Last updated on October 31st, 2026 at 03:34 pm
Buying new plants for your home or garden should be an enjoyable experience. But how do you know if the plants you’re buying are healthy?
Whether you’re shopping for colorful annuals, perennials, herbs, or small potted plants, there are a few things you should check before spending your money.
Here in Las Cruces and throughout the Southwest, choosing healthy plants is especially important. Our hot summers, dry winds, intense sunlight, and sometimes unpredictable winter temperatures can make it difficult for weak plants to survive.
I’ve seen plenty of beautiful plants at garden centers that looked great from a distance. But after taking a closer look, I noticed insects, damaged leaves, or roots that were packed too tightly inside their containers.
Here are 10 simple tips to help you choose healthy plants that have a better chance of thriving in your garden.
1. Look for Healthy Green Leaves
The first thing I check is the foliage. Healthy leaves are usually firm, with good color and no unusual spots or damage.
Look for:
- Leaves with their normal, healthy color.
- Firm foliage that isn’t drooping.
- Fresh new growth.
- Few or no damaged leaves.
Not every healthy plant has dark green leaves. Some plants naturally have yellow, purple, silver, or variegated foliage.
A few older yellow leaves aren’t always a problem. However, if most of the plant is yellowing, wilting, or turning brown, I would look for another one.
Remember, you are buying a living plant, not just something pretty to put in your yard.
2. Check Under the Leaves for Insects
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is checking only the top of the plant.
Many insects hide underneath leaves, along stems, and around new growth.
Some common pests to watch for include:
- Aphids: Small insects that gather around tender stems and leaves. They may leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
- Spider mites: Tiny pests that often cause pale speckling, discoloration, and sometimes fine webbing.
- White flies: Small white insects that may fly up when you disturb the foliage.
- Mealybugs: White, cottony-looking insects commonly found around stems and leaf joints.
- Caterpillars and slugs: These pests can leave holes and other chewing damage on leaves.
Just because a leaf has a hole doesn’t mean the plant is unhealthy. But numerous damaged leaves, active insects, or heavy webbing are good reasons to choose another plant.
You don’t want to bring unwanted insects home to your existing garden.
3. Inspect the Roots Before Buying
The root system is one of the most important parts of a healthy plant.
And unfortunately, it’s the part most customers forget to inspect.
If you’re buying plants in four-inch pots, six-inch pots, or small nursery packs, ask a nursery employee if you can gently slide one out of its container.
Healthy roots should generally be firm and well-developed.
Avoid plants with:
- Large masses of tightly circling roots.
- Soft, mushy, or rotting roots.
- A strong, unpleasant smell.
- Roots that are excessively dry or brittle.
- Very few roots holding the potting soil together.
Root color can vary by plant, so don’t judge the roots by color alone.
A plant with roots tightly wrapped around the inside of its container is often called root-bound.
Some root growth around the outside of the soil is normal. However, severely root-bound plants can struggle to establish themselves once planted.
My advice: Don’t assume the biggest plant in the smallest pot is your best bargain.
4. Avoid Plants That Are Constantly Wilted
A wilted plant is telling you something isn’t right.
It might need water, or it might have received too much. Sometimes roots are damaged, or the plant has been exposed to excessive heat.
During our hot Southwest summers, some plants may temporarily wilt in the afternoon and recover when temperatures cool down.
However, a plant that remains limp and droopy even when the soil has adequate moisture deserves a closer look.
Check the potting soil. Is it completely dry? Is it soaking wet?
Healthy plants should have moisture conditions appropriate for their particular needs.
5. Choose Plants With Strong Stems and Compact Growth
Take a good look at the plant’s overall shape.
Does it have sturdy stems and plenty of foliage? Or is it tall, thin, and leaning in one direction?
For many annuals, vegetable transplants, and perennials, compact plants with good branching are often better choices than tall, stretched-out ones.
Leggy growth can indicate that a plant hasn’t received enough light.
That doesn’t mean every tall plant is unhealthy. Some varieties naturally grow tall and upright.
The important thing is knowing what that particular plant should look like.
6. Buy Flowering Plants With Plenty of Buds
Most folks naturally reach for the plant covered with flowers.
I understand. Who doesn’t like beautiful blooms?
But here’s something worth remembering.
When buying flowering annuals such as petunias, pansies, marigolds, and snapdragons, look for plants with healthy foliage and plenty of unopened flower buds.
Why?
Because those buds can open after you get the plant home, giving you more flowering time to enjoy.
A plant loaded with mature flowers might look beautiful today, but some of those blooms may already be nearing the end of their life.
Of course, if you’re decorating for a party or need instant color around your home, buying plants already in full bloom is perfectly fine. This goes for indoor houseplants as well.
7. Check the Soil Inside the Container
Before purchasing a plant, take a quick look at the potting soil.
Does it look reasonably fresh? Is it pulling away from the sides of the container because it has become excessively dry?
Watch for excessive weeds growing inside the pot. These can compete with the plant and sometimes indicate that it has been sitting in the container for a long time.
A little moss or algae isn’t necessarily a serious problem, but heavy buildup combined with constantly soggy soil can be a warning sign.
If something doesn’t look right, ask a nursery employee about it.
8. Choose Plants That Can Handle Southwest Weather
This is especially important for gardeners living in Las Cruces, El Paso, southern Arizona, and other parts of the desert Southwest.
A healthy plant isn’t necessarily the right plant for your yard.
Before buying, ask yourself:
- Does this plant need full sun or afternoon shade?
- Will it tolerate our summer heat?
- Can it handle occasional freezing temperatures?
- How much water will it need once established?
- Will it grow successfully in our often alkaline soils?
For example, pansies are wonderful for our cooler months, but they are not intended to survive our extreme summer heat.
