time is a sure way to guarantee that you will over water the plant & kill its roots. Spray the plant and soil with undiluted medicinal alcohol (the cheaper the better); you can mix in a little mineral oil and ivory soap into the alcohol if you have the time. This should kill at least some of the pests and disease that may be on the plant. Do not fertilize the plant for at least a month. The plant is acclimating and not in a growing mode. Fertilizer will merely remain in the soil, not being absorbed, and eventually burn the roots. Finally, there is a product called SuperThrive that I have seen work miracles on plants that are under any type of stress. It’s a combination of 50 vitamins & hormones that stimulate growth, help sick plants, & allow new plants to adjust to a new environment. It is not a plant food; & eventually can be used in conjunction with your usual fertilizer. You need only1-10 drops per gallon of water. The greater the problems, the more drops of Super Thrive you use. If you can’t find it in your area, contact me (judy@foliageunlimited.net). I’ll be happy to send you some. A 2oz. bottle will cost $5.95, 4oz. $9.95, & 16 oz. $32.95. I know it seems a little pricey, but a few drops in your watering can each week will produce amazing results.

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