In the first week of our Dig Deeper 21-week journey, one of your tasks is to select the plant you'll nurture throughout this challenge. Whether you're browsing the aisles of a store, selecting from your current plant buddies, or grabbing one from your local nursery, here are tips for choosing the perfect houseplant:

Consider the lighting and humidity levels in your space or environment.

In my home, lighting can be limited or poor, and sometimes the humidity levels are lower than ideal. These factors definitely impact the plants I bring in. To ensure their well-being, I have to be selective and choose plants that can handle these conditions or be prepared to provide additional support to compensate for what's lacking.

You might have perfect natural light in your space, or like me, you might need to supplement it. Adding plant lights and humidifiers can truly make a difference in creating the optimal environment for your green pals.

Keep an eye out for bugs. 

Give your potential plant a thorough once-over to ensure there aren't any unwanted critters hanging around. Here's an article on types of houseplant bugs to look out for. If you spot any bugs, it could indicate an infestation. It's best not to take the plant home with you, as the infestation could spread to your other plants.

Inspect the soil carefully. 

Be sure to check the moisture levels of the soil for the plant you're considering. It's best to steer clear of overly soggy soil, as it could lead to root rot or fungus down the line. Personally, I prefer purchasing plants with soil that's slightly dry or moist, accompanied by healthy leaves. 

Check for toxicity. 

If you have little ones or furry friends running around, make sure your chosen plant is safe for your household. Some plants can be harmful if ingested. 

Consider repotting.

You might want to repot your plant with fresh soil to give it the best chance at thriving.Add your text here. Some stores offer repotting services! Be sure to check out your local plant shops.