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If you’re like most people, you probably enjoy the sight of plants in your home or office. Indoor plants can brighten up any room and make it feel more inviting.
However, many people don’t realize how challenging it can be to care for an indoor plant. If you’re not doing everything to take care of your plant, it will eventually die. This blog post will discuss six common mistakes that people make when caring for their indoor plants.
With that said, here are six common mistakes to avoid when caring for an indoor plant:
1) Overwatering
Number one rule! While watering your plant is vital, please don’t overdo it! Overwatering can cause the leaves to start yellowing and rotting at the edges. Plus, the smell of mildew is a sign that you’re overwatering your plant. Another sign is when leaves start falling off prematurely.
Therefore, make sure that you’re watering at the correct times during the week.
2) Not Picking The Right Plants
As for the type of plant you’ll be suited to caring for, it’s essential to pick the right one. That will all depend on how committed you are to care for it. Think of the following factors:
- While some plants don’t require much care, others will.
- Where you live is another factor. Do you live in a cold area? Do you live in a setting where it’s usually warm or hot?
- Another factor is where you’ll put the plant. Will it be an indoor plant? Or will you leave it outside?
These are just some factors that you’ll need to think about when picking your plant. Not thinking about these factors can have you trying and failing to care for a plant that doesn’t fit your lifestyle.
3) Not Pruning Your Plants
Pruning a houseplant is essential for its overall health. By trimming away dead leaves and branches, you’re helping the plant grow healthy.
It would help if you also pruned plants growing too large for their pot. Pinching off the top of a plant will make it bush out, which is excellent for leggy plants.
Not pruning your plants can cause them to grow in an unhealthy way. Also, if you have a plant growing too large for its pot, it can cause the roots to become overcrowded. When this happens, the plant will start to die.
So, make sure that you’re pruning your plants regularly!
Be sure to do the following when pruning your plants:
- Cut off dead or dying blooms by snipping at the base of the plant (or flower)’s head.
- Cut off any discolored or diseased parts of the plant.
- Cut off any leggy leaves or stems.
Doing these things can help the plant grow properly.
4) Insufficient Lighting
When caring for your indoor plants, giving them the right amount of light is essential. Different plants need different amounts of light to thrive.
For example, if you have a plant that likes full sunlight, you should place it in an area where it will get direct sunlight. On the other hand, if you have a plant that prefers partial sunlight, you should put it in a place where it will get indirect sunlight.
If you have a plant that needs low light, you should place it in an area with little to no direct sunlight.
Pro Tip: Get grow light bulbs if your home does not have enough light.
If you’re looking for a way to help your houseplants thrive, you may consider using an LED grow light bulb.
These bulbs are designed to mimic the natural sunlight that plants need for photosynthesis. They emit a full spectrum of light, including the blue and red wavelengths that are most beneficial for plant growth. led grow lights are also very energy-efficient, so you’ll save money on your electricity bills while helping your plants grow.
Plus, they produce very little heat, so you won’t have to worry about them making your home too hot. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, using an led grow light can help you achieve healthy, beautiful plants. I like the brand Haus Bright, and we have several in our home.
Not thinking about the correct lighting for your houseplant can run you the risk of any of the following:
- Too much light can burn your plant, and then it will die.
- Not enough light can hinder your plant’s growth or make it grow leggy.
Again, that all depends on the type of plant that you get.
5) Feeding Your Plants At Inappropriate Times
Like people, plants must eat to survive as well. However, if you fed your plants at the wrong times or too much at the right times, that can affect the plant’s health.
That’s why it’s essential to establish a feeding schedule for your plant. Keep a diary or a journal of when you feed your plant, so you don’t over-or underfeed it.
Pro Tip: I like using Fish Emulsion fertilizer for my plants. I have a blog post about it HERE.
6) Neglect
Finally, the last thing you want is to neglect your plant entirely. Even if you live a business lifestyle, it’s still important to check in with your plant every once in a while.
Therefore, make it your job to do the following for your plant every week:
- Make sure the soil isn’t too dry or too moist. If the soil is too wet, it will cause root rot.
- Make sure it has enough lighting.
- Check and observe it for wilting, yellowing, etc.
- If you are looking for plants that love to be neglected, I recommend buying a Snake Plant or Pothos or Life Saver Plant.
Houseplant Care FAQS
If you’re still having trouble caring for your houseplant, here are some frequently asked questions that might help:
Q: How often should I water my plant?
A: The watering frequency will depend on the plant type, the pot size, and the climate. In general, most plants should be watered every one to two weeks.
Q: How do I know if my plant is getting enough light?
A: If your plant is not getting enough light, it will typically grow taller and have fewer leaves. If you think your plant might need more light, try moving it to a brighter location.
Q: What should I do if I think my plant is sick?
A: If you think your plant is sick, the best thing to do is consult a professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a course of action.
Q: My plant leaves are turning yellow; what does this mean?
A: Yellow leaves indicate a plant is not getting enough water, light, or nutrients. If you notice that your plant’s leaves turn yellow, try adjusting its care routine accordingly.
Q: What is the best way to fertilize my plant?
A: The best way to fertilize your plant will depend on the type of plant and the fertilizer you are using. It is best to fertilize your plant every two to three weeks during the Spring and Summer using a water-soluble fertilizer.
Q: I think my plant has pests; what should I do?
A: If you think your plant has pests, the best thing to do is consult a professional. They will be able to identify the problem and recommend a course of action.
Q: What are some common houseplant pests?
A: Some common houseplant pests include aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. If you think your plant has any of these pests, the best thing to do is consult a professional.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you learn how to avoid some of the most common mistakes made when caring for a houseplant. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your plant healthy and happy for years to come!
Contributor: Madeline Miller is a writer at UK Writings. She writes about home design, plant care, and outdoor activities as a content writer.