When visiting a plant store, it’s crucial to understand the unspoken rules that ensure a smooth shopping experience for everyone. Employees witness daily common mistakes that can harm plants, disrupt operations, and frustrate fellow customers. Here are the 10 things you should never do in a plant store, according to experienced employees.

1. Expect Perfect Plants

Once you enter the store and examine plants in detail, you may find that some plants have asymmetrical shapes, missing leaves, or odd spots. This is to be expected.

Plants are living organisms, and slight imperfections occur naturally and are normal, according to Victoria Chantel, the owner of The Botanical Bar plant shop. “I always say: ‘Embrace their uniqueness, focus more on their overall health rather than perfect-ness.'”

In truth, if you change your perspective, then these small features become what makes your plants appear special. And if what you’re looking for is perfection, try a fake plant instead.

2. Overhandling the Plants

Plants are delicate living organisms that can suffer stress when handled excessively. Many customers touch, squeeze, or move plants unnecessarily, leading to damaged stems, bruised leaves, and disturbed root systems. Avoid touching unless you’re seriously considering a purchase, and always handle plants gently.

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3. Neglecting to Ask for Assistance

While exploring the plant store, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the variety available. However, not asking for assistance can lead to poor purchasing decisions. Employees are knowledgeable about plant care, lighting conditions, and suitable choices based on your living space. Take advantage of their expertise instead of guessing.

4. Bringing in Outside Plants

Introducing outside plants into the store can pose a significant risk of pests and diseases. Many plant stores implement strict policies to prevent infestations and contamination. Always check with store staff before bringing any plant inside to ensure it meets their biosecurity standards.

5. Ignoring Care Instructions

Each plant species has unique care requirements. Customers who purchase plants without reading care instructions or asking questions often end up with struggling plants. Pay attention to the labels, and if unsure, ask an employee about watering, light exposure, and feeding needs.

6. Placing Plants Back in the Wrong Spot

Browsing through different sections and then returning a plant to the wrong location can create confusion for both employees and other customers. Certain areas in the store may have plants requiring specific lighting or humidity levels, so placing them incorrectly can affect their health. Always return plants to their designated spot if you decide not to buy them.

7. Watering Plants in the Store

Some good-natured customers attempt to “help” by watering plants in the store. Overwatering can cause root rot and other health problems, though. The staff at a store follow a specific watering schedule tailored to each plant type, so leave plant care to the professionals while shopping.

8. Bringing Pets Inside Without Permission

While many plant stores welcome pets, it’s important to check their policy first. Some plants are harmful to animals; pets can unwittingly damage fragrant flowers or plants. Allow pets if necessary, but take them on a leash and under your control.

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9. Rushing Through Your Purchase

Buying plants is an investment, and dashing through selecting plants often gives customers many regrets. Most of the customers are guilty of selecting plants based solely on their look without considering maintenance levels, growth habits, or whether they could fit well with your home environment. Take your time to make informed decisions.

10. Ignoring the Store’s Layout and Signage

Plant stores are designed with sections catering to different plant types—shade-loving, sun-loving, tropical, succulents, and more. Ignoring these divisions and randomly picking plants can result in unsuitable purchases. Always follow signage and section divisions to find plants that match your needs.

11. Leaving a Mess Behind

Customers often examine soil, check roots, or remove pots to inspect plants more closely. However, leaving debris, displaced tags or empty containers behind creates extra work for employees and diminishes the shopping experience for others. Be mindful of maintaining the store’s orderliness.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a more enjoyable and productive shopping experience while showing respect for the plants, the store staff, and fellow customers