Selecting and Preparing Houseplants
Plants should be healthy and vigorous, with no evidence of nutritional deficiency. Plants should be symmetrical in appearance, compact, and bushy; plants should not be not scraggly, leggy or top heavy. Plants should not be overcrowded in their container. Consider removing pups or offshoots as they may detract from the symmetrical appearance of the plant.
Plants should be mature enough to be a good representative of the species and variety. Select plants typical of the variety in color, shape, and texture of foliage, stems, and blossoms (if present).
Plants should be well-groomed. Dead, wilted, faded or damaged blossoms (if present) should be removed. Dead or damaged buds, leaves, stems or seedpods should be removed. Pruning and grooming cuts should be made at the node. Plants should be clean and free of soil, dust, or spray residue on leaves and flowers (if present).
No artificial coloring, leaf shine, spray, oiling, or wiring is permitted. Plants should be free of insects, or damage from insect, disease or mechanical means.
Container may be no larger than 12” in width (inside measurement) and 12 “ in height (this is a requirement). Container should be in good condition, having no chips or cracks. The container should be clean and free of soil or salt build up on the rim or on the outside of the container. The container should be in good proportion to the size of the plant. The container should blend well with, and not detract from the plant. The soil should be clean and free of dead leaves or flowers, salt build up, mold, or weeds.
Cacti and succulents should have no broken, damaged, or missing spines. Dead or damaged blossom, leaves or segments should be removed. Vines should be well branched; vines should be pinched and pruned to control growth and prevent long or
sparsely leafed stems.
Collections should have similar sun, water, and fertilizer requirements. Foliage and flower color, texture, shape, and size are important aspects to consider when selecting plants for effective container-grown collections.
