Let’s face it—houseplants are a lot like us. They need care, attention, and the occasional apology when things go wrong. If you’ve accidentally killed a few plants (hey, no judgment here), don’t worry. We’ve all been there. The good news is, keeping plants alive isn’t as hard as you think. It just takes a little knowledge and a whole lot of love. So, let’s dive into plant parents’ most common mistakes and how to fix them before your plants start making complaints.
1. Overwatering: The Silent Plant Killer
You think you’re being a good plant parent by constantly watering your plants, but guess what? You’re drowning them. Overwatering is one of the easiest ways to kill a plant—and it happens more often than you might think. Think of it like trying to feed someone an entire bowl of soup when they just asked for a sip of water. Not what they needed, right?
How to Fix It:
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Stick your finger in the soil—if it’s still wet, it’s not time to water. Trust me, your plant will thank you.
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Use pots with drainage holes to let any excess water escape.
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If you’ve overwatered, let the soil dry out before you water again (and maybe give your plant a little apology).
2. Underwatering: The Slow Fade to Brown
On the other hand, there’s the total neglect route. You might water your plants just enough to keep them going… for a while. But eventually, they start looking like they’ve been stranded in the desert, and you’re left wondering why the leaves are crispy and falling off.
How to Fix It:
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Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to check your plants at least once a week.
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When you water, thoroughly soak them, but not too much!
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Get familiar with your plant’s needs. Some plants are drought-tolerant (like succulents), while others need more frequent watering (like ferns).
3. The “All Plants Need Sun” Myth
It’s easy to assume that every plant needs sunlight, but not all plants are sun worshippers. Putting a low-light plant in direct sunlight is like forcing your introverted friend to go to a crowded party. It’s uncomfortable and unnecessary; eventually, they’ll start showing it in their leaves.
How to Fix It:
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Plants that love the sun (like succulents and fiddle-leaf figs) need bright, indirect light.
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Rotate your plants now and then to give them even exposure to the light.
Want a little help finding the perfect spot for your plants? Check out this light guide.
4. Yellow Leaves? Don’t Ignore the Signs
Yellow leaves are like your plant’s way of sending an urgent text: “Help, I need something!” It’s time to pay attention and play plant detective.
What’s Going On:
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If lower leaves turn yellow, it could be a sign of overwatering.
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Your plant might ask for more light or nutrients if the new growth looks pale or weak.
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If the plant is dropping leaves like it’s packing up for the season, check for pests or a bad watering routine.
5. Clean Your Leaves
Dust doesn’t just make your houseplants look a little sad—it blocks sunlight, which makes it harder for your plants to do their photosynthesis thing. And if they can’t photosynthesize, they won’t be thriving.
How to Fix It:
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To keep your plant leaves fresh, wipe them down with a damp cloth or gently shower them once a month.
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For extra delicate plants, use a soft brush to dust them off.
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Use our organic plant spray to clean your leaves.
Start your plant journey today by visiting us at The Botanical Bar Indy.
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