Caring for indoor plants can be an exciting and rewarding experience. They purify the air, enrichen your home, and provide a creative and nurturing outlet for people of any age. But where do you turn when things go south? And is the information you’re reading valid, or are you caught in the tangles of certain plant care myths? Read on to learn about the top five many people believe…

Myth #1: Plants Should Be Watered Daily
Fact: Plants should only be watered when the top few inches of soil is dry. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes in plant care. It’s understandably an easy one, especially when you’re new to plants. Fall victim to this myth, however, and your plant will begin to wither under the weight of all the excess water. Leaves my droop or yellow and root rot becomes a significant risk. Always research your new plant to learn about the correct amount of water it needs so you can ensure a healthy watering schedule.

Myth #2: Plants Love Lots of Direct Sunlight
Fact: Some plants love bright sun, others cower from it and may burn if exposed to light for too long. While sunshine is a key ingredient in your plant’s health and happiness, not all plants need the light level you might think! Certain indoor plants, such as Golden Pothos, can go weeks in shadowy corners before they begin showing signs of distress. Other plants, such as the Fiddle Leaf Fig, enjoy being near a bright window. Just like you researched water, also check to see the type of sunlight your plant prefers, along with the length of time it enjoys being in it.

Myth #3: Plants Are Not Safe for Pets or Kids
Fact: Many indoor plants are non-toxic if touched or accidentally consumed. You may want to think twice about bringing home a plant that catches your eye before researching its toxicity to pets and/or kids. If you can’t resist, simply place these plants out of reach. But if you’re feeling especially cautious, you can always do a little research through the Animal Poison Control Center to make sure the plants you’re bringing home are safe for everyone.

Myth #4: Plants Will Grow Bigger in a Large Pot
Fact: Plants prefer when their roots can comfortably fill up most of their container. A pot that is disproportionally larger than your plant may cause it distress as it works overtime to fill the empty soil with roots. The energy expended will leave little left over to grow healthy new leaves. A too-big pot also increases the likelihood of root rot with the excess of soil that can trap unused water. Choose a pot that is is 1-2 inches wider than the size of your plant. When your plant is showing signs of being root bound, then it will be time to choose a larger pot!

Myth #5: Plants with Yellow Leaves Are Lost Causes
Fact: Yellow leaves on plants is a sign of distress, but not a death sentence. A change in color or wilting leaves often due to moisture stress – too much or too little water. This may also be a sign of too little light or a cold draft. And can mean that your plant isn’t receiving enough nutrients… or has too much fertilizer. When leaves start to yellow, check the soil for moisture, temperature, and light levels. It won’t be too hard to discover the culprit so you can fix the problem!

Have you been accidentally believing any of these plant care myths? They’re easy to follow, but it’s never too late to start fresh with the right information. Your plants will thank you!

XO,
Micah

First, let’s get one thing straight. Like the multiple leaf colors on this stunning plant, a Tricolor Stromanthe also goes by the name Stromanthe Triostar, Stromanthe sanguinea, and possibly even Stromanthe thalia. But to keep things simple, I like to refer to this plant as the Tricolor because it really makes the most sense. (Just look at the leaves for a second—minus the crispy edges—and you’ll see what I mean.)

My Tricolor Stromanthe is happily camped out on my TV stand in none other than a terra cotta pot. A few feet from the window, it enjoys the marginal level of light and tends to perk up in the evening hours to show off the vibrant pink-maroon undersides of its leaves. A lover of humidity and warmth, this plant most likely enjoys living in my 80-degree home. Unfortunately, Tricolor Stromanthe plants can be a little finnicky, so be sure to follow these plant care tips:

Light
Tricolor plants don’t actually need much light. A tropical plant, it prefers dappled light similar to what it would experience living in a rainforest. Direct sunlight will most surely burn their leaves, so keeping it a few feet from the window is a good choice. However, the more medium light your plant receives, the more variegation you’ll see with the leaves.

Water
Tricolor plants love having slightly damp soil (again, think about a rainforest environment). You can still let the top inch of the soil dry before watering again, but it’s ok if soil further down is still moist. Be sure not to overwater, however, as that will lead to root rot. As if they weren’t picky enough, Triostar plants tend to show their dislike for tap water rather quickly. Distilled water at room temperature is best for these picky plants.

Soil
Like most plants, Triostars need soil that is well-draining and breathable. Even though they like retaining moisture, soil that becomes too dense and compact after watering will be an issue. An easy way to ensure the right type of soil for your plant is to combine a peat-based potting soil with perlite to make it fluffy and light. Also, be sure you use a pot that has a drainage hole.

