Soil quality is one of the key factors in determining how well a plant will grow. If the soil is too sandy the water runs right through; if it is too claylike it never dries out. Plants that come straight from Hawaii, and have not been repotted at a greenhouse, are in nothing but lava rock. Even more important is the fact that, poor quality soil may have bugs and diseases lurking in it. In order for chain store plants to be sold cheaply, not only do they have fewer starts and weaker roots, they are also “usually” planted in a poor quality soil mixture. Florist quality plants are “usually” planted in premium soil. (“usually” because nothing is ever certain except death & taxes.)

Next Section: Placement