If you’re like me, having just one houseplant is never enough. But if you’ve had bad luck keeping plants alive in the past, it may be daunting to think of trying again. The solution to keeping your new plant alive might be easier than you think, however. Have you been making these common houseplant mistakes? If so, read on to learn how to fix them!
1. Buying plants because they look pretty
There are certainly many beautiful plants available for purchase. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean they’re the best ones for your particular region or home’s normal conditions. Is your home in a humid or dry climate? Does it lack good natural light or is usually kept at a cold temperature? Keep these questions in mind when shopping for a new houseplant. Many shade-loving plants exist, like golden pothos, while options like the snake plant thrive in humidity.
2. Watering too much or on the wrong schedule
Overwatering is all too often the most common mistake plant parents make. Most houseplants require little water to remain healthy, especially those that also don’t require much sunlight. Different plants require different amounts of water and frequency of watering, too. While it’s easier to simply water all your plants once a week, opt for testing the soil before sticking to such all all-encompassing routine. If the plant’s soil is dry a few inches before the soil, it’s time to water! If not, check back in a few days.
Pro Tip: Trouble remembering to water your plants at all? Succulents and cacti are a great choice for you, but only if you have a window that receives bright light.
3. Putting all your plants in direct sunlight
We all know that plants need sunlight to stay healthy. But many plants don’t need bright sunlight. In fact, a lot of plants prefer low-light conditions and stay healthy despite a lack of sun. Research before you buy a houseplant, whether your home has a lot of natural light or none at all. Many sun-loving indoor plants like aloe vera or fiddle leaf figs won’t stay healthy in a dark home. However, leaves of more low-light plants like philodendron and the peace lily can burn if kept in direct sunlight for too long. This doesn’t mean you should never put these plants in the sun. Just be sure it’s soft, indirect light.
4. Leaving your plants near radiators, drafts, or air vents
Plants are sensitive to temperatures, especially those that fluctuate regularly. Your houseplant may provide a stylish upgrade for an unattractive windowsill or radiator. But this could lead to their demise. Drafts, cold air, and high heat temperatures are too extreme for most indoor plants. Heating and cooling also removes humidity from the air, so place your plants in other locations to keep them happy.
Have you caught yourself making one or more of these mistakes? I definitely have. But taking care of each houseplant based on what it needs makes a big difference. Happy planting!
XO,
Micah
How do you keep insects out of the house when you have plants? I rarely have them anymore because I soon notice a lot of flying bugs.
Always the worst! Especially since it’s hard to pinpoint where they’re coming from. Last week’s post was all about that – and how to get rid of them. If you start noticing the gnats around a plant, you can thoroughly wash it with a mixture of 1TBSP mild soap and 4 cups water, which is just as effective as insecticides and much less toxic. Keep this mixture in a spray bottle and use about once a week to keep the pests away. Hope this helps!