Temperature
A room temperature between 60-80 degrees is ideal for Triostar plants. They thrive in humid conditions, so be sure to also place them away from heating and cooling vents. To keep your plant happy without natural humidity, you can also mist the leaves each day. In dry winter months, a humidifier or pebble tray is a good idea to keep the leaves from becoming crispy from lack of moisture.

Despite their finnicky nature, there’s a lot to love about these beautiful plants. If you’re up for the challenge of caring for a Tricolor, it’s a great choice to add a pop of color to your home. And, as a bonus, these plants aren’t toxic to pets or people! Would you ever purchase a Tricolor? Do you own one already? I’d love to know!

XO,
Micah

Last week, I asked all of you over on my Instagram feed to comment about your most pressing plant care questions. I’ve had my fair share of plant care woes over the years (attempting to nurse above plant back to optimal health), so I can related to many of your concerns. A few general tips I think are helpful for myself and may benefit you, too, are:

• Learn about each of your plants so you know the sunlight, water, and soil type they need as well as tips for fertilizing and propagating
• Brush up on your knowledge of common pests and diseases now and then so you can take action at the first sign of trouble
• Check on your plants often to look for signs of distress, such as curling or yellow leaves, in case you need to change up their care routine

Side Note: Let’s be friends! If you’re not already following me on social media, head over to Instagram and search for @apottedlifeblog! You’ll get a few more plant care tips and lots more photos throughout the week.

Now, on to your plant care questions!

“How can I keep my succulents from getting ‘leggy’?”
Succulents need lots of sunlight each day (4-6 hours) to stay healthy and grow properly. While some succulents stretch out and become naturally ‘leggy’ as they grow, you can test whether yours is getting tall and lanky because it needs more sun. Are the stems of your succulent also weak (soft and bendy)? Is it losing its vibrant color? Most likely a ‘leggy’ succulent with these other characteristics isn’t getting adequate light. Try moving your plant to a window that receives at least a few hours of bright light each day or invest in a grow light if your home doesn’t get much natural light. You won’t be able to fix how your succulent looks (aside from propagating it), but you will ensure that it’s now happy and healthy!

“How much space should I give my plants in a raised bed garden?”
Garden plants, such as bell pepper plants, that are large and grow big fruits should be planted about 11″ inches apart. These sun-loving plants prefer wide spacing that allows greater air flow to minimize moisture or shade on their leaves. This is especially important in warm, humid climates with fluctuating temperatures. Overcrowded pepper plants in these weather conditions are at risk for powdery mildew. This fungal disease spreads a white powder on the leaves and sends out spores that can quickly spread the disease to other plants. Treating this problem with baking soda may help restore your plant’s health. Be sure to properly space your plants in well-draining soil and water from the base to keep leaves dry. During peak growing season, bell peppers also prefer consistently moist soil, which you can encourage by adding a top layer of mulch.

“Why do my succulents get wrinkly?”
Distressed leaves in succulents can generally be attributed to two things: overwatering or underwatering. There are subtle differences, so it’s important to know what to look for. Overwatering: if you’re giving your succulent too much water, the leaves may begin to wrinkle, but they’ll also appear mushy and transparent. Too much water will cause the leaves to blacken around the center of the plant and eventually fall off (they’ll easily fall if bumped, too). Set your succulent in a sunny window and let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Underwatering: if you’re giving your succulent too little water, the leaves will also wrinkle, but they’ll also start to shrivel and look deflated. Too little water will cause the leaves to dry up and brown from the base up, and the whole succulent will look wilted. Give your succulent a thorough watering and check the soil more frequently. With a little TLC, your succulent has a better chance of bouncing back!

“My Arizona plants are dead.”
It can be difficult to effectively diagnose why a plant didn’t survive (learn more here). But in most cases, this is the result of a problems between the plant care, the climate, and the plant itself. Certain plants that thrive in hot, dry climates will have trouble growing in cold climates and vice versa. When purchasing outdoor plants, first research native plant species as these will be most suited to thrive in your particular climate. Then, learn about their sun and water requirements and if they need a certain type of soil. This will help you know where to put your plant and how often it needs your attention. If indoor plants are suffering, this is more often attributed to a water or sun issue as temperatures inside homes are more temperate and rarely fluctuate. Learning about your indoor plant can also ensure it has the proper conditions to grow and remain healthy!

Phew! I hope answering your questions has given you enough insight to make some slight alterations to your plant care routine. If you’re still having trouble, tell me in the comments!

XO,
Micah