While bringing greenery indoors can elevate your space and mood, it’s not always smooth sailing to keep your plants alive. Understanding the common reasons behind house plant failures is key to nurturing thriving indoor greenery.
In this comprehensive plant care guide, I list the top factors that contribute to the declining health of your house plants and provide actionable tips to help you discover how to keep your plants alive and become a successful plant parent. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your green journey, this guide will equip you with the knowledge on how to keep your plants alive and to keep your leafy companions healthy and vibrant.
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1. Overwatering
Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to the demise of indoor plants. Especially when you are just new to plant care, you will find yourself killing many plants due to overwatering. I know, you just want to take good care of your plants and water is at the top of the list of plant care.
However, excessive moisture in the soil can suffocate the plant’s roots, leading to root rot and eventual death. Water can just as easily kill a plant as it can save a plant. The trick is to not water your plants too much, too often.
To prevent overwatering, it’s best to ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings. Use pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, and check if there’s any access water in your plant pots after watering them. Throw away any access water if necessary. Additionally, you can consider using a moisture meter to determine when watering is necessary.
2. Underwatering
Underwatering is another prevalent problem that can cause house plants to suffer. When plants don’t receive enough water, they can become dehydrated, leading to wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.
To avoid underwatering, establish a regular watering schedule based on the plant’s specific needs, and check the soil regularly to ensure it remains moist but not waterlogged. Also make sure to fully drain your plants’ soil every now and then by letting it sit under running water. This is to ensure that every root gets the amount of water they need.
If you are someone who tends to forget watering your plants often enough, you can consider investing in some terracotta plant watering spikes.
3. Poor Drainage and Air Flow
Good drainage is essential for the health of indoor plants. When water accumulates in the soil and has nowhere to go, it can lead to root rot and other problems. Your plant roots also need soil that is rich in oxygen in order for them to grow.
To improve drainage, use pots with drainage holes and consider adding a layer of gravel or perlite to the bottom of the pot. You can also mix your soil with gravel and perlite (1:4 ratio) to ensure good airflow and to aid drainage. This will allow excess water to drain away and air to flow freely, preventing waterlogged soil.
4. Wrong Light Conditions
Light plays a crucial role in the growth and development of house plants. Too much light can scorch the leaves, while too little light can result in leggy growth and poor overall health.
Every plant has different needs and requirements in order to thrive. Some love to be put in direct sunlight, while some will absolutely die if placed directly in front of a sunlit window. This is why it’s important to research the light requirements of the specific plants you own and place them in locations where they will receive the appropriate amount of light.
Sometimes, it can be a hassle to find a good spot for your plant. But when you do manage to find a good spot with appropriate lighting conditions, you might be surprised of how quickly your plant will revive.
If you have limited options when it comes to bright spaces in your home, consider using grow lights to supplement natural light if necessary. I use the same grow lights, and might I add that the pink hue these lights give off adds so much vibrancy to your room! I absolutely adore these, and they help my plants thrive at the same time.
5. Wrong Temperature
Temperature fluctuations can stress indoor plants and make them more susceptible to disease and other issues. Most house plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid placing plants near drafty windows or heating vents, as extreme temperatures can damage delicate foliage.
If you feel like it’s needed, use a thermometer to monitor the temperature in your home and make adjustments as needed to create a comfortable environment for your plants.
6. Lack of Humidity
Many house plants originate from tropical climates and thrive in high-humidity environments. Dry indoor air can lead to wilting, browning leaf tips, and other problems. Most plants can survive in low humidity levels, even though they might need more humidity.
However, there are also plants, such as ferns and carnivorous plants, that require need high humidity levels in order to survive. Research your plants’ specific humidity requirements and find a way to increase moisture levels in your room if necessary.
You can increase humidity levels by placing a humidifier near your plants, grouping plants together to create a microclimate, or misting them with water regularly.
You can also place plants on trays filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity around them.
7. Pests and Diseases
Even if you already know exactly how to keep your plants alive, pests and diseases can wreak havoc on indoor plants if left unchecked. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, while fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot can also pose problems.
Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests or disease, and treat any infestations promptly using organic or chemical remedies. There are many solutions out there and unfortunately, it can take quite some effort to get rid of certain pests.
So it might take you some time to fight off the bugs, but if you are committed to saving your plant, you will save it if you don’t give up!
8. Nutrient Deficiency
Indoor plants require essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. A lack of nutrients can manifest as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and overall poor health. Fertilize your plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer to ensure they receive the nutrients they need.
Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to nutrient imbalances and other issues. However, even if you don’t want to adhere to the recommended schedule, try fertilizing your plants at least at the start of every new season.
9. Neglect
Neglect is perhaps the most significant threat to the health and longevity of indoor plants. Life gets busy, and especially when we aren’t on top of things in our personal lives, it’s easy to forget to water, prune, or care for your plants properly.
Establish a regular care routine for your plants, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning as needed. Set reminders on your calendar or phone to help you stay on track, and enlist the help of friends or family members to care for your plants when you’re away.
There are mobile apps or notion templates that can help you with tracking your plant care. But if you are more of a “I still thrive best when my life is organized non-digitally” type of person, you can also opt for a physical plant tracker to assist you in your plant parenthood.
Take Away
In conclusion, keeping indoor plants healthy and thriving requires attention to detail and a proactive approach to care. By avoiding common pitfalls like overwatering, underwatering, and wrong environmental conditions, you can create a thriving indoor garden that brings beauty and joy to your home.
Remember, in order to truly know how to keep your plants alive, it is important to research the specific needs of your plants and provide them with the proper care they deserve. With a little love and attention, your indoor plants can flourish for years to come.
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