If you’ve ever strolled through the supermarket, spotted a lush basil or a cheerful peace lily, and thought, ‘Why not bring a little green home with my groceries?’, you’re not alone.
Supermarket plants are tempting—convenient, affordable, and often perched right by the checkout, practically begging to be adopted.
But you’re not imagining things if your new leafy friend seems to wilt, droop, or give up the ghost within days of arriving home.
Many Australians have found themselves in the same boat, wondering why supermarket plants seem so hard to keep alive.
So, what’s really going on? And is it possible to turn your supermarket plant purchases into thriving, long-term housemates? Let’s dig into the dirt and find out.
Why Do Supermarket Plants Struggle?
1. Plants as Products, Not Pets
Unlike the lovingly tended specimens at your local nursery, supermarket plants are often treated more like tins of beans than living things.
They’re shipped in bulk, displayed under harsh fluorescent lights, and watered on a schedule that’s more about convenience than plant health.
This means your new plant may already be stressed before it even leaves the store.
2. Fast-Grown and Overcrowded
Herbs, in particular, are grown quickly in crowded pots to look lush and appealing on the shelf.
But this rapid growth comes at a cost: the roots are often tangled and the soil depleted, making it hard for the plant to thrive once you get it home.
These herbs are often intended for short-term use—think of them as ‘living produce’ rather than long-term houseplants.
3. Inconsistent Care
Supermarket staff are experts at stocking shelves, not necessarily at nurturing plants. Watering can be hit-and-miss, leading to soggy or bone-dry soil.
The result? Plants that are already struggling with root rot, dehydration, or even pests and mould by the time you pick them up.
Plants sold in supermarkets often receive inconsistent care, resulting in a myriad of problems. Image source: BearFotos /Shutterstock.com
How to Choose a Healthy Supermarket Plant
If you can’t resist the lure of a supermarket plant (and who can blame you?), here are some tips to give your new green friend the best chance at survival:
- Inspect Before You Buy: Look for perky, upright leaves and avoid anything with yellowing, drooping, or spotted foliage. Check the soil—if it’s swampy or bone-dry, give it a miss.
- Check for Pests and Mould: Gently part the leaves and inspect the soil surface for any signs of bugs, webbing, or fuzzy mould.
- Pick the Right Plant: Hardy varieties like pothos, snake plants, or peace lilies tend to cope better with supermarket conditions than delicate herbs or flowering plants.
What to Do When You Get Home
1. Repot ASAP
Supermarket plants are often root-bound and sitting in poor-quality soil. As soon as you get home, gently remove the plant from its pot, tease out the roots, and repot it in fresh, good-quality potting mix. This gives it a fresh start and room to grow.
2. Quarantine New Arrivals
Keep your new plant separate for a couple of weeks to avoid spreading pests or diseases to your other houseplants. Watch for any signs of trouble before introducing it to the rest of your indoor jungle.
3. Adjust to Home Conditions
Supermarket plants may have been living under bright lights or in air-conditioned aisles. Gradually acclimatise them to their new spot at home, avoiding direct sunlight or draughts at first.
Quarantine new plants to keep potential diseases from spreading. Image source: Daria Nipot / Shutterstock.com
Should You Buy Plants from the Supermarket at All?
While nurseries and garden centres offer plants that have been better cared for, there’s nothing wrong with picking up a supermarket plant if you’re prepared to give it a little extra TLC.
Think of it as a rescue mission! With the right care, many supermarket plants can bounce back and thrive.
Pro tip: If you’re after herbs for cooking, consider buying seeds or small seedlings from a nursery and growing your own. They’ll last much longer and give you a more reliable harvest.
Extra Tips: Houseplants and Wellbeing
Did you know that caring for houseplants can boost your mood, reduce stress, and even improve indoor air quality?
For many Australians, tending to a few pots on the windowsill is a simple pleasure that brings daily joy. If you’re new to houseplants, start with easy-care varieties and build your confidence from there.
Share Your Experience!
Have you had success—or disaster—with supermarket plants? Do you have a favourite houseplant that’s stood the test of time? Share your stories, tips, and photos in the comments below. Let’s help each other grow greener, happier homes!
Also read: Do you have this potentially dangerous detail in your garden? Here’s how you could check!
