10 Common Mistakes Done to Houseplants You Should Avoid!

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Stop These 10 Mistakes

We breathe life into our home with houseplants, thus benefitting our health. They contribute to a natural zen atmosphere as well as reduce stress by lowering blood pressure, preventing allergies, stopping headaches, and improving sleep.

I often hear people tell me about their plant companions’ misfortunes as an indoor plant enthusiast. There is no reason why your plant should look unhealthy and brown. We often buy houseplants because they are beautifully designed, and then we forget to give them the care they need. To keep your houseplants healthy and happy follow these expert tips and avoid making mistakes on caring for your houseplant.

Buying With No Labels

The houseplants that are labelled in stores as ‘Green Foliage Plants’ have absolutely no chance of surviving. Plants’ names and care instructions are important and will help even the least green-fingered of us to grow a plant. Know your plant and follow its instructions, and even the most inexperienced gardener can succeed.

Stuffing Them in The Corner

Thinking about your home is not just about knowing your plants, it is about changing the way you think about them. Throughout your house there are many different types of surroundings, from the steamy bathroom to the sunny windowill. The right plant will fit in each one – but only under the right conditions.

Moving Them Frequently

Conversely, plants require stability, even when they are constantly moved. This makes it easy for them to adapt to their new environment. The plant’s balance can be disrupted by some changes, including moving, re-potting, changing room etc. Too much shifting will make things worse. If there are no indications of unhappiness on your plant, the best thing to do may be to leave it alone. It is also important to remember that drastic changes in temperature or humidity are detrimental.

Putting Near A Radiator

I don’t know a single houseplant that would be happy above a radiator. Although you water it, it will dry out and turn wilty under the relentless heat.

Not Dusting Them

It’s very easy to overlook this, but houses are dusty places and no rain is coming to wash away the dirt and keep the leaves clear enough. Make sure your houseplants get a good spraying or wiping every week or two to keep them looking fresh.

Watering Everyday

Although routines are great, the majority of house plants need various care at different times of the year, most going through a period of dormancy during the winter. One of the reasons plants die is overwatering, especially when they’re not growing. Overwatering usually occurs when they’re not growing . Compost should be moist but not soggy for houseplants in general, but plants that require more special care, such as orchids, succulents, and cacti, require completely different care. Checking plant labels is always a good idea.

On one hand, fragile species with thin leaves, such as ferns, require a lot of water. On the other hand, softer species like acacia trees do not require as much water to survive. Conversely, cactus’ thick body contains enough water to sustain itself for a long time and when faced with a drought can simply “drink” its water reserves and become slimmer. You can water a cactus, and it will absorb water like a sponge, expanding in size. Cacti have a great deal of flexibility, which makes them the most popular house plants and one of the easiest to grow.

Direct Sunlight Exposure

There are some people who believe all plants need a lot of light. For plants, light is essential, but it is also important to remember to temper the amount of sunlight they receive. Bright direct sunlight should be avoided by most species, with the exception of cacti and some succulents that have a higher tolerance to direct sunlight. Generally, indirect light is preferred because it is softer than direct sunlight. Using a veil or a reflector, sunlight reflects on a wall or emitted from a window, it reflects perfectly bright indirect light. It is okay to have some plants in the bathroom with low lighting conditions. Some species just don’t require as much light!

Ideally, houseplants should be kept out of direct light. You can try rotating your greens every few days to avoid damage even if they are still wilting even after regular watering. A lack of light can also affect plant growth and health, so researching the different varieties will help you choose which is most suitable for your particular room.

Trying to Keep Certain Types Alive

A number of plants are intended to add temporary colour to your home and then be discarded. There are also potted azaleas, potted cyclamens, chrysanthemums and gerberas that are sometimes referred to as florists’ plants. The plants are technically viable to keep alive and grow again but they are ultimately a fruitless endeavor.

Lots of Maintenance

You should proceed with caution in dealing with some hardy species. Some species are actually very happy if left neglected. Many house plants are actually hard to kill (if you so desire) and require little attention. Cacti and succulents are among the most well-known examples, but they’re not the only ones. To achieve more challenging specimens, you can use smart tools. Without spending much time on your home, you can revitalize it with the right tools.

Despite the fact that self-watering pots have been around for quite a while, they have improved thanks to advances in technology. Many of today’s modern tools and pots will tell you when to water it and how much it needs. Some even water it automatically. These days there are plenty of different styles to choose from, and they are all very cool!

Not Checking the Roots

Many people tend to forget the roots, but since roots are the plant’s food supply, it’s vital to keep the roots healthy. Take the plastic pot off the plant. Get rid of those dead roots that looked like they had out grown the pot. Repot into a larger pot and add fertilizer to the plant. Adding pebbles to your pot before adding soil is a good practice. If this problem is identified early on, your plant will have a greater chance of surviving. Plant roots need checking at least twice per year or at least once every month, depending on the rate of growth.

And When They Wilt…

Often, when returning from long holidays, we find it’s difficult to re-grow plants that have been neglected. If that’s the case, drop them into buckets of water or utility sinks so they are completely submerged. Allow the water to remain in the trash for 30 minutes and be sure to drain for another 30 minutes. A plant that has been overwatered usually looks droopy, if this is the case you ought to check its roots, drain it and replant it.

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