Don’t Fall Victim to These Five Plant Replacement Blunders

Your company has high replacement standards. You spent hours defining them with your plant care specialists, using pictures and examples to illustrate what is and is not acceptable. Even though these standards are likely emphasized regularly during training sessions and ongoing discussions about plant replacement, the next step is ensuring they are consistently met in practice.

Maintaining Quality Standards in Plant Care

Initiating this process starts with a supervisor visiting the account. It would be helpful to also have the account plant care specialist present to ensure everyone is on the same page. After conducting an assessment of the plants, communication with your client contact is essential to discuss any potential inventory changes and necessary replacements. This communication will help reduce confusion and educate your clients on your standards.

Most people outside of the interiorscape industry don’t have the discerning eye that we possess. What looks weak, thin, and failing to thrive could be totally misunderstood. Charging in to replace “Henry the fiddle-leaf”—who has fit perfectly between the file cabinet and the desk for years, but now only has four leaves left and is touching the ceiling—could raise eyebrows, objections, and inquiries.

Given that your clients are less informed, managing your plant replacement system carefully is essential to avoid pitfalls. Let’s explore how to steer clear of these common blunders.

Replacement Blunder #1: Communication Breakdown

Sometimes, the issue is a simple misunderstanding, one that has the potential to create a complex problem. So ask yourself, are your inventories up to date? Are your instructions clear and understandable? Does your replacement team, or person, know where to find the plant?

What about the process itself? If the decorative container is filled with brackish, smelly water, where will you dispose of it? Also, consider the logistics involved. Are you fully prepared for unforeseen challenges that may arise on-site? For example, you may encounter parking problems if you’re unaware of dock, visiting vendor, or other restrictions. Such oversight can lead to delays and added costs, which is why it’s important to plan and communicate thoroughly.

Replacement Blunder #2: Wrong Details

A plant replacement log can be a great tool, so long as the information entered is accurate. Logging the wrong size plant liner, recording incorrect measurements for a decorative container, or misstating any other details involved in replacing a plant can lead to more time, energy, and money spent. One incorrect entry in the log could potentially prevent the replacement from happening. To minimize errors, double-check entries and ensure that all team members are trained on the correct logging procedures. Regular audits can also help catch mistakes before they impact operations.

Replacement Blunder #3: Misplaced Supplies

We’re all human and have a tendency to forget, especially when we’re under a lot of pressure from tight deadlines, demanding people, and various other stressors. A common plant replacement blunder is misplacing or forgetting the essential supplies for the job. With the amount of equipment involved—saucers, plastic, foam collars, props, cleaning supplies—it’s hardly surprising when an item slips our mind.

However, not having the necessary supplies on hand can lead to a need for a second trip, which is another drain on time, energy, and money. The easiest way to prevent this oversight is to plan ahead, create a comprehensive supplies list, and keep these items stocked and ready in your van.

Replacement Blunder #4: Donating Plants

Donating or giving away an old plant for free might seem like a generous act. However, this practice actually undermines the value of our work. Plus, it could prevent the plant from leaving the building (your main objective!). At the very least, get a few lunch dollars for the plant, or maybe organize a raffle within the office to avoid conflict over selecting a recipient.

This approach often aligns with client preferences as well—many discourage the practice of giving away plants. Given the possible complications, I would suggest establishing a company policy on this matter. One absolute must, regardless of your stance, is to NEVER give away a diseased or infected plant.

Replacement Blunder #5: Leaving Too Soon

When you’ve completed the plant replacement process and are ready to pack up and leave, pause for a moment. There might be one last thing you’re forgetting—watering the plant in. This simple step is crucial and could determine the success of your plant replacement, especially if the replacement happens after the plant care specialist has visited the account. Taking the time to water the plant properly helps it settle into its new environment and solidifies your reputation for thorough, careful work.

Cultivating Excellence in Plant Replacement

Efficiency and attention to detail are key to maintaining high standards in our industry. Planning around the details is always important, even when you’re crunched for time. By taking the necessary steps to avoid these five common plant replacement blunders, you set your business up for success. This approach also ensures your plant care specialists are well-prepared for success year-round.