11 Critical Questions to Ask a Miami Wholesale Plant Nursery Before You Buy

Choosing the right wholesale plant nursery in Miami is not just about getting the lowest price. It’s about finding a partner who helps your landscaping projects succeed in Florida’s unique climate.

At Santana & Plants Corp, we use a "They Ask, You Answer" approach. We know landscape architects, garden center owners, and developers have questions about quality, reliability, and costs. We answer those questions directly.

This guide addresses the key questions you should ask when choosing a nursery in South Florida. We also explain how our team and process stand out.

1. "What is your actual availability for Palms and Privacy Hedges?"

In Miami, privacy hedges such as Clusia or Podocarpus and signature palms are always in demand. It can be very frustrating to design a project around a specific plant, only to discover the availability list is outdated.

• The Santana Standard: We keep a fresh, fast-moving inventory focused on the most popular Florida palms and privacy plants. You can check our Plant List on our website or call us for real-time updates on what we have in our fields.

2. "Field-Grown vs. Container-Grown: Which is better for my project?"

We get this question often. Both options have their benefits, but understanding the difference is vital for your project’s success.

• Field-Grown (B&B): These plants grow directly in Miami soil. They usually have stronger trunks and sturdier structures. They are best for large palm installations that require an immediate impact.

• Container-Grown: These plants are more flexible for year-round planting and usually experience less transplant shock because their roots are not disturbed during transport.

• Our Answer: At Santana & Plants, we offer both types. We help you decide based on your project’s schedule, budget, and soil needs.

3. "Are these plants 'hardened off' for the Florida sun?"

Some nurseries grow hedges under shade to look greener for quick sales, but these plants often struggle when moved to full sun.

• Why we’re different: We focus on sun-grown tropicals and palms that are used to South Florida’s intense heat. Whether you need a privacy hedge or a specimen palm, our plants are ready for the field and tough in the sun.

4. "What are the real delivery costs to my job site?"

Shipping can quickly increase your costs, especially when transporting heavy palms or long stretches of hedges.

• The Santana Advantage: We offer free delivery to most of Florida in qualifying orders. Unlike other nurseries that add extra charges for fuel and distance, we use our own trucks to deliver your plants in top condition, with no hidden fees. The quote you receive from us is exactly what you pay.

5. "How do you handle pest and disease management?"

Miami’s humid climate means pests like whiteflies and scale can spread quickly.

• The Follow-up: At Santana & Plants, we focus on proactive treatments and regular checks. We make sure your privacy hedges are clean, and your palms are free of disease or pests before delivery.
  

6. "Can I see your 'Grading Standards'?"

What one person calls "Grade A" might be considered a "Cull" by someone else.

• Pro Tip: Ask if the nursery follows the Florida Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants. We are proud to produce Florida #1 or better stock. Our palms are graded for trunk shape and canopy health, and our hedges are grown for thickness, not just height.
  

7. "Are you a grower or a broker?"

Simple answer: yes, we do both. We grow a wide variety of plants, palms, and trees, and we also source materials based on our clients’ specific needs. If there’s something we don’t currently grow, we use our network to obtain it while keeping pricing fair and reasonable. Our goal is to be your one-stop, reliable partner for all plant material needs.

8. "What is your policy if the plants arrive in poor condition?"

Transparency matters. A good nursery should have a clear policy for claims and returns.

• Our Promise: We stand by our products. We ask our customers and partners to check every delivery upon arrival. If there is a real problem with a plant’s health at delivery, we will fix or replace it, no questions asked.
  

9. "Do you offer material  for large-scale developments?"

Yes. We can provide a steady and reliable supply of plant material for large-scale developments, delivered as often as needed to meet your project timelines. For qualifying customers, we also offer flexible payment terms of 15 to 30 days.

11. "Are you compliant with local Miami-Dade regulations?"

With more rules about water use and fertilizers, you need a partner who understands the local area.

• Local Expertise: Since we are based in Miami, FL, we know the needs of our soil and the local rules that affect your projects.

The Bottom Line

In the end, a wholesale nursery should feel like part of your team. By asking these questions, you can avoid middlemen and find real growers who care about your project’s success.

Want to see what makes Santana & Plants different? Call us, email, text us on WhatsApp, or see our latest list of available palms and hedges here. We offer free delivery to most of Florida and are ready to answer any question you have, no matter how tough.