Trader Joe’s is known for its diverse and affordable plant selection. This article guides shoppers on what to expect, how to choose healthy plants, and how to care for them.
The Trader Joe’s Plant Experience
Shoppers can anticipate a rotating variety of plants, from common houseplants like Pothos and Philodendrons to seasonal offerings such as flowering bulbs, herbs, and unique finds like Alocasia varieties. Plants are typically affordable, appealing to both new and experienced enthusiasts. However, Trader Joe’s plants often lack detailed care instructions, requiring owners to research specific needs.
Choosing Healthy Plants
Selecting a healthy plant requires a thorough visual inspection. Look for vibrant foliage with even color, avoiding extensive yellowing, browning, or wilting leaves. Examine stems for firmness and an upright posture; limp or floppy stems can indicate stress or insufficient light. Inspect all parts of the plant, including undersides of leaves and the soil surface, for signs of pests such as webbing, small insects, or cotton-like residue.
Checking the soil is also important; it should not be bone dry or excessively waterlogged, nor should there be visible mold or algae on the surface. While assessing roots without removal is difficult, heavily circling roots or those protruding from drainage holes indicate the plant might be rootbound and require immediate repotting. Healthy plants show signs of new growth, such as emerging leaves or flower buds.
General Care for Your Trader Joe’s Plants
Once home, providing general care ensures longevity, as specific care tags are often absent. Most common houseplants benefit from bright, indirect light, found a few feet from an east or west-facing window, or slightly further back from a south-facing window. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch leaves, while insufficient light leads to leggy growth. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then discard excess from the saucer. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot, as overwatering commonly causes plant decline.
Many houseplants, particularly those from tropical regions, appreciate higher humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 60%. If indoor air is dry, especially during winter, methods like grouping plants, using pebble trays with water, or employing a humidifier can increase ambient moisture. Fertilization is generally beneficial during the plant’s active growing season, typically from spring through fall. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, applied every few weeks or once a month can replenish nutrients in the soil.
Maximizing Your Purchase and Enjoyment
Upon bringing a new plant home, isolate it from existing plants for one to two weeks. This quarantine period allows for observation and helps prevent the spread of unseen pests from the store. During this time, thoroughly inspect the plant again, checking leaves, stems, and soil for any signs of insects. If pests are found, a gentle shower with lukewarm water can dislodge many, and further treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil may be applied.
Consider repotting the plant after it acclimatizes to its new environment for a few weeks, especially if it appears rootbound or the nursery pot’s soil quality is poor. Repotting into a pot one or two inches larger with fresh, well-draining potting mix provides new nutrients and room for growth. This step can also address issues like overly dense or water-retentive soil used in the nursery.