5 Indoor Plant Care Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Do you love houseplants, but don’t know what gardeners need to do to make sure their plants survive? Experts warn that even indoor plants need attention if you want them to thrive.

Depending on where you live, your houseplants may struggle. If you live in a sunny place like Florida, you may love your plants to death. If you live in the Arctic Circle, however, you may struggle to keep them alive.

If you love gardening, but struggle with houseplant care, read on to learn about common indoor plant care mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Not Enough Light

One of the most common indoor plant care mistakes is not providing enough light. Many indoor plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.

If you don’t have a spot in your home that gets that much sun, you can try using grow lights. Another option is to rotate your plants so that each gets a turn in the sunniest spot.

2. Not Enough Drainage

When plants are left sitting in water, they can quickly become waterlogged and begin to rot. This can lead to root problems and even death. This is especially true for palm plants, which are notoriously prone to root rot.

When watering indoor plants such as the palm plant, be sure to check the soil before adding any water. If the soil is already moist, hold off on watering until it begins to dry out. Also, be sure to empty any excess water from the saucer or tray under your plant to prevent waterlogging.

3. Poor Potting Mix

Using a poor potting mix can lead to several problems, including drainage issues, nutrient deficiencies, and root rot. To avoid this, be sure to use a high-quality potting mix that is designed for indoor plants. If you are unsure which mix to use, ask for help at your local garden center.

4. Not Repotting

When plants become root-bound, they can’t take up enough water or nutrients and will start to decline. Signs that your plant needs to be repotted include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.

To avoid this problem, check your plants regularly and re-pot them when necessary. When choosing containers for plants, make sure to choose one that is the appropriate size for the plant and has adequate drainage.

5. Over- Or Under-Fertilizing

If you overfertilize, your plant will likely experience leaf burn, stunted growth, and even death. If you under fertilize, your plant will have fewer leaves, smaller blooms, and overall growth. The best way to avoid either of these mistakes is to fertilize according to the package directions and only when your plant is actively growing.

Avoiding Indoor Plant Care Mistakes

If you’re looking to add some greenery to your home, avoid these common indoor plant care mistakes. Be sure to do your research on what your plant needs and take the time to properly care for it and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, lasting addition to your home.

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