How to Find and Save Lowes Clearance Plants

Shopping for clearance plants at Lowe’s is an opportunity to save a significant amount of money and give a neglected plant a second chance at thriving. The satisfaction of nursing a discounted find back to vibrant life is a unique reward for plant lovers of all levels.

Locating Clearance Plants at Lowe’s

Finding the designated clearance section is the first step. These areas are not always in a single, obvious location and can vary by store. A common spot is a set of rolling racks or a designated corner in the back of the indoor houseplant section or the outdoor garden center. Some stores might have multiple small clearance zones, so a thorough walk-through of the entire garden area is recommended. Don’t hesitate to ask a garden center employee to point you to the markdowns.

Timing your visit can increase your chances of finding the best selection. Stores often mark down plants to make space for new inventory mid-week, after a busy weekend has cleared out regular stock. Mondays can be a good day to check for new additions to the clearance racks. Seasonal changes also play a large role; you’ll find deep discounts on annuals after their peak blooming season, perennials at the end of the planting season in fall, and holiday-specific plants like poinsettias right after the holiday has passed.

The markdown system is straightforward. Lowe’s uses brightly colored stickers, often yellow, to signify a clearance item. These tags will show the discounted price or a percentage off the original price. The discounts can be substantial, often starting at 50% off and sometimes going even higher. Some stores have a tiered pricing sheet posted near the clearance section, indicating a set price based on the original cost.

Inspecting Plants Before You Buy

A low price is only a good deal if the plant has a chance of survival. Look for definitive signs of life, such as new, tender growth. The stems should be firm, not brittle or mushy. For woody plants like roses or shrubs, you can use your fingernail to gently scratch a main stem; a green layer underneath the bark means there is still life in the plant. Even if the existing leaves are yellow or wilted, pliable leaves that are not crispy suggest the plant is simply dehydrated.

A thorough pest and disease inspection is necessary to protect your other plants at home. Carefully examine the entire plant, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves and where leaves join the stem. Look for common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Diseases often manifest as powdery mildew—a white, dusty coating on leaves—or significant black or brown spots that could indicate a fungal or bacterial issue.

Examining the root system provides a clear picture of the plant’s overall health. If possible, gently slide the plant out of its pot to get a direct look. Healthy roots are firm and light in color, ranging from white to a light tan. They should fill the pot but not be so densely packed that they are circling the bottom. Avoid any plant with roots that are dark brown or black, mushy, or have a foul odor, as these are signs of root rot, a condition that is difficult to reverse.

Reviving Your Clearance Plant at Home

When you bring your new plant home, the first step is to keep it isolated. Quarantine the plant by placing it in a separate room away from any other houseplants you own for at least a few weeks. This allows you time to monitor for any pests or diseases missed during your inspection. This prevents a potential infestation from spreading to your healthy collection.

With the plant in quarantine, you can begin the physical cleanup. Start by pruning away any parts of the plant that are clearly dead, heavily damaged, or yellowing. Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to make precise cuts. Removing this dead material allows the plant to redirect its energy toward producing new, healthy growth. This can dramatically improve the plant’s appearance and recovery prospects.

After pruning, consider if the plant needs to be repotted. This is often a good idea as it allows you to remove the old, potentially nutrient-depleted soil. Choose a clean pot that is either the same size or only slightly larger than the original. Use fresh, high-quality potting mix appropriate for that specific plant type, as this gives the roots a healthier environment to grow into.

Finally, provide careful initial care to help the plant acclimate without causing additional stress. After repotting, water the soil thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, but then allow it to dry out appropriately for the plant type before watering again. Overwatering a stressed plant can be detrimental. Place it in a location where it will receive the optimal amount of light for its species, but avoid intense, direct sunlight, which can scorch a recovering plant.