Plant stores are havens for green thumbs and aspiring plant parents alike, offering everything from lush tropicals to low-maintenance succulents. However, navigating these spaces requires more than just enthusiasm—it also calls for respect and mindfulness. Over the years, I’ve spoken with plant store employees who shared their pet peeves and frustrations about customer behavior that can disrupt the shopping experience (and even harm the plants). If you want to shop like a pro and leave a good impression, here are nine things you should never do in a plant store.
1. Touch Every Plant Without Permission
Plants are delicate living beings, and excessive handling can damage leaves, stems, or roots—especially if hands aren’t clean.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Oils from your skin can harm sensitive foliage.
- Handling too roughly can break brittle stems or dislodge soil.
What to Do Instead: Ask staff before touching plants, and always use clean hands if given permission.
2. Bring Pets Into the Store
While pets are adorable, they don’t belong in most plant stores unless explicitly allowed. Even well-behaved animals can pose risks to plants and other customers.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Pets may knock over pots, chew on leaves, or dig in the soil.
- Some plants are toxic to animals, creating potential hazards for both parties.
What to Do Instead: Leave furry friends at home or check the store’s policy beforehand.
3. Treat Plants Like Grocery Items
Plants aren’t boxed goods—you shouldn’t pick them up, inspect them closely, and then put them back without buying.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Moving plants around disturbs their placement and care routine.
- Returning items improperly can expose them to pests or diseases.
What to Do Instead: Ask an employee for help if you’re unsure about a plant’s condition or suitability.
4. Ignore Care Instructions
Employees often provide detailed care tips when you purchase a plant, but ignoring this advice can lead to disappointment—and unnecessary returns.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Neglecting light, water, or humidity needs increases the risk of killing the plant.
- Returning dead plants due to improper care wastes time for both you and the staff.
What to Do Instead: Listen carefully to care instructions, take notes, and ask questions if something isn’t clear.
5. Haggle Over Prices
Unlike flea markets or thrift stores, plant shops operate on slim margins, especially for rare or specialty plants.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Bargaining undermines the value of the plants and the effort required to grow and maintain them.
- It creates awkward interactions between customers and employees.
What to Do Instead: Respect pricing structures, and consider supporting local businesses by purchasing regularly.
6. Dismiss Staff Recommendations
Employees know their inventory inside out, so dismissing their suggestions can mean missing out on the perfect plant for your space.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Ignoring expert advice could result in choosing a plant that doesn’t suit your home environment.
- It comes across as disrespectful to the staff’s knowledge and expertise.
What to Do Instead: Trust their recommendations and use their insights to make informed decisions.
7. Forget About Pests
Bringing infested plants into your home—or worse, introducing pests to the store—can wreak havoc on entire collections.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Infestations spread quickly among plants, endangering stock and customer purchases.
- Failing to quarantine new plants can contaminate your existing collection at home.
What to Do Instead: Inspect plants thoroughly before purchasing, and isolate new arrivals at home for a few days.
8. Complain About Natural Variations
Plants are natural products, meaning no two will look exactly alike. Expecting perfection or uniformity is unrealistic.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Criticizing minor imperfections shows a lack of understanding about how plants grow.
- It frustrates employees who work hard to maintain healthy stock.
What to Do Instead: Embrace the uniqueness of each plant, and appreciate its individual character.
9. Be Impatient During Busy Times
Plant stores often get crowded during peak seasons or sales events, and impatience only adds stress to an already hectic situation.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Rushing employees can lead to mistakes or incomplete answers.
- Being rude or pushy creates a negative atmosphere for everyone involved.
What to Do Instead: Practice patience, and remember that employees are there to help—not just serve.
Why Avoid These Behaviors?
Respecting plant stores and their staff ensures a pleasant shopping experience for everyone while protecting the health and longevity of the plants themselves. By avoiding these common missteps, you’ll not only gain valuable knowledge but also build positive relationships with the people who share your passion for plants.
Tips for Being a Model Plant Shopper
- Do Your Research: Familiarize yourself with basic plant care requirements before visiting.
- Be Mindful of Space: Keep aisles clear and avoid blocking displays or entryways.
- Support Local Businesses: Show appreciation for small, independent shops by shopping responsibly and spreading the word.
By following these guidelines, you’ll stand out as a thoughtful and respectful plant enthusiast—and maybe even earn some extra tips or discounts along the way! So next time you visit a plant store, remember: kindness, curiosity, and consideration go a long way in fostering a thriving plant community. 🌿
