Houseplants
are grown commercially in carefully controlled environments
and are vulnerable to changes in their surroundings.
Tropical plants dislike sudden changes in temperature or drafts, so special care should be taken when transporting them home from the garden centre or nursery. Wrap the plants well before taking them out of the nursery and avoid buying plants that have obviously been chilled or have been standing in cold situations.
To avoid further stress find out cultural requirements before choosing a position or watering. If in doubt place in a light and cool room and avoid overwatering, which leads to most houseplant deaths. Some houseplants (such as primulas, cyclamen and Jasminum polyanthum) are quite hardy and can be chosen from outdoor stalls, but will not like being moved to an overheated, darker room.
Acclimatise plants to their new surroundings. Some plants (such as Ficus benjamina, the weeping fig) may shed a few leaves as they settle in. Try to avoid under- or overwatering, too hot, cold or dry an atmosphere or placing near direct heat sources, as these may lead to excessive leaf loss.