Online plants: species, dimensions and delivery to be checked

1. Describe the location before choosing

Remove the light, the available space, the usual temperature and access for watering. Distinguish an indoor installation, a balcony and a garden. Ask the seller the exact requirements of the species rather than just a category as an easy plant. A bright location does not tell to itself how much direct sun reaches the leaves. If you have children or animals, also check the plant's proper precautions from a competent source. A decorative photograph does not inform the cultivation needs or compatibility with all the rooms.

• Location described.
• Botanical name requested.
• Needs and precautions checked.

2. Read the dimensions of the offer

Identify what is measured: total height with pot, height of plant alone or diameter of container. Check if the offer is for a young plant, a developed plant, a cutting or seeds. An example image may represent a different stage of growth. Ask for precision when several sizes share the same plug. Then compare pots and pots: a decorative container is not necessarily supplied and does not replace the drainage conditions required for the species. Add to the budget the elements really necessary for your installation, without buying accessories simply because they are shown in the photo.

• Stage of growth identified.
• Measurement method included.
• Detailed pot and accessories.

3. Preparing for the receipt of a living product

Read the shipping schedule, the announced deadline and the seller's procedure in case of damage. Avoid planning a reception during a prolonged absence and ask how the adverse weather conditions are managed. For the plants concerned, check the traceability and the plant passport; the distance selling includes obligations that are not limited to those of a direct purchase on site. The rules also depend on the plant, origin and destination. For a purchase outside the European Union or to a particular area, consult the authorities before ordering.

• Attended at scheduled reception.
• Documented shipping and damage.
• Applicable traceability requested.

4. Control and install with method

Upon receipt, check the label, the quantity, the condition of the container and the condition of the plant. Photograph parcels and possible damages, then contact the seller with the order reference and a precise description. Follow the specific instructions of the species for unpacking, watering and installation; an immediate change of pot is not a universal rule. Keep the documents and the botanical name to find the suitable recommendations. If the plant evolves badly, examine light, substrate and watering with a specialist rather than multiply the products without diagnosis.

• Label and order close.
• State photographed.
• Installation instructions followed.

Fictional example · No merchant prices

Compare plant, pot and delivery

Fictional example: A offers a €35 plant, €8 delivery and a suitable €12 pot, totalling €55. B offers a comparable plant at €42 delivered, still needing a €12 pot, totalling €54. B costs only €1 less. Compare species, stated size and container dimensions too.

• Distinguish plant height, pot diameter and decorative cover pot.

Enter these items in the comparison tool