How To Choose the Right Plant Label Printer
If you're a horticulturalist, nursery owner or garden centre looking to improve how you label your plants, choosing the right plant label printer is more important than you might think. The right setup can save you time, reduce waste, and help your plants and products look polished and professional, whether you’re using stick-in labels, self-ties, swing tags, self-adhesive labels or printable bed cards.
But with several printer types and label materials on the market, how do you know which one is right for your business?
Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Different Types of Plant Label Printers
If you’re choosing to print your own plant labels, there are two common types of printers used in horticulture: Thermal Transfer and Laser.
Thermal Transfer Printers: Best for Speed & Cost Efficiency
Thermal Transfer Printers provide a wonderfully efficient and cost-effective way to print labels. They use labels on rolls, with the ink applied via a heated print ribbon.
Strengths
• Super quick print speed
• Can print single labels on demand (minimal waste)
• Low running costs
• Excellent UV resistance (12+ months sunlight exposure)
Limitations
• Single colour printing only
• Label size limited to print head - normally 4" wide (104mm)
• More hands-on operation
Laser Printers: Best for Full-Colour Plant Labels
Laser printers offer great versatility and a high quality, highly durable, full-colour finish. Labels are provided on sheets, and the ‘industry go-to’ printer – the OKI C650 – works just like a standard desktop printer.
Strengths
• Eye-catching, full-colour printing
• Ease of use - works just like a desktop office printer
• Versatility - a huge variety of label shapes and sizes available on laser printable sheets
Limitations
• Running costs - labels and toners are more expensive than thermal transfer equivalents
• UV Resistance - while still highly durable, they lack the ultimate UV resistance of thermal transfer printing
Summary
If you need speed, durability, and low cost, go for a thermal transfer plant label printer.
If you want ease of use and full-colour, branded labels, a laser printer for your horticultural labels is the best choice.
If you’re still unsure which printer will work best for you, or would like to learn more about printer options, head over to our dedicated printers page.
And to learn more about available label options for both print methods, check out our guide on Choosing the Right Plant Labels for Nurseries and Growers.
Why Choose Bluepoint?
We’re confident that the quality of our products is up there with the best that the industry has to offer – but what makes us most proud is our high levels of customer service. We’re always here to offer friendly, expert advice, and with us being a small, independent manufacturer based in the UK, you’ll always be speaking with an industry expert who is here to support your business!
If you’d like to find out more about how we can help with your plant labelling needs, drop James a line on 01392 927 030 or email him at [email protected] and ask for your free sample pack today!
