Be sure to wrap heavy plastic or
cloth around your plant to prevent
leafy branches from drying out.

The Next Step

Once you've selected and paid for your plants, make sure they're packaged properly before taking them home. Poorly packaged plants tip over and bounce around, which can damage branches. Good growers will package plants for you or give you appropriate containers so your plants can reach your home undamaged.

Cold and heat can harm houseplants, too. During the winter, warm up your car and wrap your plants before taking them outside. Never leave your plants in a cold car while you do additional shopping. During the summer, buy plants with well-moistened soil, because dry plants do not resist heat well. Have overly dry plants watered. Let the water drain, then pack the plants.

If left unprotected, houseplants can be damaged by wind. If you must transport a large plant in the open, cover its leafy branches to prevent them from drying out. Wrap heavy plastic or cloth around the branches and tie it to the stem. Remove the wrap as soon as you arrive home.

If your concern is not getting plants home from the store, but moving your plants from one home to another, be aware that moving companies rarely handle plants properly. You may have to question several companies about their methods of transporting plants to find one that really knows this delicate phase of the business.