You buy a cute little plant, get all excited, place it in a cozy corner of your home… and just a few days later, it already seems to regret moving in with you. We get it. This happens to a lot of people. The good news? The problem is usually simple mistakes—and they’re easy to fix.
Here are the 7 most common mistakes that kill houseplants (and, of course, how to avoid each one). Ready to save your indoor jungle?
1. Overwatering 💧
What happens: Too much water can suffocate the roots and cause dreaded root rot.
How to avoid: Most plants prefer to be a little dry rather than soaked. Before watering, stick your finger in the soil. If it’s still damp, wait a bit longer. And remember: plants aren’t fish!
2. Pots Without Drainage 🚫🪴
What happens: Without holes at the bottom, water gets trapped and turns into a swamp for the roots.
How to avoid: Use pots with drainage holes. If you want a prettier look, place the pot inside a decorative cover. A layer of pebbles at the bottom can also help with drainage.
3. Too Much (or Too Little) Sunlight ☀️🌑
What happens: Each plant has different light needs. Some love direct sun, while others burn or wilt from too much exposure.
How to avoid: Find out what your plant likes. Burnt or wilted leaves can indicate too much sun, while yellowing or drooping leaves may mean not enough light.
4. Constantly Moving Your Plant Around 🚶♀️🚶♂️
What happens: Plants need time to adjust. Moving them too often causes stress.
How to avoid: Once you find a spot with the right light and temperature, let your plant settle in. Believe it or not, plants love routine!
5. Never Fertilizing (or Over-Fertilizing) �
What happens: Plants need nutrients, but too much can “burn” the roots.
How to avoid: Use the right fertilizer for your plant and follow the recommended schedule. A mild organic fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks usually works well.
6. Ignoring the Leaves’ Signals 🍃🚨
What happens: Leaves are like a plant’s dashboard. Yellowing, spots, or leaf drop are warning signs.
How to avoid: Pay close attention. Dry leaves may mean lack of water or dry air. Yellow leaves could signal overwatering or insufficient light.
7. Buying Plants Without Researching 🌱❓
What happens: Sometimes we fall in love with a beautiful plant at the store… and forget to check if it actually suits our home environment.
How to avoid: Before buying, ask or research whether the plant thrives in your home’s lighting and temperature. This will save you—and your plant—some suffering.
In short: happy plants, happy home! 🌿🏡
Caring for plants is a learning journey—and mistakes are part of the process. But with these tips, you’ll be much better prepared to keep your green friends healthy and thriving in the long run.
Got a struggling plant and can’t figure out why? Leave a comment below! 💬👇 Let’s figure it out together.
