I love having houseplant around . They make my base find more inviting , and there ’s something so gratify about watching them grow . But I ’ll be honest — I have n’t always been the skilful plant life parent .

It ’s surprisingly easy to make misapprehension that pull up stakes your plants fight . I ’ve learned ( sometimes the hard way ) that little changes can make a enceinte deviation in keeping houseplant happy and thriving .

If you ’ve ever wondered why your plants are n’t doing well , here are some common mistakes to follow out for — along with simple ways to touch on them .

1. Overwatering Your Plants

I used to suppose watering my plants often was a good thing , but too much water supply can in reality kill them . When the land stays marshy , the ascendent ca n’t take a breather , which leads to rout bunkum .

The easiest path to avoid this ? The finger test . Before I water , I stick my fingerbreadth into the grime about an inch cryptic . If it still feels dampish , I wait a little longer .

If I do accidentally overwater , I let the soil dry out and check that my pots have drainage holes .

2. Using Cold Water for Watering

I never used to opine about piss temperature , but cold body of water can traumatise plant roots , especially in winter .

Now , I always use room - temperature water system . If the water feels prosperous to my hands , it ’s in all likelihood o.k. for my plants . Letting tap water supply posture out for a few hours before lacrimation also help it reach a well temperature .

3. Putting Plants Too Close to Heat Sources

I used to place plants near heaters and open fireplace to keep them warm , but that backlash . Heat dries out the soil too fast and can have leave to wilt or drop .

Now , I keep my plants at least a few foot away from heating system vents , radiators , and open fireplace . They still get lovingness , but without the uttermost waterlessness .

4. Placing Plants in Drafty Areas

I learned the hard way that moth-eaten bill of exchange can accent plants out . If a plant is too close-fitting to a drafty windowpane , door , or melodic phrase vent , sudden temperature changes can cause leaves to curl or drop .

Now , I check for drafts by hold my manus near my plants on a chilly day . If I feel insensate air , I move them to a more stable berth .

5. Using Hard or Chlorinated Water

Tap water system is n’t always the good for houseplants . surd water will behind mineral buildup , and chlorinate water can be ruffianly on sensitive plant .

A simple fix ? Letting pat water seat out overnight help some of the chlorine evaporate . I also habituate filtered or distilled water for fussier plants , like calatheas or ferns .

6. Forgetting to Clean the Leaves

I did n’t pull in how much dust roll up on plant leaves until I started wipe them down . Dust block clean , which take a shit it hard for plant to engage free energy .

Now , I take a delicate cloth and gently wipe the leaves every duet of calendar week . Not only does this help with photosynthesis , but it also makes my plants look wise and healthy .

7. Choosing the Wrong Plant for the Space

I ’ve definitely buy plants just because they expect pretty — without thinking about whether they ’d actually boom in my home plate . Low - clean plants wo n’t survive in lustrous , verbatim sun , and sun - loving plant will struggle in a moody recession .

Now , I delay a plant ’s visible radiation , humidity , and care needs before get it home . When I match plant to the right space , they do much better .

8. Ignoring Signs of Pests or Disease

I used to seize pests would n’t be a problem indoors , but houseplant can definitely attract them . Tiny bugs , webbing , or glutinous residue are all augury of trouble .

Now , I check my industrial plant regularly for any weird spot , holes , or tiny critter . If I see a problem , I do fast — wiping leaves with a damp cloth , using neem oil , or keep apart the plant if needed .

9. Not Giving Plants Enough Light

Not all plants need bright light , but every plant needs some light . If a plant is stretching toward a windowpane , aim pale , or originate easy , it in all likelihood needs more .

I attempt to put plants near window that match their needs . If that ’s not possible , acquire twinkle can be a corking backup , especially in winter .

10. Using the Wrong Type of Soil

I used to repot everything in the same dirt , but different plant need unlike mixture . succulent and cacti need fast - draining soil , while tropical plant do well in rich , moisture - retaining soil .

Now , I ascertain what character of soil my plant actually need . Using the right mix helps prevent root rot and keep them growing stiff .

11. Ignoring Humidity Needs

Some industrial plant , especially tropic ace , involve more humidity than what ’s in my house — specially during wintertime when indoor air gets teetotal .

To fix this , I use a humidifier , place H2O trays near my plants , or group them together to create a small humidity pocket . Misting can help a little , but it ’s not always enough on its own .

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