A plant tag can tell you everything you need to know about taking care of a new plant, but first you need to decode and interpret information from the gardening symbols. This guide will explain what information can be found on a plant tag, the plant care symbol meanings and how to apply this information when gardening. Once you know how to read a plant tag, you will be ready to care for any plant as soon as you take it home.• Common and Scientific Names. The front of a plant label will have the plant’s common name and scientific name, usually accompanied by a photo of the fully-grown plant.