5 Things to Consider When Choosing a New Plant

Are you looking to expand your plant collection? While it’s tempting to pick the prettiest plant you come across, it may not always be the smartest choice. These five plant experts share the key factors they consider before adding a new plant to their repertoire to ensure long-term plant health and longevity.

Prioritize the Right Plant for the Right Place

One of the most important factors I consider when choosing a new plant is how well it will thrive in its intended environment. Understanding a plant's needs such as sunlight, soil type, and water requirements, is crucial for ensuring healthy growth. As a certified arborist with over 20 years of experience, I've seen firsthand how the wrong plant in the wrong place can lead to problems like stunted growth, disease, or even structural damage to nearby trees and property. 

For example, a client once wanted to plant a fast growing tree near their home for shade, but after assessing the space, I advised them against a silver maple due to its invasive roots. Instead, we chose a cedar elm, which provided the shade they wanted without the risk of foundation damage. My background in arboriculture and hands-on experience have helped me make informed decisions that prevent costly mistakes and promote long term plant health. 

Whether it's selecting trees for a backyard or recommending plants for a drought-resistant landscape, I always prioritize the right plant for the right place. This approach not only ensures the plant thrives but also enhances the overall landscape, reducing maintenance needs and preventing future issues. Over the years, I've built trust with my clients by combining scientific knowledge with practical experience, making sure every plant added to their collection is a successful, lasting investment.

Amaury Ponce, Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services

Choose Plants That Fit Your Routine

When choosing a new plant to add to a collection, the most important factor for me is its maintenance needs—specifically, how much care and attention it requires in terms of water, sunlight, and temperature. I prefer plants that fit well with my current gardening routine and don't demand too much frequent attention, allowing me to focus on the overall aesthetic and health of my collection.

Jimmy Patterson, President, TruScape LLC

Match Plants to Their Environment

One of the most important factors I consider when choosing a new plant is whether it suits the specific environment it will be placed in. Every plant has unique needs when it comes to sunlight, soil type, water, and climate, and placing the wrong plant in the wrong spot leads to disappointment. Over my years of experience as a horticulturist, I've seen many people struggle because they've chosen plants based on aesthetics alone, without considering their growing conditions. 

For example, I once had a client who wanted lush, tropical plants in their front yard, but they lived in an area with dry, sandy soil and full sun exposure. Instead of forcing a bad fit, I introduced them to drought-tolerant plants like kangaroo paw and lomandra, which provided the vibrant, textured look they wanted while thriving in their local conditions. Because I understand plant behavior deeply, I always match plants to their environment rather than trying to alter the environment to suit the plant. This knowledge has saved many clients time, money, and frustration. 

A great example of this was a project where a client wanted a Japanese maple in a full-sun garden bed. With my expertise, I guided them toward a crape myrtle instead, which gave them the same elegant branching and seasonal color but was far better suited to the heat and light exposure. The result was a thriving, low-maintenance feature tree rather than a struggling, sun-scorched maple. This is where experience truly matters, knowing how to create the best outcome, not just forcing an idea that might not work.

Andrew Osborne, Owner, Ozzie Mowing & Gardening

Ensure Correct Conditions for Plant Health

The primary factor I consider while selecting a new plant for my collection is the intended plant's environment. Through experience I have gained over the years, I know that even the prettiest plant suffers without the correct conditions involving light, humidity, and temperature. For example, ferns and tropical plants are my favorites, but without the proper humidity, I am unable to have them indoors. 

Therefore, I keep more resilient plants, such as snake plants and pothos, in the poorer lit areas. When it came to my family's business, we used to tell clients to determine whether the space was a bright windowsill or a shaded patio prior to selecting a plant. Being able to match the plant's needs to its environment saves the plant from dying and makes the experience more enjoyable than stressful.

Andrew Griffith, Founder, Garden Furniture

Provide Appropriate Sunlight for Every Plant

"Light is the first of painters. There is no object so foul that intense light will not make it beautiful." - Ralph Waldo Emerson. The single most important requirement for every plant is the appropriate sunlight. That's not to say that soil composition, drainage, humidity, watering needs, and fertilizer aren't all important, but if you intend to stick that colorful croton in a corner with no direct or bright, indirect light, well, I have bad news for you.

Drew Angers, Owner, Verdure Studio LLC