Lantana, on the other hand, is much better suited for hot summer conditions, although many varieties may die back during freezing weather.
Always match the plant to the season and the location where you intend to grow it.
9. Local Nursery or Big-Box Garden Center?
You can find healthy plants at both local garden centers and large retail stores.
Big-box stores often carry plenty of plants and may offer lower prices. However, a lower price doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best value.
Independent nurseries often have employees who are familiar with the local climate, watering requirements, and common insect problems.
Here in Las Cruces, that local knowledge can make a big difference.
For example, a plant that performs beautifully in a cooler climate might struggle during our hot, dry summer months.
A knowledgeable nursery employee can help you choose something better suited to your yard.
At Guzman’s Garden Centers in Las Cruces, customers can ask about sunlight, watering, soil conditions, and which plants are appropriate for the season.
My recommendation is simple: no matter where you shop, inspect the plants carefully before buying.
10. Plant Your New Plants as Soon as Possible
I’ve made this mistake myself.
I buy several beautiful plants, bring them home, set them somewhere in the yard, and then get distracted with something else.
Before I know it, the plants have been sitting outside in the hot sun much longer than I intended.
Small nursery containers can dry out quickly during our warm, windy Southwest weather.
If you can’t plant right away, place your new plants in a protected location with suitable light and check the soil moisture regularly.
When you’re ready to plant:
- Choose the correct location for sunlight and drainage.
- Water the root ball as needed before planting.
- Carefully remove the plant from its container.
- Inspect the roots and address any circling roots as appropriate for the plant.
- Plant at the proper depth, generally keeping the original soil surface level with the surrounding soil.
- Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
- Monitor moisture while the plant becomes established.
Avoid transplanting during the hottest part of the day whenever possible.
Early morning or late afternoon is usually a better choice during warm weather
Quick Checklist Before Buying Nursery Plants
| What to Check | Healthy Plant | Warning Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | Normal color, firm foliage | Excessive yellowing, browning, wilting |
| Stems | Strong and sturdy | Broken, weak, damaged |
| Roots | Firm, well-developed | Mushy, severely circling |
| Insects | No active infestation | Aphids, mites, mealybugs |
| Flowers | Healthy buds and blooms | Widespread damaged or dying buds |
| Soil | Appropriate moisture | Extremely dry or waterlogged |
| Growth | Balanced for its variety | Excessively stretched or weak |
Frequently Asked Questions About Picking Healthy Plants
1. How can you tell if a plant is healthy before buying it?
Check the leaves, stems, roots, and soil. Healthy plants generally have firm foliage, good growth, and no serious insect or disease problems.
2. Should I buy plants that already have flowers?
Yes, but plants with plenty of unopened buds can give you a longer display of fresh flowers after you bring them home.
3. Are yellow leaves always a sign of an unhealthy plant?
No. Yellow leaves can result from age, seasonal changes, watering problems, nutrient deficiencies, or other causes. Look at the entire plant before deciding.
4. Is it okay to buy a root-bound plant?
Slightly crowded roots may be manageable, but plants with severely circling or damaged roots are generally best avoided.
5. What are the most common insects found on nursery plants?
Aphids, spider mites, white-flies, mealybugs, and scale insects are some pests to watch for, depending on the type of plant.
6. Is a larger nursery plant always better?
No. A smaller plant with strong roots and healthy growth may establish more successfully than an oversize plant with crowded roots.
7. How do I know if a nursery plant has been over-watered?
Look for persistently soggy soil, wilting despite wet soil, yellowing foliage, and soft or rotting roots. These signs can have other causes, so inspect carefully.
8. Can I leave newly purchased plants in their containers?
Yes, temporarily. Keep them in suitable light, check their moisture regularly, and protect them from extreme heat and wind until you’re ready to plant.
9. Is fall a good time to buy plants in Las Cruces?
Yes. Fall can be an excellent planting season for many hardy shrubs, trees, and perennials. Cooler weather reduces heat stress, but you should still choose plants appropriate for the season.
10. Where can I find healthy plants in Las Cruces?
Visit a reputable local garden center where you can inspect plants before buying and ask questions about their care. Guzman’s Garden Centers has two locations in Las Cruces with plants suited to a variety of Southwest landscapes.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Healthy Plants
Picking healthy plants doesn’t have to be complicated.
Take a few extra minutes to inspect the leaves, check for insects, look at the roots, and make sure the plant is suited to your growing conditions.
Remember, the prettiest plant in the nursery isn’t always the healthiest one.
And here in the desert Southwest, starting with a healthy plant can save you time, money, and frustration later on.
Need help choosing plants for your yard? Stop by Guzman’s Garden Centers in Las Cruces. Our staff can help you find plants that work with our local growing conditions.
For more advice on growing plants in New Mexico, Arizona, and West Texas, check out my Southwest Gardening Made Simple eBook.
-
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension — Choosing the Right Plants. Particularly relevant for Southwest growing conditions, roots, and nursery selection.
-
Iowa State University Extension — Tips for Shopping and Selecting Quality Plants. Updated in 2026, with practical information on evaluating foliage, roots, stems, and container plants.
New to Southwest Gardening?
Stop wasting money on plants that will not survive our heat and drought.
My Southwest Gardening Made Simple eBook shows you which trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables actually thrive in New Mexico, Arizona, and West Texas.
The best plants for hot, dry climates
Common mistakes that kill Southwest plants
Easy-to-follow advice for beginners
Paul Guzman is a lifelong Southwest gardener and gardening writer with decades of experience helping homeowners grow beautiful landscapes in the desert Southwest. He writes for Guzman’s Garden Centers in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with contributing expertise from Gary Guzman, owner of Guzman’s Garden Centers. If you have any questions or enjoyed this post, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
